Randy Weber: “The diversions, the deflections, and the dereliction of congressional duty by the other side is getting increasingly…”

“The diversions, the deflections, and the dereliction of congressional duty by the other side is getting increasingly disappointing, if I can use the ``D'' words. Congress' duty is to protect Americans and help them with energy prices. The legislation we are considering today is a national solution for a national challenge to prevent national energy emergencies. We can't arbitrarily remove places from consideration if the best science, technology, and practices can safely and responsibly obtain the energy Americans need to survive through an emergency. H.R. 21 does not require the Secretary of Energy to drill any specific area. We shouldn't take items off the table before a considered review by the experts has been done. There is a novel thought. Let the experts look at it, review it. How about that? Moreover, a plan can be changed as new information comes along, while the mandate in this amendment is inflexible to facts, science, and needs arising from national emergencies. 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 Illinois (Mr. Schneider). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.”