Kevin McCarthy, a Republican from California who is also the minority leader of U.S. House of Representatives.

The United States is the largest producer of oil and natural gas in the world. Our top exporter is LNG. We also rank amongst the top five global oil exporters. Because we are an energy power worldwide, we are capable of ensuring low energy prices, steady employment, reliability, security, and peace for America’s allies.

Republicans recognize that they have access to the best resources available and can safely harness them. We shouldn’t stop here. We believe strongly in the country’s ability and we fear the consequences for the rest of the world if American leaders, innovators and workers settle. 

It is important that we never cease to find ways to improve, strengthen and make our country more resilient. One reason is the power of Russia to invade Ukraine and disrupt our energy prices. 

Unfortunately, America’s energy resources have been hampered by the Democrats’ inept leadership over the last year. They seem to be attempting to reverse decades worth of successes and create havoc with our gas prices.

The President Biden led an increase in energy imports to Russia of 34%. Not only has this administration stalled oil-and natural gas exports from our allies but it has also stopped further energy transportation infrastructure within the U.S. such as the Keystone XL Pipeline and supported projects in foreign countries, including Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline. American oil refineries might have access to Canadian crude instead of Russian oil by investing in our pipeline infrastructure.  

This vulnerability was only acknowledged by President Biden after Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine.

Biden is the only person who has a plan for dealing with the energy crisis. He plans to withdraw oil from his Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and then ask other countries for oil. 

America is left behind by these shortsighted decisions. The solution? Increase American energy production quickly, replacing Russian oil and gaz with American-made energy.

Republicans applaud the rise in demands from the leaders across the country for the same. Russia banning is just half the answer. However, the Biden administration has not provided any detail about how to expand production on American soil.

Republicans have been championing policies that allow Americans to export and use their resources for years. These proposals could achieve that. serving as immediate solutions to the effects of the current energy crisis – partly stemming from Russia’s war on Ukraine – and most importantly, help lower prices for the American people. 

Republicans suggest removing any restrictions on LNG exports, even those disguised as delays in permitting, and increasing American energy supply by restarting federal onshore leasing and immediately approuving Keystone XL projects. These solutions are simple and common sense, which would increase our energy supply. And More jobs

Once we are confident that we can supply our needs, it is time to accelerate LNG exports from North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries (NATO), much in the same way as exports to other countries with an existing Free Trade Agreement. For example, Germany – Europe’s largest economy – depends on Russia for about 55% of its natural gas supply. Because Russia’s gas is 41% more polluted than America’s, the world would be safer. 

The Department of Energy should approve export licenses that have been pending for more than three months. The action authorizes six large LNG export terminals: Cheniere’s Sabine Pass and Cheniere’s Corpus Christi. These projects together would increaseCapacity for natural gas is about 25%. That’s four billion cubic yards per day. 

Also, the U.S. must maximize its existing natural gas supply to Europe and give our LNG terminals flexibility to expand their output to key areas. 

Republicans also call on the Bureau of Land Management and Congress to strengthen existing law. They must approve all pending permits for drilling under existing leases. It would allow permits to drill which are delayed due to litigation or policy regarding existing leases. This will increase production short-term.

By leaving our resources in the ground and turning to others like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela for help, Democrats are choosing to increase energy costs for and risk the security of American families – either to appease far-left activists or because they lack the moral clarity to do what is right for our citizens. 

The source of all strength lies within our reach. It lies right below our feet.