[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 62 (Thursday, May 18, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H2762]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CHENEY'S SECRET ENERGY TASK FORCE HAS PAID DIVIDENDS FOR BIG OIL

  (Ms. SCHAKOWSKY asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, 5 years ago this week Vice President 
Cheney convened his secret energy task force, bringing Big Oil and 
energy lobbyists together to craft the Bush administration energy 
agenda. Last year House Republicans rubber-stamped that agenda, and the 
administration happily signed the legislation into law.
  Today, the results are in. Big Oil is laughing all the way to the 
bank. During the first quarter of this year, the big five oil companies 
reported profits of $32.8 billion. These profits are a direct result of 
those secret Cheney meetings. Big Oil has experienced record profits 
because Washington Republicans chose to shower Big Oil with more than 
$20 billion in gifts.
  While Big Oil is prospering, the decisions made in those secret 
Cheney meetings are not paying off for the American consumer. Over the 
past 5 years the average American family is paying $2,000 more a year 
in gas, home heating and electrical bills.
  Washington Republicans continue to hurt everyday Americans by cozying 
up to Big Oil. Is it any wonder that Americans are demanding change? 
Democrats will end Big Oil price gouging and rapidly move our country 
to energy independence and a renewable, clean energy future.

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