[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 75 (Tuesday, June 13, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H3801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
DO-NOTHING CONGRESS
(Mr. BUTTERFIELD asked and was given permission to address the House
for 1 minute.)
Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, the House is back in session for yet
another week. The sad fact is that this House has only been in session
43 days this year; but once again, the Republican majority refuses to
schedule any meaningful legislation to address our Nation's energy
crisis. So that is why we call this the do-nothing Congress.
The Republican Party's cosy relationship with Big Oil is causing pain
for the American consumer and jeopardizing our national security. Last
year, Big Oil recorded record profits, thanks partly to billions in tax
breaks that Republicans rewarded their friends last year. Yet, House
Republicans remain defiant in their opposition to repealing the $8
billion in tax breaks they have given to their friends in the oil
industry.
Mr. Speaker, this is really a question of fairness. Why should oil
companies continue to receive giant tax breaks from the Federal
Government when they are recording record profits. Democrats want to
repeal these unnecessary subsidies so we can provide consumers with
some relief.
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