MEMBERS WHO VOTED TO LIFT CRUDE OIL EXPORT BAN HAVE TAKEN $11.5 MILLION FROM THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY THROUGHOUT CONGRESSIONAL CAREERS

MEMBERS WHO VOTED TO LIFT CRUDE OIL EXPORT BAN HAVE TAKEN $11.5 MILLION FROM THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY THROUGHOUT CONGRESSIONAL CAREERS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted to lift the crude oil export ban, a critical 40-year old policy that blocks a majority of raw American crude oil from being exported to foreign countries. The measure will now go to the full House of Representatives for a vote expected later this month. Allied Progress, an organization that has led campaigns in several states urging lawmakers to oppose ending of the policy, released the following statement from executive director Karl Frisch slamming Members of the committee who voted to repeal the ban:

“Over the years the oil and gas industry have showered these Members of Congress with more than $11 million in campaign cash – it wouldn’t be a stretch to say they’ve been bought and paid for by big oil.”

“Repealing the crude oil export ban could raise gas prices by more than a dime per gallon. It could send thousands of good-paying jobs overseas to foreign countries. Our hope of achieving American energy independence – something virtually every Member of Congress has called for – could be squandered for generations to come.”

“Big oil and its Congressional shills may want this repeal to happen as quickly and quietly as possible but the American people will not be silent, nor will they forget. When gas prices go up, when jobs are lost, when we become even more dependent on foreign oil suppliers, they will know precisely who to blame.”

According to an Allied Progress analysis of campaign disclosures maintained by Center for Responsive Politics, the 31 committee Members who supported repeal of the ban have accepted at least $11,546,338 in campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry throughout their Congressional careers:

• Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX), Chairman Emeritus – $1,965,655
• Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-KS) – $960,460
• Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), Chairman – $789,350
• Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX) – $760,400
• Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX) – $700,523
• Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) – $630,613
• Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL) – $561,111
• Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) – $496,100
• Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA) – $486,034
• Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) – $420,250
• Rep. Gregg Harper (R-MS) – $380,100
• Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) – $359,246
• Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH) – $344,666
• Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) – $277,400
• Rep. David McKinley (R-WV) – $209,600
• Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) – $192,350
• Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) – $187,300
• Rep. Joseph Pitts (R-PA) – $184,250
• Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) – $182,187
• Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) – $153,200
• Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) – $126,000
• Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) – $106,100
• Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY) – $100,900
• Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC) – $95,900
• Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ) – $79,450
• Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) – $68,746
• Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN) – $58,850
• Rep. Billy Long (R-MO) – $58,500
• Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-CA) – $36,000
• Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR) – $13,000
• TOTAL – $11,546,338

Allied Progress recently released a fact sheet outlining some of the potential damaging impacts of repealing the ban. A recent national survey found that a strong majority of Americans back Allied Progress’ position. In the survey, nearly 70 percent of all respondents were opposed to allowing oil and gas companies to export more U.S. oil and gas to foreign countries, including 61 percent of Republicans, 69 percent of independents, and 75 percent of Democrats.