Press Office of U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton

Congressman Ike Skelton

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 31, 2010) — Congressman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) issued the following statement regarding President Barack Obama’s decision to open previously-restricted offshore areas for oil and natural gas exploration.

“I commend the Administration for deciding to open more offshore territory for responsible domestic oil and natural gas exploration. Today’s announcement is important to national security and to American energy consumers. If implemented properly, it will reduce the amount of oil the United States must import from foreign countries that do not necessarily have our best interest in mind.

“Further, I am grateful that the Interior Department has been coordinating carefully with the Defense Department to ensure any new offshore energy exploration does not interfere with military training. And, I appreciate the Pentagon’s increasing efforts to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil by using biofuels to power military machinery.”

Congressman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) serves as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Congressman Skelton’s website is at www.house.gov/skelton.

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