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Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) made the following statement after H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, passed the House of Representatives this evening. 

“I have firmly opposed Cap and Trade, also known as Cap and Tax, since the legislation was first introduced.  With today’s vote, the House of Representatives passed a bill that will establish the largest national energy tax in history and eliminate 2 million jobs across our country. 

Similar to previous debates this year, the Democrat majority filed a 300 page amendment at 3:09 A.M. this morning, under the darkness of night and far from the scrutiny of the public eye.  
 
Under Cap and Tax, jobs will be shipped overseas where the United States already competes with countries such as China and India who have lower energy and manufacturing costs.  China and India will continue to steal American jobs since they have made it clear that they will not follow any policy similar to Cap and Tax. 

All Americans want a clean earth not just for the short term, but for future generations.  During this debate, House Republicans introduced the American Energy Act, of which I am a proud cosponsor.  This “all of the above” strategy mapped out a plan to utilize the natural resources within our own country and expand renewable and alternative energy.  By incorporating an “all of the above” policy, this legislation would immediately lower energy prices, create jobs, and reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy- specifically Middle Eastern Oil. 

Simply put, Cap and Tax is bad for our small businesses, farmers, manufacturers, and every American family.  Every American will feel the strain of Cap and Tax by simply turning on their light switch each day.  Americans deserve better policy from Congress, but with the passage of Cap and Tax Speaker Pelosi, the Democrat majority, and the Obama Administration has truly let every American down with this flawed policy.”