Jim Langevin: “Despite the fact that Americans have paid record high prices at the gas pump this summer, the Bush administration and…”

“Despite the fact that Americans have paid record high prices at the gas pump this summer, the Bush administration and the Republican friends in this body have voted to give tax breaks to big oil companies. At the same time, they refuse to move forward on policies to achieve energy independence and keep our Nation from relying so heavily on foreign oil. Now American families are facing a long winter of high home heating bills with no end in sight. Mr. Speaker, Democrats strongly believe that this body should not adjourn until action is taken to address the energy concerns of all Americans. We support a comprehensive policy that will roll back the tax cuts for big oil companies and invest the savings into developing alternative fuels and achieving energy independence. Keeping fuel prices under control is essential to working Americans who are struggling to make ends meet. Mr. Speaker, in light of the Republican leadership's unwillingness to address the energy concerns of American families, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 4479, a bill to repeal subsidies for big oil companies and give them to consumers, low-income heating programs, and small businesses.”