Randy Weber: “This amendment goes beyond the status quo in even existing law by creating new barriers to oil exploration and…”

“This amendment goes beyond the status quo in even existing law by creating new barriers to oil exploration and development. It is funny because the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is about storing that same oil for our Nation for what is strategic. It is funny that they want to actually put in new barriers. H.R. 21 is about strengthening that Strategic Petroleum Reserve and our Nation's very energy security by requiring any nonemergency use to be accompanied by a plan, I don't know, to actually produce more American oil reserves. Why wouldn't we want to do that to make our Nation safe and energy dependent on nobody? That is why we have the SPR, Mr. Chair. This amendment undermines the purpose of this legislation, and I urge a ``no'' vote on the amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Ross). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.”