Debbie Lesko: “I thank Representative Shalala for yielding me the customary 30 minutes, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.…”

“I thank Representative Shalala for yielding me the customary 30 minutes, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, energy and mining are critical drivers of the American economy and quality of life. These industries create thousands of well- paying jobs. The United States cannot reach or sustain our potential without developing our natural resources. But, today, we are debating three bills that put American energy, American quality of life, and American national security at risk. It seems just yesterday that I was here at this very same podium speaking much of these same words. In fact, it was just last month. At that time, I spoke out against bills banning offshore drilling. Now this majority wants to pass sweeping bans on even more domestic natural resources. This time they want to ban American energy from Colorado, New Mexico, and my home State of Arizona. As I said last month, they want to ban it all; and American families, including Arizona families, will pay the price. {time} 1230 H.R. 823 withdraws areas in Colorado from mineral development. This bill particularly impacts its Third Congressional District, represented by Congressman Scott Tipton. Sixty-five percent of the lands affected by this bill are in his district, yet, this bill does not have his support, nor the support of any of the Republican members of the Colorado delegation. Similarly, H.R. 2181 withdraws Federal lands in New Mexico from resource development.…”