[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 116 (Tuesday, July 15, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H6478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              LIFT CONGRESSIONAL BAN ON ENERGY EXPLORATION

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday President Bush 
announced that he would be lifting the executive branch moratorium on 
offshore exploration for oil and natural gas. I applaud the President's 
actions.
  House Republicans have offered a plan to expand offshore and onshore 
energy supply with conservation. This is part of our comprehensive 
approach to lowering energy prices and reducing our dependence on 
foreign oil.
  I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will join House 
Republicans and the American people in calling for an immediate lifting 
of the congressional ban on offshore drilling.
  We need to invest in future alternatives to oil, but until we find a 
viable, affordable alternative energy source that can move our cars and 
transport American commerce, we need to expand exploration of American-
made oil and natural gas, particularly when we have the tools and know 
how to do it in an environmentally sound way.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September the 11th.

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