Rep. John E. Peterson (R-Pa.), responding to reports on Jan. 16 of President Bush's comments during his Middle East trip asking Saudi Arabia and other Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries members to increase oil production:
"American working families, small businesses and manufacturers are being asked to sacrifice far too much as a result of failed, Washington energy policies. This White House, like the two administrations before it, has placed America on a path toward more energy dependence from foreign and often unfriendly nations, by prohibiting the production of our own resources here at home.
"As a nation, we are facing a major credit crunch, a sluggish housing market, inflation, looming tax increases by Washington Democrats, and oil prices that continue to flirt with $100/bbl. Natural gas prices are soaring. And while the American economy is screaming for energy supply, this Congress by and large is striking up the band over mandating and taxing our domestic producers.
"At a time when the president should be zealously working with Congress to increase energy production here at home, on and offshore, he's in the Middle East with a tin cup trying to coax Saudi Arabia to increase output. This is the same president and Congress that has placed 85% of our oil and gas reserves off limits."
