The United States Air Force has asked us to extend that another 5 years to 2027.

That moratorium is the only place in the entire outer continental shelf of the United States that is off limits to oil rigs, and it's off limits until the year 2022.

Senator Nelson, you have been our champion, and we are so grateful that you are bringing this United States Committee field hearing today.

Our oceans and our natural resources, our most important treasures--shame on us. What will our grandchildren say when they look back and go, 'What were you thinking?'

That Sea Grant Program is within NOAA, and that is within the jurisdiction of the Commerce Committee.

Now, if you can't even have a discussion about it, or alternatively, we see scientists--and I have seen this in Washington as well--attempt to be muzzled as to the free expression of what their scientific conclusions are on whatever the…

The effects of climate change are real.

It's our role to create the jobs--but there are government policies that can help, rather than hurt.

We have been gratified by the bipartisan congressional support for Brand USA, including from Senator Nelson and Senator Thune of this Committee.

All of that yellow in the Gulf is the area that is off limits in law to drilling.

Yet we are in a fight, because the very attempts in the defense bill to get the moratorium extended to 2027 are being vigorously opposed by the oil industry.