Washington, DC – At the beginning of another four-week work period, following the previous work period during which the Senate failed to produce legislation on major issues like jobs and the economy, Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator for Colorado, today released the following statement:
“We are three days into this legislative session and it looks like history is repeating itself. The obstructionist tactics of a minority of senators has kept us from making real progress to turn our economy around and take on a number of other important issues facing Colorado and the country.
“It is time for the Senate to take action on tax cuts to get our economy moving and unemployment insurance for those who continue to struggle through no fault of their own in this tough economy, to pass a small business jobs bill, to move forward on a comprehensive energy solution, and to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Finally, we need to hold accountable the single senator who is anonymously holding up a bill that would help get to the bottom of the BP oil spill. I will work with anyone, on either side of the aisle, who is willing to take on these challenges.
“We cannot afford to have another unproductive work period. Our nation is facing challenges on many fronts, particularly jobs and the economy, and we need to deliver for the American people. Coloradans are sick of seeing partisan wrangling and a single senator getting in the way of the work that needs to be done.
“We need to bring some Colorado common sense to Washington and move forward on important issues during these tough times. We need to reform Washington more now than ever to make sure it works for the people of Colorado and all Americans.”
Bennet has introduced a Plan for Washington Reform to usher in sweeping changes that will limit Members of Congress and their staffs from becoming lobbyists; provide more transparency and accountability in the earmarking process; reform the filibuster in a responsible and practical way; eliminate secret holds; and implement new rules for campaign finance.