Michael Bennet has proven to be a loyal ally for President Obama and his dangerous foreign policy agenda including the Iran Nuclear Deal. But today, Bennet went a step further than voting to green light the President’s reckless national security policies.
Michael Bennet voted to block bipartisan energy security legislation because a potential amendment to the bill would prevent the federal government from doing business with Iran.
That’s right – Michael Bennet would rather protect the ability to do business with a leading sponsor of terrorism than pass a bill that would strengthen U.S. nuclear security.
BACKGROUND:
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Michael Bennet Voted To Filibuster H.R. 2028, The Energy And Water Development And Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016. (H.R. 2028, CQ Vote #64: Cloture Motion Rejected 50-46, 4/27/16, Bennet Voted Nay)
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Democrats Objected To A Proposed Amendment That Would Prevent The Federal Government From Purchasing Heavy Water From Iran, A Stipulation Allowed Under The Iran Nuclear Deal. “Democrats objected to an amendment from Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) designed to prevent the government from purchasing Iran’s heavy water, which can be used in nuclear reactors, a stipulation allowed under the nuclear agreement reached with the country last year.” (Devin Henry, “Democrats Block Energy Spending Bill Over Iran Amendment,” The Hill, 4/27/16)
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The Proposed Iran Deal Amendment Is Not Scheduled For A Vote, But “Democrats Warned Even The Potential For Its Inclusion Could Hurt The Bill’s Chances…” “The amendment isn’t scheduled to receive a vote, but Democrats warned even the potential for its inclusion could hurt the bill’s chances with President Obama.” (Devin Henry, “Democrats Block Energy Spending Bill Over Iran Amendment,” The Hill, 4/27/16)
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Blocking The Spending Bill Could “Imperil The Appropriations Process Just As It Was Getting Off The Ground.” “Senate Democrats on Wednesday refused to end debate on an energy and water spending bill because of a proposed Republican amendment that would prevent the Obama administration from purchasing heavy water from Iran. Members were warned Wednesday that the move would imperil the appropriations process just as it was getting off the ground. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who vowed to hold another vote on the bill, said the dispute is ‘yet a new way to blow up the appropriations process’ and “a ridiculous place for the Senate to be.” (Devin Henry, “Democrats Block Energy Spending Bill Over Iran Amendment,” The Hill, 4/27/16)
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The $37.5 Billion Energy And Water Spending Bill’s Passage, Which Advanced Out Of Committee Unanimously, Would Mark The Earliest Ever Consideration Of An Appropriations Bill Since The Modern Budgeting System Was Established. “The Senate reconvened Monday with passage of the Energy-Water fiscal 2017 appropriations bill by the end of this week within reach. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell indicated on the Senate floor that the Senate would finish up the remaining amendments, and then vote on the $37.5 billion appropriations bill (HR 2028) this week. …During leader’s remarks, McConnell, R-Ky., heralded the chamber’s early work on the measure, which marks the earliest ever consideration of an appropriations bill since the modern budgeting system was established four decades ago. ‘With continued cooperation, we will be able to pass the first of these appropriations bills this week,’ McConnell said. ‘This excellent kickoff to the appropriations season enjoys bipartisan support. It advanced out of committee on a unanimous vote, and it represents yet another example of what’s possible when the Senate is back to work.’” (Jeremy Dillon and Kellie Mejdrich, “Senate Reconvenes With Energy-Water Passage In Sight,” CQ Roll Call, 4/25/16)
- The Bipartisan Spending Bill Strengthens U.S. Nuclear Security, Promotes American Energy Security And Economic Competitiveness, And Provides Significant Funding For The U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers. “The Senate Appropriations Committee today approved the FY2017 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill, clearing the $37.5 billion measure for consideration by the Senate. The committee-approved measure will fund U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) programs and critical infrastructure projects administered by the Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation. Overall, it provides $355 million more than the FY2016 enacted level and $261million above the President’s budget request. The bill was approved 30-0. The bill would strengthen the U.S. nuclear deterrence posture, ensure nuclear stockpile readiness and safety, and prepare for existing and future nuclear threats. The bill promotes American energy security and economic competitiveness, providing—for the second year—in a row, the highest level of funding ever for the DOE Office of Science in a regular appropriations bill. Where the President proposed cutting U.S. Army Corps of Engineers funding by 23 percent, the Senate bill responsibly addresses the needs of American commerce and public safety by providing significant funding to improve and maintain flood control projects and ensure the viability of national and regional ports and waterways.” (U.S. Senate Committee On Appropriations, “FY2017 Energy & Water Development Appropriations Bill Ready For Floor Consideration, Press Release, 4/14/16)