Randy Weber: “This amendment is simply another delaying tactic to delay the effects of the bill until after the Secretary of Energy…”

“This amendment is simply another delaying tactic to delay the effects of the bill until after the Secretary of Energy publishes a report exposing how backlogged the Department of the Interior is on drilling permits. It is nothing more than a delaying tactic that is going to simply hurt American families, American workers. We already know the answer, Mr. Chairman. There are thousands of permits awaiting action from the Department of Energy for wells that could actually come online and help respond to the energy crisis and help American workers and American families. There is no need to wait for DOE to issue a study. That is a delaying tactic, especially on matters at the Department of the Interior. It is nothing but a delaying tactic. For that reason, Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote on the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Vasquez). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.”