[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 30 (Tuesday, March 11, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S2113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE NOMINATION OF FEDERICO PENA

  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I am going to speak until the 
beginning of the vote. As soon as that is called and they are ready, I 
would ask to be interrupted. But I want to speak briefly on the 
nomination of Federico Pena for Secretary of Energy. This is a very 
important position, and one that I think will certainly have an impact 
on the energy policy of our country in the future. Knowing how 
important having a healthy energy policy and a strong industry that can 
produce our own energy domestically is to this country, I think this 
nomination and the support for Federico Pena is important to all of the 
Senate.
  I am cochair, along with Senator Breaux, of the oil and gas caucus. 
We are going to work this year to make sure that we eliminate redundant 
and unnecessary regulations on the energy industry so we will be able 
to go out and drill in our country for our natural resources. We want 
tax incentives which encourage oil and gas drilling, especially 
marginal wells and formations which are difficult to develop. These are 
important because we want to have energy sufficiency in our country. 
Not only does it create jobs, but it creates security.
  A country that is dependent on foreign oil and gas is not going to be 
a strong country. It is not going to be a superpower. So, having a 
healthy energy policy in our country will be most important for us to 
be able to strengthen the ability to get oil and gas on our own shores.
  I see, Mr. President, that our leaders are ready to start a vote. I 
will stop and then hope to be able to speak on behalf of Secretary 
Pena's nomination at a later time.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. WARNER addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Virginia.

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