On the recordFebruary 15, 2012
The House leadership is still scrambling to find the votes to pass what everyone is coming to recognize as the worst transportation authorization bill in this Nation's history. But with gasoline prices approaching $4 a gallon, House Republicans are falling back on their wrongheaded 2008 campaign slogan of ``Drill, Baby, Drill.'' It's a cynical ploy, and assumes Americans think that the pain of high gasoline prices is justifiable grounds to open restricted areas for drilling and weaken protections that would ensure offshore drilling is done in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. The cold reality, however, is that this bill will not bring relief to Americans suffering at the gasoline pump, and prosperous fishing and tourism industries--real job creators--based in Bristol Bay, southern California, the west coast of Florida, and Virginia will needlessly be placed at risk. And for what? Approximately $1.8 billion in new Federal revenue over 10 years. Not nearly enough to fund public transit or any other meaningful part of a transportation infrastructure bill. And the revenue generated by drilling off Virginia's coast: $40 million over 10 years. Our Governor says that's what's going to pay for his transportation plan. It pays for nothing. Billions in economic activity and tens of thousands of jobs would be put at risk for very little in benefits. ____________________
