WASHINGTON – Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) is demanding a vote on legislation to help bring down high gas prices.
During a hearing on oil prices in the House Financial Services Committee today, Bachus stated, "In Bibb County in my district the average per capita income is $16,217 or $312 a week before taxes. Some 58.8% of the workers have jobs outside the county and must drive to their jobs. A recent gas receipt from my district came out to $89 to fill up a tank. When you are spending $89 every few days just to get to work, that doesn’t leave much to take care of the other needs of your family."
Bachus requested the hearing in his role as Ranking Member on the Committee.
Bachus is calling on the House Democratic leadership to bring "The American Energy Act" to a vote before Congress adjourns for August. The legislation would reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil by permitting greater exploration of domestic oil and natural gas reserves, expanding the use of nuclear, coal, wind, and solar power, promoting alternative and renewable energy technologies, and encouraging conservation.
Congressman Bachus said, "Drivers are going to be even hotter during this warm summer if we don’t do something about high gas prices. Gas at four dollars a gallon is causing hardship for not only families in Alabama but for businesses, schools, local governments, and charitable organizations. Everyone’s suffering. Constituents have sent gas receipts to me to show how desperate the situation is. The good news is that we in America have the power to begin to achieve energy independence with a balanced policy that increases oil supplies in the short-term and transitions over the long-term to nuclear, alternative energy, and futuristic technologies like hydrogen fuel. But we have to start now."
Bachus is an original cosponsor of "The American Energy Act," whose lead sponsor is House Minority Leader John Boehner. Bachus and many of his colleagues in the House are seeking an up-or-down vote on the legislation. The bill is being blocked from floor consideration by Speaker Pelosi and the majority leadership.