Political Quotes

“I just want to quickly respond to my friend from Texas and the comments about the offshore energy industry. I represent south Louisiana. We have six States that produce offshore energy: Alaska, California, Texas Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. You can add up the offshore Federal production in those five States combined, and you would have to multiply it times four to meet the amount of offshore energy production in Federal waters off the coast of Louisiana. Yet, our entire delegation, House, Senate, Republican, Democrat, are fully supportive of the crewing and manning provision in this bill because it does improve the safety and the security of operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Of course, Mr. Speaker, it would not cause the shutdown of oil and gas or energy operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Let me say it again. On the contrary, it would actually improve safety and security. There are waivers and exceptions for foreign vessels that ensure these vessels operate in a way that is safe and secure for our country. I urge adoption of this legislation.”