Pete Domenici: “today we are debating an amendment that, simply put, has a profound impact on our future. This legislation is American…”

“today we are debating an amendment that, simply put, has a profound impact on our future. This legislation is American jobs and national security. And I will say, what could be more compelling than these two very simple, but profound and obviously important considerations: American jobs and national security. Our Nation, whether we like it or not, whether we should have done something about it sooner or not, moves on oil. We can wish for a future in which there are other options, but it is not here now. Absolutely nothing changes the stark fact that now, and for the foreseeable future, we need expanded supplies of oil, and we are dangerously dependent on foreign sources. Our economy grinds to a halt without oil. Our tremendous military capabilities require oil. Today, for example, it takes 8 times more oil to meet the needs of each American soldier than during World War II. Senator after Senator has noted that we are now importing almost 60 percent of our oil. We all know that the past crises occurred when we were half as much dependent. Those crises occurred when other nations followed their own best interests. That will always be the case. Our interests will not always drive the actions of our neighbors and countries that call themselves our friends. We know that oil is going to become an increasingly precious resource.”