Letter to President George W. Bush, Convene Bi-Partisan National Energy Summit

Letter

Letter to President George W. Bush

Bipartisan Coalition Call on President to Convene Bi-Partisan National Energy Summit

A bipartisan coalition led by U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) and Ben Nelson (D-Nebraska) sent a letter to the President today calling for a bi-partisan national summit with the President to develop a consensus proposal that addresses the current energy crisis.

"There is no excuse, no reason why the White House and the Congress cannot begin to set partisanship and politics aside to develop a consensus energy proposal and end the current paralysis," the Senator Snowe said. "This is a decisive moment where party affiliation must be cast aside for the best interests of our country. This effort can not be without executive leadership and so we are calling on the President to seize this moment of opportunity to join with us and lay the groundwork for a comprehensive energy policy."

"With energy prices skyrocketing and the costs to Americans getting more burdensome by the day, it is imperative that all elected officials work together to try and find common sense solutions - and fast," said Senator Nelson. "I believe Congress and the Administration must set aside partisan differences now and work together on our current and future energy security."

"Enhancing America's energy security is not a struggle to find the right ideas, but rather a struggle to find the political will to take tough but needed steps," said Senator Lieberman. "The only way we will generate the necessary political will is through bipartisan cooperation that involves both the President and Congress."

Joining Sens. Snowe and Nelson on the letter were Sens. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Judd Gregg (R-NH), Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), John Sununu (R-NH), Tim Johnson (D-SD), Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) Carl Levin (D-Mich.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

The text of the letter is provided below:

July 14, 2008

The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We are writing to you regarding our country's growing energy crisis and the opportunity we envision for addressing what is fast-becoming an emergency.

Although both political parties have outlined energy policies, neither has yet been able to achieve the bipartisan consensus necessary to forge a workable path forward. Meanwhile, the status quo continues to fail the American people. It is, therefore, more imperative than ever that we develop a bipartisan agreement which embraces the entire spectrum of solutions readily available to us to end our unacceptable dependence on foreign oil. This energy stalemate must be broken - and we believe it can be broken, if there is a demonstrable, good-faith commitment from both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. Accordingly, we are urging you and your administration to consider moving ahead with a national summit with congressional leaders and additional national leaders to develop a comprehensive, consensus energy proposal.

As you are well aware, the cost of crude oil has already climbed 58 percent this year and has more than doubled from just a year ago. This meteoric increase in energy prices has translated into an enormous tax, placing an economic stranglehold on the American people. Americans are understandably concerned about the rising costs of commuting to work, heating their homes, and buying groceries. Our national reliance on foreign oil continues to undermine and threaten American security and provide billions for America's enemies. This untenable situation deserves a solution that offers both short-term relief as well as a long-term strategy.

We look forward to working with you to achieve meaningful energy solutions in the coming weeks, and we appreciate your consideration of our request.

Sincerely,