NE Washington News

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) delivered opening remarks at a hearing titled “From Gas to Groceries: Americans Pay the Price of the Biden-Harris Energy Agenda."

“Today, we are going to review the past four years to examine how record high energy prices have impacted American families and the pursuit of the American dream," Duncan stated.

Addressing the effects of the current administration's policies, Duncan remarked, “Since day 1, the Biden-Harris administration has waged war on American energy and the results have been devastating. The facts are undeniable. Inflation surged out of control, and price levels remain unacceptably high."

He further noted that "records have been set with historically high prices for gasoline, diesel, fertilizers, and many fossil-fuel based commodities," adding that supply chain shortages have affected various sectors of the economy.

Duncan emphasized that Americans are now paying more for essentials such as groceries and housing than they were before. He attributed this situation to what he described as massive government spending and tax subsidies that have distorted energy markets.

"Who pays the price for all of this? Every American, rich and poor," he asserted.

The subcommittee chair also highlighted kitchen table issues affecting everyday Americans under current policies. "Energy powers our economy. The cost of energy—fossil fuels and electricity—is embedded in everything we buy," he said.

Duncan criticized his Democratic colleagues for not acknowledging these impacts on American families' daily lives. "Inflation. Grocery bills. Housing costs. These are the issues people are talking about around their kitchen tables," he noted.

During today's hearing, members will hear stories from Americans directly affected by these policies. According to Duncan, federal regulations targeting fossil fuel production have led to record-high electricity bills and power outages.

"We will examine the false promises of a ‘green transition’, and why claims of ‘price gouging’ are another distraction from the administration’s failed policy agenda,” Duncan stated.

He concluded by highlighting Republican efforts to increase energy supply and reduce regulatory barriers through legislation like H.R. 1, aimed at reforming energy permitting processes.

“We still have important work to do,” he said while expressing hope for pushing these reforms forward during this Congress session.