Hon. Barbara Lee / US House of Representative – 2005-10-08 10:09:45
http://lee.house.gov/index.cfm?ContentID=179&ParentID=0&SectionID=4&SectionTree=4&lnk=b&ItemID=174
Lee Fights Latest Republican Give Away to Big Oil
Washington, DC (October 07, 2005) – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) today delivered the following statement on the House floor in opposition to the second consecutive Republican energy bill that fails to address soaring gas prices and rising home heating costs:
“We are all touched by the magnitude of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita in the Gulf Coast Region. The human and environmental costs of these disasters are unimaginable.
“But as in any catastrophe, there is always somebody waiting in the wings to make a profit off of human misery and suffering—and yet again this Congress is willing to oblige.
“Today, once again it’s the energy companies.
“We just gave them over $12.8 billion in subsidies and tax breaks two months ago, but now they’re back asking for more help. Why?
“The top ten energy companies last year made over $125 billion last year, why should the American public be subsidizing this highly profitable industry?
“Once again, instead of allowing us to take a real stand to address our short and long term energy needs, the rules committee has reported a restrictive rule that rejects consideration of many amendments which would have made this bill much better.
“The bi-partisan Boehlert Markey amendment for example would have raised the country’s fuel economy standards to 33 miles per gallon and saved over 2.6 million barrels of oil a day by 2025. But despite a recent survey indicating that 86 percent of American favor an increase in fuel economy standards, the Rules committee prevented consideration of this important and effective amendment.
“We were prevented from considering the Gas Price Spike Act of 2005, offered as an amendment by Rep. Kucinich, Hinchey, Grijalva and myself, which would have discouraged price gouging by implementing a windfall tax on oil and gasoline profits.
“And we were also prevented from considering the Larson/Slaughter amendment which would have put an end to gasoline price discrimination based on location, creating a free market for gasoline dealers.
“Instead of another giveaway to big business, we need to send this administration a reality check.
“Our current energy strategy will only further increase our dependence on oil. We must break this chain by implementing a strategy of energy independence.
“I urge my colleagues to vote for a new strategy instead of more of the same. Oppose the rule, and support the Stupak substitute to increase penalties for oil price gouging and do develop a Strategic Refinery Reserve.”
Barbara Lee Blasts GOP Gas Bill
as an Industry Giveaway and an
Attack on the Environment
Dear Constituent:
Rep. Barbara Lee / http://lee.house.gov
I’m writing to you today to tell you about my efforts to oppose Republican attempts to enrich their friends in the oil industry and to present my new website, which is designed to make it easier for you to follow my work on important issues like this.
H.R.3893, the so-called “Gasoline for America’s Security Act of 2005” is yet another giveaway to the energy industry:
• It requires the President to set aside federal lands for the construction of oil refineries, including on former military bases, without community involvement and without being subject to environmental regulation.
• It reduces the amount of penalties that the Federal Trade Commission can charge to companies for gouging consumers with high prices at the pump.
• It fails to reduce the soaring cost of gas and home heating oil for consumers or small businesses in the short-term.
On my website, you can see the video of my statement on the House floor yesterday, or the statement I made earlier today during the debate on the bill.
I will vote against this bill and encourage my colleagues to do the same, and I will vote in favor of the Democratic substitute offered by Rep. Stupak which would increase penalties for oil price gouging and develop a Strategic Refinery Reserve.
On my website, you can also see press releases on this and other important issues. I am committed to finding ways to better serve you, and I look forward to your visit to my new website and welcome your input on finding ways to improve it.
Barbara Lee, http://lee.house.gov/
