[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 89 (Tuesday, July 11, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H4966]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        ENERGY SOLUTIONS NEEDED

  (Ms. WATSON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, all summer the American people have been 
facing record prices every time they go to the gas pump. Some have cut 
vacation plans, others are pinching their monthly paychecks attempting 
to make ends meet. Washington should be acting to pass a comprehensive 
energy package that relieves pain at the pump and reduces our 
dependence on foreign oil.
  Unfortunately, House Republicans have refused to act on any 
substantial energy legislation this year. How bad do things have to get 
before House Republicans are finally willing to act? Instead of 
actually coming up with real solutions, House Republicans prefer the 
status quo. They refuse to act because of their cozy relationship with 
Big Oil and see no problem with the $16 billion in profit the three 
largest oil companies reported during the first quarter of the year.
  Mr. Speaker, while House Republicans are content with the status quo, 
Democrats are ready to take America in a new direction. We will stand 
up to Big Oil and protect consumers from price gouging.




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