[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 103 (Friday, June 20, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H5734]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRESS HELPING MONKEYS AND WHALES WHILE AMERICANS STRUGGLE TO MAKE 
                               ENDS MEET

  (Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, with oil and gas 
prices climbing to record highs and families struggling to make ends 
meet, what did Congress do to help this week? Well, we voted on 
monkeys. Yes, we voted to prohibit you from driving a monkey across 
State lines. We also had a lengthy debate on whaling. But no votes to 
increase energy supplies to lower gas prices. Good for monkeys, good 
for whales, but not good for America's families.
  Sixty-seven percent of Americans support safe, environmentally sound 
exploration of our resources. The American people understand that we 
need more American energy, not Saudi Arabian, not Venezuelan or Russian 
energy dependence. American energy means we are creating American jobs, 
not funding plush skyscrapers in Dubai. And lower prices allow us to 
invest our dollars in alternate energy and conservation.
  Earlier this week, I introduced House Resolution 1282 to encourage 
the removal of the executive ban on drilling along our Outer 
Continental Shelf. The President has the power to remove this ban 
today, if he chooses. I invite all my colleagues to cosponsor my 
resolution. Let's bring relief for America's families.

                          ____________________