Introducing the Clear Act

INTRODUCING THE CLEAR ACT -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 10, 2006)

* Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, the CLEAR Act will position the U.S. House of Representatives as a body of serious advocates for a national consciousness of energy efficiency. As the House entertains a plethora of energy-related bills, the U.S. public will surely come to recognize the need to move toward purchasing automobiles that use renewable fuels and alternative sources of energy such as hydrogen and electricity.

* This legislation would prohibit the use of funds from Members' Representational Allowances to provide for any vehicle which does not use alternative fuels. With the price of a gallon of gasoline skyrocketing past 3 dollars, the need to end America's dependency on foreign oil is essential to homeland security and a stable energy supply. New technologies using alternative resources like ethanol, hydrogen and electricity give us the opportunity to reach energy independence. The CLEAR Act will show Americans that their elected officials in Congress are serious about the use of alternate sources of energy and compatible vehicles.

* The public would much rather see a sermon than hear one. Surely Congress cannot sell the American public on the need to abandon its gas guzzlers when they observe Members of Congress proudly driving them.

* Congress has far more power and persuasion with the public than polls suggest. By approving a bill that essentially says, ``Look at us and do likewise,'' the public will certainly take notice and follow our example.

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