[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 7]
[House]
[Page 9725]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              RISING GAS PRICES REACHING THE CRISIS STAGE

  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, as we approach Memorial Day many of my 
constituents face the same dilemma as other Americans around the 
country. With gas prices out of control, many can hardly afford to 
drive to work, let alone drive on a vacation in their cars.
  For 5 years now, House Republicans have refused to offer a real 
solution to the rising gas prices, choosing instead to rubberstamp 
Cheney's energy task force meetings that boosted the profits of big oil 
while hurting working Americans.
  The only plan that Republicans are offering consumers this Memorial 
Day is to allow drilling in the National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, a 
temporary solution which would damage a natural treasure while 
providing no long term supply of oil. This makes no sense from a 
practical or environmental standpoint.
  Democrats have a better plan. We have an innovative agenda that would 
help our Nation achieve energy independence within 10 years through 
clean, sustainable energy alternatives. We will provide tax incentives 
to encourage increased production of homegrown fuels.
  Madam Speaker, let's protect the American consumers so they can once 
again afford to drive to work and take vacations with their families.

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