Randy Weber: “It is interesting to hear this isn't really about energy or we would be talking about more than just a few tanks in the…”

“It is interesting to hear this isn't really about energy or we would be talking about more than just a few tanks in the country. That is a really interesting phrase. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is put in for strategic reasons for the entire country, not for political gain. This amendment would prohibit oil and gas companies from producing on a lease outlined in the leasing plan unless the fossil industry entity submits to the Secretary of Energy a plan to reduce its global warming pollution. This amendment is simply nothing more than to delay the implementation of H.R. 21. That is all this is. Let's call it what it is. It is not about a few tanks in the country. Really? It is not about that. Americans are suffering under record-high gas prices that hurt low- income Americans the most, and they want to call that, oh, a discussion about a few tanks in the country. Really? Families can't put food on their tables. They can't put gas in their tanks. They are struggling to get by. Oh, this is just a discussion about a few tanks in America, that is all. Mr. Chairman, we have the strongest environmental and safety standards in the world, bar none. Let's let American energy workers do their job, make America safe, and make the world cleaner. Let's pass H.R. 21. Vote ``no'' on this amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Casten).…”