Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this commonsense measure that would prohibit funds within this bill from entering into contracts for energy or fuel with the Russian Federation for the purpose of heating our military installations.

I have longstanding concerns regarding the prospect of American military installations in Europe being exposed to unnecessary vulnerabilities as a result of becoming dependent upon foreign energy resources. Russian natural gas already makes up a majority of the fuel mix used at some military posts, and we cannot allow Russian coal or natural gas to take control of the difference.

Mr. Chairman, this is a national security issue. By purchasing energy from areas impacted by volatile international or regional politics, we are putting our troops and their dependents at risk. Furthermore, we are filling the coffers of hostile regimes who seek to use energy as a weapon.

Furthermore, the United States has become the North American energy giant. With congressional action to lift a 40-year moratorium on crude oil exports, we are seeing new markets develop. We must ensure our allies in Europe are provided a choice. Similarly, we must utilize American-sourced energy to strategically support our military installations overseas.

This is about countering Russian aggressions. I encourage support of the Barletta amendment.

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