Robin Carnahan: “with Memorial Day approaching, it would be nice if the Republican-controlled House had actually done something about gas…”

“with Memorial Day approaching, it would be nice if the Republican-controlled House had actually done something about gas prices that continue to hover about $3 a gallon. Over the past 5 years, we have seen gas prices double what they were when President Bush took office. American families are now spending about $1,500 more a year on transportation than they did 5 years ago. Gas prices are taking a big bite out of American family budgets. And yet for 5 years, Washington Republicans have chosen to pad the pockets of Big Oil rather than provide real relief to consumers or sufficient resources for alternative energy. Last year they signed an energy bill into law that was nothing more than a $20 billion gift to Big Oil. It is no wonder that Big Oil continues to reap record profits, including nearly $30 billion for the six largest oil companies in the first quarter of this year alone. House Republicans are unwilling to provide real relief to American consumers because of their cozy relationship with Big Oil. Despite what Republicans claim this week, drilling in ANWR is not a solution to our energy crisis. ____________________”