Weekly Washington Update

Statement

Americans are getting fed up when they fill up, and it's time for Washington to take common sense action to reduce energy prices by developing more energy from all our available resources. That is why the House of Representatives took action this week to expand domestic energy production--which would increase supply and reduce energy prices for the American people.

East Texas families and job creators are demanding that we increase the supply of American energy resources. It defies common sense to block access to American natural resources while encouraging other countries to develop theirs. American tax dollars--as well as potential jobs--risk being outsourced to foreign energy producers like Brazil while we sit on our hands and ignore the job and energy resources that lie off our shores.

According to recent analysis by the Oil Price Information Service and CNN Money, the average American family spent 9% of their income--$368.09--on gasoline in the month of April. With gas prices hovering near $4.00 a gallon and unemployment at 9%, we need more American jobs and more American energy. By ending the Administration's de facto moratorium on drilling in the Gulf of Mexico--which cost 36,137 U.S. jobs according to one economist's estimate--and setting timelines for administrative action on drilling permit applications, the bills passed by the House this week will force the Obama administration to stop dragging its feet when it comes to allowing American companies to explore for American energy.

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