Very matter-of-fact, and very solid arguments from Rep. John Fleming (R-Minden) on the floor of the House today in support of H.R. 1230, the Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act, which passed with a bipartisan vote of 266 to 149. The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct oil and natural gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Virginia that have been delayed or cancelled by the Obama Administration.

We haven’t proved offshore drilling is safe? Then why are we issuing permits at all? It’d be great to hear Salazar or Bromwich answer that question. Kudos to Fleming for asking them.