Washington, D.C. — Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. voted against a bill today to limit when the country could release oil from the U.S Strategic Petroleum Reserve and lower gasoline prices during a national emergency.  The bill, Strategic Production Response Act (H.R. 21), would prohibit the Department of Energy from using the reserve unless it allows more dangerous and environmentally-destructive oil drilling on federal lands.

Use of oil from the reserve has lowered gas prices by $1.69 for American families since the Russian invasion of Ukraine caused energy prices to spike worldwide.  Rep. Payne, Jr. attempted to limit the environmental damage of the bill with an amendment to guarantee increased drilling would not increase greenhouse gases, but it was rejected by the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives.    

“This Republican bill gives more handouts to the fossil fuel industry at the expense of American taxpayers, said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.  “The Strategic Petroleum Reserve has protected our economy and national security during times of oil embargoes and other national emergencies.  In addition, it was created by Republican President Gerald Ford.  Once again, the Republicans prove their agenda is dedicated to helping wealthiest one percent of Americans, crushing the middle class, and increasing costs for hard-working, American families.”