Bob Filner: “I just want to point out one more factor in all this before I conclude and, that is, the Federal Energy Regulatory…”

“I just want to point out one more factor in all this before I conclude and, that is, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has claimed both in public and in private conversations they do not have the authority to roll back wholesale prices retroactively. My legislation, cosponsored by the gentleman from California (Mr. Bilbray) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), gives them that authority to roll back prices retroactively. That is the only thing that can save San Diego and the rest of California from its mounting debt which has now reached $6 billion as I pointed out. We must go after those who have gouged us with these prices. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I just want to say that although the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Bilbray) are saying that the bureaucracy is dragging its feet, actually FERC has acted with incredible speed in this investigation. It is the Congress that is dragging its feet. What San Diego wants to see from this Congress before it adjourns is some meaningful action to stop the mounting debt that threatens big and small business alike and threatens the very income of all of our residents. San Diego is watching this Congress. What San Diego sees, because the majority party will not schedule any meaningful legislation to be voted on, is Congress dragging its feet. That is the issue, Mr. Speaker, that we must address. California is waiting. San Diego is waiting.”