Ralph Lee Abraham: “I appreciate the debate we have had today. The bottom line remains the same: People in America are paying too much for…”

“I appreciate the debate we have had today. The bottom line remains the same: People in America are paying too much for gasoline. Congress must do something about it. I have heard an array of objections raised by people as to why this can't be done. Given the actions this Congress regularly takes on appropriations legislation, on budget legislation, on tax legislation, moving gigantic packages in short periods of time when we do our omnibus spending bills, the notion that this legislation somehow doesn't accomplish the mission of protecting the highway fund from diminution is, to me, an inaccurate statement. The road projects will continue. The legislation ensures that the money will be there. We are aware that we have on-budget surpluses, not touching Social Security, adequate to meet the cost of suspending the gas tax. I believe those claims just simply are off the mark. This will be a stake through the heart, if this is defeated, of the consumers of America who are paying way too much right now in gasoline prices. They deserve a break. Consumers in my State, for whom I come to the Senate floor and fight every day, deserve that break. We are paying the highest gas prices in America.”