On the recordMarch 8, 2011
I rise to focus on another grave threat to our economic recovery and jobs: skyrocketing energy prices, and particularly the price of gasoline at the pump. Madam President, I don't have to point out to Americans all over the country, and Louisianans all over my State, because they see it in front of them every time they go get a new tank of gas, the ever-increasing energy prices, the ever-increasing prices at the pump. Right now, on average, nationwide, the price at the pump is $3.51 a gallon. That is about 80 cents higher than the average price a year ago. Most Americans know it is not stopping there. They see $4 gasoline coming sooner rather than later, and who knows how far it will go beyond $4 at the pump? This is a real threat. We are trying to come out of the worst recession since the Great Depression and this is an immediate threat to put the brakes on any recovery we may be mounting, and it is surely a real threat and a real hit to Louisiana and American families.
