The House began debating the repeal of a 40-year-old ban on exporting crude oil, showing strong divisions between Democrats and Republicans on the GOP-backed bill.
A vote on the chamber floor will begin after members conclude one-minute speeches for and against the measure.
Divisions between the parties were best underscored by Texas Republican Joe Barton, who introduced the bill, and his Democratic colleague Gene Green from Houston sparring over the need for the bill. Green said despite long conversations with Barton on the bill, “I rise in opposition” to it.
Green argued for a change to the legislation that would not lift the ban, but would improve the existing process at the Commerce Department for approving exports. He said the problem with the bill is it eliminates all safeguards that ensure oil exports do not harm consumers and the economy in the event of a national crisis. He also said the bill does not track where the oil is going once exported, and was concerned it would help U.S. opponents at the expense of its allies.
“We need a policy that makes sense for the next 40 years,” Green said.
Barton immediately responded by opposing Green’s suggestions as the wrong course. “As much as I respect my good friend from Houston … I reject that amendment.”
