[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17918]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                MILITARY BATTLES WITH HIGH ENERGY PRICES

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                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2008

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, as Americans struggle 
with high gas prices our military is also facing skyrocketing energy 
costs. The vehicles needed to transport our military and take the fight 
to our enemies require extraordinary amounts of fuel.
  This is a startling example of how rising energy prices directly 
affect our national security. It is another example of why Democrats 
must not adjourn for their five-week vacation without addressing this 
issue.
  Between 1997 and 2007, ten years, military fuel costs grew from $3 
billion to $11.4 billion, which is a 380 percent increase. Meanwhile, 
consumption of fuel by the military grew only 26 percent.
  We need, and the American people are demanding, a comprehensive 
strategy that creates more American-made energy by drilling for oil and 
natural gas, building new refineries, investing in renewable energy, 
and promoting conservation. House Democrats should take a bipartisan 
approach and bring the House Republican all-of-the-above energy bill to 
the floor for a vote. Let the American people's voices be heard.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September 11th.

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