(Video Above: Congressman Bradley Byrne speaks in favor of lifting the crude oil export ban)
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives voted Friday to lift a 40-year ban on the exportation of crude oil, a move Congressman Bradley Byrne says will create hundreds of thousands of jobs and strengthen national security.
Proponents of the bill, which passed the House 261-159, say it could create 630,000 jobs in the next five years and create a boost to the manufacturing sector.
All of Alabama’s Republican members of the House voted to lift the ban, while the state’s only Democratic representative, Terri Sewell voted to keep it in place.
“Over the last decade, the United States has become the leading producer of oil and natural gas in the world, which is good news for the countless Americans who work in the oil industry and it is even better news for the American economy,” said Congressman Bradley Byrne during a speech on the House floor earlier this week, listing the benefits of nixing the ban. “…lifting the ban will allow the United States to help our allies abroad. For example, Russia has continually used their control over oil to pressure European countries to comply with their wishes. If a country refused, Russia would threaten to cut off their energy supply. By lifting the ban, the United States can begin supporting our allies and, in turn, weaken Russia’s grip on many European countries.
“It’s very interesting that this administration has worked hard to open up oil export capabilities for Iran yet they are refusing to allow the United States to do so. By allowing Iran to export oil, the President has essentially given the Ayatollah a leg up in the global marketplace, placing the strategic interests of Iran over those of the United States. This is yet another example of the President standing with Iran instead of standing up for the American people.”
During Friday’s voting, the House shot down a controversial amendment which would have funneled $500 million to unionized shipbuilders.
Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL6), a member of the Science, Space and Technology Committee, said ending the ban would lower prices for Alabamians and improve the United States’ ability to compete on the world energy marketplace.
“I am strongly in favor of ending the ban on the export of crude oil,” said Palmer in a press release after the vote. “America is in the middle of the energy renaissance. New technology has led to extensive new energy production and America is now the biggest producer of crude oil in the world, providing jobs for many Americans and lower prices for everyone. However, we are not taking advantage of enormous economic benefits because of the crude oil ban, which compromises American competitiveness and forces American families to spend more on energy.”
The bill must still be approved by the Senate and signed by the President before the ban is lifted.
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— Elizabeth BeShears (@LizEBeesh) January 21, 2015
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