Rep. Robert E. Latta (R-Ohio), in a House floor speech on July 31, as Republicans tried to keep Democrats from approving an August recess before debating energy issues:
"I am proud to represent the ninth largest manufacturing district of the United States Congress. Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of visiting two manufacturing facilities in my district.
"During the visits, the management of each facility told me that the number one issue facing them is the rising cost of energy and petroleum products.
"Natural gas is a much-needed resource in the manufacturing industry to fuel production, in addition to the thousands of petroleum-based products that are used to fabricate various goods.
"Without comprehensive energy reform, the price of oil and natural gas will continue to rise here in the United States, forcing costs to rise, and leaving us at a competitive disadvantage with the rest of the world. Foreign manufacturers located in countries such as India and China are allowing for exploration and recovery of their domestic natural resources that keep their energy prices low.
"The bottom line is that energy equals manufacturing, which equals jobs. And without comprehensive energy reform, our nation will continue to lose business to these countries and our economy will continue to suffer. The time to act is now."
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