[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 143 (Wednesday, September 10, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H7960]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY REFORM; THE TIME FOR CONGRESS TO ACT IS NOW

  (Mr. LATTA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I spent the month of August traveling 
throughout my district speaking with my constituents about what issues 
matter to them most. Hands down, energy prices are their number one 
concern.
  As I toured factories, management explained how the rising cost of 
energy was forcing them to raise the cost of their products, oftentimes 
making foreign-made goods more appealing to consumers. When I met with 
farmers, they explained the high cost of fuel, fertilizer, and 
chemicals. Some farmers are spending over $900 a day to run their 
tractors.
  At our county fairs and events throughout the district, families 
described the impact of high gas prices and how it is affecting their 
spending and savings plans, putting their financial future and 
stability into jeopardy.
  During these discussions, I took pride in telling everyone that House 
Republicans were fighting during the entire August recess for lower 
energy costs with an ``all of the above'' plan that includes the 
responsible recovery of our natural resources in addition to further 
development of renewable and alternative energy.
  Without comprehensive energy reform, our constituents and economy 
will continue to suffer. It's time for Congress to act now.

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