Congressman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s visit to a solar panel manufacturer in California to speak about the economy.

“It’s strange to see the President touting his economic policies in California, which has nearly half a million fewer jobs today than when his supposed stimulus package became law,” said Congressman Price. “The time has come for President Obama to face the facts. His enormously expensive plan is helping push the national debt over $13 trillion, but the country has little else to show for it. Washington needs to stop the reckless spending and debt and allow a sustained recovery with strong job growth to take hold.

“The President’s visit to a solar energy manufacturer comes at a time when serious questions have been raised about his Administration’s response to the Gulf oil spill that has endangered that region’s environment and economic future. The delays and foot-dragging are sad reminders of the Administration’s failure to competently govern and set us on a path toward a vision of energy self-sufficiency.

“To build a firm foundation for economic recovery, we must embrace an all-you-can-create energy strategy that fully utilizes our energy potential in a safe and environmentally sound manner. Solar and other alternative fuel sources have important roles to play, but it is unrealistic to think they are ready to satisfy our energy needs alone. Republicans have put forth a comprehensive energy strategy that provides for the responsible and safe production of American energy to move our nation forward.”

Note: The RSC and the Western Caucus have introduced H.R. 2828, the American Energy Innovation Act. This “all-you-can-create” energy legislation represents a fiscally responsible approach to reducing our dependence on foreign energy, providing a cleaner environment, and putting Americans to work through increased innovation, conservation, and production of American energy.