Today we learned after weeks of closed door meetings, Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats produced a bill that is essentially the same as the one they started with months ago. As facts about the legislation begin to trickle out, I am disappointed to see very few improvements, and even more choices being taken away from the American people. After all the debate in Congress and across the country, we see almost 2,000 pages of the same bad legislation we saw this past summer.
Since August, the people of West Texas and the Big Country have been telling me they want real solutions for the health care system in America. They have also been telling me there is a big difference between the RIGHT and WRONG way to reform health care.
As I begin to review this 1,990 page piece of legislation, I promise the people of the 19th Congressional District that I will keep their best interests in mind and continue to embrace an approach to health care that puts patients before profits and politics. A sound health care reform plan should expand access to affordable options, especially for those with pre-existing conditions; protect Americans from being forced into a government-run insurance plan, making certain that medical decisions are made by patients and their doctors; and let Americans who like their health care coverage keep it, while giving all Americans more choices to find a health plan that best meets their needs.
I believe we can fix what is broken in our current health care system, without introducing a massive government takeover. As we begin debate on this enormous piece of legislation, I will continue to fight for a bill that will offer common-sense solutions to the health care challenges we face that the people of West Texas and the Big Country can support.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Pushing the debt ceiling
Every day the federal debt clock ticks away at an alarming rate, tallying up how much our government is borrowing to cover more spending. As of this week, only a few hundred billion dollars separated us from our current eye-popping national debt and the self-imposed debt ceiling of $12.104 trillion. According to press reports, Democrats are planning to attach legislation to increase the national debt ceiling to the Fiscal Year 2010 Defense funding bill to avoid taking a separate vote on adding more debt. Congress shouldn’t tie funding for our troops in harm's way to an increase in its ability to borrow and spend.
This week the U.S. Treasury will auction off $123 billion in debt to investors around the world to finance our government spending habits. We continue to rely on countries such as China and Japan to purchase our debt, and these countries are questioning our commitment to get a handle on our spending.
The federal deficit for the 2009 fiscal year, which just ended, is $1.4 trillion. Due to policy proposals that would further increase spending, the White House has projected that the annual federal deficit will remain above $1 trillion through 2011.
Congress and the President must work together to take control of this situation now. If we fail to do so, our children and grandchildren will be forced to deal with even more difficult decisions than we face.
The problem of borrowing up to the debt limit is not a new one. Yes, previous Congresses, including Republican-led ones, have failed to control their spending habits. Since 1940, Congress has increased the debt ceiling more than 90 times. We cannot afford to continue allowing this out of control spending that pushes borrowing to these extreme limits.
Simply expanding the debt ceiling is not a long-term solution. I believe Congress should stop passing bills to increase spending this year and instead freeze spending at last year’s levels. I submitted an amendment that would have done just that. While this is not a complete solution to our spending problem, we have to start somewhere. If we simply continue to increase spending when it is clear we can not afford to do so, we only add more deficits and more debt.
This week the U.S. Treasury will auction off $123 billion in debt to investors around the world to finance our government spending habits. We continue to rely on countries such as China and Japan to purchase our debt, and these countries are questioning our commitment to get a handle on our spending.
The federal deficit for the 2009 fiscal year, which just ended, is $1.4 trillion. Due to policy proposals that would further increase spending, the White House has projected that the annual federal deficit will remain above $1 trillion through 2011.
Congress and the President must work together to take control of this situation now. If we fail to do so, our children and grandchildren will be forced to deal with even more difficult decisions than we face.
The problem of borrowing up to the debt limit is not a new one. Yes, previous Congresses, including Republican-led ones, have failed to control their spending habits. Since 1940, Congress has increased the debt ceiling more than 90 times. We cannot afford to continue allowing this out of control spending that pushes borrowing to these extreme limits.
Simply expanding the debt ceiling is not a long-term solution. I believe Congress should stop passing bills to increase spending this year and instead freeze spending at last year’s levels. I submitted an amendment that would have done just that. While this is not a complete solution to our spending problem, we have to start somewhere. If we simply continue to increase spending when it is clear we can not afford to do so, we only add more deficits and more debt.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
President Obama, stop limiting immigration enforcement
The best thing we can do to keep Americans safe is to identify and deal with those who are in this country illegally. It is imperative that local law enforcement officials continue to be permitted under the authorities provided by ICE ACCESS (Agreements of Cooperation in Communities to Enhance Safety and Security) which provides local law enforcement agencies an opportunity to team with ICE to combat specific challenges in their communities. That is why I joined with my fellow Texan Lamar Smith and 52 other Members of Congress to send a letter to President Obama voicing our continued support for the 287(g) program. For those unfamiliar with 287(g), this program allows state and local law enforcement agencies to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to effectively implement federal immigration laws. Just a few days ago the President issued strict restrictions on agencies operating the 287(g) program, preventing state and local law enforcement officers from arresting many of the illegal immigrants with whom they may come into contact.
It makes no sense to limit or restrict a program that is clearly working and making our streets safer. Over the past several years we have seen thousands of illegal immigrants, who otherwise would have gone undetected, identified in jails thanks to the 287(g) program. ICE’s website even supports the successes of this program: “The 287(g) program has emerged as one of the agency’s most successful and popular partnership initiatives as more state and local leaders have come to understand how a shared approach to immigration enforcement can benefit their communities.”
We should be thanking local law enforcement agencies for helping to confront the challenge of illegal immigrants being in our communities before they threaten American lives and national security instead of stripping them of their authority. I urge President Obama to reverse his negligent actions against the 287(g) program and refrain from limiting local agencies’ ability to help enforce our nation’s laws. I would also encourage you to reach out to your local law enforcement authorities to learn of their interest in the 287(g) program.
It makes no sense to limit or restrict a program that is clearly working and making our streets safer. Over the past several years we have seen thousands of illegal immigrants, who otherwise would have gone undetected, identified in jails thanks to the 287(g) program. ICE’s website even supports the successes of this program: “The 287(g) program has emerged as one of the agency’s most successful and popular partnership initiatives as more state and local leaders have come to understand how a shared approach to immigration enforcement can benefit their communities.”
We should be thanking local law enforcement agencies for helping to confront the challenge of illegal immigrants being in our communities before they threaten American lives and national security instead of stripping them of their authority. I urge President Obama to reverse his negligent actions against the 287(g) program and refrain from limiting local agencies’ ability to help enforce our nation’s laws. I would also encourage you to reach out to your local law enforcement authorities to learn of their interest in the 287(g) program.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Who knows best: The federal government or the American people?
Here we go again. Today, the Financial Services Committee approved H.R. 3126, legislation that will create a so-called Consumer Financial Protection Agency. As Deputy Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee, I voted against this reckless bill. This is yet another example of the Democrat Majority expanding government, killing jobs and limiting choices. We can all agree reforms such as better disclosures and more enforcement are needed, but creating yet another government agency is not the right solution.
This massive government bureaucracy will raise costs for consumers, reduce the number and type of products available to them and increase micromanagement by the federal government.
There is a better solution, and the Republican substitute offered in the Financial Services Committee improved consumer protection in a way that genuinely addresses the concerns of consumers without limiting access to credit, imposing excessive compliance and litigation costs on small businesses, creating a massive new government bureaucracy, and undermining safety and soundness of financial institutions.
Our country was built on choice. Why the Democrat Majority believes the American people aren’t smart enough to make their own decisions completely baffles me.
This massive government bureaucracy will raise costs for consumers, reduce the number and type of products available to them and increase micromanagement by the federal government.
There is a better solution, and the Republican substitute offered in the Financial Services Committee improved consumer protection in a way that genuinely addresses the concerns of consumers without limiting access to credit, imposing excessive compliance and litigation costs on small businesses, creating a massive new government bureaucracy, and undermining safety and soundness of financial institutions.
Our country was built on choice. Why the Democrat Majority believes the American people aren’t smart enough to make their own decisions completely baffles me.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Obama’s Health Care Plan Hurts Small Businesses
As a former small business owner, I understand the pressures faced every day by small businesses across the 19th District. Small businesses represent more than 99 percent of all businesses in the nation, and make up half of the U.S. economy. Since the current recession began almost two years ago more than 7 million jobs have been lost, many of these from small businesses. The Department of Labor reports that 263,000 jobs were lost in September alone.
In these difficult economic times, we need to help small businesses grow jobs instead of enacting massive taxes that will inflict further harm upon small businesses and eliminate millions of additional American jobs. Instead of scrapping these job-killing bills and starting over, the Democrats’ plan for government run health care would impose more than $820 billion in new taxes on the American people, including new payroll and income taxes on small businesses.
These taxes have to be paid by someone. And if Speaker Pelosi gets her way, she will enact a $544 billion surtax on the so-called “rich” to help pay for their government takeover of health care. According to data from the IRS, more than half of those targeted under this new health care surtax are small businesses, many of which are already facing challenges.
Why are Democrats pushing a government takeover of health care that will inflict harm on small businesses and make job losses even worse? These are not the types of policies that will help small business get back on their feet and create new jobs. Many small businesses simply cannot afford to pay for their employees’ health care, and others struggle to cover rising health insurance premiums. To me it sounds like small businesses, which are the very backbone of our economy, are getting the short end of the stick in this health care debate.
In these difficult economic times, we need to help small businesses grow jobs instead of enacting massive taxes that will inflict further harm upon small businesses and eliminate millions of additional American jobs. Instead of scrapping these job-killing bills and starting over, the Democrats’ plan for government run health care would impose more than $820 billion in new taxes on the American people, including new payroll and income taxes on small businesses.
These taxes have to be paid by someone. And if Speaker Pelosi gets her way, she will enact a $544 billion surtax on the so-called “rich” to help pay for their government takeover of health care. According to data from the IRS, more than half of those targeted under this new health care surtax are small businesses, many of which are already facing challenges.
Why are Democrats pushing a government takeover of health care that will inflict harm on small businesses and make job losses even worse? These are not the types of policies that will help small business get back on their feet and create new jobs. Many small businesses simply cannot afford to pay for their employees’ health care, and others struggle to cover rising health insurance premiums. To me it sounds like small businesses, which are the very backbone of our economy, are getting the short end of the stick in this health care debate.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Just Because It's Cheaper Doesn't Mean It's Better
A recent analysis by the Congressional Budget Office estimated the costs of two health care plans proposed by the Democratic House Leadership. Both plans hover around the $900 billion price tag, one at $859 billion and the other at $905 billion. While they are cheaper than the $1.2 trillion original plan, these options are still not the answer to the health care debate.
This so-called cheaper version would significantly expand Medicaid, allowing millions of new people access to the program. Once again, Speaker Pelosi is fudging the numbers and hiding the true cost of this legislation because both state and local governments aid in picking up the Medicaid tab.
I fail to see how tacking on increased Medicaid costs to state governments already struggling for funding for existing programs is a good plan. It goes to show that just because this plan might be slightly cheaper, doesn’t mean it’s a better plan. Once again, the liberal Democrats are putting the cart before the horse--pushing a complete health care overhaul they don’t know how to pay for no matter how low the final cost may be.
This so-called cheaper version would significantly expand Medicaid, allowing millions of new people access to the program. Once again, Speaker Pelosi is fudging the numbers and hiding the true cost of this legislation because both state and local governments aid in picking up the Medicaid tab.
I fail to see how tacking on increased Medicaid costs to state governments already struggling for funding for existing programs is a good plan. It goes to show that just because this plan might be slightly cheaper, doesn’t mean it’s a better plan. Once again, the liberal Democrats are putting the cart before the horse--pushing a complete health care overhaul they don’t know how to pay for no matter how low the final cost may be.
SACking ACORN
Taxpayers in the 19th District are fed up with the corrupt organizations their tax dollars have supported. It’s time for this liberal Congress to stop protecting ACORN and end all misuse of public funds. Yesterday, I became a cosponsor of the Suspend ACORN Certification (SAC) Act, a bill aimed at preventing the misuse of public resources designated for federally-approved housing counseling activities.
Currently, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) lists ACORN as a certified, accredited housing counseling agency, allowing it to access federal counseling grants and leverage other state, local, and private resources using their “HUD-approved” status.
The IRS and Census Bureau have already cut ties with ACORN, and I believe it’s time for HUD to do the same.
In the past ACORN has been linked to voter fraud and most recently, ACORN employees were accused of providing criminal tax evasion advice. Despite these accusations, ACORN still retains its HUD certification.
The SAC Act would suspend HUD certification and funding of housing counseling activities under ACORN and its affiliates pending a comprehensive audit by the HUD Inspector General. The audit would examine the use of HUD funds by ACORN and its affiliates – including state chapters and organizations sharing staff, directors, and finances.
An organization like ACORN doesn’t deserve public funding. We need to ensure that there are guidelines set in place to investigate groups like ACORN that have been involved in shady businesses. As your representative in Congress, I will continue to fight to make sure this organization and others like it stop receiving your hard-earned tax dollars.
Currently, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) lists ACORN as a certified, accredited housing counseling agency, allowing it to access federal counseling grants and leverage other state, local, and private resources using their “HUD-approved” status.
The IRS and Census Bureau have already cut ties with ACORN, and I believe it’s time for HUD to do the same.
In the past ACORN has been linked to voter fraud and most recently, ACORN employees were accused of providing criminal tax evasion advice. Despite these accusations, ACORN still retains its HUD certification.
The SAC Act would suspend HUD certification and funding of housing counseling activities under ACORN and its affiliates pending a comprehensive audit by the HUD Inspector General. The audit would examine the use of HUD funds by ACORN and its affiliates – including state chapters and organizations sharing staff, directors, and finances.
An organization like ACORN doesn’t deserve public funding. We need to ensure that there are guidelines set in place to investigate groups like ACORN that have been involved in shady businesses. As your representative in Congress, I will continue to fight to make sure this organization and others like it stop receiving your hard-earned tax dollars.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Mr. President, remove Kevin Jennings
Mr. President, remove Kevin Jennings.
I have joined with my colleagues to send a letter to President Obama asking for the removal of Kevin Jennings from the Education Department's Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools.
As the founder of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Mr. Jennings has played an integral role in promoting a pro-homosexual agenda in America’s schools—an agenda that contradicts with the values we in the 19th Congressional District are trying to instill in our children.
As the “safe school czar”, Mr. Jennings is responsible for ensuring our schools and students are drug free. Yet, his own history of serious drug and alcohol abuse puts his ability to promote a drug free lifestyle for students in doubt. It is clear that Mr. Jennings is unfit to serve in this capacity.
Why wasn’t he properly vetted by the Administration? The more we learn about Kevin Jennings and other so-called czars, the more we question who these individuals are and what exactly they stand for. In the wake of these revelations about Mr. Jennings, the President should remove him immediately and suspend any further appointments of these so-called czars. Individuals who are not qualified for such positions should not be permitted to set policy that directly affects our children. President Obama should fire Kevin Jennings immediately and replace him with someone who has a record of educating children in a safe and moral environment.
We can all support the President’s right to have a well-honed team of serious-minded public servants to help him do his job. However, without a full, proper and public vetting, it’s clear that less-qualified and some with a conflict of interest are setting policy in America. That is why I introduced H.R. 3613, the Transparency and Executive Accountability Act. This would require that not only do Senate-confirmed nominees need to provide proper documentation and go through a thorough vetting, but also White House staff that advise the President on policy. By shining more light on who these people are and their role in the White House, the American people are in a better position to judge their qualifications and hopefully the Administration will take greater care with making these decisions. My hope is that this Administration will meet its promises of openness and transparency that Americans expect.
I have joined with my colleagues to send a letter to President Obama asking for the removal of Kevin Jennings from the Education Department's Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools.
As the founder of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Mr. Jennings has played an integral role in promoting a pro-homosexual agenda in America’s schools—an agenda that contradicts with the values we in the 19th Congressional District are trying to instill in our children.
As the “safe school czar”, Mr. Jennings is responsible for ensuring our schools and students are drug free. Yet, his own history of serious drug and alcohol abuse puts his ability to promote a drug free lifestyle for students in doubt. It is clear that Mr. Jennings is unfit to serve in this capacity.
Why wasn’t he properly vetted by the Administration? The more we learn about Kevin Jennings and other so-called czars, the more we question who these individuals are and what exactly they stand for. In the wake of these revelations about Mr. Jennings, the President should remove him immediately and suspend any further appointments of these so-called czars. Individuals who are not qualified for such positions should not be permitted to set policy that directly affects our children. President Obama should fire Kevin Jennings immediately and replace him with someone who has a record of educating children in a safe and moral environment.
We can all support the President’s right to have a well-honed team of serious-minded public servants to help him do his job. However, without a full, proper and public vetting, it’s clear that less-qualified and some with a conflict of interest are setting policy in America. That is why I introduced H.R. 3613, the Transparency and Executive Accountability Act. This would require that not only do Senate-confirmed nominees need to provide proper documentation and go through a thorough vetting, but also White House staff that advise the President on policy. By shining more light on who these people are and their role in the White House, the American people are in a better position to judge their qualifications and hopefully the Administration will take greater care with making these decisions. My hope is that this Administration will meet its promises of openness and transparency that Americans expect.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Letter to Speaker Pelosi
Yesterday, we saw the Senate Finance Committee approve legislation that will increase health care premiums, raise taxes and endanger the health care coverage Americans already have. The American people want reform, but not in the shape of a bill that would impose nearly $400 billion in new taxes and put health care into the hands of the federal government.
To make matters worse, the legislation House Democrat leaders are putting together to bring to the floor is being discussed behind close doors without any transparency. This is unacceptable. The American people deserve to know exactly what their health care reform is going to look like.
Today, I sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi requesting more transparency on behalf of the American people. The Speaker must allow all Members enough time to review the combined bill text, have a full budget score, and write amendments. She cannot continue to shut Members out of this process and limit their ability to represent constituent viewpoints.
Attached to the letter, I have also included all the comments I received from my Coffee with the Congressman events in August. I believe it’s important the Speaker know exactly how the people of the 19th Congressional District feel about her government-run health care. Although she chooses to ignore Republicans, she’s going to have to start listening to her boss, the American taxpayers.
The text of the letter to Speaker Pelosi is available here. My YouTube video can be seen here.
To make matters worse, the legislation House Democrat leaders are putting together to bring to the floor is being discussed behind close doors without any transparency. This is unacceptable. The American people deserve to know exactly what their health care reform is going to look like.
Today, I sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi requesting more transparency on behalf of the American people. The Speaker must allow all Members enough time to review the combined bill text, have a full budget score, and write amendments. She cannot continue to shut Members out of this process and limit their ability to represent constituent viewpoints.
Attached to the letter, I have also included all the comments I received from my Coffee with the Congressman events in August. I believe it’s important the Speaker know exactly how the people of the 19th Congressional District feel about her government-run health care. Although she chooses to ignore Republicans, she’s going to have to start listening to her boss, the American taxpayers.
The text of the letter to Speaker Pelosi is available here. My YouTube video can be seen here.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Cleaning Up Congress
Rep. Charlie Rangel, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the House Ethics Committee. The Committee is looking into whether Rangel failed to pay taxes and report hundreds of thousands of dollars in income and property. These are very serious charges; Member of Congress need to lead by example when it comes to following the law.
Why is Congressman Rangel allowed to lead the Ways and Means Committee, which writes our tax laws, when his record of paying his taxes is very much in question?
I am frustrated by the false promises and double standards of Speaker Pelosi and her Democrat Majority. When the Democrats took control of the House in 2006, Speaker Pelosi pledged to “drain the swamp” in Washington, and “turn this Congress into the most honest and open Congress in history.” I ask the Speaker now: Where is this honesty and openness?
Today, Republican Conference Secretary John Carter (R-TX) offered another resolution to remove Congressman Rangel from his chairmanship until a thorough investigation has been completed. Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi opposed the resolution and once again broke her promise to the American people.
Congress is charged with a great responsibility-- representing the people that sent them to Washington. We must do everything in our power to uphold the Constitution and the law, which is why I will continue to push Speaker Pelosi for the openness and honesty she promised the American taxpayers.
Why is Congressman Rangel allowed to lead the Ways and Means Committee, which writes our tax laws, when his record of paying his taxes is very much in question?
I am frustrated by the false promises and double standards of Speaker Pelosi and her Democrat Majority. When the Democrats took control of the House in 2006, Speaker Pelosi pledged to “drain the swamp” in Washington, and “turn this Congress into the most honest and open Congress in history.” I ask the Speaker now: Where is this honesty and openness?
Today, Republican Conference Secretary John Carter (R-TX) offered another resolution to remove Congressman Rangel from his chairmanship until a thorough investigation has been completed. Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi opposed the resolution and once again broke her promise to the American people.
Congress is charged with a great responsibility-- representing the people that sent them to Washington. We must do everything in our power to uphold the Constitution and the law, which is why I will continue to push Speaker Pelosi for the openness and honesty she promised the American taxpayers.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Unemployment rate still on the rise
Last week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate rose to 9.8% and 263,000 more Americans lost their jobs in September. Americans haven’t seen the unemployment rate reach this level in 26 years.
As the unemployment rate continues to rise, it’s obvious that President Obama and the liberal Congress’ misguided economic policies are failing. The American people are demanding to know, where are the jobs? However, the only thing growing for the President is his more than trillion dollar deficient. It has become obvious that more government spending and raising taxes are not the solutions that will bring about jobs and stimulate our economy.
Millions of Americans are waking up today and openly discussing whether we're on the brink of having a "failed state" in America, that state being California. Years of anti-growth and massive spending have cut deeply into a major economic engine, with many openly fearing the long-term implications they may have on the rest of the country. In that same argument inevitably is a discussion of what's working: pro-growth, business-friendly, low-tax states like Texas are welcoming new workers from California everyday. It's clear to me what's happening on the state level is sadly being attempted at the federal level with tax hikes looming to pay for massive public programs that are being debated in Congress today.
I believe the way to put our country back on track is to start with fiscal discipline in the federal government and tax relief for the public. In order to effectively stimulate the economy, we must reduce the tax rates, reduce regulatory burdens where possible, and cut spending to leave more resources available for the business community. We need real solutions to put the American people back to work instead of more job-killing tax-and-spend policies.
As the unemployment rate continues to rise, it’s obvious that President Obama and the liberal Congress’ misguided economic policies are failing. The American people are demanding to know, where are the jobs? However, the only thing growing for the President is his more than trillion dollar deficient. It has become obvious that more government spending and raising taxes are not the solutions that will bring about jobs and stimulate our economy.
Millions of Americans are waking up today and openly discussing whether we're on the brink of having a "failed state" in America, that state being California. Years of anti-growth and massive spending have cut deeply into a major economic engine, with many openly fearing the long-term implications they may have on the rest of the country. In that same argument inevitably is a discussion of what's working: pro-growth, business-friendly, low-tax states like Texas are welcoming new workers from California everyday. It's clear to me what's happening on the state level is sadly being attempted at the federal level with tax hikes looming to pay for massive public programs that are being debated in Congress today.
I believe the way to put our country back on track is to start with fiscal discipline in the federal government and tax relief for the public. In order to effectively stimulate the economy, we must reduce the tax rates, reduce regulatory burdens where possible, and cut spending to leave more resources available for the business community. We need real solutions to put the American people back to work instead of more job-killing tax-and-spend policies.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
American Energy Freedom Day
One year ago today, the Congressional moratorium placed on drilling of the Outer Continental Shelf and oil-shale formations of the United States expired. We celebrated this occasion as American Energy Freedom Day, with hopes that the end of these moratoriums would allow Americans to access our own energy resources and lead to a new energy policy that enables us to fully develop American sources of oil and natural gas.
On this anniversary, we are no closer to the goal of American energy freedom. Despite the fact the moratorium on most OCS exploration has been lifted for a year, the Obama administration is content on imposing a de facto ban that could last up to another three years, until at least 2012 – and there is no guarantee they will act after then. Knowing how long extensive exploration and production takes, this is something we cannot afford to continue to put off. Along with many lawmakers, Congressman Neugebauer urges Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to open these areas to gas and oil drilling.
Allowing domestic production in the OCS would help to create American jobs, while lowering the cost of gasoline and home heating oil. In fact, according to a recent analysis by the Heritage Foundation, “increasing domestic production by 1 million barrels per day would reduce imported petroleum costs by $123 billion, generate an additional $7.7 billion in economic activity, and cost $25.6 billion in additional oil production costs. The net gain to the economy would be $105 billion. The impact on employment would be an increase of 128,000 jobs.
Congressman Neugebauer believes the only way we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil is by increasing production here at home from all energy sources, using our own resources, improving our efficiencies and conserving when possible while continuing to invest in solutions based on science and not politics.
One way to achieve this is through the American Energy Innovation Act. This all-you-can-create approach will pave the way for a 21st century energy economy by providing incentives to create renewable fuel options, promoting conservation and efficiency, and encouraging responsible production of American energy.
America needs an energy policy that chooses neither winners, nor losers, but recognizes the need for an all-of-the-above strategy without neglecting our traditional sources of fossil fuels.
On this anniversary, we are no closer to the goal of American energy freedom. Despite the fact the moratorium on most OCS exploration has been lifted for a year, the Obama administration is content on imposing a de facto ban that could last up to another three years, until at least 2012 – and there is no guarantee they will act after then. Knowing how long extensive exploration and production takes, this is something we cannot afford to continue to put off. Along with many lawmakers, Congressman Neugebauer urges Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to open these areas to gas and oil drilling.
Allowing domestic production in the OCS would help to create American jobs, while lowering the cost of gasoline and home heating oil. In fact, according to a recent analysis by the Heritage Foundation, “increasing domestic production by 1 million barrels per day would reduce imported petroleum costs by $123 billion, generate an additional $7.7 billion in economic activity, and cost $25.6 billion in additional oil production costs. The net gain to the economy would be $105 billion. The impact on employment would be an increase of 128,000 jobs.
Congressman Neugebauer believes the only way we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil is by increasing production here at home from all energy sources, using our own resources, improving our efficiencies and conserving when possible while continuing to invest in solutions based on science and not politics.
One way to achieve this is through the American Energy Innovation Act. This all-you-can-create approach will pave the way for a 21st century energy economy by providing incentives to create renewable fuel options, promoting conservation and efficiency, and encouraging responsible production of American energy.
America needs an energy policy that chooses neither winners, nor losers, but recognizes the need for an all-of-the-above strategy without neglecting our traditional sources of fossil fuels.
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