Mario`s Message: America`s Energy Policy

Statement

By Representative Diaz-Balart

We are only three months into the year, and gas prices across the country have been steadily rising. Current prices are having a real impact on millions of families, especially in South Florida where we heavily rely on our cars. According to AAA, gas prices jumped to $3.75 a gallon, on average, across Florida -- up 7 cents from a week ago. Most experts predict relief at the pump is not expected anytime soon, so what should Congress and the White House do?

For starters, we must acknowledge that the United States is blessed with bountiful energy resources, and we must utilize them. Unfortunately, President Obama's energy plan has either blocked, hindered and delayed American energy production. I encourage you to view this timeline, to get a full understanding of the administration's policies over the past three years. Most recently, the President blocked the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, which would import nearly one million barrels of oil per day from our ally Canada and create 20,000 jobs. Fortunately, the builder of the Keystone XL pipeline has decided to reapply for the presidential permit to allow oil resources from Canada into the U.S. The current turmoil in the Middle East serves as a reminder of how dangerous and unstable it is to rely on that region for our energy supply. Americans need and deserve greater energy security, I urge President Obama to change course and finally approve the pipeline permit as soon as the application is filed.

I have and will continue to support legislation that increases our energy production here at home. Before doing so, I heavily consider the implications such legislation will have on our state and on Floridians. I will continue to work for policies that maximize our domestic energy production, making us less reliant on foreign oil, while exploring all other forms of energy. Pursuing an all-of-the-above energy policy is the best way to address our energy problems.

House Appropriation Committee Hearing Commence

On Wednesday, February 29, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs held a hearing with Secretary Hillary R. Clinton regarding the fiscal year 2013 Budget. The hearing focused on appropriately funding the State Department Operations and foreign assistance, including the Agency for International Development, Trade and Development Agency, Export-Import Bank, Peace Corps, and others. To view a full list of the subcommittee's jurisdiction, click here.

During the hearing, I provided Secretary Clinton with numerous examples of the administration's failed policy of appeasement towards Russia, Iran, Cuba, Palestinian Authority, communist China, and others, which has been seen as a sign of weakness by our enemies and has damaged relationships with our closest allies.

Click here to watch the entire exchange

Excerpts:

On the administration's journey to "reset" the U.S. relationship with Russia:

"Three years ago this administration embarked on a mission to "reset' a relationship with Russia. That "reset' attitude was broadened to more than just Russia, but to the entire foreign policy agenda. As part of that "reset,' the Polish and Czech missile defense base systems were canceled…How was that seen by our allies? The largest Czech newspaper's frontage declared, "No Radar, Russia Won." A Polish paper's headline stated, "Betrayal! U.S. Sold us to Russia andStabbed us in the Back," a Romanian newspaper stated, "America's Betrayal of Europe, for the Siren Call of Russia," This [decision] was unfortunately seen by many of our allies and friends as appeasement."

On pressuring Israel, both publicly and privately from the administration:

"For example, where Press Secretary Robert Gibbs accused Netanyahu of weakening trust between the two countries, President Obama also told Jewish leaders that they must search their souls about Israel's dedication to peace… I can go on and on to the criticisms of the settlements, and yet the Palestinian response is very aggressive including going to the United Nations."

On Iran's effort to strengthen ties with our hemisphere, including Chavez and Castro:

"Vis-à-vis Iran, after three years of engagements-they continue their nuclear program, Hezbollah leaders admit they receive their financial military backing from Iran and Iranians were planning to murder a foreign Diplomat at a restaurant in Washington, D.C. The growing ties between Iran, Chavez and Castro in our hemisphere should worry us all.'

On the loosening of sanctions to Cuba, while it holds a U.S. citizen hostage:

"In regards to Cuba, the terrorist regime has had an American hostage since 2009, this administration has unilaterally loosened sanctions that augment hundreds of millions dollars to that regime, something that the regime had been lobbying years for. While you ask for an increase in budget on a number of issues you are still cutting the funds to broadcast TV and radio Marti [and cutting Democracy Assistance to] Cuba by 25%, and the results again we see."

On China's provocative actions in the South China seas, administration refuses to sell F-16 C/D to Taiwan:

"While China is taking provocative action in the South China Sea, this administration refused to sell the F-16 C/D to Taiwan, I could go and on and on."

On resetting that "reset' with Russia, Iran, Cuba, and China:

"My question is this, is there any thinking about resetting that reset with Russia? Is there any thought to selling the F-16 C/D to Taiwan given how China has been acting in their attitudes toward Syria? At least while an American, Alan Gross a U.S. aid worker who has lost about 100 pounds, was sentenced to prison because he was helping the Jewish community in Cuba hook up to the internet. Internet freedom by the way is something that I know you espouse. Is there a thought about resetting some of those attitudes, to show a little bit more firmness in lieu of the results we have seen with the previous approach?"

Remember I work for you..

As always, it a true honor to be your voice in Washington. I want to encourage you to please stay in touch and consistently voice your questions, concerns, and accomplishments; all input is welcome and valuable to me. Let us stay connected via Twitter, Facebook, or E-mail.

Sincerely,

Mario Diaz-Balart

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