Congressman Conyers' Spring Newsletter

[paineinthearse]

by email

Gas and Heating Oil Prices Must Be a Reflection of the True Costs of Oil Production - Not a Reflection of Profiteering by Oil Companies

Under President Bush and the Republican Majority, oil companies get tax breaks and Americans get the bill. At this time of record oil company profits, outrageous CEO compensation packages and spiraling costs in Iraq, Bush and the Republican Majority in Congress have delivered tax breaks to oil companies and royalty-free drilling rights that will cost taxpayers at least $20 billion.

It is my goal to undo the damage the Majority's policies have done. I support a plan for Real Security that works for all Americans, not just big oil and gas CEOs (http://www.democrats.gov/rs.html). This plan would help bring down skyrocketing gas prices by empowering the Federal Trade Commission to crack down on price gouging. It would also rescind billions of dollars in subsidies, tax breaks, and royalty relief given to big oil and gas companies, and provide relief to consumers, small businesses and farmers. Our plan will help free America from reliance on Middle East oil and achieve energy independence by 2020 by increasing development of domestic resources to produce alternative fuels, promoting hybrid and flex fuel cars, and enhancing energy efficiency.

In addition to supporting Democrats’ plan for real security, I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 2070, H.R. 4263, and H.R. 3544, all of which would impose windfall profits taxes on the big oil companies. I also support H.R. 3936, The Federal Response to Energy Emergencies Act, which would provide the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with the explicit authority to investigate and punish those who artificially inflate the price of energy.

To read more go to www.house.gov/conyers/news_press_newsletter_04_06.htm

Health Care For All: Isn't It Time?

At present, almost 50 million of our citizens have no health insurance at all and many more find their insurance coverage inadequate. Since health insurance is currently tied to employment, millions of citizens live in fear of the next contract negotiation, job loss and even of making a change in employment that might improve their lives.

It is my strong belief that medical care is not a loose commodity subject to the whims of employers. Therefore, I have introduced H.R. 676, the U.S. National Health Insurance Act, which now has 68 congressional co-sponsors. H.R. 676 would greatly improve our health care delivery system under an expansion of Medicare system for everyone.

To read more go to www.house.gov/conyers/news_press_newsletter_04_06.htm

Making College More Affordable

As many of my constituents with college age children are finding out, the cost of pursuing higher education is skyrocketing. Unfortunately, in the last few months instead of trying to ease this burden by broadening the federal government's commitment to college aid for low- and middle-income students the Republican majority has drastically cut aid and thrown up more hurdles.

To read more go to www.house.gov/conyers/news_press_newsletter_04_06.htm

Remembering Those Who Have Fallen

I also want to make you aware of H. Con. Res 393, the legislation that I introduced honoring African Americans who have served in the Armed Forces from the beginning of our country’s history to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the face of racial segregation and discrimination, African Americans have demonstrated courage, competence, skill, and devotion in their service to our country. This distinguished service has helped bridge the racial divide in the United States and has lifted up the African American community as a whole. My resolution recognizes the profound impact of African Americans in the military; from Crispus Attucks, a runaway slave who was the first casualty of the American Revolutionary War to the courageous soldiers who are currently serving our country in conflicts overseas.

[Drum]

1. Say, what was the shakeout from last week vis-a-vis Conyers?

I'm wondering...if those who keep closer tabs than I do read this. Did he file his suit?