Radio Address by the President to the Nation, 08-02-08

WhiteHouse.gov ^ | 08-02-08 | George W. Bush

[Salvation]

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 2, 2008

President's Radio Address

  President's Radio Address
  Audio
  En Español

      In Focus: Economy
      In Focus: Energy

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This weekend marks the beginning of August, the month when many Americans take their summer vacation. This year, however, the high price of gas is taking a toll on summer travelers. Congress is now taking a month-long recess of its own. Unfortunately, Democratic leaders are leaving town without taking any action to ease the burden of high gas prices on families across America.

The fundamental source of high gas prices is the fact that supply is not keeping pace with demand. To reduce pressure on prices, we need to increase the supply of oil, especially oil produced here at home. So in June, I called on Congress to lift the legislative ban that prevents offshore exploration of parts of the Outer Continental Shelf, or OCS. But the leaders of the Democratic Congress have refused to allow a vote.

Lifting the ban on this offshore exploration would benefit our economy in two important ways.

First, lifting the ban would allow our Nation to take advantage of a large and reliable source of domestic oil. Experts believe that these restricted areas could eventually produce about 18 billion barrels of oil. That's almost 10 years worth of America's current oil production.

Second, lifting the ban would create new opportunities for American workers and businesses. On Tuesday, I visited the Lincoln Electric Company in Cleveland, Ohio, a business that produces welding products used for offshore exploration. If Congress were to permit this exploration, it would mean new jobs at businesses like Lincoln Electric. American drivers are counting on Congress to lift the ban on offshore exploration, and so are American workers.

Bringing these resources online will take time, and that means that the need for congressional action is urgent. I've lifted the executive restrictions on offshore exploration. This means that the only thing now standing between the American people and these vast oil resources is the United States Congress. The sooner Congress lifts the ban, the sooner we can get this oil from beneath the ocean floor to your gas tank.

We also need to take other essential steps to strengthen domestic oil production. Congress needs to pass legislation that allows us to tap the extraordinary potential of oil shale, permits exploration in currently restricted areas of northern Alaska, and enables the expansion of America's domestic refining capacity.

It appears that the leaders of the Democratically-controlled Congress will let the entire summer pass without voting on any of these vital steps to help reduce pressure on gas prices. This failure to act is unacceptable to me and unacceptable to the American people. So when they return from their summer break, Democratic leaders should show that they've heard the frustration of the American people by allowing a vote on offshore exploration. If Congress does not act, they will owe families across America an explanation for why they're ignoring their concerns.

I know that high energy prices are making this a difficult time for many of our citizens, but it is important to remember that these high prices were not inevitable. They are partially the result of policy choices that have been made over the years by the United States Congress. Now Congress has an opportunity to begin reversing that damage. By opening up new resources at home we can help bring energy costs down. And that will help ensure that our economy remains the strongest, most vibrant, and most hopeful in the world.

Thank you for listening.

 

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[Salvation]

It’s Nancy’s fault!

Call them back, Mr. President!

[Salvation]

High prices for gasoline?

 

It's Nancy's fault.

 

She, alone, would not allow a vote on DRILLING!

 

Freep her office!

You have to send Nancy’s email to:

http://www.speaker.gov/contact/

[Radl]

“So when they return from their summer break, Democratic leaders should show that they’ve heard the frustration of the American people...”

_________________________________________

If the prez had any guts he would ORDER them back tomorrow.

[chris_bdba]

Keep pounding that message folks. The “DEMOCRATIC LEAD CONGRESS” say it often and loud! This is your issue and the key to the majority and the Whitehouse. Hang it around their necks.

[Salvation]

And call your local Representatives and Senators!

 

 

Contact your Congress critters to let them know that you are tired of high gas prices.

U. S. Senate

U. S. House of Representatives

[bert]

recall if you will, W is President....not you.

[Salvation]

**Now Congress has an opportunity to begin reversing that damage.**

Keep after Congress, everyone, especially Naughty Nancy.

[Salvation]

The dimocrats have really hung themselves out on the clothesline on this one. Hopefully many will lose their seats because they did not care about their consitutuents at home!

[Dog Gone]

I’d rather that the President did NOT call them back. Our best hope of defeating Democrats is demonstrate that they will do nothing. If that means no action between now and election day, that’s a price I’m willing to pay.

[Salvation]

So do you understand why the dimocrats want higher gas prices?

I don’t get it.

Will McCain use this in ads? Hopefully!!!!!

[chris_bdba]

From your Keyboard to G-d’s ears! :)

[Salvation]

Not call them back. Hmmm. You’ve got a good point there. But what if he does call them back and Naughty Nancy still turns off the lights?

More ammo?

[Salvation]

First, lifting the ban would allow our Nation to take advantage of a large and reliable source of domestic oil.

 

Second, lifting the ban would create new opportunities for American workers and businesses.

 

Third, Congress needs to pass legislation that allows us to tap the extraordinary potential of oil shale, permits exploration in currently restricted areas of northern Alaska, and enables the expansion of America's domestic refining capacity.

[chris_bdba]

Is it wrong to hope that everyone of them gets hammered day after day by their constituants about high gas prices and when they try to balme the Republicans that they are called on their stupidity? I would love to see them all come back looking worried and stressed out.

[chris_bdba]

They want them because the large source of cash that the enviromental movement and left ing provide for them. If they throw them under the bus for thier constituants then they have no payola.

[don-o]

Hmmmmm

I posted already and it’s in The Breaking sidebar. Sorry if I stole your regular posting. Was not my intention. I did not know.

I was listening for W to call a special session.

[RC2]

Higher prices, take more money out of the pockets of the American people. That’s the reason for the graduated tax system. When you take money away from people, the Democrats have more control of the people. That’s how socialism works. Under socialism, the only people that really make out are the ones at the top, like Pelosi. Only problem is, the people at the bottom don’t see that.

[advance_copy]

Drill! Drill! Drill!