It is Time to Lead America to Energy Independence

IT IS TIME TO LEAD AMERICA TO ENERGY INDEPENDENCE -- (House of Representatives - April 13, 2005)

(Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, as summer approaches, I am concerned about the effect that rising gas prices are having on family budgets and small businesses. In the past 3 weeks, gas prices have skyrocketed by 19 cents because of growing demand, high crude oil prices, and higher refining costs.

Congress can help reduce gas prices by finally implementing a comprehensive national energy policy. For the past 4 years, the House has passed sound energy legislation that will reduce our reliance on foreign sources of energy, increase conservation and increase the use of clean, modern and reliable sources of energy. But Democrats are playing politics, smearing Tom DeLay, Dick Cheney and Condoleezza Rice, and the United States still does not have a comprehensive national energy policy.

South Carolina families need relief from record high energy costs, and Congress can now act to lead America to greater energy independence. This is a matter of economic and national security and we cannot afford to wait another year.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

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