Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart Concerned Over High Gas Prices, Urges Passage of Bush's Energy Plan

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart Concerned Over High Gas Prices, Urges Passage of Bush's Energy Plan

WASHINGTON-Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) today expressed his concern over growing gas prices and urged Congress to pass President Bush's energy plan as a key way to remedy the situation. For months, Senate Democrats have been stalling the energy bill.

"Southern Florida has some of the highest gas prices in the country, and the Senate Democrats are playing politics instead of easing the burden on the American people," Diaz-Balart said. "I applaud President Bush for taking action on this important issue. He supports a comprehensive and effective energy plan that addresses our needs today and our needs tomorrow. The energy bill that is stalled in the Senate encourages better domestic production and increases incentives for conservation and new technologies so we are less dependent on foreign sources of energy.

"Despite seeing gas prices rise across the country, Senate Democrats continue to stop the energy bill from coming to a vote - not that this should surprise anyone," Diaz-Balart continued. "After all, John Kerry has supported higher gas taxes at least 11 times and has led the effort against increasing domestic oil and gas production. Instead of pointing fingers, Senator Kerry should encourage his fellow Senate Democrats to take action to help the American people.

"Unfortunately, Kerry's only answer for high gas prices is to open the Strategic Petroleum Reserve - which is only opened in the event of a national emergency, such as September 11, and would barely affect prices if at all. If this is Kerry's best response to handle high gas prices, I shudder to think of what he'd do if faced with a real emergency," Diaz-Balart concluded.