WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, reiterated today that Texans cannot afford further delay on addressing high gas costs and voiced support for the effort by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky, to force the Senate to debate new energy legislation. McConnell, backed by Cornyn and other Senate Republicans, introduced the American Energy Production Act, S. 2958, as an amendment today to separate legislation currently before the Senate.

If enacted, the legislation would lead to the estimated production of up to 24 billion barrels of oil -- enough oil to supply America for 5 years with no foreign imports. It was introduced last week as a stand-alone bill by Sen. Cornyn and his colleagues.

“More than two years ago – 744 days to be exact – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats promised a common sense solution to address rising gas prices,” Sen. Cornyn said. “Since that time, gasoline prices have reached all-time highs. The time to act is now, and that’s exactly what we are doing. This legislation would increase oil and gas production in America, boost refinery capacity in America, and allow energy exploration in ANWR and the Outer Continental Shelf. This is an important start to lowering gas prices.” [read more]