[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 7, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H4439]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             GAS TAX REPEAL

  (Mr. STUPAK asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, in this House we have seen extreme examples 
from the GOP on how to deal with issues facing our Nation. We have also 
seen sensible solutions which have won out in the end.
  The country is now debating how to deal with the sudden hike in gas 
prices. We hear the same old extremist knee-jerk reactions from the 
Republicans. The majority has suggested cutting education to make up 
for revenue lost if part of the gas tax is repealed. Cut education? Do 
we really want to balance our books on the backs of America's families?
  Mr. Speaker, a cut in the Federal gas tax of 4.3 cents a gallon would 
reduce revenues by an estimated $30 to $35 billion over 7 years. The 
new majority refuses to look at cutting corporate welfare. They refuse 
to look at what windfall profits are being realized by oil companies 
whose speculations send gas prices skyrocketing.
  Mr. Speaker, through the shutdowns and budget gridlock, we Democrats 
have fought and won battles protecting education. But we can never 
rest. Here is a new assault on the American education system. Let us be 
sensible, not extremist, protecting our future.

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