Walberg Votes Against Democratic "Blast from the Past" Energy Bill

Press Release

WALBERG VOTES AGAINST DEMOCRATIC "BLAST FROM THE PAST" ENERGY BILL

U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) today issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 1252, legislation that would re-institute gas rationing and price controls.

"Today, House leadership has elected to return to the 1970's and pass legislation that is essentially a blast from the past," Walberg said.

"I remember the long lines to fuel up in the 70's due to rationing by price controls, and this legislation seeks to bring us back to those days. Consumers can expect longer lines at the pump, higher prices and less gasoline available during emergencies. The American people want progress, and the best way to lower gas prices and end our reliance on Middle East oil is to increase American energy production, expand and grow the number of American refineries, increase the use of alternative energy produced in America and encourage conservation."

BACKGROUND:

- This bill is opposed by numerous groups, including the American Conservative Union, Americans for Tax Reform, the National Taxpayers Union, the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

- H.R. 1252 attempts to make "price gouging" a federal crime, however, there is no definition of what "price gouging" is in the bill and it does nothing to address the high cost of gasoline.

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