Roy Blunt: “American consumers sent Iraq and Saddam Hussein more than $1.4 billion for oil in the first 4 months of this year. This…”

“American consumers sent Iraq and Saddam Hussein more than $1.4 billion for oil in the first 4 months of this year. This is a corrupt regime that pays the families of homicide bombers $25,000 for their attack on innocent victims in Israel. We are at war, and depending on Saddam Hussein for the fuel that powers our war on terrorism is untenable. Mr. Speaker, there is a direct link between energy policy and our national security. That is why more than 80 percent of Americans want us to pass a comprehensive energy plan that protects our national security while strengthening our economy. In 1992, we imported 32 percent of our energy. Now, nearly 60 percent of our energy is imported. We need an energy policy. The conferees on the energy bill begin meeting tomorrow. I urge them to bring us legislation to increase our energy independence, create jobs, and strengthen our economy, Mr. Speaker.”