While gas prices are not as high here as in other countries, the American people and our economy depend on the availability of affordable gasoline.  We need a national energy policy that gives the United States more control over energy prices, including gasoline.   

 Our increasing dependence on foreign oil has left American consumers more vulnerable to price fluctuations in the international market.  In a recent House Policy Committee hearing, I recently heard testimony from State Department officials explaining how political instability in Venezuela, which exports more oil to the U.S. than any other country, has contributed to rising gas prices.  OPEC's decision to cut oil production has also driven prices up even farther.  It is encouraging that OPEC has signaled that it plans to increase production.  As Congress decides how much money to spend on foreign aid this year, I plan to offer amendments to reduce the amount of aid we send to countries that have manipulated the price of gas by reducing oil exports to the United States.

Another factor in the rising cost of fuel is America's increasing consumption of gasoline.  Even as prices have been rising, Americans continue to consume more and more gasoline.  To lower the cost we must increase the supply of oil to meet the demands of the consumer.  As a new member of the House Policy Committee, Chairman Cox has asked me to develop an energy policy for the 109th Congress focusing on energy independence and security.  We need to accelerate the Presidents Hydrogen Economy and promote the use of hybrid cars as a transition to hydrogen-fuel cell cars that do not use gasoline.

I look forward to pushing and implementing a comprehensive and responsible national energy policy that addresses our need to increase domestic production while reducing our demand.