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Sen. Cornyn: Congress Must Act To Strengthen Domestic Energy Production
Democratic Leaders in Congress Remain Sole Roadblock to Offshore Exploration Following President’s Decision to Lift Executive Order
Monday, July 14, 2008
WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, made the following statement today regarding President Bush’s announcement that he is lifting an executive order on offshore exploration for oil.
“With the President’s action, the only roadblock between more energy production and lower energy prices is the Democratic-controlled Congress. Democratic leaders have a decision to make – will they continue to stand by and do nothing as families in Texas, and across the country, struggle with rising gas prices, or will they finally work with Republicans in Congress to strengthen domestic energy production?
“The U.S. is the only country in the world that refuses to develop its own natural resources. With a growing worldwide demand for energy, we’re willing to enrich foreign governments – some of which wish us harm – instead of helping ourselves.
“Certainly we must continue to pursue and encourage alternative energy sources and increased energy efficiency. These energy policies will serve us well in the future. In the meantime, we must acknowledge that oil and gas is the bridge into that future. We can and should develop environmentally responsible oil production here at home if Congress would simply get out of the way and allow American companies to do so.
“Senate Republicans have put forward a balanced plan, the Gas Price Reduction Act, which would provide near-term relief from record gas prices and long-term energy security. It should be embraced by every member of Congress and it should be acted on quickly so we can begin to address this growing problem.”
BACKGROUND:
Senator Cornyn has been pushing for action in Congress on the Gas Price Reduction Act, but even as Texas families pay over $4 a gallon for gasoline, Democratic leaders in Congress have repeatedly blocked all initiatives to boost American energy production.
In addition to supporting the Gas Price Reduction Act, Sen. Cornyn and other members of the Senate Republican leadership team have attempted to pass the American Energy Production Act. That bill would have led to the estimated production of up to 24 billion new barrels of oil - enough oil to supply America for 5 years with no foreign imports. It would have also helped reduce gas prices in the near term by sending an important signal to the markets. Unfortunately, the measure was defeated by some in Congress, but Sen. Cornyn remains committed to working toward increased refinery capacity in the U.S., more domestic energy production and additional alternative energy sources.
Click here for more information on Sen. Cornyn efforts to reduce gas prices and bolster America’s energy security, visit http://cornyn.senate.gov/gasprices.
Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.
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