Washington, D.C. -- Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, joined House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Congressman Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill) and Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today at the Congressional Exxon gas station to discuss skyrocketing gasoline costs and the demand for a shift in economic leadership. Pointing to the Bush Administration’s failing energy policies, Rep. Markey argued that instead of increasing the profits of Oil executives, practical energy prices and alternatives need to be presented to the American people.

“The Bush Administration’s energy policies have proven to be a miserable failure. Last Friday, President Bush claimed to have a ‘full blown strategy’ for reducing gasoline prices and America’s reliance on foreign sources of oil. The reality is that the Bush Administration has fully blown it when it comes to gas prices and the economy,” Markey said.

As Oil company executives profits rise, Markey and Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), Rahm Emanuel, cited specific price increases at the gas pump, demanding that Americans ought not be forced to choose between a full tank and their families.

Markey continued, "Oil companies are tipping American families upside down and shaking money out of their pockets and guess who is helping them?  The Bush Administration and this GOP Congress. Last week, a gallon of regular gasoline averaged $2.93 nationally, which represents a $0.71 increase over prices at the same time last year, and a whopping $1.66 increase over the $1.26 charged for a gallon of regular gasoline when Bush took office."

“This Republican Administration and Congress has more than doubled the price of gasoline at the pump for all Americans in less than 6 years. This is wrong just plain wrong.

“GOP used to stand for Grand Old Party – now it just stands for Gas and Oil Party.

“The Republican Congress and President Bush have only fattened the wallets of Big Oil company executives – they’ve not lifted a finger to help out middle class families who need a hand to fill up their gas tank or sending their kids to school skyrocket.

“It’s time for a new direction in this country.  This November, the voters will have a choice between more of the same old Republican energy policies – policies that have directly led to $3.00 a gallon gas at the pump – or the Democratic alternative.  The choice is clear,” the Congressman concluded.

For more information on Rep. Markey’s initiatives on America’s Energy Crisis please see http://markey.house.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2006

CONTACT: Israel Klein
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