US Presidency
1977

Our national security depends on more than just our Armed Forces; it also rests on the strength of our economy, on our national will, and on the ability of the United States to carry out our foreign policy as a free and independent nation. America overseas is only as strong as America at home. The Secretary of Defense said recently, The present deficiency of assured energy sources is the single surest threat.. to our security and to that of our allies. Yesterday, after careful consideration, I announced the postponement of a major overseas trip until after Christmas because of the paramount importance of developing an effective energy plan this year. I have no doubt that this is the right decision, because the other nations of the world, allies and adversaries alike, await our energy decisions with a great interest and concern. As one of the world's largest producers of coal and oil and gas, why do we have this problem with energy, and why is it so difficult to solve?