Representative Mike Waltz, a Florida Republican, has called on Vice President Kamala Harris to prove her commitment to energy production by urging President Biden to lift the pause on liquid natural gas (LNG) export permits.
Waltz made these comments during a broadcast of "CNN News Central" on Friday, August 31, 2024. According to Breitbart News, the congressman's remarks come in response to Harris's apparent shift in stance on fracking, which has been a contentious issue in energy policy debates.
Waltz challenged the authenticity of Harris's newfound pro-energy position, suggesting that if she were genuinely supportive of energy production, she would take immediate action to influence the administration's current policies.
Rep. Waltz expressed skepticism about Vice President Harris's recent statements on energy policy, particularly regarding fracking. He pointed out the contradiction between her current stance and the administration's actions, specifically mentioning the ongoing ban on LNG exports.
The congressman highlighted the impact of this policy on international relations, noting conversations with European allies who are concerned about potentially having to return to Russian energy sources. This situation, according to Waltz, has implications not only for foreign policy but also for domestic economic issues such as inflation and transportation costs.
Waltz emphasized the immediacy with which Harris could act if her position on energy had truly changed, stating:
She could walk to the Oval Office right now and say, President Biden, lift the ban on LNG, if she's suddenly so pro-energy and pro-natural gas.
The Florida representative suggested that Harris's apparent change in position might be politically motivated rather than a genuine policy shift. He characterized her current stance as inconsistent with her previous statements and actions.
Waltz accused the Vice President of tailoring her message to different audiences at different times. He claimed that during the primary elections, Harris aligned herself with progressive left views on energy but now seems to be adapting her message for a general election audience.
The congressman's critique extended beyond energy policy, implying that this perceived inconsistency might be indicative of a broader pattern in Harris's approach to campaigning. Waltz stated:
It's a farce, it's fake, and she's just telling anybody what they want to hear in order to get elected. She was telling the progressive left what they wanted in the primary. Now, she seems to be telling the rest of America what she thinks they want to hear in a general election.
Rep. Waltz's comments touch on several interconnected issues related to energy policy, economic concerns, and international relations. The congressman argued that lifting the LNG export ban could have positive effects on inflation and reduce costs for middle-class Americans by lowering transportation expenses.
Furthermore, Waltz raised concerns about the impact of current U.S. energy policies on allies, particularly those in Europe who are dealing with complex geopolitical situations involving Russia. He suggested that the administration's stance on LNG exports could inadvertently push some European countries back towards reliance on Russian energy sources.
These points underscore the complex interplay between domestic energy policies and international diplomatic and economic relationships, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of decisions made in this sector.
Representative Mike Waltz has challenged Vice President Kamala Harris's stance on energy policy, particularly regarding fracking and LNG exports. He questioned the authenticity of her apparent shift in position, suggesting it may be politically motivated. Waltz argued that if Harris were truly pro-energy, she would advocate for lifting the LNG export ban, citing potential benefits for domestic economic and international relations.
