Congresswoman Hartzler criticizes President Obama for promoting Brazilian oil industry at expense of American jobs

Press Release

As America copes with high unemployment rates and skyrocketing gas prices, Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) is asking why President Obama is offering to help Brazil expand its offshore oil drilling while opposing oil drilling off the coast of the United States.

"The hypocrisy is blatant," Hartzler said. "While President Obama opposes oil drilling off the coast of the U.S. he is pledging to help Brazil with technology and support in developing its offshore oil reserves. This is not only hypocritical but bizarre considering the president has spoken of the need to move toward energy alternatives and to wean the U.S. off foreign oil."

"With gasoline approaching $4 a gallon, citizens of Missouri's 4th District want to see price stability that can only come about through a comprehensive energy policy that includes taking advantage of America's resources" added Hartzler. "There is no doubt that we have to develop energy alternatives but it is absolutely wrong to stand in the way of domestic drilling and exploration. President Obama's position on domestic oil exploration has already cost American jobs and is harming our economy. It is time for the president to put the needs of Americans ahead of his desire spend our tax dollars to prop up foreign economies."

"This country needs jobs," concluded Hartzler. "It makes no sense to help other nations create the high-paying jobs that should be available to Americans wanting to work on drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and elsewhere."

U.S. oil exploration has slowed to a crawl over the past year.

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