Larry Bucshon: “Thank you for yielding, Congressman Terry. I rise today in support of American energy and the families that it supports.…”

“Thank you for yielding, Congressman Terry. I rise today in support of American energy and the families that it supports. Mr. Speaker, American families are struggling. Many are living paycheck to paycheck as the price of everything continues to rise: a gallon of gas, a gallon of milk, electrical costs. And do you know who the rising electrical costs will affect the most? American's seniors on a fixed income and the poor. Here in the House we have solutions, like investing and expanding American energy production. It creates jobs on which families can depend and lowers costs at home and for businesses. Mr. Speaker, my father was a United Mine Worker in Illinois for over 30 years. It was hard work, but it was a good-paying job and provided for our family, and we are proud of the work my dad did. It afforded me the opportunity to pursue an education and become the first person in my family to receive a 4-year college degree. I went on to medical school and became a surgeon. His job as a coal miner made the American Dream possible for me. This is what America is about. In my home State of Indiana, over 80 percent of our electricity comes from coal. My district is home to nine coal mines, every mine in the State, and they employ thousands of Hoosiers. Next door, in southern Illinois, more coal mines, which employ Hoosiers. Coal not only keeps the lights on in Indiana, but it puts food on the table for Hoosier families.…”