The Lower Energy Costs Act, was passed by House Republicans’, on Thursday, with the support from four Democrats and all but one Republican. The bill, labeled H.R. 1, is the GOP’s top legislative priority. It passed 225 to 204.
Voting in favor of the bill alongside of Republicans, were four Democrats - Reps. Henry Cuellar (TX), Vincente Gonzalez (TX), Jared Golden (ME), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA). These democrats broke with their party to also vote in favor of the legislation. Reportedly, all but one Republican, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA) voted in favor of the bill.
The leading sponsor of the bill, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), celebrated the legislative victory in a statement, ripping President Joe Biden for prioritizing a climate-driven energy agenda. Scalise said-
“From the day he took office, President Biden has waged a war on American energy, and hardworking families are the ones paying the price,” [of the bill Scalise said] …“The Lower Energy Costs Act will increase American energy production, reform our broken permitting process, reverse the Biden Administration’s [sic] radical anti-energy policies, streamline our energy exports and imports, and boost the mining of critical minerals.”
-House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R)LA
Addressing the issues relating to energy production, HR. 1 :
Certainly a welcome breakthrough that might produce lower energy costs for the average American, this bill will hopefully work against the radical anti-energy policies that the Biden administration has espoused. Perhaps it will be a start, to end the war on America’s energy independence.
“We must develop energy independence; we must Make It In America.
-John Garamendi