Tester Criticizes Burns Inaction on Energy Price Relief
U.S. Senate candidate Jon Tester today blasted Senator Conrad Burns for taking more than $23,000 in oil company contributions so far this election cycle while those same companies are gouging consumers at the pumps.
“This is outrageous,� Tester said. “Back in Montana, the price of gas was going sky high while oil companies were collecting record profits. Who’s side is Senator Burns on: the Montanan stretching to make ends meet or the oil barons with money to burn?�
“Why is it that our Senator only seems to lead the nation when it’s in terms of how much money he is raising from special interests? Earlier this year, Senator Burns voted to cut taxes on big oil companies. I don’t think that’s right. I already called for Congress to reevaluate the energy bill, but it seems like we better keep asking.â€?
BACKGROUND
BURNS IS SECOND LARGEST RECIPIENT OF OIL MONEY IN CONGRESS. Conrad Burns has received $23,500 in oil money this year, second only to Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX). [The Hill, 11/9/2005, PoliticalMoneyLine.com, 11/8/2005]
ENERGY BILL CONTAINED BILLIONS IN SUBSIDIES FOR POLLUTING INDUSTRIES. “A wide-ranging energy bill expected to move through Congress this week includes more than $8.5 billion in tax incentives and billions of dollars more in loan guarantees and other subsidies for the electricity, coal, nuclear, natural gas and oil industries.” [Associated Press, 7/27/2005]
JON TESTER CALLED FOR CONGRESS TO RECONSIDER ITS ENERGY POLICY. Tester called for reconsideration of subsidies to oil companies during a time of record profits. [TesterForSenate.com energy petition]
EXXON REPORTS RECORD PROFITS. Exxon reported $9.9 billion in profits for the 3rd Quarter of 2005, a record for any U.S. based corporation. [Reuters, 10/27/2005]
Posted on Thursday, November 10th, 2005 at 12:50 pm.
