It's Time For Us To Protect Consumers, Not Big Oil
| By Claire McCaskill - Jun 5, 2006 10:11:53 PM ET |
| Also listed in: Featured Bloggers |
As we head into summer, Missouri consumers can expect their sunny days to be overshadowed by the stark reality of high gas prices, as the price per gallon increases to nearly $3 with no relief in sight.
At the same time that consumers face out-of control gas prices, big oil is raking in extraordinary profits. In 2005, the top six oil companies made an astonishing $113 billion in profits. Unfortunately, rather than standing up for consumers, the Republicans, including my opponent Jim Talent, have taken the side of these big oil and energy companies by supporting legislation like last year's Energy Bill, which gave them $14 billion in tax breaks and subsidies.
Just a few weeks ago, Talent offered to give Missouri consumers $100 to offset the $3/gallon prices they face at the gas pump, telling us, "This shows that Washington gets it." Coming only months after his vote to give billions to big oil, who posted their most profitable quarters in history, this rebate casts doubt on how much Jim Talent and Washington really "get it."
As Missouri's Senator, I will support consumer protection measures like the Energy Consumer Protection Act (S 1735), which would give the Federal Trade Commission new authority to investigate and prosecute those who engage in "predatory pricing", from oil companies on down to local gas stations, with an emphasis on those who profit most.
I also believe that we should repeal the unnecessary tax breaks and subsidies that the big oil and energy companies received in the Energy Bill. While consumers face gas prices of nearly $3/gallon, oil companies do not need further subsidies to fill their coffers.
It is simply irresponsible for Washington to be giving handouts to big oil companies, who are already profiting hand-over-fist, while consumers face record prices at the pump. These tax breaks show just how out-of-touch and out-of-control the Republicans in Washington have become. As Missouri's Senator, my priority will be protecting Missouri consumers, not padding the pockets of big oil.
At the same time that consumers face out-of control gas prices, big oil is raking in extraordinary profits. In 2005, the top six oil companies made an astonishing $113 billion in profits. Unfortunately, rather than standing up for consumers, the Republicans, including my opponent Jim Talent, have taken the side of these big oil and energy companies by supporting legislation like last year's Energy Bill, which gave them $14 billion in tax breaks and subsidies.
Just a few weeks ago, Talent offered to give Missouri consumers $100 to offset the $3/gallon prices they face at the gas pump, telling us, "This shows that Washington gets it." Coming only months after his vote to give billions to big oil, who posted their most profitable quarters in history, this rebate casts doubt on how much Jim Talent and Washington really "get it."
As Missouri's Senator, I will support consumer protection measures like the Energy Consumer Protection Act (S 1735), which would give the Federal Trade Commission new authority to investigate and prosecute those who engage in "predatory pricing", from oil companies on down to local gas stations, with an emphasis on those who profit most.
I also believe that we should repeal the unnecessary tax breaks and subsidies that the big oil and energy companies received in the Energy Bill. While consumers face gas prices of nearly $3/gallon, oil companies do not need further subsidies to fill their coffers.
It is simply irresponsible for Washington to be giving handouts to big oil companies, who are already profiting hand-over-fist, while consumers face record prices at the pump. These tax breaks show just how out-of-touch and out-of-control the Republicans in Washington have become. As Missouri's Senator, my priority will be protecting Missouri consumers, not padding the pockets of big oil.
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