[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 62 (Thursday, April 21, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S2352]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS BILL

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, let us continue that work today. The 
Republican-led Senate has made important strides to get the legislative 
process functioning again. We know the impact that can have on 
restoring the appropriations process. We also know cooperation is going 
to be important as we move forward.
  It was good to see our Democratic colleagues yesterday, recently 
pledging cooperation in the appropriations process, writing that this 
``is a win-win opportunity, and we should seize it together.''
  I have been pleased to see the headway that has already been made by 
the Appropriations Committee. The committee has held dozens of hearings 
so far and, later this morning, members will mark up 2 more of the 12 
funding bills, adding to the two the committee has already reported out 
unanimously. We will continue floor consideration of one of those 
unanimously endorsed measures today: the energy security and water 
infrastructure funding bill.
  The legislation before us includes provisions that impact each of our 
States. It will support our waterway infrastructure, boost energy 
innovation, and promote American competitiveness. It will strengthen 
national security and support our nuclear security program. It will 
also reduce wasteful spending.
  I appreciate the leadership of Senators Alexander and Feinstein on 
this bill and recognize the hard work and research that have gone into 
it. I also appreciate the Appropriations chairman, Senator Cochran, for 
working with Senator Mikulski to move these appropriations bills 
through committee and to the floor. This is a responsible bipartisan 
bill. It invests in the future of American energy and waterways. It 
will keep our country safe. So let's continue working today to advance 
it.

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