Bill Pascrell: “I want to talk about the special interests--not oil companies--us. Let's talk about us and what we get out of this. In…”

“I want to talk about the special interests--not oil companies--us. Let's talk about us and what we get out of this. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. Chairman, the administration is committed to ensuring that American taxpayers receive a fair return from the sale of public resources, public land. As drafted, as this bill is before us right now, the revenue-sharing provisions of H.R. 2231 would ultimately reduce the net return to the taxpayers from development of Federal resources directed to be leased under this bill. So, with summer upon us, tourism at the Jersey shore is one of our State's greatest economic drivers. These jobs that are committed, these jobs depend upon the responsible stewardship of our waters and coasts, and the legislation before us now puts those jobs at risk. For communities across the State still working to rebuild from Sandy, this is not a risk they are willing to take. Instead of bending over backwards for Big Oil, we need to bend over and help as best we can the average citizen. I ask for a ``no'' vote on this. {time} 1550”