[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 112 (Friday, August 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SECURING AMERICA'S FUTURE ENERGY ACT OF 2001

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                               speech of

                           HON. EARL POMEROY

                            of north dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 1, 2001

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4) to 
     enhance energy conservation, research and development and to 
     provide for security and diversity in the energy supply for 
     the American people, and for other purposes.

  Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to oppose H.R. 4, the SAFE 
Act, which taps the Social Security and Medicare trust funds in order 
to pay for new energy tax incentives.
  Mr. Chairman, I support many of the provisions in the SAFE Act. I am 
encouraged by a number of initiatives that combine incentives for 
enhanced production along with sensible conservation measures. I 
particularly support the investments in clean coal technology and the 
tax credits for wind electricity production, as North Dakota has an 
enormous supply of lignite coal and the greatest potential for 
development of wind powered generation in the country. But I am not 
willing nor is it necessary to invest in energy at the expense of 
Social Security and Medicare.
  I think it is inexcusable that the Rules Committee refused to allow 
consideration of an offset amendment to protect Medicare and Social 
Security. I cannot support legislation that does not contain ``pay 
for'' provisions when the result is a direct raid of the Social 
Security and Medicare trust funds. That is unacceptable and I see no 
other choice but to oppose this bill.
  I am also extremely disappointed that this bill leaves out an 
important segment of energy suppliers--public power suppliers and rural 
electric cooperatives, which serve 25 percent of the nation's power 
consumers. It is only logical that by including the maximum number of 
market participants in generation of renewable and clean energy 
production, we best equip ourselves to meet these goals.
  I strongly support meaningful energy legislation that will offer more 
options and better solutions for my constituents and for all Americans. 
But I will not rob Peter to pay Paul and I oppose this raid on Medicare 
and Social Security. I am voting against the SAFE Act and I encourage 
my colleagues to join me.

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