Janice Schakowsky: “5 years ago this week Vice President Cheney convened his secret energy task force, bringing Big Oil and energy lobbyists…”

“5 years ago this week Vice President Cheney convened his secret energy task force, bringing Big Oil and energy lobbyists together to craft the Bush administration energy agenda. Last year House Republicans rubber-stamped that agenda, and the administration happily signed the legislation into law. Today, the results are in. Big Oil is laughing all the way to the bank. During the first quarter of this year, the big five oil companies reported profits of $32.8 billion. These profits are a direct result of those secret Cheney meetings. Big Oil has experienced record profits because Washington Republicans chose to shower Big Oil with more than $20 billion in gifts. While Big Oil is prospering, the decisions made in those secret Cheney meetings are not paying off for the American consumer. Over the past 5 years the average American family is paying $2,000 more a year in gas, home heating and electrical bills. Washington Republicans continue to hurt everyday Americans by cozying up to Big Oil. Is it any wonder that Americans are demanding change? Democrats will end Big Oil price gouging and rapidly move our country to energy independence and a renewable, clean energy future. ____________________”