Gus Bilirakis: “I thank my good friend from South Carolina for yielding. Go Gators. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1…”

“I thank my good friend from South Carolina for yielding. Go Gators. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1, which would unleash American energy, lower energy prices, and restore the United States as energy independent and as an energy leader in the world. I thank my good friends, Leader Scalise and Chair Rodgers, and my good friend here from South Carolina--he is a good man even though he roots for the wrong team--for being such strong leaders on the issue and bringing this legislation to the floor. Since the Biden administration came into office, Americans have been faced with a persisting energy crisis. We are in the midst of unprecedented increases in the costs of living, and I continue to hear from my constituents regarding how difficult it is to make ends meet. I have heard from numerous constituents who are facing the prospect of losing their livelihood due to increased energy costs driving up their business' operational costs. Tragically, other constituents are now facing severe financial hardship and facing increased energy costs while on fixed incomes. Our seniors are having a very hard time, Mr. Chairman. My constituents deserve energy policies that make energy more affordable for Americans, not more expensive. Not only will H.R. 1 unleash American energy to decrease costs, but it will also spur the mining and processing of critical minerals domestically. It is essential that we do this.…”