Tell me if you have heard this one before.
The Shaheen-Portman Energy Efficiency Bill was looking like it was going to easily pass through Congress earlier this week. But now an amendment to the bill that has to do with the Affordable Health Care Act has it stalled for the second time in less than a year.
The Energy Efficiency Bill has wide support from both political parties. It will spur the use of energy efficiency technologies in the residential, commercial and industrial construction sectors, while also creating jobs. These technologies already exist and can be widely used in every state.
The NAED, along with other construction trade associations, is a huge supporter of the bill.
But, Louisiana Senator David Vitter has once again attached an amendment to the bill that will require all members of congress and their staffs to slash their health care benefits. Vitter believes Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will not allow a vote on the health care benefits slash on its own, so he is trying to attach it to all legislation. The result is a continued lack of action on the Shaheen-Portman Bill, among others.
The NAED Government Affairs did send out an alert on this issue, stating:
“The U.S. Senate is expected to consider NAED-supported energy efficiency legislation as soon as next week. The Energy Savings and Industrial Competiveness Act (S 2262), also known as “Shaheen-Portman” after its bipartisan chief sponsors Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) enjoys strong support from business, environmental and labor groups. Unfortunately, the bill’s progress is being challenged by unrelated amendments. If the bill becomes bogged down in partisan debate, its chances of passage this year are greatly diminished.”
Click here to contact your senators and urge them to support and push for a vote on S 2262.
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