[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 30 (Wednesday, March 2, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H1495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           RISING GAS PRICES

  (Mr. TONKO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to shed light on a very serious 
problem--skyrocketing gasoline prices.
  In the capital district of New York, prices at the pump today average 
about $3.50 per gallon. Nationally, the average price is $3.38 per 
gallon, and it continues to rise. Due to the continued conflict in 
North Africa and the Middle East, oil is over $100 per barrel. There 
appears to be no end in sight.
  For every $10 per barrel rise in the price of oil, America sends an 
additional $40 billion overseas, yearly. How can we expect to turn 
around our economy and create jobs when we are sending this much money 
to our enemies?
  Plain and simple, we must start thinking outside the barrel--to 
create jobs and protect our national security. We as Americans are 
better than the ancient fuel that we put into our vehicles.
  Using 19th and 20th century oil subsidies in this 21st century is 
outdated and foolish. We are literally giving away hard-earned taxpayer 
money to big oil companies that are setting record profits. What do we 
get in return? Sticker shock at the pump.
  Mr. Speaker, this is unfair to hardworking Americans that play by the 
rules. We deserve better. Let's stop this sticker shock.

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