[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 149 (Thursday, September 18, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H8400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  REPUBLICANS ARE IN THE POCKET OF BIG OIL, NOT INTERESTED IN HELPING 
                          STRUGGLING AMERICANS

  (Mr. ARCURI asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ARCURI. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, Democrats passed a 
comprehensive solution to the country's energy crisis, but for all of 
their talk about solving this problem, Republicans still oppose the 
effort. It's no surprise the Republicans are against this commonsense 
energy plan. The plan makes Big Oil pay royalties on land they've 
leased for years so Americans can start benefiting from oil companies 
drilling on our land. That's only fair. It is the American people's 
land. Shouldn't they get some of the benefits?
  Our legislation also repeals tax breaks and subsidies that Big Oil 
has been getting for years, thanks to the Washington Republicans. Every 
quarter, Big Oil is announcing larger profits. They don't need 
corporate welfare. This comprehensive energy legislation will help 
people--those middle class Americans suffering from high gas prices and 
dealing with the failed Bush-McCain economy at the same time.
  Madam Speaker, Tuesday's energy vote shows that Democrats are working 
to help the American people, not lining the pockets of Big Oil.

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