[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 22, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H1176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RISING GAS PRICES HURTING AMERICANS

  (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, we have recently celebrated the first day 
of spring, and very soon Americans will take to the roads for their 
summer vacations. At least that is what they would like to do.
  Unfortunately, rising gas prices may keep many Americans from taking 
summer vacations this year. Gasoline prices are rising out of control, 
with the possibility of reaching close to $2.00 per gallon this summer. 
These fuel prices have also forced airlines to raise ticket prices.
  Mr. Speaker, today our Nation is more dependent on foreign oil than 
we were during the gas crisis of the 1970s, and Energy Secretary Bill 
Richardson admits that the Clinton-Gore administration was ``caught 
napping.''
  Well, while the administration has been sleeping, gas prices have 
been skyrocketing. I hope the Clinton-Gore administration wakes up 
soon, because Americans cannot afford much more of these outrageous gas 
prices.

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