WASHINGTON, DC- Today, April 26, 200, U.S. Representatives Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) announced their plan to file a discharge petition to force immediate action on a bill designed to reign in the racing profits of America's big oil giants and help American energy consumers.

"Under pressure from their constituents to address the spiking cost of energy that is the result of the failed Republican energy plan of ‘leave no oil company behind,’ the Republicans are shedding crocodile tears about high oil and gas prices. But Americans need more than crocodile tears they need immediate action on legislation Democrats have introduced that would relieve consumers who are feeling the crunch of record gas prices,” said Rep. Markey, a senior Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  “Republicans need to stop the foot-dragging and put the concerns of the American public ahead of their oil industry pals.”

“Instead of passing an energy bill that would have encouraged the use of hybrid vehicles, diversified our energy supply, and reduced our dependence on foreign oil, this Congress gave $14.5 billion in handouts to the oil and gas industry,” said Emanuel.  “With gas prices approaching nearly $3 a gallon, Congress once again has an opportunity to help the American people though this financial pinch. But, by ignoring legislation like the Windfall Profits and Consumer Assistance Act Congress has shown once again that it would rather put the needs of the special interests ahead of the needs of the American people.  There’s a cost to this kind of corruption in Washington – and it’s at $75 a barrel and climbing.”

Reps. Markey and Emanuel will file a discharge petition for H.R. 4263, the Windfall Profits and Consumer Assistance Act of 2005.  This parliamentary move is a rarely used House procedure to force action on bills that have been languishing in committee. 

The Windfall Profits and Consumer Assistance Act of 2005 (H.R. 4263) has been stalled in the Ways and Means Committee and would roll back billions in tax subsidies to big oil and gas companies and make that funding available to bring down heating costs under LIHEAP, as well as tax credits for farms and as grants for small businesses.

The petition needs 218 signatures of support in order to send the bill directly to the House floor.

For more information, check out: http://markey.house.gov/