[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 93 (Thursday, July 11, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H4501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      BALANCED ENERGY POLICY VITAL TO AMERICA'S NATIONAL SECURITY

  (Mr. KNOLLENBERG asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the House and 
Senate conferees to reach a compromise on energy legislation that 
President Bush can sign into law this Congress. In this time of war, we 
forget about that sometimes a balanced energy policy has never been 
more vital to America's national security.

                              {time}  1015

  In fact, it is long overdue. It is estimated that we import about 60 
percent of our energy, much of which comes from hostile parts of the 
world. When the American people are confronted with quotes from Saddam 
Hussein urging other nations to use oil as a weapon against the United 
States, the pressing need for an energy bill cannot be any clearer.
  A balanced energy policy is also crucial to spur a much-needed 
economic rebound. Less reliance on foreign energy imports and increased 
domestic production would create hundreds of thousands of jobs for the 
American people. That is jobs in this country.
  I urge my colleagues to reach a compromise and pass this legislation. 
It will protect and revitalize our national and economic security.

                          ____________________