Pete Domenici: “Madam President, I am pleased we are finally beginning to debate a very serious subject and that we have put together a…”

“Madam President, I am pleased we are finally beginning to debate a very serious subject and that we have put together a bill that is before us that perhaps after a couple of weeks of work will be known as the Senate's comprehensive energy policy for our Nation. As President Bush has repeatedly said, this issue is a vital component of our homeland defense and our national security. Our economic and our environmental future is directly tied to our ability to produce ample supplies of clean, reliable energy. There can be no doubt that this great Nation, which has achieved the most significant heights in terms of material wealth and material well-being, has done that because we have been able, principally with our American private sector and competition, to supply the kinds of energy that are needed for this enormous growth that affects each and every family as they go about their daily lives, as they live in their homes which have heat, which have cool air in the summer, which have kitchens with all kinds of appliances to get done what they want for their families and enjoy life.”