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Manchin Secures Mountain Valley Pipeline Completion, Votes For Bipartisan Debt Ceiling Agreement

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin

June 01, 2023

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement after voting for the bipartisan debt ceiling agreement to secure the completion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP).

“I am proud to announce that we have finally secured the completion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline and have done so with broad, bipartisan support. For more than nine months, I have worked tirelessly to build consensus and garner the support necessary to complete MVP. Last fall, my bill to complete the Mountain Valley Pipeline received a bipartisan vote on the Senate floor but failed to receive the Republican support necessary to become law. But it was too important to the energy security of our country to give up. After that, I doubled down to build support by working with Speaker McCarthy, Leader Schumer, White House officials and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the House and Senate to make the case for this critical energy security project. I am thrilled that Republicans and Democrats came together to complete the Mountain Valley Pipeline and shore up American energy security.  

“West Virginia is truly America’s Energy MVP and we are proud to continue providing the energy the rest of our nation relies on. This transformational project will create more than 2,500 jobs, generate $50 million in tax revenue and more than $175 million in royalties for West Virginia landowners, and play a significant role in strengthening our domestic energy production which will lower costs for consumers in West Virginia and across the country.

“Perhaps even more importantly, the MVP opens up markets for our natural resources, giving us untold new revenue sources and developing industries that our grandchildren and future generations will benefit from. The project has gone through three rounds of permitting approvals at various federal agencies, which included six environmental impact statements, so we know it will be completed in a manner that protects West Virginia’s lands and waters.

“The Mountain Valley Pipeline was part of a broader, bipartisan deal to prevent the American government from defaulting on our loans, ensure we are able to pay our bills and prevent irreparable harm to our financial system. By working in a bipartisan fashion, we were able to protect Medicare, Social Security, and benefits for our Veterans.  

“The passage of the Mountain Valley Pipeline and the critical agreement to avoid default is yet another example of the solutions that can be reached when we work in a bipartisan way to deliver results for the American people and I will keep working on lasting, bipartisan solutions that address the needs of West Virginians. Again, West Virginia is America’s Energy MVP, not only because we power the nation, but also because we show the nation that when you work together, you can accomplish great things for our country.”

Senator Manchin’s work to secure the Mountain Valley Pipeline has received a wide array of support from business, energy and union advocates. Here’s what they are saying:

CEO Equitrans Midstream Thomas F. Karam stated, “We are grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Democratic and Republican legislators who have worked diligently to pass the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023,a legislative victory that would not have been possible withoutthe steadfast commitment and considerable political skills of Chairman Manchin. This legislation makes clear that a robust and diverse energy mix is vital to our Nation’s prosperity and security. As Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, nobody knows this better than Senator Manchin, who has been the North Star of energy security, reliability, and affordability for all Americans. He has emphasized the importance of reliable natural gas and renewable energy infrastructure and the need for comprehensive reforms to bring these critical projects to fruition. His support for the Mountain Valley Pipeline is emblematic of his commitment to West Virginia and to the United States, helping to unlock additional natural gas supply and delivery that will strengthen regional and national energy security.”

IUOE Local 132 Business Manager Charles Parker stated, “On behalf of myself and the nearly 4,000 members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 132 we would like to thank Senator Manchin for his tireless fight for the MVP pipeline project. This project will put thousands of hard-working West Virginians to work with good wages and benefits and help insure our energy security for all of the United States.”

Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia Executive Director Charlie Burd stated, “Our Congressional delegation, led by Senator Joe Manchin, with the support of Senator Shelley Moore Capito and Congresswoman Carol Miller,  made West Virginians proud, as the passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) is an historic moment for the nation and our state’s economy. This legislation not only preserves America’s financial standing but brings initial permitting reforms and expedites the Mountain Valley Pipeline completion, which has been stuck in a permitting nightmare. We look forward to President Biden’s swift signing of this bill, as supporting the FRA means improving access to clean, affordable and reliable natural gas, while strengthening West Virginia’s economy.”

West Virginia Chamber President Steve Roberts stated, “Including the Mountain Valley Pipeline in the Debt Limit Deal is a big win for West Virginia. This pipeline is a transformational project in terms of energy security for the United States and will help ensure that our country is fully utilizing our vital natural resources. I want to sincerely thank all who helped make this a key part of the debt limit package.”

West Virginia Manufacturing Association President Rebecca McPhail stated, “As manufacturers we support natural gas as an affordable and reliable source of power for our businesses and our homes. As West Virginians, we welcome an opportunity for our natural gas production industry to achieve greater exposure to markets elsewhere. Completion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline will be a win for industry and our state.”

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Hawley Delivers Floor Speech Urging Support for His Amendment to Increase Tariffs on China

Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

This evening U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) delivered remarks ahead of the Senate’s vote on his amendment, as part of the debt ceiling deal, to raise tariffs on imports from China until the United States’ unsustainable trade deficit with China comes into balance.

“In the last 20 years in the state of Missouri, we have lost 60,000 jobs to the People’s Republic of China—that number nationwide is almost 4 million,” said Senator Hawley. “We can talk about budget reforms, and we can talk about savings here and there, but until we do the work of bringing back productive capacity to this nation and good-paying, blue-collar jobs you can raise a family on, we will not put our economy on the basis that we need to address the economic challenges that we face.”

In May, Senator Hawley introduced the Raising Tariffs on Imports from China Act which would require the President to impose an additional tariff of 25% on all goods imported from China if a bilateral deficit is recorded during the preceding calendar year.

In March, Senator Hawley introduced the Ending Normal Trade Relations with China Act, legislation that would revoke China’s normal trade relations status and subject imports from China to a higher base tariff rate.

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Capito Statement on Vote to Pass Fiscal Responsibility Act, Preventing Default

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tonight released the below statement after voting to pass the Fiscal Responsibility Act. The legislation, which passed the Senate on a bipartisan vote, will prevent the U.S. government from defaulting on its debt, cut unnecessary government spending, complete the Mountain Valley Pipeline, and implement permitting reforms.

“I am very glad we did the responsible thing and took action to prevent our nation from facing default. In doing so, we were also able to advance policies, including SNAP work requirements, clawing back unspent COVID funds, and the cut to the IRS budget, which are all responsible and necessary actions good for West Virginia and the entire country. This package also includes a provision to expedite the completion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline, something I personally fought to include, as well as language to help streamline projects and make it easier to build in America— another area I have advocated for and worked on for years. This effort was truly a bipartisan one and demonstrates that Congress, as a whole, can work together to avoid default, which was the ultimate goal.”

BACKGROUND:

As Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, Senator Capito has consistently led efforts in Congress to expedite permitting of the critically important Mountain Valley Pipeline, including with an amendment to the Democrats’ Inflation Act in August 2022, comprehensive permitting reform legislation in September 2022, and introduction of the RESTART Act in May 2023.

Earlier today, Senator Capito delivered remarks on the Senate Floor in support of provisions to expedite completion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline and implement permitting reforms, which are included in the debt ceiling package. Click here to watch. 

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Hoeven Statement on Debt Ceiling Agreement That Reduces Spending, Enacts Permitting Reform

Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

06.01.23

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement on the bipartisan debt ceiling agreement that reduces spending. 

“According to the CBO, this is the largest spending cut in history, reducing the deficit by $2.1 trillion. The agreement reduces future discretionary spending to 1% growth while also clawing back COVID funds and strengthening work requirements for food assistance programs. The agreement enacts real permitting reforms and sets clear timelines for federal reviews – two years for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and one year for an Environmental Assessment (EA) – to prevent delays and reduce costs for energy and other infrastructure projects, which is why the North Dakota Petroleum Council supports this legislation. While we would have preferred more savings, this legislation is far better than a debt ceiling increase with no spending reforms that the president first demanded, and is a step in the right direction as we continue working to rein in spending and control the debt and deficit.”

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Klobuchar Statement on Train Derailment Outside Lancaster

Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar

Klobuchar is a cosponsor of the bipartisan Railway Safety Act of 2023

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the statement below following the train derailment outside Lancaster.

“Thank you to the local and state emergency management personnel who responded to the train derailment outside Lancaster. While I’m relieved to hear that there were no injuries and there’s no danger to residents at this time, families shouldn’t have to worry that a possible derailment could put them and their community in harm’s way. It’s past time to put in place stronger rail safety standards and more accountability for violations. That’s why I am a cosponsor of the bipartisan Railway Safety Act and I’m working with my colleagues to make sure it becomes law.”

Klobuchar is a cosponsor of the bipartisan Railway Safety Act, which was introduced by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and JD Vance (R-OH) following the train derailment in East Palestine in February 2023. This legislation will make key updates to improve rail safety protocols, including increasing inspections on trains that carry hazardous materials, requiring rail carriers to have emergency response plans, and increasing penalties for rail companies when crashes happen. Last month, Klobuchar successfully worked to pass the Railway Safety Act through the Senate Commerce Committee, of which she is a member. 

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Klobuchar Remarks at Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony

Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) delivered the following remarks at the Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. 

Good Morning. And I’d like to first of all note that the sun is shining on us today. And how many of you have been out here in the rain before? Yes, rain, shine, you have been here and this is truly the most beautiful day. 

I want to recognize, of course, our Governor for his leadership, also for his service in the Army National Guard. Lieutenant Commander Peterson: thank you. We’re looking forward to your words. Fort Snelling officials: thank you. This always takes so much planning that people aren’t always aware of. And the Chaplain, thank you for your beautiful words, especially about putting our differences aside today of all days, just as our soldiers do when they take to the battlefield. 

To our Minnesota servicemembers and military families, thank you. You are part of this proud tradition in our state of men and women who have served with honor, bravery, dignity, and humility. And when you are in a place like this, you can’t help but feel the gravity of the sacrifices made by our brave servicemembers past and present who were willing to lay everything down on the line for our freedom. 

So as many of you know, I’ve attended this ceremony every year since being a Senator, the last few years were even more meaningful to me after my dad was buried here. He served during the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany, assigned to write anti-communist material to support America’s efforts in the Cold War. 

But just as many of you are here, not only for your own loved one, but also for those that are buried here who may not have family members here today. I decided to look at some of those that surrounded my dad, where he is buried. And one of them you know, my dad was a sports reporter, so maybe it’s fitting, maybe it’s just a chance, but he actually, right near him, is the gravestone of Bob Williams, who was a star player for the Lakers who served in the Korean War in the Air Force and was actually the first Black player to play for the Lakers and made history when he joined that team. 

My dad’s grave is also adjacent to the graves of three courageous men who took up arms to make sure that democracy would triumph in World War II, Private Charles Leslie Coenen, Private First Class Charles William Nelson, and First Lieutenant Archie Stein. Of them, only Private Coenen returned to see the end of the war. 

The other two were killed in war. They died not knowing if the Allies would defeat tyranny without the knowledge that through their sacrifice, they helped ensure and protect our freedom and our future. And where America is still America. We get to live in that future right now because of their sacrifice. It is a responsibility we must all take seriously to remember the defenders of freedom. 

In Minnesota, we have so many examples of our neighbors when called upon lifting up those memories. I think about the family that owned a farm, and on that farm was a horrific tragedy. When the helicopter crashed down of our Minnesota Army National Guard members, Sergeant Kort Plantenberg, Chief Warrant Officer Charles Nord, and Chief Warrant Officer James Rogers Jr. 

That was in 2019. And when that happened without hesitation, that family put, raised a flag in their farm field and it is now a beautiful monument that many of us have visited. Last year, knowing that the local communities where these men were from also yearned to honor them, we worked on a bipartisan basis, Senator Smith, Representative Tom Emmer, and Representative Michelle Fischbach, to rename their post offices, Avon, Perham, and Winsted, after these three men.

How else do we honor the fallen? Well, by taking care of those who follow in their footsteps. This means making sure that veterans get the quality health care that they need. I’m proud of the work we’ve done on a federal and state basis, Governor, and legislators gathered today, to make sure our veterans homes are funded, our new veterans homes. 

It means guaranteeing that veterans can get their disability claims processed. It means working to ensure that veterans can access their G.I. benefits. We were really very, very profoundly touched by all those that came up to help pass the PACT Act, and that’s about people who were stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan and other conflicts next to burn pits. 

Many of them came back and died in our own country, including Amie Muller, whose husband Brian I’ve gotten to know. She died at age 36, leaving Brian and three young kids. She died of pancreatic cancer. Well, this year we said enough is enough. And we passed the bill that said finally our veterans will get the benefits they deserve without going through a bunch of red tape. 23 conditions are now presumptive conditions. And for our Vietnam vets, two additional conditions, including high blood pressure. 

So we just asked, it’s really a year where people can apply. And if one practical thing comes out of today, in addition to our amazing emotion, I hope that you tell those who are in those groups to apply to get their benefits. They can call our office, they can go on the VA website, and make sure they get their due. 

I want to end with a story that really touched me in the last year. Charles Frances Shepherd, a veteran who fought in World War I as part of the Meuse Argonne Offensive in France. I learned about him from his family who live in Faribault and Major General Shawn Manke of the National Guard and I, we got to give his family posthumously a Purple Heart. 

On November 5, 1918, Private Shepherd’s squadron was spotted by the German Army and bombs began to fall. This is in World War I. One got too close and injured one of the corporals in his squadron. Refusing to let a fellow servicemember die alone, Private Shepherd and two others put the Corporal on a stretcher and sought out a first aid station, hoping there was a chance he would live. He did not, but they didn’t let him die alone. 

Their group was spotted as they walked with that stretcher and shot by the German Army. Private Shepherd was hit by rifle fire and he took a bullet to the forearm. He was taken to a field hospital for treatment, and five days later, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice was signed. The war was won. He did make it home, but his Corporal did not. 

As we reflect on that simple story, the story of an ordinary person doing extraordinary things, we are moved by his self sacrifice. His squadron refused to abandon their Corporal even when they knew he most likely was not going to live. Fighting on the front lines, they truly understood the weight of his sacrifice and felt a responsibility to honor it. 

Memorial Day actually tasks each and every one of us with that same responsibility. Today we honor all of those whose spirit of duty never wavered even during the most difficult times. To all those who served, who are serving, or who are simply remembering a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice: today, we honor you and we pledge, we will never forget. Thank you.

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Statement from Senator Menendez Commemorating Start of Immigrant Heritage Month

Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Bob Menendez

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) issued the following statement commemorating the start of Immigrant Heritage Month:

“My parents, like so many immigrants before and after them, made tremendous sacrifices when they decided to flee an oppressive regime in Cuba and start over in the United States. When my family arrived, this great nation welcomed them with open arms — acknowledging the vital role of immigrants in the tapestry of American life.  I owe everything to the courage and dedication of my immigrant parents who reached for the American Dream — an eternal source of hope and aspiration for countless migrants, refugees, and oppressed peoples. For thirty years in Congress, I have had the distinct honor of upholding their legacy by fighting to afford every person who considers America their home an equal opportunity to succeed.

“Every generation of immigrants has had to work hard to contribute to our nation. Thanks to them, we’ve become more innovative, more globally competitive, and more inclusive throughout our history. This progress can be seen in the recent nomination of Adriana Kugler — a proud Colombian-American who would be the first Hispanic to ever serve on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in its 109-year history. I remain a fierce advocate for greater diversity and inclusion — in every industry — because of the work and progress that immigrants have achieved before, strive to achieve now, and will continue to achieve in the future.

“To properly recognize these victories, this year’s Immigrant Heritage Month must be about celebrating the vital and essential role of immigrants in expanding American opportunity and prosperity. Beyond symbolic overtures, it must be about delivering bold and inclusive reforms that address the root causes of problems. To that end, I remain committed to our shared goal of immigration reform that mitigates irregular migration while providing millions of our undocumented brothers and sisters with a path to citizenship. If we are to create greater economic opportunities for immigrant families, we must recommit to this effort so that every member of every community can thrive and get ahead.

“Therefore, today I reaffirm my commitment to fighting for representation and inclusion in every facet of life in America, ensuring that this nation remains the beacon of hope and opportunity it has been for generations of immigrants who have made it stronger and more resilient.”

Throughout his entire career, Sen. Menendez has persistently and tirelessly fought for immigration reform, earlier this year unveiling the Menendez Plan which provides the Biden Administration with a sustainable and structural response to managing migration and refugees in the Western Hemisphere. Sen. Menendez will also be reintroducing his annual Immigrant Heritage Month resolution later this month.

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Graham Reacts To Debt Limit Bill On The Senate Floor

Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today spoke on the Senate floor about the lack of military and defense funding as the Senate began debate on legislation to increase the debt limit.

  • GRAHAM: “You cannot say with a straight face that this military budget is a counter to Chinese aggression, that it adequately allows us to defeat Putin. You cannot say with a straight face that this budget represents the threats America faces. A military budget should be based on threats, not political deals to avoid default.” https://youtu.be/iIK4_q3BbRA?t=784
  • GRAHAM: “The topline is inadequate, the CR is devastating, and what bothers me the most is that we would put the Department of Defense in this position. We are playing with the men and women’s lives in military, their ability to defend themselves, as some chess game in Washington. Well, this is checkers at best. The fact that you would punish the military because we can’t do our jobs as politicians is a pretty sad moment for me.” https://youtu.be/iIK4_q3BbRA?t=597
  • GRAHAM: “The Chief of Naval Operations said we need 373 ships manned and 150 unmanned platforms to deal with the threats we face around the world. We have 296 [ships manned] today. Under this budget deal we go to 286 by 2025. What does it take to get to 373? The CNO [Chief of Naval Operations] of the Navy said to get 373, you have to spend five percent above inflation for a sustained period of time. This bill is [1.6] percent below inflation, so we are undercutting the ability of the Navy to build the ships we need to defend America.” https://youtu.be/iIK4_q3BbRA?t=403
  • GRAHAM: “If you believe that the number one job of the federal government is to defend this nation, then we have made a serious mistake in this bill. I have heard House leaders suggest that this bill fully funds the military. For that to be true you have to believe that the military is okay if you cut their budget billions of dollars below inflation.”  https://youtu.be/iIK4_q3BbRA?t=14    

Click here to watch Graham’s full remarks

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HYDE-SMITH, COMMITTEE TACKLE LOOMING ELECTRIC RELIABILITY PROBLEMS

Source: United States Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss)

HYDE-SMITH, COMMITTEE TACKLE LOOMING ELECTRIC RELIABILITY PROBLEMS

Policies Targeting Natural Gas, Coal Creates Risks of Greater Outages, Rolling Blackouts


VIDEO:  Senator Hyde-Smith Questions the Risks of Inaction to Fix Nation’s Electric Grid Problems.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and her colleagues on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today examined how Biden administration energy policies increasingly put the nation’s electric grid at risk with the rapid buildup of intermittent energy sources, like wind and solar. 

Hyde-Smith highlighted the strains on the electric grid as the committee conducted a hearing to examine the reliability and resiliency of electric service in the United States in light of recent reliability assessments and alerts.

“Obviously we have a lot of challenges in front of us that are very, very critical,” Hyde-Smith said following the hearing.  “Everything we heard today points to a critical imbalance created by ideological climate policies and other factors that put more of the country at risk of outages and rolling blackouts, all of which will harm lives and our economy.  It’s a problem that needs to be addressed now.”

Hyde-Smith agreed with assessments that the growing imbalance between energy generation and the reliable transmission of that energy to the electric transmission is partly due to the Biden administration’s aggressive actions to close power plants fueled by fossil fuels like natural gas and coal.  

The committee heard that electricity from fossil fuels must remain a reliable source of electric energy until the nation develops and launches better transmission infrastructure, battery storage technology, and overcomes persistent supply chain and labor problems.

Questioned by Hyde-Smith, David J. Tudor of Missouri-based Associated Electric Cooperative, said, “I think we need at least until 2040 to maintain fossil fuel plants and make a smooth transition to a cleaner United States.  That doesn’t fix the world.  That just fixes the United States because China is going to continue to build coal plants.”

James B. Robb, president of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) said in his testimony, “The challenge is not whether we have the resources and technical ability to achieve a clean energy future.  Rather, the central challenge is calibrating the pace of change with the reliability needs of a transforming system that must remain reliable and resilient at all times and under all conditions.  As it exists today, this balance is out of calibration and must be corrected.”

Related to electric grid reliability, Hyde-Smith recently cosponsored the Spur Permitting of Underdeveloped Resources (SPUR) Act (S.1456), a reform measure that includes provisions to increase domestic energy and mineral development and streamline permitting of energy infrastructure.

The SPUR Act is one of two Republican-sponsored bills to reform the nation’s broken permitting and environmental review processes, which are currently delaying key energy, infrastructure, and transportation projects.

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Senator Markey Statement on Republican Effort to Kill Student Loan Debt Forgiveness

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Washington (June 1, 2023) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued a statement following his vote against the Republican Congressional Review Act resolution to obstruct President Joe Biden’s student loan debt forgiveness plan:

“Republicans’ cruel attempt to stand in the way of President Biden’s plans to provide relief to tens of millions of Americans suffering under the crushing weight of student loan debt is damaging to our economy and wildly out of touch with the financial realities facing working families. The loan forgiveness the President is proposing would mean the difference between buying a home, starting a business, and getting an economic leg up for nearly 50 million working and middle-class Americans, particularly for borrowers of color and their families. If you kicked Republicans in the heart, you’d break your toe.”

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