WASHINGTON – Gary Bauer, Chairman of the Campaign for Working Families, called on Congress to repeal the “Clinton Gas Tax” and ease the burden of rising energy costs on working families.
“This week, rolling blackouts returned to California and they are only expected to increase in frequency as summer temperatures rise. Gasoline prices have now reached unprecedented levels at $1.63 per gallon for the national average. This is 21 cents higher than this time last year and 11 cents above peak predictions for June. Meanwhile, at least two major companies have warned local stations that prices could reach $3.00 per gallon.
“These soaring energy costs are threatening to derail our nation’s already anemic economic recovery. The President is right to resist certain short-term fixes, such as price caps, in favor of long-term solutions. But more must be done to ease the pain on working families. After record prices for home heating fuels this winter, family budgets are busting all across the country and there is no relief in sight. Republicans are in charge now and we must move quickly to address this problem.
“Congress should start by passing the President’s tax relief package. Cutting income tax rates across the board will put more money into the hands of working families. But that is only a start. Congress should also reevaluate the current federal fuels tax. It is a regressive tax that hits working families and low income Americans the hardest.
“Last year, legislation was introduced to repeal the ‘Clinton Gas Tax’ of 4.3 cents per gallon passed in 1993 to help reduce the deficit. The bill also suspended all federal fuel taxes if the national average for a gallon of gas reached $2.00.
“My friends, the deficit is gone, but the tax remains. Senate Democrats successfully filibustered the legislation last year. But now with major companies warning of gas prices reaching $3.00 per gallon, the time has come to repeal the ‘Clinton Gas Tax.’
“Congressman James Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin has introduced H.R. 1575, the Freedom from Unfair Energy Levy Act, and it couldn’t be more appropriately named. His bill aims to permanently repeal the 4.3-cent per gallon ‘Clinton Gas Tax’ and suspend all motor fuel taxes for six months. Conservatives should be lining up to sponsor his legislation that would repeal this punitive tax on working families.” |
