Gwen Graham: “Mr. President, the Energy bill before the Senate today is the newest chapter in the book that we have been writing…”

“Mr. President, the Energy bill before the Senate today is the newest chapter in the book that we have been writing throughout this year. The title of that book is ``At War With Our Children.'' This legislation would represent another example of this generation taking the benefits of our profligate behavior and then asking our children and grandchildren to pay the cost. This chapter begins with the addition of over $30 billion in sanctioned appropriations and some $70 billion in authorized appropriations. This will be added to an already gigantic deficit. If it had been added to this year's deficit, it would have increased it by approximately 7 to 8 percent. This cost will be paid by our children. But this goes beyond just adding to the financial burdens of our future. It adds to the vulnerability of our children and grandchildren--a vulnerability that will be occasioned by the fundamental philosophy of this legislation, which is to drain America first.”