Mark Udall: “I reluctantly support the rule and will support the bill, but I think we should be doing more. The bill, as amended by…”

“I reluctantly support the rule and will support the bill, but I think we should be doing more. The bill, as amended by this rule, would direct the President to undertake diplomatic efforts to convince countries engaged in oil-price fixing that the current high oil price levels will negatively affect global economic growth rates. I think this is something that the President has been doing all along, but I support this congressional action to emphasize the importance of this strategy. I am hopeful that the passage of this bill will spark a much-needed global discussion on current high oil prices. But it's not enough for us to hope that this global discussion will result in reduced oil prices. Here at home, we need to remember the importance of seeking out alternative energy sources to replace our dependence on ever-dwindling supplies of fossil fuels. That's why I hoped to offer an amendment to the bill that would have authorized the President's fiscal 2001 budget request for the Department of Energy's solar and renewable energy research programs. It was to be very similar to an amendment I offered and the House unanimously adopted on the Floor during last year's debate on HR 1655, the bill to authorize the Department of Energy's energy research programs. However, the rule does not make that amendment in order. I would have preferred a rule that would have done so.”