[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 18, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5902-S5903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          U.S. FOREIGN OIL CONSUMPTION FOR WEEK ENDING JUNE 13

  Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the American Petroleum Institute reports 
that for the week ending June 13, the U.S. imported 9,391,000 barrels 
of oil each day, 989,000 barrels more than the 8,402,000 imported each 
day during the same week a year ago.
  Americans relied on foreign oil for 59.6 percent of their needs last 
week,

[[Page S5903]]

and there are no signs that the upward spiral will abate. Before the 
Persian Gulf war, the United States obtained approximately 45 percent 
of its oil supply from foreign countries. During the Arab oil embargo 
in the 1970's, foreign oil accounted for only 35 percent of America's 
oil supply.
  Anybody else interested in restoring domestic production of oil by 
U.S. producers using American workers?
  Politicians had better ponder the economic calamity sure to occur in 
America if and when foreign producers shut off our supply--or double 
the already enormous cost of imported oil flowing into the United 
States--now 9,391,000 barrels a day.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Thomas). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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