[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H16841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS ONCE AGAIN SUPPORTS ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND 
                                SECURITY

  (Mr. CLEAVER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, yesterday the Democratic Congress once 
again supported energy independence and security. This legislation, 
which the President is now expected to sign, includes an historic 
increase in fuel economy standards for vehicles and significant new 
support for alternative fuels.
  This comprehensive Democratic energy bill provides a dramatic shift 
in our Nation's energy policy, including new standards for buildings, 
homes, lighting and appliances, and makes great strides in our fight 
against global warming. It is also something that we can feel good 
about, because it reduces the price at the pump through increased 
efficiency standards that reach 35 miles per gallon by 2020. This is 
the first increase in CAFE standards in 32 years and will save the 
average driver between $700 and $1,000 a year.
  Madam Speaker, the protection of our environment is both a spiritual 
and moral issue, and Congress has failed for too many years to address 
this issue. I am proud that the Democratic Congress has worked to bring 
this historic legislation to the floor.

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