Hoyer Statement on House Republicans' Misguided Strategic Petroleum Reserve Legislation

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after House Republicans passed legislation further politicizing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve:

"For decades, America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) has helped us prepare for and respond to dire crises. That's why I have long believed that the SPR ought to remain above partisan politics. Although supporters of the Strategic Production Response Act claim to share that belief, their bill – which the House passed earlier today – would only further politicize a strategic stockpile that is crucial to our national security. This legislation would needlessly delay the deployment of oil reserves in a time of crisis just to secure additional drilling permits for the oil and gas industry. Energy production is essential to the American economy, but this proposal is unnecessary considering thousands of approved permits for oil and gas drilling on public lands remain unused while the industry enjoys record profits. Additionally, the Biden Administration continues to issue permits at a steady rate even without these unnecessary requirements, and U.S. domestic oil production is projected to reach an all-time high in 2023.

"Unlikely to advance any further, this legislation is yet another misguided attempt to divert attention away from the new House Majority's inability to come up with a plan to bring down costs for the American people. Americans, however, expect Congress to deliver – not distract. I am open to working with Democrats and Republicans to maintain the integrity of the SPR, but this legislation is not the right way to approach that goal."