Leader McConnell: “Energy is clearly, unambiguously the number one issue in the U.S.”

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) held a conference call to discuss America’s need for a balanced and bipartisan energy plan. McConnell said that energy is the most important subject in the nation right now. He explained that in order to fix the energy problem, the U.S. needs to “find more and use less.” McConnell explained that the new bill addresses only a small part of the overall issue, speculation, and this act alone will not get the job done. He wants Congress to make a more serious effort in addressing the problem.

McConnell said that energy is the biggest issue the nation has faced since terrorism after 9-11. He is curious to see whether the Senate will “rise to the occasion” and deal with this big problem in a big, comprehensive way. McConnell wants to see if Congress can use this week to deal with the issue in a serious way and on a bipartisan basis.

McConnell also explained that Congress needs to do something “beyond the status quo.” According to McConnell, there has not yet been an adequate remedy for the energy crisis. He said he has no problem looking into the speculation aspect of the issue, but he also said that no one would argue that that is not all Congress needs to do. He stressed that over seventy percent of the American population is calling for a solution, and the time to start dealing with it is now. McConnell said that everyone is waiting to see if America is going to “get it back together” and do something serious to address the issue.

McConnell would not say whether or not he would vote in favor or against the energy bill on Tuesday, but said again and again that it only deals with a small portion of what needs to be done. He said he hopes Congress will be able to have a real debate with plenty of options, amendments, and votes because the American people are simply demanding it.