Date: 2015-10-09
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Chairman. I thank the gentleman. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman. I thank Mr. PALLONE. I hope that our colleagues have heard us to emphasize the creation of jobs along with the environment. national security. and the energy resources of America. Mr. Chair. again. let me express my appreciation to Chairman Emeritus BARTON and Ranking Member PALLONE for their leadership and commitment to American energy independence. economic growth. national security. and expanding opportunities and diversifying the energy sector workforce. Mr. Chair. thank you for the opportunity to explain my amendment. which provides: Sec. 7. Report. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of Commerce shall jointly transmit to Congress a report analyzing how lifting the ban on crude oil exports will help create opportunities for veterans and women in the United States. while promoting energy and national security. I also wish to thank Chairman SESSIONS. Ranking Member SLAUGHTER. and the members of the Rules Committee for making in order Jackson Lee Amendment Number 10. As the Member of Congress from Houston. the energy capital of the nation. I have always been mindful of the importance and have strongly advocated for national energy policies that will make our nation more energy independent. preserve and create jobs. and keep our nations economy strong. I strongly am "projobs." "progrowing economy." and "proexpanding economic opportunities for women. veterans. minorities. and small business!" That is why I carefully consider each energy legislative proposal brought to the floor on its individual merits and support them when they are sound. balanced. promote the national interest. and expand economic opportunities for everyone. particularly for women. veterans. and members of underrepresented communities. My constituents have a strong interest in policies that maintain or enhance the competitiveness of American petroleum energy business in the world oil markets. Where they fall short. I believe in working across the aisle to improve them by offering constructive amendments. That is why I have offered Jackson Lee Amendment Number 10. which recognizes the fact that veterans. minorities. small businesses and women currently are significantly underrepresented in the oil and gas industries at all levels and severely underrepresented in the senior managerial. professional. board and ownership ranks. Jackson Lee Amendment Number 10 directs the Secretaries of Commerce and Energy to submit a report to Congress within 180 days assessing the beneficial impact. if any. that lifting the crude oil export ban holds for veterans and women. This report should shed light on any additional measures that should be taken to increase the participation of women and veterans in the petroleum industry as workers. executives. and entrepreneurs. Nationally. there were 1.2 million people employed in the oil and gas industry in 2010. only 17% of which are women. Our booming energy sector has been one of the great American success stories over the last decade. and remains a bright spot in our economy as it continues to fuel job creation. To continue this success and to ensure that opportunities and benefits are shared equitably. it is critical that we have a diverse energy workforce equipped with the skills. knowledge. and experiences needed to compete and win in the global economy. And there is no better place to look than from our pool of talented veterans and women? Women make up half our population and are increasing their presence in the STEM fields vital to success in the petroleum energy sector. Veterans not only have proved their mettle and leadership skills in defense of our country but also are among the most resourceful and resilient members of our society. possessing the missioncritical ethic necessary for success in the workplace. A pipeline of qualified veterans and women looking for employment could play a key role as the energy industry seeks qualified. motivated. and skilled workers and entrepreneurs. As a nation. we must remain committed to utilizing the talents of women and veterans if our nation is to meet the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities offered by a dynamic global energy market. Jackson Lee Amendment Number 10 helps us meet this challenge by providing critical information regarding the impact of lifting the crude oil export ban will have on creating opportunities for veterans and women. I urge all members to support Jackson Lee Amendment Number 10. Mr. Chairman. with that. I ask for support of the Jackson Lee amendment. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Texas .