Providing for Consideration of H.R. Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of Providing for Consideration of H.R. Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act; and Providing for Consideration of H.R. Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act, and for Other Purposes

Floor Speech

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Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the combined rule and the underlying fuel prices legislation in this package as it seeks to cast blame on hardworking Americans in the energy industry and offers no real solutions.

The underlying bill, H.R. 7688, establishes de facto price control on fuels, a dangerous step that has the potential to create fuel shortages. Many Americans remember the long lines of cars waiting at gas stations in the mid-1970s, and they do not want to return to that scenario.

But don't take my word for it. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce warned Congress last night that this bill has the potential to cause, `` . . . rationing, gas lines, and a much greater dependence on imported energy. . . . ''

Madam Speaker, I remind my colleagues that the price of gasoline is determined on a global market based on supply and demand. The way to lower prices is to increase supply, and we can do that by unleashing American production.

Sadly, the administration has been doing the exact opposite, delaying permit approvals, denying access to public lands, and gaslighting the energy industry.

What is worse, just today, the administration announced that they are removing sanctions on Venezuela in order to import foreign oil from a hostile socialist country.

In my home State of Oklahoma, nearly a quarter of all jobs are connected to the energy industry. Frankly, this legislation is insulting to hardworking Oklahomans throughout the Fifth Congressional District whose efforts power this great Nation.

Instead of legislation that blames American energy producers, we should roll back the onerous energy policies of the Biden administration and unleash American energy.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject the rule and to reject the underlying bill.

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