Opposing Job-Killing Cap-And-Trade Legislations

OPPOSING JOB-KILLING CAP-AND-TRADE LEGISLATION -- (House of Representatives - July 20, 2009)

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Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the floor my constituents' opposition to the cap-and-trade bill recently passed in the House. At a time when this country faces the possibility of a double-digit unemployment rate, a tax that will lead to fewer jobs, force Americans to pay more energy costs and raise the price of every manufactured good is unthinkable.

My constituents, as well as I, wonder how we will afford the predicted $1,200 to $3,100 increase in annual energy costs. Take, for example, one senior citizen in my district who lives on a fixed income and is no longer able to work. Already living at a bare-bones level, he cannot afford a $3,100 increase in his expenses. My constituent will not find himself alone in such a predicament. If cap-and-trade were to become law, it would amount to the largest tax hike in United States history; and in our current economic climate, it would leave many Americans pinching pennies simply to turn on the lights.

No one is opposed to clean air and water, but there are other methods of protecting our environment that support the best interests of our citizens. Instead of legislation that would deepen our economic troubles, Congress should prioritize legislation that will protect jobs, create jobs, and stimulate the economy.

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