Americans can reclaim their "economic destiny" with a range of energy projects, including building the Keystone pipeline, that would create jobs and provide low-cost energy if Washington got out of the way, Rep. Steve Womack said Friday.
Delivering the Weekly Republican Address on Independence Day, the Arkansan said America’s greatness "has always been rooted in our creative minds and entrepreneurial spirit… to make the most of our resources, to control our economic destiny."
"But the usual politics, red tape and government fixes that never seem to pan out stand in our way," he said. "For years, Washington has denied the American people the chance to seize their economic destiny."
The nation can take it back with projects that "capitalize on America’s energy renaissance," Womack said.
"It starts by building the Keystone pipeline," which would "set into motion more plants, pipelines and transmission lines, bringing low-cost energy to consumers across the land," he said.
The Obama administration in April delayed its decision about the pipeline project.
The pipeline would carry crude from Alberta tar sands in Canada and run from the Canadian border to connect to a pipeline in Steele City, Nebraska.
Womack also urged energy projects "onshore and offshore" to create jobs and eliminate "our dependence on unstable parts of the world." He called for "predictable regulations" to let businesses plan and invest better, "a truly stable electric grid" to protect against "everything from blackouts to security threats," and boosting energy exports.
The lawmaker said Independence Day is a good time to "renew the Spirit of 1776."
"It isn't just about what America was – it’s a vision of what she could be, of what we should always strive for," he said.
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