[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 117 (Wednesday, July 16, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H6580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          COMMONSENSE SOLUTION

  (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, it is a basic rule of 
economics that when demand goes up, but supply remains stagnant, prices 
go up. That is the primary cause of the recent rise in gas prices.
  Energy costs affect our transportation costs, our food costs and our 
national security. If there were a silver bullet, an alternative energy 
source that could replace oil tomorrow, we would all be for it. But 
there isn't. So while we are working with oil, it makes economic and 
national security sense to reduce our dependence on foreign imports.
  If my colleagues on the other side of the aisle want to invest in 
alternative energy, good. So do we. If they want to promote 
conservation, good. So do we. But if they continue to stand in the way 
of opening up new areas right here at home for oil and natural gas 
exploration, then they will stand alone.
  House Republicans are ready to act because Americans want an all-of-
the-above energy policy. When will House Democrats stand with the 
American people, rather than in their way?
  In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will never forget September 
the 11th.

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