U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield, (KY-01), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power, released the following statement applauding the passage of H.R. 3408. Included in the legislation is a provision from the Energy and Commerce Committee requiring swift approval of the job-creating Keystone XL pipeline.
"I was pleased to vote yesterday to create jobs. This is the third time the House of Representatives has acted with bipartisan support to move forward with the Keystone XL Pipeline, a project that will create 20,000 direct jobs, 100,000 indirect jobs, and will contribute to our energy security. Additionally, at this time of high gas prices, Keystone XL could help relieve the pain at the pump by bringing 700,000 barrels of oil to the market each day.
On this third anniversary of President Obama's failed stimulus package, I can only hope moving forward the President actually takes the opportunity to create jobs, not just talk about jobs. He has the opportunity by allowing the Keystone XL pipeline to become a reality.
President Obama is not leading the fight for job creation. Today, the President and his administration have the opportunity to save 1,200 jobs in Kentucky by allowing re-enrichment of uranium tails at the Paducah gaseous diffusion plant. The President's Department of Energy refuses to act, and Kentuckians risk losing their jobs because of this failure by the Obama administration.
It's time for the President to stand up for American workers and take action to create and retain jobs. House Republicans have passed 30 bipartisan jobs bills over the past year and President Obama must urge Sen. Reid to allow the Senate to pass these bills that will create jobs and boost our economy."