[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 74 (Tuesday, May 6, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H3057]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  URGING THE PRESIDENT TO STOP FILLING THE STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE

  (Mr. WILSON of Ohio asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. WILSON of Ohio. Madam Speaker, as gas prices have once again hit 
record highs, congressional Democrats are urging President Bush to take 
action. For 7 years he has sat on the sidelines, and even last week at 
a press conference in the Rose Garden, he concluded that the cost-
benefit analysis of immediate action for consumers were not persuasive 
enough for him to act.
  House Democrats are calling on President Bush to stop filling the 
Strategic Petroleum Reserve. This reserve is 97 percent full, which is 
more than enough to meet any emergency we would have. Experts believe 
that tapping the reserve could lower our gas prices by as much as 5 
cents to 25 cents per gallon.
  Right now, Americans need help. They're hurting. President Bush could 
take action today that would provide immediate relief to consumers at 
the pump, but he refuses to act. Once again, House Democrats urge the 
President to reconsider.

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