[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 89 (Wednesday, July 12, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H5850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      SKYROCKETING GASOLINE PRICES

  (Mr. SCHAFFER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, it is a great time of year to vacation in 
beautiful Colorado, but gas prices are still high. Energy Secretary 
Bill Richardson is on record saying that the Clinton-Gore 
administration was ``caught napping'' on the issue of skyrocketing 
gasoline prices.
  Because of the administration's failed energy policies and 
inattention, Americans are being forced to pay outrageous prices at the 
gas pump, some cases $2.35 a gallon.
  We all know how dangerous it can be when a driver falls asleep at the 
wheel, and now we can see how dangerous it is when an entire 
administration falls asleep at the wheel.
  While this administration was napping, domestic oil production 
decreased to 17 percent, and this increased dependence on foreign oil 
has helped put us to this current predicament.
  Perhaps, Congress should start a caffeine IV for Secretary Richardson 
and the other Rip Van Winkles over at the White House who are 
responsible for this policy diaster.
  Mr. Speaker, I call upon the Clinton-Gore administration to wake up. 
The slumber party is over. Americans are tired of getting gored at the 
pump.

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