HR 1379 Summary

• Supports an indefinite extension of the current moratorium on oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico east of the Military Mission Line (86°41' W. longitude), as established by the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) of 2006

• Maintains that the Gulf of Mexico Range Complex (GOMEX) serves as essential military training and testing infrastructure larger than all other continental U.S. training ranges combined, stretching from the Florida Panhandle to Key West

• States defense is Florida's fourth largest industry, generating more than 775,000 jobs and $80 billion in economic impact, with military bases requiring unrestricted day and night access to airspace (up to 60,000 feet) and seaspace for weapons testing and pilot training

• Notes that the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Air Force Chief of Staff, and 15 Florida members of Congress have requested an indefinite moratorium extension to ensure future capabilities for testing fifth-generation fighters, hypersonic systems, and advanced subsurface weapons

• Warns that allowing offshore drilling would result in loss of range areas and potential relocation of military aircraft and bases to other areas outside Florida