CEAC-2020-04-April

“Contrary to the Democratic leader’s assertions on the floor,
I am certainly not blocking any bipartisan amendments,” Mc-
Connell said. “What is really happening is that the Democrat
leader is moving the goalposts.”
McConnell was referring to comments by Senate Democratic
Leader Chuck Schumer announcing his opposition to
the energy bill unless McConnell allows a vote on the HFC
provision.
“Phasing out these HFCs is very important, and it will go a
long way in fighting climate change and protecting the environment
for future generations,” the New York Democrat
said. “Leader McConnell is blocking an important, bipartisan
amendment that would help.”
The HFC provision is supported by an unusual coalition that
includes major environmental groups and the U.S. Chamber
of Commerce, along with the American Chemistry Council
and the National Association of Manufacturers.
Kennedy, who has major chemical manufacturers in his state,
said GOP leaders were blocking a vote on the amendment
“because they’re scared it’ll pass.”
Even if McConnell and other leaders oppose the amendment,
they should allow a vote, Kennedy said in a floor speech.
“OK, you don’t agree with the amendment. That’s why God
made roll-call votes,” he said.
Kennedy declared the energy bill “dead as a doornail” after
the March 9 procedural vote, but Carper said in a statement
that, “We’ve come too far to give up now.”
He urged GOP leaders to allow votes on the HFC amendment
and a separate measure backed by Sens. Rob Portman,
R-Ohio and Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., to improve energy
efficiency.
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who co-sponsored a sweeping bipartisan
energy bill with Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., expressed frustration at its
being stalled by discussion of an amendment regarding the phasedown of
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) widely used as coolants in refrigerators and air
conditioners. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)
up. He voted no on the procedural measure the previous
night so he would be in a position under Senate rules to ask
for a new vote if agreement can be reached.
“I hope we can get past this showmanship, finish this bipartisan
legislation and send it to the House so we can get it on
the president’s desk,” McConnell said. “Let’s not squander
this opportunity (to) help our nation move toward greater
energy security, energy efficiency and energy affordability
for years to come.”
“We should not have to choose between energy efficiency
and phasing out HFCs,” Carper said. “We should have an upor-down
vote on both of these amendments.
McConnell, in his speech March 10, said he was not giving
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Volume 85 · Number 4 | 17