WASHINGTON- Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) made the following
statement after H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act,
passed the House of Representatives this evening.
"I have firmly opposed Cap and Trade, also known as Cap and Tax, since
the legislation was first introduced. With today's vote, the House of
Representatives passed a bill that will establish the largest national
energy tax in history and eliminate 2 million jobs across our country.
Similar to previous debates this year, the Democrat majority filed a 300
page amendment at 3:09 A.M. this morning, under the darkness of night
and far from the scrutiny of the public eye.
Under Cap and Tax, jobs will be shipped overseas where the United States
already competes with countries such as China and India who have lower
energy and manufacturing costs. China and India will continue to steal
American jobs since they have made it clear that they will not follow
any policy similar to Cap and Tax.
All Americans want a clean earth not just for the short term, but for
future generations. During this debate, House Republicans introduced
the American Energy Act, of which I am a proud cosponsor. This "all of
the above" strategy mapped out a plan to utilize the natural resources
within our own country and expand renewable and alternative energy. By
incorporating an "all of the above" policy, this legislation would
immediately lower energy prices, create jobs, and reduce our dependence
on foreign sources of energy- specifically Middle Eastern Oil.
Simply put, Cap and Tax is bad for our small businesses, farmers,
manufacturers, and every American family. Every American will feel the
strain of Cap and Tax by simply turning on their light switch each day.
Americans deserve better policy from Congress, but with the passage of
Cap and Tax Speaker Pelosi, the Democrat majority, and the Obama
Administration has truly let every American down with this flawed
policy."
