[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 1432]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    ENERGY POLICY MODERNIZATION BILL

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, the legislation currently before us--
the Energy Policy Modernization Act--is the product of a year's worth 
of constructive and collaborative work. In the Energy Committee, it 
passed overwhelmingly with the support of both parties. Here on the 
floor, it has been subject to an open amendment process, with input 
from both sides. More than 30 amendments from both Democrats and 
Republicans have already been adopted. The Senator from Alaska recently 
sought consent to continue that progress by getting several more 
amendments pending. It is unclear why any colleague would object to her 
effort or why they would effectively block consideration of their own 
amendments, but that is what happened. It is disappointing for our 
country.
  We are hoping our friends will reconsider. Remember, the Energy 
Policy Modernization Act is broad bipartisan legislation designed to 
help Americans produce more energy, pay less for energy, and save 
energy, all while helping strengthen our long-term national security. 
We should pass it.
  I am asking colleagues to take yes for an answer and allow the open 
amendment process to continue so that we can pass it, which is so 
important to helping our country prepare for the energy demands of 
today and the energy opportunities of tomorrow.

                          ____________________