[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19390]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCING A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE GOAL OF THE UNITED STATES 
  ESTABLISHING A RESPONSIBLE ENERGY POLICY TOWARD THE GULF OF GUINEA 
REGION IN WESTERN AFRICA THAT ENCOURAGES LOCAL CONTENT DEVELOPMENT AND 
                   GREATER GOVERNMENTAL TRANSPARENCY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a 
resolution supporting the goal of the United States establishing a 
responsible energy policy toward the Gulf of Guinea region in Western 
Africa that encourages local content development and greater 
governmental transparency.
  The United States buys approximately 15 percent of its oil from the 
Gulf of Guinea region in Western Africa. Research indicates that in 10 
years the United States will import 25 percent of its oil from the Gulf 
of Guinea region. The Gulf of Guinea region comprises the countries of 
Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Congo-Brazzaville, 
Sao Tome and Principe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  With record-breaking prices for oil and gasoline products, reliance 
on a narrow range of the world to supply most of our oil has proven to 
be short-sighted as well as costly. We must now consider a broader 
range of fueling sources. By working as an active partner with the Gulf 
of Guinea region in Western Africa, the U.S. can positively guide 
changes that help develop West Africa's oil economy while securing 
economic growth, finding additional oil resources, and honoring human 
needs.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. As 
Members of Congress, it is our moral responsibility to ensure that we 
establish a responsible energy policy toward the Gulf of Guinea region 
that is mutually beneficial and responsible. I look forward to working 
with my colleagues and moving this promising resolution forward.

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