Political Quotes

“Yesterday major oil producers in Venezuela went on strike. Between Venezuela and Iraq, nearly 30 percent of our oil imports are at risk. And that is nearly 12 million barrels today. We also learned that Saddam Hussein has indicated a payment to the families of the Palestinian suicide bombers of roughly $25,000. Previously it was around $10,000. That is a terrible incentive for terrorism. One has to wonder where he gets the cash. But you don't have to wonder very long because of the $4-plus billion that the United States paid Saddam Hussein last year for oil. The Senate needs to remember that Saddam is much more than just a member of the axis of evil. He is an energy partner of the United States. We now understand that Iraq, Libya, and Iran have called for an OPEC oil embargo--an event that could cripple the world economy. With each passing hour, the Mideast grows more unstable, and the future grows more uncertain. With each passing day, the United States grows more dependent on foreign sources of energy. What does tomorrow hold? More chaos and more bloodshed. The United States has a role and an obligation to help lead the region to peace. I applaud the President for sending Secretary Powell to personally supervise these efforts. But now more than ever we should turn our attention to here at home. We need to look at the realities of how we are going to meet our energy needs with or without the Mideast.”