G. K. Butterfield: “the House is back in session for yet another week. The sad fact is that this House has only been in session 43 days this…”

“the House is back in session for yet another week. The sad fact is that this House has only been in session 43 days this year; but once again, the Republican majority refuses to schedule any meaningful legislation to address our Nation's energy crisis. So that is why we call this the do-nothing Congress. The Republican Party's cosy relationship with Big Oil is causing pain for the American consumer and jeopardizing our national security. Last year, Big Oil recorded record profits, thanks partly to billions in tax breaks that Republicans rewarded their friends last year. Yet, House Republicans remain defiant in their opposition to repealing the $8 billion in tax breaks they have given to their friends in the oil industry. Mr. Speaker, this is really a question of fairness. Why should oil companies continue to receive giant tax breaks from the Federal Government when they are recording record profits. Democrats want to repeal these unnecessary subsidies so we can provide consumers with some relief. ____________________”