On the recordOctober 9, 2015
I thank our ranking member. Mr. Chairman, I oppose this legislation for several reasons. First, except in very narrow circumstances, the bill does not allow any limits--not any limits--on exports of domestic oil regardless of potential threats to our national security, and that is our top responsibility as Members--our national security. For decades there has been a bipartisan commitment in Congress and several administrations to energy independence and reducing our reliance on foreign oil. Given the continued dependence of our economy and our military on oil, energy independence remains critical to our national defense. But with little consideration of any national security implications, this bill allows unlimited exports of a critical strategic resource. Mr. Chairman, the United States still imports 26 percent of the oil we consume and remains the world's top importer. Every barrel exported under this bill would have to be replaced by a barrel imported from elsewhere, leaving us more reliant on foreign countries. The bill allows the President to limit exports only if he declares an emergency under the National Emergencies Act or the International Emergency Economic Powers Act or if he is directed by the International Energy Agency to respond to an international supply crisis. Outside of these narrow circumstances, the bill permits no restrictions on exports of crude oil.…
