Landrieu Votes Against Status Quo in Democratic Leadership

Statement

U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., today released the following statement on her decision to vote against keeping the same Senate Democratic leadership team in place for the 114th Congress:

"Last week, voters across the country and in Louisiana delivered a strong and clear message that they are tired of the gridlock and dysfunction in Washington. They want us working together for good jobs and the dreams of the middle class. I heard them loudly and clearly.

"That is why within the first 24 hours of returning to the Senate, I continued to use Louisiana's power, seniority and experience to move the leadership of both parties in both houses of Congress to get a vote on the Keystone Pipeline now and not next year.

"As I have said since May when the final environmental review was completed, the Keystone vote should take place and it should be built immediately. This pipeline is a symbol of American energy independence and our belief that we can be the number one energy and manufacturing power in this world for the foreseeable future. In addition, it will provide thousands of jobs for American workers.

"This morning, I cast my vote against the status quo leadership to send a signal of my determination to continue to be an independent voice on behalf of the people of Louisiana.

"I have now worked with three presidents, six governors and four Senate leaders of different parties to get things done for Louisiana. Whether it is hurricane recovery, restoring our coast, making flood insurance affordable or creating thousands of middle class oil and gas jobs, we have worked with both parties to deliver for working families of our state."

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