Donald M. Payne: “as we approach Memorial Day many of my constituents face the same dilemma as other Americans around the country. With…”

“as we approach Memorial Day many of my constituents face the same dilemma as other Americans around the country. With gas prices out of control, many can hardly afford to drive to work, let alone drive on a vacation in their cars. For 5 years now, House Republicans have refused to offer a real solution to the rising gas prices, choosing instead to rubberstamp Cheney's energy task force meetings that boosted the profits of big oil while hurting working Americans. The only plan that Republicans are offering consumers this Memorial Day is to allow drilling in the National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, a temporary solution which would damage a natural treasure while providing no long term supply of oil. This makes no sense from a practical or environmental standpoint. Democrats have a better plan. We have an innovative agenda that would help our Nation achieve energy independence within 10 years through clean, sustainable energy alternatives. We will provide tax incentives to encourage increased production of homegrown fuels. Madam Speaker, let's protect the American consumers so they can once again afford to drive to work and take vacations with their families. ____________________”