Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., MD (R-Southwest Louisiana) today blasted President Obama’s call for an increase in production of foreign oil as South Louisiana continues to struggle with the effects of the Administration’s de facto moratorium on American energy production.

“The President doesn’t get it. President Obama is out of touch to suggest we increase our dependence on foreign oil, which threatens our national and economic security,” Boustany said. “We must resume production off our coast. Obama’s bureaucrats continue dragging out the permitting process, causing gas prices to skyrocket, further eroding our weak economy. Businesses along coastal Louisiana are suffering. Instead of helping them get back in business, the President’s solution is to increase taxes on American companies.”

President Obama suggested in interviews this week the only way to lower gas prices is for Saudi Arabia to increase its output, despite American rigs sitting idle in the Gulf of Mexico. In recent days, he also suggested removing tax breaks on American energy producers, which would further increase energy costs.

Boustany has been a leading voice for American energy production, and was the first member of Congress to publicize the devastating impact of the moratorium. 

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