Lynn A. Westmoreland: “These skyrocketing gas prices are a reflection of the Republican energy plan. We need a long-term strategy to lower gas…”

“These skyrocketing gas prices are a reflection of the Republican energy plan. We need a long-term strategy to lower gas prices and meet our energy needs. Yet Republicans passed up a golden opportunity in major energy bills last year. Democrats have a plan to give American families the relief they deserve. Democrats, Madam Speaker, have been in charge for 16 months and gas prices have gone up over $1.25 a gallon. But the Republicans' bills clearly have done nothing to lower gas prices as the price of a barrel of oil has settled above $70 a barrel, the highest price in our history. Today, Madam Speaker, oil closed at $114 a barrel. Democrats have a plan to lower gas prices taking America in a new direction. We're ready to see this new plan. I don't understand why the Democratic leadership won't bring out the new plan, why there is not an outcry from their membership to see the new plan.”