Are Ag Dems Among Those Willing to Stand Against the Dems’ Job-Killing Climate Bill?
Is Tim Walz Among Those Willing to Stand Against the Dems’ Job-Killing Climate Bill?
Will Walz Heed Agriculture Chairman Peterson’s Warnings or Toe the Party Line to Push Pelosi’s National Energy Tax on Americans?
Washington- House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) announced recently that dozens of Democrats are willing to reject Pelosi’s job-killing, tax-hiking climate bill in order to protect rural jobs and families. So as the Agriculture Committee considers amending the bill, it begs the question: is fellow Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN) willing to stand up for agriculture jobs in Minnesota, or will he toe the party line and let Pelosi enact her devastating National Energy Tax?
Peterson has been an outspoken critic of the Democrats’ climate bill, which could devastate the already weak economy by raising energy costs for all U.S. businesses and consumers, and he’s asking Democrats on the Agriculture Committee to step up and join him. Peterson claims he has a coalition of more than 40 members who will oppose the bill in its current form and will insist on “a solution we think we can live with.” So where does Tim Walz stand?
“Tim Walz must decide if he will stand up and protect Minnesota jobs or endorse Pelosi’s liberal agenda to enact a job-killing National Energy Tax during an economic recession,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Minnesota workers deserve a straight answer from Tim Walz on whether he’s willing to fight for their interests or if he’ll bow down to his party leaders in Washington.”
Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) has made it clear that this climate bill will have a devastating effect on agriculture jobs across this country. Is Tim Walz among the crowd willing to stand up to the liberal wing of his party and protect these jobs?
“Peterson Emerges as Obstacle to Major Energy and Climate Legislation”
“As a major energy and climate bill winds its way through Congress, Rep. Collin Peterson has emerged as a pivotal player and a potential roadblock to the legislation that the Minnesota Democrat says could hurt farmers, ranchers and biofuel producers around the country. ‘If they don’t fix this, there isn’t going to be a bill,’ Peterson said in an interview with MinnPost. The chair of the House Agriculture Committee, who has never been shy about speaking his piece, has voiced concern over a draft of the bill that passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee last week — a version Peterson and other members of his panel call unacceptable and say ignores the significant affect the legislation would have on agriculture.” (Minneapolis Post, 6/1/09)
“Climate Change Bill Confronts Hurdles in the House”
“To get the climate change initiative on to the House floor — and ultimately passed by the chamber — Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., must first run it through a gantlet of eight congressional committees headed by fellow Democrats who claim a piece of the action. The two lawmakers will have to win over Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee who has threatened to torpedo the legislation if it doesn’t include provisions that would benefit biofuels made from corn and other plants…. Peterson said he and a coalition of more than 40 lawmakers will insist on a ‘solution we think we can live with’ as part of the climate bill. Peterson also has been an outspoken critic of the entire measure; he and other farm-state lawmakers say it tilts too heavily in favor of urban interests instead of rural ones.” (Houston Chronicle, 6/6/09)
“House Farm Panel Sets Hearing on US Climate Bill”
“Agriculture chairman Collin Peterson announced opposition to the bill a month ago on grounds he did not trust federal officials to treat ethanol fairly. The committee’s Republican leader, Frank Lucas, says the bill would drive up energy costs, especially in rural areas. Six farm groups, including wheat, corn and milk producers, say the climate bill should be modified to allow farmers and ranchers to earn money for steps that reduce carbon emissions.” (Reuters, 6/6/09)
“Chairmen Plot Moves on Climate Bill”
“With Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) pressing to pass climate legislation by the July Fourth recess, key House committee chairmen will face crucial tests this week that will determine how much impact they’ll have on the landmark global warming bill…. Shortly after Energy and Commerce approved the bill, Peterson won support from 40 to 45 Democratic Members, including 29 on his committee, to oppose the cap-and-trade legislation.” (Roll Call, 6/8/09)
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