Bart Stupak: “in this House we have seen extreme examples from the GOP on how to deal with issues facing our Nation. We have also seen…”

“in this House we have seen extreme examples from the GOP on how to deal with issues facing our Nation. We have also seen sensible solutions which have won out in the end. The country is now debating how to deal with the sudden hike in gas prices. We hear the same old extremist knee-jerk reactions from the Republicans. The majority has suggested cutting education to make up for revenue lost if part of the gas tax is repealed. Cut education? Do we really want to balance our books on the backs of America's families? Mr. Speaker, a cut in the Federal gas tax of 4.3 cents a gallon would reduce revenues by an estimated $30 to $35 billion over 7 years. The new majority refuses to look at cutting corporate welfare. They refuse to look at what windfall profits are being realized by oil companies whose speculations send gas prices skyrocketing. Mr. Speaker, through the shutdowns and budget gridlock, we Democrats have fought and won battles protecting education. But we can never rest. Here is a new assault on the American education system. Let us be sensible, not extremist, protecting our future.”