— Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) hosted Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (AR-4) for a tour of a Diamondback Energy Rig in Midland, Texas. Following the tour and brief remarks, the Congressmen each issued a statement:

Rep. August Pfluger: “It was a privilege to bring Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and the top Republican on the House Natural Resources Committee, Bruce Westerman, home to Midland and show them first-hand the work that is being done on the ground here every single day. The Permian Basin is the epicenter of oil & gas production —keeping our nation from being cold, dark, and hungry. The industry also supports 2 million jobs in Texas and 10 million jobs nationwide. We came here today to say we are going to defend these jobs and American energy independence from the Biden Administration’s harmful agenda. I want to say a special thank you to Diamondback Energy for their first-rate tour and hospitality.”

Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy: “The individuals we met today are part of a first class workforce that helped make America a global energy superpower. Spending time with them and learning from their personal experience was a privilege, and I am grateful for their hospitality. I am also grateful to August for inviting me to Midland and the excellent work he has done to serve the people of West Texas. Already, August has set an impressive early marker of leadership by being the first member of either party to introduce a bill in the new Congress. His constituents should know that he is serving them with pride and passion, and that he will continue to work with his fellow House Republicans to hold the Biden Administration accountable for its job-killing policies.”

Rep. Bruce Westerman: “Securing American energy independence should be one of our top priorities, especially when geopolitical tensions are in play. Domestic oil and gas production facilities like Diamondback Energy play a pivotal role in this goal. President Biden has made it very clear during his first few weeks in office that he is no friend of our homegrown energy, and these next few months will be critical in our fight to keep domestic production strong. I’m so pleased I had the opportunity to visit Diamondback today and learn more about their operations. Our work has only just begun, but I’m eager to carry on this fight in Congress.”

Congressman Pfluger’s District, covering Midland, Odessa, and much of the Permian Basin, is home to the largest oil and gas producing region in the Nation that directly supports over 200,000 energy workers. Congressman Pfluger has previously condemned President Biden’s anti-energy agenda, affirming that it threatens national security while obliterating millions of jobs.

Photos are available for download at this link.