Political Quotes

“My good friend from Oregon talked about Groundhog Day as to the nature of this bill. I can say, ``Well, here we go again.'' Instead of debating ways to create jobs, to enhance revenues, and to secure our Nation from a national security standpoint, we are back to debating a moratorium on offshore drilling that will lock away America's energy resources. Specifically, this amendment would close a wide area of Federal waters from drilling off the State of Alaska. But this amendment doesn't just lock away America's resources, it also eliminates State revenue-sharing provisions in the bill. President Obama has already closed the North Aleutian Basin through Presidential moratorium, closing off jobs and economic diversity to the people of Alaska through 2017. The underlying legislation does not in any way modify this unscientific Presidential closure or modify the existing Presidential authority. It does, however--and this is important, Mr. Chairman--provide that if this region contains some of our Nation's greatest potential for energy, that we should open that area for the future. I know that logic is sometimes lost in this town, but in all honesty, Mr. Chairman, we should be drilling offshore in those areas where we know the most resources are located or potentially located. The Natural Resources Committee has heard testimony time and time again about young people leaving Alaska to chase jobs elsewhere.…”