[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 1 (Thursday, January 4, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. BOXER:
  S. 146. A bill to require the Federal Government to purchase fuel 
efficient automobiles, and for other purposes; to the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, last year many Americans paid over $3--and 
in some places in California, $4--for a gallon of gasoline.
  At the same time, oil companies made record profits. Enough is 
enough!
  We need to help the American public and reduce our dependence on oil. 
The Federal Government should be taking the lead on this issue. Sadly, 
it is not.
  In 2005, the Federal Government purchased 64,000 passenger vehicles. 
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average fuel economy of 
the new vehicles purchased for the fleet in 2005 was an abysmal 21.4 
miles per gallon.
  Today, hybrid cars on the market can achieve over 50 miles per gallon 
and SUVs can obtain 36 miles per gallon. The Government's average of 
21.4 miles to the gallon is too low.
  Instead, our government needs to purchase fuel-efficient cars, SUVs, 
and light trucks. This can be done today. I drive a Toyota Prius that 
gets over 50 mpg. The Ford Escape SUV can get 36 mpg.
  The Federal Government should be a leader in protecting our 
environment and national security.
  That is why I am reintroducing the Government Fleet Fuel Economy Act. 
The bill requires the federal government to purchase vehicles that are 
fuel-efficient to the greatest extent possible.
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