Senators Protest Cap-And-Trade

President Barack Obama is making appearances in California and in the media. He is talking to voters to gather support for his budget plan that is usually negotiated within the 100 day mark.

There are 28 Senators who are protesting an accelerated budget that would pass a cap-and-trade system. This would not even allow a debate in Congress. Wasn’t that something that the Bush Administration was heavily criticized on?

Senators: Mike Johanns (R-Nev.),Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), Carl Levin (D-Mich.),Evan Bayh (D-Ind.),Mary Landrieu (D-La.),Ben Nelson (D-Neb.),Robert Casey (D-Pa.),George Voinovich (R-Ohio),Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.),Charles Grassley (R-Iowa),John McCain (R-Ariz.),Kit Bond (R-Mo.),Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.),Jim Risch (R-Idaho),Tom Coburn (R-Okla.),David Vitter (R-La.),John Barrasso (R-Wyo.),Bob Corker (R-Tenn.),Michael Crapo (R-Idaho),Roger Wicker (R-Miss.),John Ensign (R-Nev.),Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.),Jim Bunning (R-Ky.),Susan Collins (R-Maine),Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.),Thad Cochran (R-Miss.),Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas).

Dear Chairman Conrad and Ranking Member Gregg:
We oppose using the budget reconciliation process to expedite passage of climate legislation. Enactment of a cap‐and‐trade regime is likely to influence nearly every feature of the U.S.economy. Legislation so far‐reaching should be fully vetted and given appropriate time for debate, something the budget reconciliation process does not allow. Using this procedure would circumvent normal Senate practice and would be inconsistent with the Administration’s stated goals of bipartisanship, cooperation, and openness. We commend you for holding the recent hearing, entitled “Procedures for Consideration of the Budget Resolution/Reconciliation,” which discussed important recommendations for the upcoming budget debate. Maintaining integrity in the budget process is critical to safeguarding the fiscal health of the United States in these challenging times.

These Senators should be highly regarded for their outstanding work. Passing this budget is “politics as usual”, and does not allow for the democratic process to take place.

It is understandable that carbon taxes would alleviate the national debt, but this is not the right approach. This could destroy the Midwest and be detrimental to the national economy, adding burdens to people who can least  afford it.

Related Links:
* 28 Senators Protest Obama’s Cap And Trade: TreeHugger
* George’s Bottom Line: Dems Make Choice: Health Care Over Carbon Caps