Larson: Congress Took An Historic Step To Create Jobs, Protect the Country
FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE:June 26, 2009
CONTACT: EmilyBarocas/202-225-7295
LARSON:CONGRESS TOOK AN HISTORIC STEP TODAY TO CREATE JOBS, PROTECT THE COUNTRY
Washington, DC - TheHouse of Representatives took an historic vote in favor of Clean Energy Jobslegislation that will create American jobs, spur economic growth, reducepollution and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Congressman John B.Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said:
"In the month ofApril the United States exported $6.8 billion to OPEC nations to feed ouraddiction to foreign oil. That means $1.5 billion to Saudi Arabia, $1.5billion to Venezuela, and almost $170 million to Libya. That is the realtax the American people are paying. The former President Bush even stoodon the floor of this House and admonished our addiction to foreign oil. Yet, the Republican Congress lacked the courage to make a stand, or thepatriotic fervor or fiber to do the right thing.
"On this historic day this Congress said nomore - no more to sending our hard-earned dollars overseas to fund our enemies,no more putting our security and our men and women in uniform in harm's waybecause of oil, no more to polluting emissions that ruin our air and water andmake our kids sick - no more.
"Instead, we helped build a future where weinvest in the clean, renewable energy we produce right here in America be it fromsolar, wind, geothermal or fuel cell sources, spurring the creation of jobs inentirely new industries that will stay right here in America.
"We took a patriotic stand in support ofAmerican ingenuity and innovation. I believe in the American people'sability to remake the world. This is the future and I fear my colleagueson the other side of the aisle who voted against the bill are stuck in thepast."
###