Blunt: Truckers' Rally Represents Frustration Caused by Pelosi Premium

WASHINGTON, April 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- House Republican Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) issued the following statement today as truck drivers traveled to Washington, D.C., for a scheduled rally to protest the prohibitive cost of diesel fuel, which has spiked by nearly $1.30 a gallon since Speaker Pelosi promised the American people a "commonsense plan" to rein in energy prices two years ago:

"The hundreds of truckers, whose very livelihoods depend on access to affordable fuel, in Washington represent the frustration of every American paying more than $4 a gallon for diesel and almost that much for gas. Republicans have heard their demands for action, and it's long-past time for this Democratic Congress to recognize the pain caused by the Pelosi Premium -- a premium that is single-handedly diverting billions of dollars a day from the American economy.

"Republicans are ready to address this problem, and have been for some time, but the best the Democratic leadership has done is play political hot-potato with the issue, while demanding that OPEC produce more -- increasing our dependence on foreign oil -- while simultaneously blocking energy production here at home.

"It's time that Congress passes an energy bill that actually produces energy so we can confront an issue that is directly hurting the American people and our economy."

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: House Republican Whip Roy Blunt

CONTACT: Nick Simpson, Antonia Ferrier, or Chris Tucker, +1-202-226-7022
all of the Office of House Republican Whip Roy Blunt

2008-04-28 18:40:00 0347020 PRNEWSWIRE