House Committee on Education and Labor
U.S. House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), the senior Republican on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, today repeated his calls for congressional Democrats to allow a vote on an ‘all of the above’ energy strategy, arguing that their latest so-called energy reform plan – discussed at a press conference by Democratic leaders today – fails to put America on the path to energy independence.

“After returning to Washington from a five week vacation, Democrats owe it to the American people to make comprehensive energy reform the first order of business,” said McKeon. “Unfortunately, they have offered nothing more than the same flawed policies that prevent Americans from harnessing our resources and securing our future.”

Republicans have been promoting an ‘all of the above’ energy strategy, detailed in the American Energy Act (H.R. 6566), that would bring down prices at the pump by promoting conservation and energy efficiency, encouraging the use of alternative, renewable, and next-generation fuels, and increasing the production of American-made energy.  Only by embracing a comprehensive strategy, Republicans argue, will America finally wean itself from its costly dependence on foreign oil.

“Students, families, workers, and schools are suffering with the continued squeeze of high gas prices.  Unfortunately for them, congressional Democrats don’t seem to share their concern,” said McKeon.  “Instead of working with Republicans to pass an ‘all of the above’ energy reform plan, Democrats are blocking access to vast American resources while offering up the same, tired ideas that the American people have already rejected.”

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