Ed Markey: “Senator Cassidy and I have offered this amendment in order to correct a problem in the bill. Without this amendment…”

“Senator Cassidy and I have offered this amendment in order to correct a problem in the bill. Without this amendment, there would not be the kind of discipline which is necessary in order to make sure the Strategic Petroleum oil is sold strategically so that the Federal Government gets the best price for it, so that we sell high--or as high as we can--in order to limit the number of barrels of oil that ultimately will be sold so that we can keep as many as possible in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. In order to meet the budget objectives, this amendment satisfies it but also ensures that we keep the maximum number of barrels of oil remaining in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. This is going to make millions--tens of millions of extra dollars for the Federal taxpayers because it will be done in a very smart way. We will be selling as high as possible because we bought this oil, for the most part, in a very high-priced marketplace. Senator Cassidy and I urge an ``aye'' vote on the amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alaska.”