OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Military Battles With High Energy Prices

Date: Aug. 1, 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Military Personnel Energy Natural Resources


MILITARY BATTLES WITH HIGH ENERGY PRICES -- (Extensions of Remarks - August 01, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. JOE WILSON
OF SOUTH CAROLINA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2008

* Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, as Americans struggle with high gas prices our military is also facing skyrocketing energy costs. The vehicles needed to transport our military and take the fight to our enemies require extraordinary amounts of fuel.

* This is a startling example of how rising energy prices directly affect our national security. It is another example of why Democrats must not adjourn for their five-week vacation without addressing this issue.

* Between 1997 and 2007, ten years, military fuel costs grew from $3 billion to $11.4 billion, which is a 380 percent increase. Meanwhile, consumption of fuel by the military grew only 26 percent.

* We need, and the American people are demanding, a comprehensive strategy that creates more American-made energy by drilling for oil and natural gas, building new refineries, investing in renewable energy, and promoting conservation. House Democrats should take a bipartisan approach and bring the House Republican all-of-the-above energy bill to the floor for a vote. Let the American people's voices be heard.

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


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