Democratic leadership hides behind failed policies by proposing more spending (Rep. Frank Lucas)

During a time of record spending, the Democrats in Congress want to create yet another federal program.

This week the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on H.R. 4785, the Rural Energy Savings Program Act. The intended purpose of this $5 billion bill is to provide low interest rate loans for people to weatherize their homes with energy efficient upgrades.

The problem is if this bill passes, Congress would be creating an entirely new program that is similar, if not identical, to countless other home energy efficiency programs that already exist.

Additionally, this Democratic Congress passed nearly a trillion dollar stimulus package that was suppose to achieve the same goals.  But, according to a recent press report, the stimulus weatherization program has been mismanaged and poorly implemented.

Energy efficiency is an important step in an overall energy plan and I support reasonable, cost-effective energy efficiency measures, but this bill is a waste. I cannot support it.

Further, it’s the Democratic leadership’s attempt to address high energy costs and increasing energy demand caused by their own failed polices.

Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) is the ranking Republican on the House Agriculture Committee.