Washington, D.C., Sep 16, 2008 - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) released the following statement today after voting against the Majority leadership’s energy bill, H.R. 6899.

“We have been persistent in asking Majority leadership to bring a bipartisan and comprehensive energy bill to the Floor for a vote. However, when it comes to one of the most significant issues facing our nation today, our Majority leadership does not want to be bipartisan. They have continually stifled debate on comprehensive energy solutions, and they have waited until the final hour to deliver a 290-page energy bill. It is one thing to prevent substantive energy discussion within our legislature, but it is unrealistic to think the American people, scientists, researchers, and engineers would have had an opportunity to look at this energy bill before we voted on it today.

“This bill is bad for America, and it is worse for Virginia. The bill does not include any revenue sharing provisions for states who would decide to opt-in to offshore drilling. In addition, it includes an unfunded mandate that will cost American families billions of dollars in higher electricity rates when they are already struggling to make ends meet. This is not a solution to our energy challenge – this is a strategy designed to provide cover during an election year. The American people deserve better.”

Congressman Forbes has introduced the New Manhattan Project for Energy Independence, which has been hailed by the Wall Street Journal, CNN, and Fox News radio as one of the most innovative energy solutions before Congress. For more information on the New Manhattan Project, click here.