[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 100 (Tuesday, July 7, 2009)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1660-E1661] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. JOHN SULLIVAN of oklahoma in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 7, 2009 Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to state for the record that I was on an official leave of absence from the U.S. House of Representatives on the account of illness and unable to vote on rollcall vote 477 to H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. Had I been present for this vote, I would have voted ``nay'' as the bill represents a partisan step in the wrong direction and a massive energy tax on the American people. I was pleased to vote against H.R. 2454 when it was considered before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Like many [[Page E1661]] Americans, I believe that we have a shared responsibility to work to ensure clean air, clean water and a healthy environment for today but also for future generations. However, we also know that the national energy tax proposal which passed the House is not the way to do it. Being good stewards of our planet should not be a partisan issue; it is something that benefits us all. As I have said from the start, H.R. 2454 is nothing more than a backdoor attempt to implement a massive national energy tax that will result in higher energy prices, less jobs, and a greater dependence on foreign sources of oil. The oil and gas industry employs 1.8 million people across the nation and represents a large portion of the economy in my district. I cannot support any bill that will eliminate these jobs or ship them overseas. I also remain deeply concerned that the bill, if enacted into law, will force American manufacturers and other energy intensive industries to relocate to other countries such as China or India. These counties are not subject to limits on greenhouse gas emissions, and H.R. 2454 would place the United States at a competitive disadvantage. Families and small businesses already are struggling during this recession, and increasing their direct and indirect energy costs to the tune of thousands of dollars per year will only make matters worse. Given our troubled economy, Congress should reject plans for a national energy tax through this deeply flawed bill and work across party lines on a plan to create jobs, lower energy costs, and establish a cleaner, more reliable energy future. ____________________