On the recordMarch 7, 2012
I first want to note that the author of the motion to recommit voted for the bill out of committee without this amendment. So there certainly is some basis of support for this bill. But I find it very, very ironic that we continue to have what I consider impediments to job creation in this country made by the other side, because the other side has generally--not everybody, to the credit of some of those that understand energy creation--but generally they oppose all American energy. Look at the vote on developing the resources in the Outer Continental Shelf. Look at the vote on developing resources in Alaska. Look at the vote on developing resources in the intermountain West. They have always been generally opposed to it on that side of the aisle. So now we have here in front of us a bill that would create American energy, and they want to put another qualification on it. Now, the gentleman--as a matter of fact, in the debate he did somewhat mischaracterize because the amendment says ``materials.'' We don't mind, for example--one example, all of the rare Earth we need for high technology, we have to import it. And yet he would have us do it here when we don't even have a source for those materials. That's what this bill says. So, finally, Mr. Speaker, let me just tell you what this bill does.
