View From the Capitol - Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler's Newsletter for the Week of June 23-27, 2014
Good Day,
This week, the House passed a series of pro-growth energy bills, including legislation aimed at lowering gas prices for American consumers.
On my recent ‘all-of-the-above’ energy tour of Missouri’s Fourth District, hard-working citizens shared their desire to have access to a plentiful and affordable supply of energy. The good citizens of our district want affordable energy to cool their homes in the summer and heat them in the winter. And they want their government to take action to put the brakes on ever-climbing gas prices. The fact is we use our vehicles to get to work and to spend time with our families on weekends or vacation. It is important for citizens to have access to affordable gasoline to keep those cars running.
Unfortunately, as many Americans take to the highways for vacations, we are seeing gas prices creeping up and cutting into family budgets. In some parts of the country, gas prices have topped $4 per gallon. And let’s not forget that even citizens who don’t drive are forced to pay added costs for goods transported by trucking fleets and other delivery companies. High gasoline prices don’t only affect drivers – they cause a ripple effect throughout our economy.
I was pleased the House passed the Lowering Gasoline Prices to Fuel an America That Works Act, H.R. 4899, which combines two bills that passed in 2013 to increase domestic oil and gas production on federal lands and in offshore waters. It also streamlines the process for approving drilling permits and allows for more oil exploration off the coasts of California, South Carolina, and Virginia.
In addition, I was glad to support the North American Energy Infrastructure Act, H.R. 3301, to establish a new system for the approval and permitting of oil and gas pipelines and electrical transmission lines crossing the U.S. borders into Canada and Mexico. The House also passed the Domestic Preparedness and Global Freedom Act, H.R. 6, requiring the Department of Energy to expedite decisions on applications to export liquefied natural gas. These common-sense bills will help remove government barriers to the flow of much-needed energy to nations like Ukraine and help them to end their dependency on countries like Russia.
The House is showing again that it is working to provide real energy solutions to aid all Americans by reducing prices and ending bureaucratic and administrative delays. I remain committed to reducing our dependence on foreign oil, allowing for greater offshore oil exploration, cutting red tape to speed the processing of cross-border energy infrastructure projects like the Keystone XL pipeline, and increasing production by allowing access to energy that is currently beneath federally owned lands. The American people must have access to affordable energy.
On another matter, Taylor Ellebracht of Boonville, the Congressional Art Competition’s first place winner from Missouri’s Fourth District was in Washington this week for the formal unveiling of her work that will be on display in the U.S. Capitol for the next year. Taylor’s entry, “Misty,” featured colored pencil to provide viewers with a beautiful close-up of her family dog. It was among 44 works of art received by our office in this year’s competition. Taylor joined first prize winners from Congressional Districts around the country for the event. Her artwork is now displayed in the tunnel that links our Congressional office building with the Capitol. I look forward to seeing “Misty” each time I walk to the House chamber to cast votes on behalf of the citizens of MO-4.
Not long after students get settled in for the new academic year, my staff will be getting in touch with principals and administrators at schools throughout the district to provide them with information on how aspiring young artists can get involved in next year’s Congressional Art Competition. We’ll also give you updates on competition details in our weekly newsletter. I’m already eager to see next year’s wonderful submissions from talented students in our district.
Have a great week.
Vicky