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The Senate voted Monday evening to move ahead with a Democratic-favored measure intended to repeal over $20 billion in tax breaks to the "Big Five" oil and gas companies.
Republicans joined with Democrats to advance the legislation, largely to position themselves for a broader fight with Democrats over gas prices and President Obama's energy policies -- a bipartisan vote on paper, if not in practice.
Ninety-two senators voted to begin debate on the measure; just four senators opposed it.
The "Repeal Big Oil Subsidies Act" sponsored by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) would curb tax breaks over the next 10 years for the five most profitable oil and gas companies -- BP, Exxon, Shell, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips. Menendez told reporters today the oil companies should not receive "wasteful taxpayer subsidies" on top of $1 trillion in profits.
"To me this is an easy choice, you're either on the side of big oil making record profits who certainly don't need the American taxpayers money' ... or you're on the side of the American driver and the American tax payer," Menendez told reporters.
Republicans joined Democrats in allowing the debate in hopes of framing the issue as a tax hike on energy prices. They've worked to pigeonhole the administration on this issue, as well as other energy initiatives like the Keystone XL pipeline.
Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) said an amendment could be offered to the Menendez legislation that would green light the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.
“We want to address energy policy, we want to reduce gas prices…we think we have great solutions that the American people want” he said today after he voted to move the measure ahead.
Senate Democrats say the money saved from ending the tax breaks could go toward deficit reduction and be used to extend a series of expiring clean energy tax incentives.
Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), a co-sponsor of the bill, called the the measure a "no-brainer" that would be a fundamental change in the nation's energy policy.
"The last thing we need is hard earned tax payer dollars in the form of subsidies," she said.
Menendez and Stabenow did not directly address how the legislation might impact gas prices; Republicans argue that rescinding the tax credits constitute a de facto tax hike on gas, the cost of which would be passed along to consumers.
"In response to record-high gas prices, Democrats in Congress want to raise taxes on the very people who produce it," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said Monday. "Meanwhile, the president is blocking a pipeline that would decrease our dependence on Middle East oil and create thousands of American jobs."
Stabenow countered by recalling a hearing last year, where executives from the Big Five oil companies told the Senate Finance Committee that ending these tax breaks would not drive up the price of gas.
The Obama administration additionally backed the Senate bill on Monday, releasing a statement saying it fit with the president's energy strategy.
"There is no silver bullet when it comes to high gas prices, which is why the administration has consistently advocated for an 'all-of-the-above' approach when it comes to the nation's energy policy," the official statement of administration policy read. "By ending taxpayer subsidies to large oil companies and investing part of that money in a clean energy industry that has never been more promising, [the Senate bill] is consistent with that approach."
President Obama fired up a crowd at Ohio State University last Thursday by arguing that oil companies don't need any more help making profits.
"We have been subsidizing oil companies for a century. That's long enough. It is time to stop a taxpayer giveaway to an industry that's rarely been more profitable, and start making investments in a clean energy industry that has never been more promising," he said.
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The House will make sure that this bill never becomes a law. What's good for corporations and bad for the American people works for republicans.
"In response to record-high gas prices, Democrats in Congress want to raise taxes on the very people who produce it," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said"
This is the same argument used byTeaPeople: Can't raise taxes on the job creators, lies!
McConnell is crazy. The big-5 oil companies are making record profits, Mitch. Thanks to loopholes, incentives and tax breaks they keep it, including the revenue from the 'record-high' gas prices.
Make them pay fairly. Which is it? No taxes so they'll lower prices? Doubt it!
The Senate voted Monday evening to move ahead with a Democratic-favored measure intended to repeal over $20 billion in tax breaks to the "Big Five" oil and gas companies.
And of course Paul Ryan is going to have a tantrum and start screaming how much we need to keep giving those subsidies. He is such an arrogant, evil and hypocritical SOB
Is there a thinking American today that really believes ending loopholes for the wealthy or an industry earning a job-gouging 50 billion per quarter would be considered an INCREASE IN TAXES?
"We have been subsidizing oil companies for a century. That's long enough. It is time to stop a taxpayer giveaway to an industry that's rarely been more profitable, and start making investments in a clean energy industry that has never been more promising," he said.
Promising? To whom? You Mr. president? How can he even say that with a straight face after Solyindra lost $500 million of taxpayers money? The big 5 do actually pay taxes while Solyindra cost us big time.
While I do agree subsidies should be eliminated from oil companies, I'd like to see a breakdown of what exactly the government considers subsidies...
The article says the government will repeal an additional $20 billion, that is but a drop in the bucket in the deficit of $1.2 Trillion... so all this political pandering will make the deficit $1.18 trillion. I'm so excited!!
Brian,
How about in 2002 when Halliburton was awarded a 7 billion dollar contract for which only Halliburton was allowed to bid. 10 years later hundreds of millions of dollars are still unaccounted for.
Who profited from the deal? Dick Cheney the former CEO of Halliburton before becoming Bush's VP, who made $7.5 million from his stock in Halliburton between 2002 and 2005.
7 billion is 14 times the money than spent on Solyndra and the missing money by Halliburton is at least equal to what was spent on Solyndra.
Then there is this … After months of investigations into Solyndra and other Department of Energy loans failed to produce a smoking gun, one Republican lawmaker let slip why House Republicans have kept up the charge.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) conceded that Republicans' ongoing probes of the program -- from which the bankrupt California-based solar company Solyndra and others benefited -- are largely a play to win votes in November. "Ultimately, we'll stop it on Election Day, hopefully. And bringing attention to these things helps the voters and citizens of the country make the kind of decision that I hope helps them as they evaluate who they are going to vote for in November."
Dennis - The old Halliburton ploy, eh? Have you ever heard of a government program called CAPCOM? Probably not. For all the complaints about Halliburton, I've heard from liberals, not one of them ever heard of CAPCOM. Let me explain what CAPCOM is - It is a no bid assignment of a company based on the ability of a company to respond to emergencies. Several companies were in the running for CAPCOM. Congress decides who that company will be, not the president, the vice president or anyone else. Halliburton won that 2 year contract. Like it or not, they were placed there by congress.
As far as the $7 Billion was concerned, why didn't the democrat controlled house go after them for an explanation for that money? For all we know, Halliburton filled the coffers of democrats and they couldn't. Would it be so hard to believe that our representatives are beneath receiving payoffs? Doesn't speak well for Halliburtion, I know, but I've never been one of their stockholders, or fans. Since there was no investigation, maybe you should question our politicians on what happened, instead of trying to pin me with it. Make sense?
Dennis - I just realized that what you pulled was a deflection. To that I refer you to the fact that one bad thing never justifies another. I noticed you didn't address the $500 million... what you did was toss in something else to obfuscate my point. Doesn't matter... I'll pay closer attention next time and will ignore the deflection.
Brianb,
This is as relevant as bringing up the missing Iraqi $6.6 billion that just disappeared while under US watch; or when audits and reports surfaced about money being misspent or wasted in post-war Iraq ; or how much a failed Enron lose because they influenced their Republican friends to deregulate what they wanted deregulated....I can keep going on but this article is about subsidies for and industry that report record high profits. For some reason you don't want to address this issue so you bring up Solyndra - which by the way became a big pie in the Republican face. Nothing became of the Republican anal probing - at least nothing that all of didn't already know.
Dennis, Columbus, Ohio
Issa, the Main Prober of the Republican Party was also buddy buddy with the Solyndra lobbyists. There is a reason why the probing stopped and they did not get the "smoking gun" they were so after.
Brianb's constant reference to Solyndra is just a desperate attempt to bring up something that the Republicans stopped talking about a while ago. The whole issue is a non-issue.
This might make for a "feel good moment" for you left wing nut jobs...
but when reality sets in your going to find this was a HUGE mistake because the oil companies will send the cost off to the consumers and that will only drive up prices further...
Becareful what you wish for because it will come back and bite you in the a--!!
High gas prices = defeat for Obama in November!!
It's always great to see that there are still retarded Democrats AND Republicans that will use the other parties atrocities to justify the atrocities THEIR party commits. Overlooking your own party's corruption is a SURE way to keep it going... congratulations MORONS!
It's OK that the Republicans screwed us taxpayers out of 500 million because the Democrats screwed us out of 600 million 4 years ago. It's OK the Democrats screwed us taxpayers out of 500 million because the Republicans screwed us out of 600 million 4 years ago. Take your pick MORONS. Neither one of these is OK!
the status quo is killing you, America. food, energy, transportation, education.
you are powerless and marching slowly, miserably toward death, bloating and lacking in passion and energy.
It's about time we put an end to corporate welfare!
I have asked many times - just how much is enough for these greedy bastards?
No doubt, this will die in the house thanks to the Weeper's poor leadership skills...
I have asked many times - just how much is enough for these greedy bastards?
Sadly it appears that enough is whatever we have in our bank accounts. These companies couldn't care less about the plight of the people. They continue to kick us even when we are down without any remorse.
Brian,
Which is something I have never been able to wrap my head around - money does NOT buy love or happiness.
Hell, it won't assist you in buying your way through the 'pearly gates' either!
Personally, I only need enough to live comfortably, take a vacation when I feel like it, allow me to donate to my pet causes & help out friends & family who may be down on their luck at any given time!
These oil companies are raking in RECORD profits & still have their hands out....
Feisty,
Your thoughts about personal money and my own are in perfect harmony. Why would anyone need more? As long as a person can do the things you have stated and still have a nest egg for a personal tragedy that may require an untold outlay of cash, there is no need for more.
I also agree completely about the inability to find any logical sense for the oil companies to continue taking so much from us even if we as a nation and/or the world end all fossil fuel usage. There is no doubt in my mind that all of the big 5 have already made plans to sell us whatever fuel we need in the future to continue their greed process.
Please pass this bill quickly, then when gas prices spike this summer we can be sure Mr Obama and every incumbent Democrat will be in the unemployment line in January.
Brian,
Welcome to capitalism - not to be crude, it's also known as; 'I got MINE & FU' - every man, women & child who were dealt a bad hand for themselves!
Reminds me of the 'uber rich' donning women's dresses while fighting their way to the lifeboats on the Titanic!
It also makes ME sick!
Reminds me of the 'uber rich' donning women's dresses while fighting their way to the lifeboats on the Titanic
I've read different things about the voyage and watched the movie and the remake (w/ DiCaprio and Winslet) The remake was a great love story and wonderful depiction of people and their attitudes toward life. What you are saying is so true. I could very well imagine the wealthiest men on board that would do anything to save their own life regardless of who lost theirs. It is in their warped minds that they should live because they are more important than those who have less.
It sort of reminds me of the saying "the one who dies with the most toys wins". My question is: what did you win? How is it going to help after you've died?
Where's the catch? Big oil and their rich, powerful lobby will never let this one go through. Gotta be a catch to the bill somewhere.
Cut the subsidy and they will raise the price to cover it.
What a great idea! At a time when gas is headed to five dollars a gallon-raise the cost of doing business! Then, those businesses will pass the increase on to the consumer! Gas will go over five dollars a gallon! How brilliant!
So it is lose/lose for the consumer no matter what - might as well have them pay a bit back. No matter what the price per barrel is on the world market, they will never lower prices that much. Maybe it is time, past time, we as a people think of another way rather than driving big gas guzzlers. Maybe think more of car pools and mass transportation? Alternative fuels?
The only way to cover that is by lowering the tax on gas ... pigs with wings on the horizon?
No pigs. A flamingo or two, but no pigs. What people have to understand is the fact gas prices are NEVER going to drop that much again. There is too much demand on the world market and unless we nationalize our own oil products (including the refineries) we are just going to have to learn to suck it up and find alternate ways to function. Driving over 40 miles one way to work in a big SUV or pick up truck by yourself, well, you deserve what you pay for in gas.
Pay us off with tax subsidies or we'll raise prices. How come when the Mafia does this, its called extortion, but if the oil companies do it, well that's just good business?
Bigger "contributions"?
So we take away the tax break [a fixed amount] and according to No Joe they will increase the price which then their profits will be driven by usage thus demand.
I thought that is what “free enterprise” was all about -- not counting on government to prop up a company’s bottom line.
Whaaaa-whaaaa from the gas guzzling crowd that never thinks twice about jumping into the Hummer to drive 30 miles to get a gallon of milk. Energy producers have been telling us for over a year to expect $5 a gallon gas for over a year, plenty of time to trade in the Hummer for a Leaf.
Be careful what you wish for. Have you been to Europe? The price of gas is outrageous. In fact most people can't afford to drive. The cost of food is high. I'm not sure what's going to happen but the law of averages say this bill won't make it out of the house. I commute and in order to afford gas which is a necessity entertainment and food are the only areas to cut back. I drive a fourteen year old four banger not a hummer. Commuters like myself and families feel the biggest pinch in their wallets in times like this and while prices go up wages have remained stagnant or decreased.
Here is a crazy thought. Take away their tax breaks that have been in force for 100 years. Maybe the oil companies will just have to tighten their belts and take less profits and NOT PASS IT ON TO CONSUMERS.
Its not like they are facing bankuptcy because they own the drilling rigs, the refineries, the pipline and the gas stations.
"plenty of time to trade in the Hummer for a Leaf."
I never thought I would see Red supporting Nissan over GM. Now that statement is an oxymoron...........
Dennis,
How are you doing, fine I hope. This is just another feel good move because of the up coming election. I have no problem doing away with subsidies for big oil but I also want all subsidies to end for all types of businesses including corporate farming. I noted in the narrative that some in the Senate want to take this subsidies from big oil and give it to so called "clean energy" subsidies. I really don't think any business should get subsidies especially when we are so far in debt.
While doing away with subsidies let's close all the tax loop holes. We need to completely revise the tax code and we need to follow the recommendations of the GAO and do away with waste and fraud in government programs.
Hi Sarge,
We have agreed on these items for a long time.
The only exception I would make (beyond R&D) is for a new technology/industry that benefits our National defense and/or has the potential to create a million+ of jobs.
Whoah Dennis - This is totally amazing... for all the bantering you and I have done over the months, here is some real common ground we share! We used to have a huge R&D arm of the government but it's been shut down. NASA has contributed to our society in multiple ways. I fully agree with your comments.
I have no issue with ending subsidies for the oil company. Actually end the government spending on all subsidies and foreign government spending. Also end the California and the Federal government taxes on the price of a gallon of gas - .67 per gallon purchased.
At least the oil company works for their profit margin while the state and Feds do nothing other than collect income for no investment.
winemaker,
While I see part of your point of view, please consider this, it is hard for the consumer to swallow giving big oil big breaks and subsides when they are making record profits. Just a thought for your consideration.
I don't believe there are a large number of people in this country that have a problem with any organization/company making a profit. What we do have a problem with is companies that have us by the short hairs by creating record profits while crying that they 'have' to raise prices 20-30 cents a gallon because the cost of crude went up a few cents. This is on top of what was already record profits. In other words, they could have collectively let the prices stand even if the cost per barrel went up dramatically and still make a handsome profit.
So, I'm sorry, but I can't get on board with your thought that they earn their profit margin. They are basically raping the end user without regard for anyone but themselves and their record profits to the tune of over $5B per quarter for the larger companies.
And something I have noticed, they are not in any hurry, if they do at all, lower gasoline prices whenever oil prices fall. This is why we, as a society, are going to have to find either alternative fuels or re think how we live and drive.
This is why we, as a society, are going to have to find either alternative fuels or re think how we live and drive.
Absolutely, and the sooner the better!
Buy gas in Europe or Japan and you'll want to come back to the "high" prices in the US.
Corporate greed should not be rewarded with subsidies. If they raise the price, so be it, we'll have the incentive to wean ourselves off their products altogether and where will that leave them.
This, being election year, may garner enough votes to pass and John the weeper may not be able to stop it.
Hey, I'm all for any alternative that is cheaper, cleaner, and more efficient, but is there a way to make an alternative fuel that's compatible with today's engines?
Think about it for a second: we have literally millions of cars on the roads that require gasoline. We can't just get rid of those overnight and most people can't afford to buy new cars just to save a few dollars on gas. Something that works with today's engines would be the best solution until we can phase them out in the next 20 or 30 years.
Raping the consumer? One line of thought. But no different than our government raising taxes without regard for the average American. If my company had the world market like they do, I'd be happy with my .02 per gal sales price. Heck, I'd like the revenues the Fed receives from oil sales.
Shouldn't we then be plucked at the Oil Owning countries for selling at such a high price? Shouldn't we then tell the Mid-Eastern countries to defend themselves, unless they sell their product at a lower price per barrell so they can be more fair to the world?
What an interesting idea. I still think either way whether it's in government subsidies or high prices on consumers fairness won't occur and we'll continue to pick up the price tag and the oil companies will continue to make record profits. I live in a state where oil and gas subsidies are a big portion of the state's budget and since the budget needs to be balanced we go through the highs and the low depending on the market. I don't know what to think of this article. The whole congress is toxic and this seems to me another divider. There's some interesting points of view on the vine.
Oh, here we go! I hope they do repeal those subsidies and I also hope they don't allow that dirty pipeline to progress because there is no truth to it curbing our dependence on foreign oil or the jobs the Teapublicans claim it will create. I just spent most of the Winter riding with my husband on his truck in the oil patch of North Dakota and believe me, we don't need that pipeline. I also saw the abandoned homes and environmental destruction of all this drilling that was first supposed to stop our dependence on foreign oil. Dusgusting! Yet, according to the article, Teapublicans once again want to slip their little have to have into this legislation and the way I interpret it, it goes like this; "We will agree to repealing these subsidies as long as you allow construction of the Keystone Pipeline. Typical ploy and another barb they can throw if the pipeline is not agreed to by Democrats. I agree, the top five oil companies don't need any tax breaks with the profits they make. They have always had control of how high gas prices are and always will. They say jump, and Teapublicans ask how high. Maybe some of these complainers should change the vehicle they are driving. Then they won't be paying so much at the pump. Trade in the gas guzzler for a gas sipper. I mean, is it really necessary to be driving a Dodge Turbo Diesel P/U or a Chevy Suburban? I mean, it seems to me that those that are driving huge vehicles are the one screaming the loudest and that includes these Teapublicans who are all a bunch of yo-yos anyway.
Obama/Biden 2012
"I mean, is it really necessary to be driving a Dodge Turbo Diesel P/U or a Chevy Suburban?"
I agree!!!! Since you mention Chrysler and GM why in the hell should we support them? Oh damn, I did support them by giving BILLIONS to those company because they build what? I'll refer to your statement above, you answered my question. Thank you..............for the good laugh.
Oh, by the way I have two VW TDI's, you know the turbo power with about 40-46 MPG, the best of both worlds and drive a 07 Street Glide that gets about 35-42 MPG.
At least the oil company works for their profit margin while the state and Feds do nothing other than collect income for no investment
Winer - Get an education!
GT,
What is your issue with that statement? You don't agree the oil company takes a risk to find the product?
And do you feel the state and Feds should receive an investment on the backs of others? My back is so broken from excessive taxes already. How's yours? Do you feel that you should pay more in taxes? If so, please do.
gt , where did you get you're education ........... texas ?????
You sure have some balls, questioning where someone got thier education.
When it's obvious YOU sweet-cheeks - where home schooled!
Stupid is as stupid does...
Darling - you can pick up your parting gifts as YOU exit stage right! lmao
Must be nice; they make record profits on one hand and beg for our tax dollars with the other. Talk about welfare cheats, these guys are the masters.
Here's the hard truth no one wants to face. Oil/gas prices are NEVER going to go back down. We are at a new point in our society where we will be leaving the suburbs to move closer to our employment/shopping/social activities. It is time, now to face that ugly truth and try to figure out how to make it less painful. We are going to have to look, like it or not, at alternative fuels and fuel sources, at mass transit, and a myriad of other alternate ways of living. In a few years, gas at $5/gal is going to look like the good old days. So suck it up and figure out a solution. And if you think it truly matters which party is in charge, well again you are in for a rude awakening.
It's kinda' like 'leaded' gas......gone, gone, gone, a thing of the past!
chilled,
Exactly. There is a book (I haven't read the whole thing, but have heard the author talk about it) by Chris Steiner called $20 per Gallon:How the Inevitable Rise in Prices will Change Our Lives For the Better. In it he talks about the changes in society at $5/$10 etc. up to, obviously from the title, $20 per gallon.
It's called progress I guess, phine. Or maybe even evolution, we gradually/painfully evolve.
I totally agree with you.
YESSSSS , senate , go , go , go , let's see what the repugs do and say about this one !!!!!
I have long said that the gas prices fluctuate because the smacked a,ss's that run the gas companies want to punish the American people for talking about taking their lunch money away. These are the same people that influance elections tto take away your rights. If i was President there would be no free market gas corporations they would be the property of the people. Put a cap on them
Is there a thinking American today that really believes that ending loopholes for the wealthy or an industry earning a job-gouging 50 billion per quarter would be considered an increase in TAXES?
Only Grover Norquist and every GOP,Toy Party and presidential candidate that signed the Norquist blood oath! Oops, you said a thinking American....;-)
Obama/Biden 2012
Another warm fuzzy bill coming out of our politicians. I will venture to guess this one won't become law. There are too many Democrats and Republicans in the pockets of the major oils. We all feel good when we think about sticking it back to the oil companies, especially when we're watching that sale ticker roll over and over at the gas pump. I paid $4.61 a gallon last week.
One real problem here is that no one seems to grasp that the "subsidies" aren't "subsidies." It is a tax deduction on capital equipment, research and development. Without investments in capital equipment, people lose their jobs. Without research and development, companies don't grow. Every business from mom and pops to major corporations have this tax advantage offered to them through the tax code (written by the House Ways and Means Committee - which has been chaired by Democrats 80% of the time going back 80 years).
From a broader perspective, the scary part is the current administration continues to pick winners and losers and always names names. Waivers are granted to friends. Restrictive policies are placed on whoever they deem out of line with their agenda.
Now it's the Big Five oil companies. The money saved (taken from) is set to go to support the green energy agenda. (How's that worked out so far when our tax dollars are invested and the Government plays Venture Capitalist?)
Next it could be Pepsi and Coke - since their products rot our teeth and make us fat. Or they might target Toyota, Honda and Nissan - to benefit Ford and GM.
If a precendent is set, a Republican administration could come in and target green energy companies. That would be horrible, wouldn't it?
It's a slippery slope when the Government is allowed to choose winners and losers.
Thankfully, (hopefully) this bill is simply an fake appeasement and a chance to grandstand in an election year, and that's all.
Do you really think companies that are bankrolling BILLIONS in PROFIT every QUARTER still need government money for R&D?? Give me a freakin break. Oh, and the governement has been picking winners and losers for some time. Ever heard of Haliburton? I'm sure you thought those guys getting all those no bid contracts in Iraq was just dandy.
See Brianb #1.6 above.
Yeah!!! its about time! They have gotten away with the rape of the middle and poor for long enough! Thank all the powers that be, we finally have a President that works for the little people! This is one thing the greedy GOP had to pass, they dont like it tho! There goes some of their big money, poor GOP! They got rich enough!
Same song and dance from the GOP. How much in profit do you need to make before we take away your subsidies? Mitch McConnell is the biggest hack in DC. If gas prices are set by the world market how could ending subsidies in the US effect the price of oil?? The GOP is controlled by lobbyists. McConnell comes out and tries to scare people into thinking that oil companies will raise the prices if their subsidies are cut off to protect his buddies in the oil lobby. The GOP is a joke, they want to protect companies that are making BILLIONS in profit every year and then want to balance the budget on the backs of poor people. I mean, does that make any sense?? It does if you have been lobotimized by Fox "news"..
Yes Mitch McConnell we should all just bow down to the mighty oil companies and just do as they say. They are running the country anyway, why fight it huh?
It's unbelievable that the President runs around the country, misleading the people and no one calls him on it. The "subsidies" are part of the tax code - a tax deduction that every business has at it's disposal for capital equipment and research and development --- including the green energy companies - established or start up. He makes it sound like the oil companies are given special treatment. He does this to rile the troops -- all the while knowing the truth. He's playing the people as fools. And so many are falling for it, and cheering him on.
Please pass this bill so the voters can thank Mr Obama and all the Democrats at the ballot box in November for the $5+ cost of gas.
MSNBC is glad to spew out the Obama propaganda mis-statements about "tax breaks" for oil companies.
What tax breaks? Oil companies have the same tax deductions as other businesses.
A 'subsidy' , by contrast, is a giveaway of our tax dollars.. like the 500 million wasted on Solyndra.
The oil and natural gas industry’s impact on the U.S. economy is significant, supporting nearly 9.2 million American jobs and 7.7 percent of all U.S. GDP, and delivering more than $86 million a day to the federal treasury.
With this news today about a pending vote on a bill.....
Who wants to bet the heavy hands of specualtion will be bidding the price lower?
This to satisfy the American public that has had enough of the gouging?
I'm tired of all the manufactured crisis....and this just smells of it.
The GOP/RNC "Hoodlum's On The Hill" love the oil corporations, and they voted to give more tax payer subsidies to big oil. Now "Bonehead Boehner" is never goiing to pass anything coming out of the Senate, and the Koch Brothers are watching things very closely.To make matters worse the GOP/RNC "House Zombies" are following the specific order from "Mickey Mouse Mitch McConnell." To destroy an American President at all costs, and "Goofy Grover" is watching as well. The big Oil Corporation CEO's have bought the Tea Begger US House Of Representatives. Then there is "Crazy Cantor" who has made his economic war on the Middle Class very clear, and he still is dancing around with tea bags hanging from his "Clown Ears." The GOP/RNC Clowns in the GOP/RNC "House Of Hoodlum's" will never compromise. The Middle Class, the Working Poor, the elderely, and the disabled are economically expendible. GOP Clowns like "Sanitarium Santorum" have made the rights of all women legally expendible. That is fact!
A question. If that pipe line is built, where will most of the oil go? Will it be for the US or will it be shipped overseas?
In his State of the Union speech, Obama promised to go after the outsourcing companies and the perpetrators of the 2008 banking and mortgage meltdown and to correct the unfair tax laws under which we operate.
He's done nothing since.
The only action that I've seen is that sleazebag Paul Ryan's proposed budget to eliminate Social Security, Medicare and the other social welfare programs that he insists are wasteful.
Obama is a scared phony who doesn't have enough influence or knowledge to make anything happen. Romney is an elitist prick, Gingrich is a slob who cannot keep his zipper closed, Santorum is a religious dingbat and Paul is from Texas. After the pathetic performances by Lyndon Johnson, George Dubya Bush and rICK pERRY, I've concluded that it's unwise to vote for a Texan for public office. I don't know what's wrong with them, but I've observed a disturbing tendency toward big talk with no substance.