Joe Manchin

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. This will be a simple yes or no.

Senator Wyden, you've put it so succinctly that basically that sweet spot.

I called, at that time, for ending the prohibition on crude on condensate exports.

I think most Americans think our government would choose not to import oil and provide funding to regimes unfriendly to the United States if given the option.

Can our country reduce its dependence on fuel from countries that do not always have our best interest in mind? Again, of course.

They haven't seen a 20 percent decrease in the price at the pump. I mean, we're still at $3.30, $3.50, $3.60 in that neighborhood there.

It really speaks of the innovation and the changes that you all have been able to develop for our country to make us much more secure.

I look forward to working with Senator Murkowski, all of our colleagues, so that our country can maximize...

Energy independence has been a well-worn staple of virtually every politician's energy speech for decades.

We need to find the right balance, where we are able to meet our domestic energy needs--for things like rebuilding our manufacturing base--while still allowing for some level of exports.

Can energy help grow our economy and create jobs? The answer is, of course.

The fact is energy is not the same thing as blueberries and accordingly it is treated differently under Federal law.

I truly appreciate having this opportunity to hear from our witnesses, who I understand have differing opinions on this topic.

American families and American businesses deserve to know what exports would mean for their specific needs.

I want to thank both you and Senator Murkowski for holding this historic hearing today.

Isn't it amazing that you're able to ask that question and not be laughed out of the room

The consumer is not going to get short shrift.

What prohibition does the United States--what prohibition do we have against foreign countries owning U.S. critical minerals?

I hope we don't get in a situation with rare earth minerals too and we would hope you would advise us on that where your dependency is and what critical factor it would have if you couldn't get it.

In terms of domestic supply the answer is clearly no. Most of what we get somewhere along the line in the supply chain is touched by foreign countries.

Senator Manchin is trying to get more processing in the United States and it seemed to me as we looked at it that China was a big factor in that shutdown.

I truly believe with the policies we have in this country allowing foreign countries to own these vital resources that we need.

An investment that pays off right?

That would help us along as we proceed.

Are you concerned about supply?