[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 22, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H5741-H5742]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    AMERICAN FAMILIES ARE SUFFERING

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, with gas prices at or above $5 per 
gallon, Americans are feeling significant pain at the pump. In a recent 
survey of my constituents, 89 percent said they have had to change or 
cancel their summer travel plans due to the surge in gas prices. What a 
shame.
  I have also heard stories about how the gas prices, coupled with 
crippling inflation, have eaten into my constituents' savings and made 
it extremely difficult for families to make ends meet. These are the 
realities families throughout our country are facing. Yet, this 
administration and many of my colleagues in this Chamber appear to be 
out of touch with these concerns.
  Instead of taking action to relieve the pain at the pump, President 
Biden and Congressional Democrats continue to blame, deflect, and 
justify the irresponsible decisions that have caused gas prices to 
spike.
  Earlier this week, the President said: ``Out of everything lousy, 
something good will happen if you look hard enough for it.
  ``We have a chance to make a fundamental turn toward renewable 
energy, electric vehicles--and not just electric vehicles but across 
the board.''
  No, Mr. President, record-high gas prices are not a good thing. It is 
disingenuous to act as though you are powerless, Mr. President, to do 
anything to address gas prices. My constituents do not want to suffer 
while this administration and Congressional Democrats continue to 
pursue a radical, green agenda.

[[Page H5742]]

  President Biden has already done enough damage. From his first day in 
office, he canceled the Keystone pipeline and paused all domestic 
leases and sales. He has tried to blame everyone from Putin to price 
gouging and private industry.
  But the facts are clear. The Biden administration is currently 
sitting on over 4,400 pending applications for permits to drill which 
must be approved so American workers can produce more American-made 
energy. That makes sense. In addition, Biden's regulatory and 
inflationary burdens are thwarting the creation of new large-scale 
refineries which are also needed to increase production. The Biden 
climate czar, former Senator John Kerry, said last week that we don't 
need any more domestic drilling. My constituents and I beg to differ.
  Prior to President Biden assuming office, the United States was a net 
exporter of energy, and the price of gas dipped below $2 a gallon. The 
greatest Nation on the face of the Earth should never have to rely on 
Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Iran, Russia, or any other hostile nation to 
meet its energy needs. It is also not realistic to believe we can 
transition to a green economy overnight without significant cost to 
consumers.
  However, we can regain American energy independence, create American 
jobs, and lower prices at the pump by implementing the pro-growth, 
commonsense policies of the previous administration, which is why I 
have cosponsored the American Energy Independence from Russia Act. 
Unfortunately, House Democrats have blocked this critical bill seven 
times on this very floor. That means they are blocking energy solutions 
for lowering gas prices by boosting domestic energy production. This 
includes resuming the Keystone XL pipeline, restarting oil and gas 
leases on Federal lands and waters, and requiring a plan to replace the 
Strategic Petroleum Reserve that has been drained by this 
administration. It is just not right.
  I don't know what message my colleagues' constituents on the other 
side of the aisle are sending to them. But back at home, the message 
has been very clear. What are their constituents telling them? From my 
constituents, the message is extremely clear. My constituents want 
Washington to stop its obsessive spending of money we don't have to 
push a green agenda, and they want lower prices at the pump. We need to 
do it now. It is urgent that we do it. It is critical that we do it.

  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in this fight.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are reminded to address their 
remarks to the Chair and not a perceived viewing audience.
  Members are reminded to refrain from engaging in personalities toward 
the President.

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