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Sen. Cornyn: Texans Demand Solutions For Lowering Record-High Gas Prices
‘Every time I return home to talk with Texans, I hear the same message – we need to do something to bring down the cost of gas, and do it quickly’
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Listen to Audio Clip
WASHINGTON—At a press conference on Capitol Hill today, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, shared with his colleagues about Texans’ concerns on record-high gas prices. Last week, Sen. Cornyn traveled across the state meeting with many Texas families and business owners who expressed frustration with high energy costs. Sen. Cornyn has been pushing for action in Congress on this critical issue, particularly as Texans pay more than $4 a gallon for gasoline.
“Every time I return home to talk with Texans, I hear the same message – we need to do something to bring down the cost of gas, and do it quickly,” Sen. Cornyn said today. “In fact, gas prices are the number one frustration I’ve heard for months and months. So it’s incomprehensible that the Majority is unwilling to take needed steps that would increase America’s own energy production. Democrats have routinely stood in the way of enacting common-sense energy policy, and are the biggest stumbling block to energy independence and affordable fuel. With gas at more than $4.11, when will Congress get down to business and address rising gas prices?”
“The people in my home state of Texas are tired of waiting, and they demand action. That is why I joined several of my colleagues in introducing the Gas Price Reduction Act of 2008 (S.3202). This bill would open up Oil Shale and Outer Continental Shelf deposits to exploration and drilling in order to help bolster domestic energy supply and lower prices. At the same time, this bill helps invest more money into electric car technology, while pushing the federal government to use more fuel-efficient vehicles like plug-in hybrid cars. Finally, this bill helps increase transparency of the futures market to ensure that trading is fair and based on market conditions,” Sen. Cornyn said.
“This new legislation is a balanced approach to help provide Texans and all Americans near-term relief from record gas prices and long-term energy security. The time to act is now, and I’m hopeful everyone will join us in passing this much-needed legislation immediately.” Sen. Cornyn concluded.
In addition to supporting the Gas Price Reduction Act, Sen. Cornyn and other members of the Senate Republican leadership team have attempted to pass the American Energy Production Act (S.2958). That bill would lead to the estimated production of up to 24 billion new barrels of oil—enough oil to supply America for 5 years with no foreign imports. It would also help reduce gas prices in the near term by sending an important signal to the markets. Unfortunately, the measure was defeated by some in the Senate; however, Sen. Cornyn remains committed to working toward a balanced energy plan that increases U.S. refinery capacity, allows for more domestic energy production and encourages alternative energy sources.
Click here for more information on Sen. Cornyn efforts to reduce gas prices and bolster America’s energy security, visit http://cornyn.senate.gov/gasprices.
Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.
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