Bob Filner: “gas prices are once again at record highs. According to the Bush administration's own Energy Department, the average…”

“gas prices are once again at record highs. According to the Bush administration's own Energy Department, the average national price at the pump is now over $3 a gallon. We are facing the biggest price rise since Hurricane Katrina 11 months ago. Yet this Republican Do-Nothing Congress, this Do-Nothing Congress is prepared to leave at the end of the week for a 5-week recess without passing any legislation that will help consumers with prices at the pump. What is the holdup--beside the giant heist of American people? Why will House Republicans not work with us to hold Big Oil's feet to the fire for any price gouging that is now going on? Why will these House Republicans not join us in repealing $20 billion in tax breaks and subsidies that they gave Big Oil last year? Why won't they join us in taking that money and investing in new energies of the future so we can end our dependence on foreign oil? The answer, I think, has everything to do with their cozy relationship with Big Oil. It is no wonder that most people think that the letters GOP mean Gas, Oil and Petroleum. Mr. Speaker, Americans have dealt with high gas prices all summer long. It is time this House started listening to their needs rather than the needs of the special interests in the gas and oil industry. ____________________”