Frank Pallone: “Frankly, I could not disagree more with this amendment. It claims that President Biden's budget would repeal tax breaks…”

“Frankly, I could not disagree more with this amendment. It claims that President Biden's budget would repeal tax breaks that are ``vital to the oil and natural gas industry of the United States.'' This is the same Big Oil that last year saw just six companies make a shocking $200 billion in profit and then spend billions to enrich their shareholders with stock buybacks and dividends, all while gouging American drivers at the pump. So, I hope the gentleman will forgive me if I don't think that Big Oil needs a tax break. Mr. Chairman, I am glad the gentleman offered this amendment because I think it is very illustrative of how Democrats and Republicans are in different places. Democrats and President Biden are fighting every day to keep Americans' Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid safe. Republicans, however, apparently only value the tax breaks that their Big Oil friends love. Just yesterday, Speaker McCarthy sent President Biden a letter on the national debt, but I guess cutting tax breaks for fossil fuels is a real red line for Republicans. They would rather us default than impact their special interests. It is fitting that this amendment is being added to the polluters over people act. For all of my colleagues today, it is very simple. If you are on the side of the polluters, then support this amendment. If you are on the side of the people, then you must oppose it. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.”