James Traficant: “Legislation should not be necessary. The President and Congress should mutually sign a letter and send the letter to the…”

“Legislation should not be necessary. The President and Congress should mutually sign a letter and send the letter to the kings and monarchs of these OPEC countries and tell them the next time they are attacked call Mobile Oil in the rotary because we are not going to defend them. Mr. Chairman, OPEC is not the only villain. The gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton) should not have objected to the Traficant amendment. The gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) should not object to the Traficant amendment, and I may test the ruling of the Chair. In the 1970s, OPEC was blamed when American companies kept tankers out in the ocean denying the product, artificially driving up the prices. OPEC is not the only villain. American companies are taking license with this increase and gouging our citizens. My amendment would force an investigation and if it proves that this, in fact, occurred, a fine of up to $100 million would be imposed on American companies who rip us off. First of all, I think we should send the letter and say the next time they are attacked, call the rotary.”