Scalise Secures End To Crude Oil Export Ban, Strengthens America's National Defense

Statement

Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.) today praised House passage of a provision within the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act to lift the decades-old ban on crude oil exports. The House passed the measure 316-113, and the bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

"Lifting the 40-year-old ban on crude oil exports will create thousands more good-paying Louisiana jobs by allowing us to compete globally and undercut our enemies," Rep. Scalise said. "Not only will scrapping this outdated relic of the 1970s allow hard-working taxpayers to compete on the world market, create hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the nation, and lower prices at the pump--it will also strengthen America's national security by letting our allies buy energy directly from us, and not from countries like Russia and Iran. Lifting the ban has been among my top priorities in 2015, and today's vote is a big win for Louisiana and for conservative principles. I'm honored to have used my seat at the House leadership table to bring this issue to the forefront and help it get signed into law.

"This critical piece of legislation prioritizes national defense while taking money away from radical agencies like the EPA. In addition to strengthening our military, this bill also ends fraud in the visa waiver program by implementing reforms that will block ISIS recruits from exploiting loopholes in this program. The House is doing everything in our power to keep American families safe."

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