[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 56 (Wednesday, May 10, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E791]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       INTRODUCING THE CLEAR ACT

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                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 10, 2006

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, the CLEAR Act will position the U.S. House 
of Representatives as a body of serious advocates for a national 
consciousness of energy efficiency. As the House entertains a plethora 
of energy-related bills, the U.S. public will surely come to recognize 
the need to move toward purchasing automobiles that use renewable fuels 
and alternative sources of energy such as hydrogen and electricity.
  This legislation would prohibit the use of funds from Members' 
Representational Allowances to provide for any vehicle which does not 
use alternative fuels. With the price of a gallon of gasoline 
skyrocketing past 3 dollars, the need to end America's dependency on 
foreign oil is essential to homeland security and a stable energy 
supply. New technologies using alternative resources like ethanol, 
hydrogen and electricity give us the opportunity to reach energy 
independence. The CLEAR Act will show Americans that their elected 
officials in Congress are serious about the use of alternate sources of 
energy and compatible vehicles.
  The public would much rather see a sermon than hear one. Surely 
Congress cannot sell the American public on the need to abandon its gas 
guzzlers when they observe Members of Congress proudly driving them.
  Congress has far more power and persuasion with the public than polls 
suggest. By approving a bill that essentially says, ``Look at us and do 
likewise,'' the public will certainly take notice and follow our 
example.

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