This just in via the WMD Mainbag:
This week, Capitol Hill Democrats have a choice: They can back up their rhetoric and act to address America's energy concerns or once again say "No" and continue their chronic negligence on energy policy. But you never know ... maybe the third time IS the charm.
Last year the House passed the Gasoline for America's Security Act (H.R. 3893), comprehensive legislation to encourage new refinery capacity and ban price-gouging - yet EVERY Democrat voted "No" on the proposal.
Last month the House considered legislation designed to increase America's energy supply and safeguard our economy from high fuel costs. These policies would have encouraged new refining capacity in order to increase gasoline supplies and drive down high prices. Again, almost all Democrats voted "No." While the bill was supported by a majority of House members, including 13 Democrats, it did not capture the 2/3 vote necessary under suspension.
The pattern of neglect is easy to see. Democrats are single-handedly putting the squeeze on the American energy market, driving up costs instead of working on real solutions that will make a real difference for American consumers.
Today, the House will begin consideration of the Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act (H.R. 5254), sponsored by Rep. Charles Bass (R-NH) and developed in cooperation with Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) and Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY).
Expanding refinery capacity is critical to increasing America's energy supplies and reducing high gasoline prices, and for Democrat leaders to oppose this bill puts them squarely at odds with the interest of American families.
A new refinery has not been built in the U.S. since 1976, and that fact alone has made it nearly impossible for American energy supply to keep pace with demand. And when Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck it exposed the weaknesses in our refinery capacity. The numbers don't lie, and Chairman Barton recently put it all into perspective:
"In 1981, there were 324 operating refineries in the boundaries of the United States. Today there are 148. Do the math."
House Republicans are taking necessary steps to help secure America's energy needs and regain control of our energy future. Will Nancy Pelosi and her Capitol Hill Democrats work in a bipartisan fashion to pass sound energy policy and safeguard our economy, or will the chronic negligence continue?
