[StBernard] Landrieu Comments on Senate Progress as Year Draws to End

[Westley Annis]

Landrieu Comments on Senate Progress as Year Draws to End Landrieu votes
against energy bill that overtaxes Louisiana industries; 

Farm Bill procedural vote postponed in Senate.

 

WASHINGTON - United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., today made the
following statement after voting against proceeding to the energy bill and
after a procedural vote on the 2007 Farm Bill was postponed.

"I voted against proceeding to the energy bill this morning because
Louisiana industries would be faced with draconian new taxes, and
ultimately, that cost would be born by American consumers. The energy
package does, however, contain some positive provisions, including
reasonable fuel efficiency standards and the promotion of renewable fuels
made from agricultural waste that will benefit our farmers. I remain
committed to working with my colleagues to develop a compromise that
achieves these goals without unfairly taxing our industries and consumers.

"I am encouraged that the Senate is working to overcome the partisan stall
that threatened to kill the 2007 Farm Bill for the year. I will be very
clear with my colleagues: this bill is absolutely critical to Louisiana
farmers who have united behind the new legislation. We must work to get this
bill done before Congress recesses for the holidays, or our farmers could
end up empty handed.   

"With only a week or two left during this congressional work period, it is
also our constitutional duty to pass all of the appropriations bills before
leaving Washington. As part of this process, Congress must give the troops
fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan the funds they need for their mission.
While it is clear we need a new strategy in Iraq, I cannot support cutting
funds for the troops as a political tactic to forcing a hasty result."

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