Sensenbrenner's "refined" solution to High Gas Prices

[undeterred]

http://www.house.gov/sensenbrenner/wc20060524.html
A Refined Solution to High Gas Prices

Each of us is feeling the pain at the pump these days. The commute to work, a trip to a Brewers game, or a simple Sunday drive, all leave our pocketbooks a little lighter than in the past. Gas prices topping $3 per gallon at some locations across Wisconsin have left no doubt that solutions to gas price volatility are long overdue.

I’ve been arguing for years that we need to increase oil refining capacity in this country. We haven’t built a new refinery in over thirty years. Without addressing our shortage of capacity to refine the oil, efforts to increase supply will be fruitless. Regrettably, some of my colleagues in Congress just don’t get it. Earlier this month, Democrats blocked a bill to increase the capacity of our nation’s refineries, defeating it on a largely party line vote. This week, I hope the House of Representatives will try again, and perhaps this time around, Members on both sides of the aisle can join together on this crucial issue to help restore stability to gas prices.

While refineries can go a long way to lower gas prices over the long haul, it will take some time to implement these changes. Wisconsin motorists need a solution yesterday. That is why I am a cosponsor of legislation to provide an immediate temporary suspension of the federal gas tax. As Wisconsinites, each of us is burdened enough by excessive taxes at the state level. We’re gouged with more than 50 cents in combined state and federal taxes on every gallon of gasoline we purchase. As a Member of Congress, I can’t change the state taxes, but I do hope that enough other Members of Congress will see eye-to-eye on this subject, and do their part to help provide relief from the 18.4 cent federal tax on each gallon.

I am also concerned that some businesses may be taking advantage of these elevated prices by gouging consumers. Therefore, I joined an overwhelming majority of my colleagues in early May to pass legislation providing for tough civil and criminal penalties for gas price gouging violations. If our Senators will now help do likewise, gougers should be forewarned: your days are numbered. Moreover, if you believe you have been a victim of price gouging, I encourage you to report the offending gas station online at http://gaswatch.energy.gov.

As we approach Memorial Day, Wisconsinites can rest assured that I will continue my fight for tax fairness, and sensible energy policies that make our gasoline more affordable.

:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

Yeah, let's blame the retailers. And the Democrats. They just don't get it.

[marmar]

1. What a useless mass he is...

:argh:

[Kutjara]

2. And watch that deficit soar!!!

The Repug answer to everything: shift the problem into the future. Cut taxes now and let our grandchildren pay. Consume all the resources now and let the future figure out replacements. Destroy the environment now and let the future cook.

Considering the gas tax is about the only thing propping our sick economy up, removing this last rickety leg will bring the whole house of cards crashing down.

[rpannier]

3. Gougers be forewarned

If they find out you've been gouging and you haven't made a contribution and you admit that you're gouging and there are six witnesses that will sign an affadavit to that effect and they'll each give two pints of blood, then maybe we'll prosecute you.

[undeterred]

4. ...

:scared: