New House Resolution on Implications of Potential Use of Energy Resources as Leverage Against the U.S.

On July 17, Representative Donald Cazayoux (D-LA), along with Representatives Ron Klein (D-FL), Patrick Murphy (D-PA), Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), Travis Childers (D-MS), Nancy Boyda (D-KS), Paul Hodes (D-NH) and Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH), introduced H.R. 6545, a bill "To require the Director of National Intelligence to conduct a national intelligence assessment on national security and energy security issues."

Section 2 of H.R. 6545 requires "Not later than January 1, 2009, the Director of National Intelligence shall submit to Congress a national intelligence assessment on national security and energy security issues relating to rapidly escalating energy costs. Such assessment shall include an assessment of" among other things "(4) the national security implications of potential use of energy resources as leverage against the United States by Venezuela, Iran, or other potential adversaries of the United States as a result of increased energy prices."

The bill was referred to the House Select Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select).