Cornyn: How High Must Gas Prices Rise Before Democratic-Controlled Congress Acts?

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Cornyn: How High Must Gas Prices Rise Before Democratic-Controlled Congress Acts?

Senate Democrats Acknowledge Consequences to Family Budgets & National Security Yet Oppose More Domestic Energy Production

Following President Bush's announcement this morning that he is prepared to lift an executive order on offshore exploration for oil once Congress lifts its own moratorium, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn asked today how much higher gas prices must continue to rise until the Democratic-controlled Congress finally acts to strengthen domestic energy production.

"The Democratic leadership in Congress has been grossly irresponsible in failing to address America's growing energy crisis. Texas families are struggling and Texas businesses are beginning to lay off workers. How much higher must gas prices continue to rise before Congress acts to strengthen domestic energy production?

"Senate Democrats acknowledge the serious consequences of America's energy dependence for our economy and our national security. Just this week, Senator Barack Obama said, ‘our dependence on foreign oil strains family budgets, and it saps our economy. Oil money pays for the bombs that go off from Baghdad to Beirut and the bombast of dictators from Caracas to Tehran…' So I again ask why Senator Obama and his Democratic colleagues continue to oppose any and all efforts to strengthen domestic production, which would reduce our dependency on oil from the Middle East?

"Congress must continue to pursue and encourage alternative energy sources and increased energy efficiency. These energy policies will serve us well in the future. But we must acknowledge that oil and gas is the bridge into that future. It is simply irresponsible and harmful to ignore solutions that will increase energy supply and help bring down the gas prices that are pinching the American taxpayers' pocketbook. Americans spent an additional $1,400 on energy costs last year, and the Department of Defense spent $12.6 billion on fuel just last year.

"We cannot afford to keep filling the coffers of Iran and Venezuela while we wait for alternative energies to solve our problems. We need a comprehensive and balanced energy policy that includes increased American energy production. We have raised CAFE standards, implemented a renewable fuel standard, and supported tax incentives for wind, solar, biomass and energy efficiency appliances. Now, we need to grow our domestic energy production by tapping into America's proven oil and gas reserves.

"As gas prices continue to rise, the opponents of domestic production are running out of excuses. Congress must act and act now."

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