Posted on 01/13/2015 3:42:39 PM PST by Libloather
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Tuesday he will allow the Senate to vote on an amendment asking if they agree that climate change is impacting the planet.
At his weekly press briefing, McConnell said "nobody is blocking any amendments" to legislation that would approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.
The GOP leader had promised to allow an open amendment process on the Keystone bill.
But a measure proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) had raised questions about whether he would stick to that commitment.
The Sanders measure asks whether lawmakers agree with the overwhelming consensus of scientists who say climate change is impacting the planet and is worsened by human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.
Democrats believe the measure could be a tough vote for some Republicans, particularly GOP senators running for reelection in 2016 in states carred by President Obama in 2012.
McConnell shot back at reports he might block the Sanders amendment, exclaiming "yeah" when asked if his caucus is prepared to take a vote on climate change.
"Nobody is blocking any amendments except the senator from California who is making us burn 30 hours to begin to have this bill up and open for amendments," McConnell said, referring to Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.)
McConnell was referring to opposition from Boxer and Democrats to ending debate on a motion to proceed to the Keystone bill. A deal to end that debate was reached not long after his comments.
"We are not anxious to block anybody's amendment, we are wide open. The Senate is out of practice here," McConnell addded.
Sanders's amendment is one of many Democrats are looking to tack on to the controversial bill, which Republicans are eager to send to President Obama's desk. The White House has threatened to veto the Keystone legislation.
Other amendments from Democrats include a requirement for oil companies to pay into a spill cleanup fund, and to block exports of the oil shipped via the Canada-to-Texas pipeline out of the U.S.
While they’re at it, I think they should vote to make Pi equal to 3.0. Think of how much easier that would be to remember!
You don't have to be a scientist to understand that climate change impacts the planet. Of course it does. Our presence on Earth more than likely has a negative impact as well. This is not the issue.
It takes a socialist to cherry pick data and selectively choose quotes from scientists
Man, government sure is COOL!
vote on whether climate change is impacting the planet? Has the climate ever stayed the same. I think we have geological evidence that indicates climate has always changed. however they are framing the question with an assumption that WE are causing climate change. These bozo’s can’t even ask the right question —— which is whether the Senate believes man is responsible for climate change to an overwhelming degree AND if they believe man can take actions to reverse climate change. of course — the obvious question is — reverse it to what end? what if we are entering an ice age — then perhaps we would want some warming.
The climate is constantly changing.
These slime bags are so drunk with power, that they believe they can will it so, even though it is garbage.
No serious person still believes in the global warming hoax.
Hard to believe that they actually think that climate isn’t changing, and that the actual vote is worded on about how big of a deal human activity is/isn’t involved.
Although I think most of the people in government ARE idiots. Too focused on politics to really have a good understanding about the world, economics, etc. They really might be debating if the climate changes or not!
Say WHAT????? So no matter what the dems present as amendments, they're acceptable as long as the dems vote for the bill???
Yep it is.
Changes 4 times a year where I live. Right now it is a cold climate, followed by a mild sun shiny climate, then hotter than hell climate then finally a mild wet climate.
Happens every year, Sanders...
This is in the senate.
Yep, 22 below zero this morning at my house....same as it was 100 years ago. Bright sunny day today, same as it was 100 years ago.
Why are these nutjobs getting all this airtime?
I'm not aware of any such 'overwhelming consensus'.
I am, however, aware of carpetbagging leftists who think no lie is too big to advance their political agenda.
Is there pork in this bill?
You know there is.
Exactly! The next question to be asked is just WHY must the "solution" be that Western democracies (the USA) PAY for EVERYTHING?
China has what, five times our population.
India has four times our population.
And Earth has 6-7 billion people over all.
Even if we literally spent every dollar on clean energy or whatever nonsense the liberals demand, it won't make a DENT in overall "pollution" or "climate change".
Why so many people fall for this garbage is a mystery.
I guess when you're fat and happy you can spend your time on useless fools errands all day long.
The Stupid
It burns
I think it would be more important to vote on how many angels can fit on the head of a pin.
Typical. Blocking oil exports will only further lower oil prices in this country, thus further endangering oil producers.
Full disclosure: I don't mind lower oil prices, but I am aware that they have a downside, so export away!
Satellite Data Says 2014 Actually Wasn’t The Warmest On Record
Senate advances Keystone bill despite Obama veto threat
Global Warming on Free Republic
Have the Senators vote on if they have read an indisputable conclusion based on science facts that man is causing climate change where anyone is financially or health-wise negatively affected.
I fixed climate change last night while I was tinkering around in my basement. It’s over. I fixed it. Everyone can celebrate and go home now. It’s ok to continue talking about the weather though.
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