Peterson's Offshore Drilling Amendment Defeated
In an attempt to lower the price at the pump and bring stability to the economy, Congressman John E. Peterson (R-PA), offered an amendment to the Interior Department spending bill that would increase domestic production of oil and natural gas offshore. The amendment, which would have lifted the Congressional Moratorium on offshore energy production between 50 and 200 miles, was defeated along a party line vote with six Republicans supporting American made energy and nine Democrats voting to keep American resources locked up. Peterson issued the following statement:
“While the American people continue to endure the pain at the pump – begging Washington for relief –Democrats on the House Appropriations Interior Subcommittee voted to keep the status quo, and continue with 27 years of failed policy that restricts domestic production of oil and natural gas offshore. The amendment I offered today was a clear opportunity for both Democrats and Republicans to come together, in a bipartisan manner, to help stabilize the price of oil and natural gas, and eventually wean our dependence off foreign unstable countries.
“All is not lost however. Today’s vote was a clear indication of where nine democrats and six republicans stand on increasing American made energy. This amendment would have made available 86 billion barrels of oil and 420 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Folks, that is the equivalent of 35 years of imported oil from OPEC. Rest assured, I will offer this amendment again next Wednesday, when the full House Appropriations Committee meets to mark up the Interior Bill. I expect that in time, the majority of House Democrats and Republicans will find the courage to do what is right for the American people, and unlock these deep-sea resources.
“Americans from all walks of life, geographic location, and background, continue to struggle with every day life because of high energy costs. It is my hope that while we suffered a brief setback today, that the American people will demand more from the Democrat controlled Congress and urge them to lift the Congressional Moratorium, allowing American made energy to flow to the market, bringing relief to the pump and the economy.”
See Congressman Peterson on CNN's Mad Money
“While the American people continue to endure the pain at the pump – begging Washington for relief –Democrats on the House Appropriations Interior Subcommittee voted to keep the status quo, and continue with 27 years of failed policy that restricts domestic production of oil and natural gas offshore. The amendment I offered today was a clear opportunity for both Democrats and Republicans to come together, in a bipartisan manner, to help stabilize the price of oil and natural gas, and eventually wean our dependence off foreign unstable countries.
“All is not lost however. Today’s vote was a clear indication of where nine democrats and six republicans stand on increasing American made energy. This amendment would have made available 86 billion barrels of oil and 420 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Folks, that is the equivalent of 35 years of imported oil from OPEC. Rest assured, I will offer this amendment again next Wednesday, when the full House Appropriations Committee meets to mark up the Interior Bill. I expect that in time, the majority of House Democrats and Republicans will find the courage to do what is right for the American people, and unlock these deep-sea resources.
“Americans from all walks of life, geographic location, and background, continue to struggle with every day life because of high energy costs. It is my hope that while we suffered a brief setback today, that the American people will demand more from the Democrat controlled Congress and urge them to lift the Congressional Moratorium, allowing American made energy to flow to the market, bringing relief to the pump and the economy.”
See Congressman Peterson on CNN's Mad Money
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