[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 73 (Thursday, May 24, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H2684]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TAX CUT EATS UP ENERGY COSTS

  (Mr. BACA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, President Bush and Vice President Cheney have 
turned their backs on the people of California. What we need them to do 
is to step up to the plate and swing the bat.
  Millions are suffering because of their indifference, their 
protection of oil big businesses versus the people of California. We 
need to protect our consumers. Instead of making out-of-State 
generators play fair, they are letting them lead America.
  We are hemorrhaging. Our seniors should not have to choose between 
electricity and food. Our schools and factories should not have to 
suffer or close their doors.
  This is about children in San Bernardino crosswalks. This is about 
protecting jobs, having the lights turned on. This is about working 
families. This is about individuals who are suffering because President 
Bush has failed to take on the responsibilities.
  It was said earlier that it was Governor Gray Davis. No, deregulation 
was started by Pete Wilson who actually had the State of California 
deregulate. We are suffering because the Republican Party thought there 
would be enough energy. We do not have the energy. We need the 
President to step up to the plate. A tax cut will not make up for the 
skyrocketing bills. Let us put on a price cap.

                          ____________________