Weekly Washington Update

Op-Ed

Weekly Washington Update

From Congressman Jeb Hensarling

I have heard thousands of stories, questions, and calls for action as we see energy prices soaring across the country.

In the last 18 months, the price of fuel has increased 75 percent and grocery prices are increasing right along with it. You know this all too well. All over America, families are going to convenience stores and having to decide whether to buy a gallon of milk or a gallon of gas. Families are in pain.

I believe the number one factor causing high-energy prices today is our failure as a nation to permit America's energy producers to produce energy in America. Currently, the U.S. consumes about 25% of all oil production, but only produces about 7% of all crude oil, meaning we must rely on countries like Saudi Arabia and Venezuela for our fuel.

The biggest impediment to producing more fuel in America is the United States Congress. Washington has tried to beg, sue, and tax a way to cheaper energy.
They have tried everything but increase the production.

We have enough energy in the arctic region of Alaska and in our deep sea resources to power America for decades and decades to come. If we will only find the will to open those resources to our American energy produces, we can bring down the price at the pump and families can end their suffering.

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