[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 19, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H3675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               ECONOMIC RECOVERY REQUIRES AN ENERGY PLAN

  (Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, America's economic recovery requires an 
energy plan, and Americans are watching gas prices in preparation for 
summer vacations, reminding all of us that oil products are the core of 
our American economy. If we expect Americans to hop on airplanes and 
climb into cars, we must immediately implement the House energy plan.
  Mr. Speaker, our fellow citizens are also watching for the latest 
terrorism alerts. If we want our friends to visit our Nation's great 
cities and landmarks, we must provide them with security. By supporting 
H.R. 4, we can reduce dependence on foreign oil and make this country 
safer from unstable rogue nations that consider us their enemy.
  H.R. 4 provides for increased domestic oil production, which will 
increase new jobs and boost economic development. Our economy is 
growing stronger by the day, but without a new energy plan there is no 
guarantee that we will have the resources we need to see continued 
improvement.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4 provides long-term answers to our Nation's energy 
needs. We must reject the radical opposition's political games which 
may appease special interest groups, but do not reflect this Nation's 
need for jobs, economic security, nor its energy needs.

                          ____________________