Rich Neal: “I want to stand here in support of the amendment of the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Sanders). Not only is it sensible at…”

“I want to stand here in support of the amendment of the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Sanders). Not only is it sensible at this moment, but it gives us a rare opportunity, I think, also to highlight what has happened over the course of the last year when we have been, indeed, slow to react. This initiative that the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Sanders) is offering really is part of a great legacy in this House of Representatives. The legacy was established by Silvio Conte, a Republican Member of this House. He began the low-income heating oil program that so many Americans have benefited from who live below poverty guidelines. Now, we ask ourselves tonight, why is this amendment necessary? Last Friday, the average price for a gallon of gasoline rose to $1.67 per gallon. Some people across this Nation are paying more than $2 per gallon. These high prices are caused by low stocks, the results of the high prices experienced this past winter when oil dealers did not replenish their stocks. The summer driving season is in front of us, and the price of gas is unlikely to drop while demand remains so high. As the price of oil remains high as well, stocks are unlikely to be replenished. This will result in low stocks for the winter again. This is a dangerous cycle for all across the Nation who live below poverty guidelines. Many people in the Northeast last winter had to make the horrible choice between heating and eating.”