Political Quotes

“the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, is an international cartel. It limits the supply of oil, which helps keep fuel prices high, and it is one of the major causes of the relentless increase in oil prices. This week, OPEC members met again. They refused to increase the supply of oil. If such a meeting took place in almost any other context, the participants would likely be arrested for an illegal conspiracy in restraint of trade. Can you imagine somebody selling some other supplies such as medical equipment or items we need in this Nation, electricity. Let's say the utilities all met like that and they said: We will hold back electricity so we can raise the prices. There would be an antitrust suit, there would be an illegal-restraint-of-trade suit brought immediately. I wish the administration would join me and Senator Kohl and 68 other Senators--Republicans and Democrats alike--and 345 Members of the House of Representatives of both parties who have voted for NOPEC legislation. This would hold accountable certain oil-producing nations for their collusive behavior which has artificially reduced the supply and inflated the price of fuel. In April 2004, when American consumers were paying $1.78 per gallon at the pump, I warned energy experts were predicting the price of gas might rise to $2.50, to $3 a gallon. The administration did nothing.”