[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 110 (Wednesday, August 1, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H4994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             AMERICA'S NEED FOR A COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY PLAN

  (Mr. TIAHRT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, to this date, America has not had a 
comprehensive energy policy. The results were expressed last year when 
President Clinton's Energy Secretary Bill Richardson admitted, ``It is 
obvious that the Federal Government was not prepared. We were caught 
napping. We got complacent.''
  Mr. Speaker, we all agree that these problems do not happen overnight 
and they cannot be solved overnight, but with Americans now facing 
rising utility bills, high gasoline prices and rolling blackouts and 
brownouts, I believe Congress must act to pass President Bush's far-
reaching plan which is balanced and responsive in addressing America's 
energy needs.
  The President's plans offers 105 specific recommendations to address 
America's current energy shortage and provides reliable and affordable 
supply for the future. It starts with conversation and includes 
friendly changes to increase our domestic supply, improve delivery, 
reform outdated regulations and encourage energy diversity.
  It is unnecessary that nearly 60 percent of America's oil is 
imported. It is unbelievable that large portions of our oil and gas are 
in hands of Mommar Quadaffi and Saddam Hussein. It is outrageous that 
Members of this House choose to put politics before the people.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to adopt the President's 
energy plan.

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