On the recordNovember 2, 2023
It is hard for me to actually understand my colleague's argument here. He opposes modernizing the Mineral Leasing Act, basically raising lease fees at a time when he is complaining about the deficit, meaning the revenue could be very helpful. The way I read this, we are just catering to oil and gas interests, enabling them to continue to operate at rates that don't benefit the American people. I have no idea how this works well for us. Why would my colleague think that at a time when he is also looking for more ways to balance our budget? Mr. Chair, I oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
