Political Quotes

“Today, even after this policy has been repudiated on a bipartisan basis by Congress, the administration continues to march ahead with similar proposals at the administrative level. The administration has canceled leases across the Rocky Mountain West. They have blocked permits in the Gulf of Mexico. They have blocked permits in Alaska. While the President's announcement this weekend would appear to be a welcome recognition that oil and gas leasing matters, it disregards the virtual lack of permits to explore. No doubt, leasing is necessary, but if you do not have the permits, leasing means nothing. Supply stays the same, world demand continues to increase, and no one should be surprised by the economics. No one should be surprised that this administration's policy has a direct correlation to the price of gasoline you pump into your vehicle. That is why today we are debating legislation that is enormously important. This bill requires the issuance of permits. It emphasizes safety and environmental responsibility. It does require spill response and containment plans, and it requires we do everything we can to try to improve supply. It says we can develop our natural resources expeditiously but in a responsible and prudent way. It is a responsible step in the right direction. Let me put this another way: We, the United States, do not need to beg the rest of the world for energy resources. We do not have to go with cup in hand.…”