[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 107 (Thursday, June 23, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H5825-H5826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      SLASHING THE FEDERAL DEFICIT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Garcia) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate President

[[Page H5826]]

Biden's massive accomplishment of slashing the Federal deficit by more 
than any other President in the first 16 months.
  Mr. Speaker, this is huge. But even better news: Biden is on track to 
double down on building a better America for generations to come.
  This year's deficit is on track to fall by $1.7 trillion which is the 
single largest 1-year reduction in American history. I repeat: This is 
the single largest reduction in American history.
  In contrast, the Trump administration increased the Federal budget 
deficit. Every single year in office, it went up.
  I can't say I am surprised, however. This accomplishment of the 
President is not coincidence. It is the result of a well-designed and 
well-managed recovery plan from the pandemic.
  It is a result of President Biden and Congress passing key 
legislation like the historical American Rescue Plan which got people 
back to work, kids back in school, and families healthy again.
  It is the result of a President who puts people first--not politics, 
people.
  But on another note, it is no secret that the recent price hikes that 
have been caused by the war criminal Putin are burdening hardworking 
families. In fact, Putin's price hike has increased gas prices by $2 a 
gallon in many places since Russian troops began to threaten Ukraine, 
and families are seeing higher prices in the grocery aisles, too.
  Sadly, Putin is increasing inflation, not only here in America, but 
also throughout the globe. House Democrats and President Biden won't 
stand for this. My colleagues and I are working side by side with the 
President to lower costs for working people at the gas pump, at the 
grocery store, and across the shelves.
  That is why House Democrats passed critical bills like the Lowering 
Food and Fuel Costs Act, Ocean Shipping Reform Act, and the Consumer 
Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act.
  These key bills will strengthen our supply chains, create more 
maritime jobs in communities like my home district, and lower both gas 
and goods prices.
  Just yesterday, Mr. Speaker, the President announced that he is in 
favor of taking a pause of 3 months on the Federal gas tax. He has 
challenged Congress to pass that, to put a pause on the Federal 
gasoline tax for 3 months.
  Now, our tax is 18 cents. That would be 18 cents per gallon every 
time someone fills up. He challenged all of the Governors to do the 
same.
  Some Governors, like the Governors of Florida and Georgia and others, 
have already done this. In my State of Texas, that means an additional 
savings of 20 cents. Added together, that would be 38 cents a gallon.
  That is huge. That is a huge savings in cutting prices down. For an 
average tank of 15 gallons, that would be a savings of $5.70 every time 
they fill up.
  So I hope that our Governor does like Florida and Georgia and rises 
to the challenge that the President has made yesterday and puts a pause 
on Texas' gasoline tax.
  House Democrats are taking strong steps. We are joining hands with 
the President to make sure that we lower rising prices caused by 
Putin's cruel war in Ukraine. I call on all my Republican colleagues 
across the aisle to join us.
  Most Republicans voted against all those bills that I just mentioned. 
It is time to act. Enough is enough. I urge them to fight with us for 
hardworking American families. Together, we can build a better America 
for today and for generations to come.

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