Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this handout for Big Oil and Gas producers. This bill removes a requirement that DOE first determine LNG exports are to be in the public interest before approving export applications to non-free trade agreement countries. It is basically saying all LNG exports are in the public interest. This is simply not true. Study after study has found that increased LNG exports directly lead to higher natural gas prices here at home. According to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, LNG exports cost American consumers more than $100 billion over a 16-month period. After doubling our LNG exports in the last 5 years, natural gas prices in 2022 more than tripled. If enacted, this bill will only compound those burdens on middle- class families trying to make ends meet while enriching big corporations. This doesn't sound like legislating in the public interest. For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill. My amendment would prevent the bill from taking effect until the Secretary of Energy can certify that the bill will not increase domestic natural gas prices. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Yakym).…”