Sam Gibbons: “I support a repeal of the 4.3-cent gas tax, but I am disappointed in how the issue was approached. I had hoped that we…”

“I support a repeal of the 4.3-cent gas tax, but I am disappointed in how the issue was approached. I had hoped that we would not only cut this tax but that we would assure the American people that any change in the tax would ensure that the people of this Nation would have more change in their pockets. Unfortunately, the Republican leadership stood firm in their support of big oil. They missed their golden opportunities. First, in committee last week and on the floor today the leadership refused a Democratic amendment to guarantee that consumers and not the oil companies would benefit from the repeal. Second, the tax should have been paid for by reforming corporate welfare and eliminating programs like the alcohol fuel credit and the percentage of depletion for oil producers. Finally, the Republican leadership should have promised the American people that they would hold hearings, that the oil companies may have engaged in price gouging. Without these assurances, the end result is unclear. I support this because it is important for families in this country to receive a break.”