HASC: Giffords Energy Security Act Introduced by Ranking Member Adam Smith

Press Release

The United States Military relies heavily on fossil fuels to operate and execute its missions, creating a vulnerability that our enemies are keenly aware of. In fact, Osama Bin Laden once said, "[Oil] is the umbilical cord and lifeline of the crusader community… Focus your operations on oil, especially in Iraq and the Gulf area, since this will cause them to die off." While crudely stated, the comment reveals an undeniable threat to our national security.

To address this significant national security issue, on behalf of Representative Gabrielle Giffords, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith introduced the Department of Defense Energy Security Act of 2011. The bill is designed to move the Department of Defense forward on energy security by reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.

"Representative Giffords has been a leader on this issue and it is an honor to introduce this important piece of legislation on her behalf," said Ranking Member Smith. "Since joining the House Armed Services Committee, Representative Giffords has understood that our military's overreliance on fossil fuels represents one of our great vulnerabilities and she has worked tirelessly to address this shortfall. While she has been successful in including a number of proposals in the committee's annual defense authorization bill in the past, this legislation represents a comprehensive approach. I applaud her for her hard work and dedication to this issue."

"Our enemies are critically aware of our reliance on oil, and they are using it to their advantage," the Congresswoman said at a press conference last year to introduce a similar piece of legislation. "Instead of fighting the enemy, thousands of service members are dedicated to securing supply lines so that fuel can reach forward operating bases and far-reaching outposts."

The Department of Defense Energy Security Act of 2011 (DODESA), developed by the office of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Sen. Mark Udall, builds on the DOD's efforts and systemically addresses DOD energy security.

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