Another disturbing topic that should be discussed. Republicans DO NOT care about gas prices. Since a large majority of republicans are rich, why should they care about gas prices or polluting the enviornment??? We got to get republicans out of control in November, 2006.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=100...np44Ts&refer=usRepublican Plans Wouldn't Lower Gasoline Prices, Democrat Says April 29 (Bloomberg) --
Republican energy proposals would not lower gasoline prices and would harm the environment while enriching oil company executives, Representative Bart Stupak said in the Democrats' weekly radio address. ``With gas now averaging nearly $3 a gallon, it should be clear: giving special tax breaks to the president's oil company friends does not lower gasoline prices,'' Stupak, a Michigan Democrat, said. ``While Americans pay out at the gas pumps, Big Oil rakes in record profits.''
The Bush administration this week asked Congress for authority to raise fuel-economy standards for cars. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist unveiled a Republican proposal for oil and natural gas drilling in Alaska, a $100 rebate to consumers, and changing an accounting rule that might require oil companies to pay billions of dollars in additional taxes.
The Republican proposals come as Exxon Mobil Corp., the world's biggest oil company, reported net income of $8.4 billion for the first three months of the year, a company record for the quarter. Former Exxon Chairman Lee Raymond got more than $686 million in total compensation during the 12 years he headed the company, or $144,573 a day, the New York Times has reported.
Fall Elections
Democrats say the rising gas prices should be an issue for voters to consider in the November congressional elections, when control of both chambers is at stake. Democrats need to pick up six seats to win the 100-member Senate and 15 to control the 435- member House.
Democrats are preparing their own energy proposals and have discussed windfall-profit rebates, alternative energy investments and temporary suspension of the federal gas tax.
Crude oil prices reached a record high of $75.35 a barrel in trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange on April 21 and April 24. Gasoline prices at the pump have increased 41 cents in the past month to $2.914 a gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Department. President George W. Bush announced April 25 the federal government would look for potential price manipulation.
``Until recently, the party of Big Oil has turned a blind eye to price gouging,'' Stupak said. Stupak said he has introduced a bill designed to provide federal and state authorities with new tools to prosecute price gouging.
``Unfortunately, despite repeated requests, the Republican leadership has not allowed a vote'' on the bill, Stupak said.