WASHINGTON – Americans for Prosperity President Tim Phillips today released the following statement in response to reports that House Democratic leaders plan to attach a provision that would permanently ban drilling on the vast majority of the Outer Continental Shelf to a last-minute spending bill:

“On a day that has witnessed the largest single-day increase in the price of crude oil, and as our economy teeters on the brink of a deep, painful and prolonged recession, it is simply unbelievable that Congress would even consider continuing the ban on offshore drilling or permanently banning production on a vast majority of our offshore territories.

“Do Congressional leaders really think this is the right time to permanently limit supply and increase the cost of energy for American consumers?  Do they really think blocking the creation of thousands of new construction jobs offshore is the right thing to do right now? 

“Any Member of Congress who votes for a last-minute spending bill that extends the bans on American energy or permanently bans production on vast portions of the Outer Continental Shelf are going to have to explain to their constituents exactly why they’re forcing them to continue to pay $4 or more for a gallon of gasoline.”

"As we said last week, when it comes to energy, Congress should simply 'do nothing' and let the existing bans on offshore drilling and oil shale development expire as scheduled next Wednesday, Oct. 1."