[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 167 (Tuesday, November 18, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H11365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SUPPORT FOR THE ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2003

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the order of the House of 
January 7, 2003, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) is 
recognized during morning hour debates for 1 minute.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Energy Policy Act 
of 2003. In recent years, U.S. policy, or lack of it, has encouraged 
consumption and discouraged production. In response, Congress and the 
President have developed a national energy policy to promote 
dependable, affordable and environmentally sound production and 
distribution of energy for the future.
  Most importantly, this bill will prevent the loss of jobs due to high 
energy prices and help create new ones. I am pleased with the 
provisions in this bill that affect rural America. Rural America has 
assisted the United States in its times of crisis and also in times of 
innovation. Our rural electric co-ops have been a huge part of that 
innovation.
  I am pleased that this bill protects our rural cooperatives from 
unnecessary Federal costs and obligations and recognizes the unique 
role they play in our Nation's electric system.
  Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased that there are significant provisions 
to promote the use of coal.
  Both Houses of Congress have worked tirelessly toward a comprehensive 
national energy policy that promotes conservation, reduces our growing 
dependence on foreign oil, and improves our economy. It is time we 
passed this legislation for the good of this Nation.

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