Democrats Call for Bipartisan Solution for Energy Independence

"Securing our nation's energy future is among the biggest economic and national security challenges facing our generation," wrote the Democrats. "The status quo -- in which the security of the United States and the vitality of our domestic economy is left to the whims of foreign regimes and companies that may not have the best interests of our nation at heart, is simply not an option."

Democrats believe energy independence is necessary for America's security, stated the release, and have unveiled the Real Security plan with policies to achieve that goal by 2020.

"The summit would have representation from all facets of American life, including oil companies, automakers, alternative fuel producers, consumers, scientists, environmentalists, transportation experts, state and local leaders, and be open and transparent to the public in a free-flowing format," the letter continued.

"Given the rapidly evolving global economy and the national security-related challenges we face at the dawn of the 21st century, it is abundantly clear that a 19th century approach to our national energy strategy will simply not suffice," the Democrats concluded.