On the recordJuly 26, 2011
I would remind everyone that in America today, we're using about 22 million barrels of oil a day and that we're producing about 7 million barrels of oil a day in this country. We need more efficiency--there is no question about that--to make better gas mileage. We also have to recognize that we have the responsibility to bring more product into the United States. To do so from Canada would be good for the American people. It would create, it has been said, 20,000 construction jobs at a time when unemployment is at 9.2 percent. We also understand that, if that pipeline does not come to America, it's going to go to west Canada, and then that oil will be going to China. We have to remain competitive in the global marketplace if we're going to create jobs in America, and that's what this pipeline is about. I would remind everyone that we're not short-circuiting any studies. Comprehensive studies have been made, and environmental impact statements have been examined, so I would urge everyone to support this important legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.
