(Washington, DC)— The House of Representatives voted today by the narrowest of margins (212-210) in favor of a Republican energy bill that fails to address soaring gas prices and rising home heating costs.  The two vote margin of victory came only after the Republican leadership, on a five minute vote,  kept the floor open for an additional forty minutes. Congresswoman Diane E. Watson (CA-33rd) voted against the bill.

“The bottom line is that this bill limits our ability to stop price gouging and weakens public health and environmental protections not just in the gasoline industry but other industries as well”  said Congresswoman Watson. 

“Since President Bush took office in 2001, home heating oil costs have nearly tripled and natural gas costs have more than doubled.  With earnings for the oil industry expected to jump 73 percent next quarter, the Republican cronies in the oil and gas industry don’t need any more help.  It’s the American people who need help but will get none and have to ante up for gas bills that could increase by as much as 71% during the fast approaching heating season.”

“The fact that the Republican leadership had to keep the floor open for an additional forty minutes tells you that there were more than a few Republicans who held their noses while they voted in favor of this bill,” said Congresswoman Watson.

“Skyrocketing oil and gas prices are hurting American consumers and American business.  The Bush administration has failed to aggressively bring down gas prices despite the fact that the Energy Department has received more than 7,000 complaints of price gouging.  President Bush and the Republican congressional leadership have told American working families to eat cake while they provide more giveaways to an industry that is raking in record profits.”