response 2

Here is another response I got back from my Congresswoman, re: a letter I sent a few weeks back concerning gas prices:

"Dear Scott:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the rising cost of gasoline. I appreciate your concern and welcome the opportunity to respond.

Like you, I am concerned about the recent gasoline price increases in the U.S. There are no easy fixes to rising gasoline prices, but we are moving in the right direction to address the problem. I have voted to repeal unnecessary tax breaks for large oil companies that are reaping record profits at a time when Nevadans are paying higher prices at the pump and businesses are absorbing or passing on additional costs. The savings from repealing the tax breaks would be used in the development of alternative fuels and energy sources in order to lower prices in the long term.

Last year, Congress passed, and the President signed into law, H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act. This legislation is an important step that moves the United States toward greater energy independence and security by increasing the production of clean renewable fuels and increasing the efficiency of our products, buildings, and vehicles.

In May, Congress overwhelmingly passed, and I voted for, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Fill Suspension and Consumer Protection Act, H.R. 6022. This bipartisan legislation will temporarily suspend oil purchases for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is currently 97 percent full and continuing to fill it would divert 70,000 barrels of crude oil that could be used for consumer purposes and reduce prices at the pump. The House passed H.R. 6022 on May 13, 2008, by a margin of 385-25. On May 14, 2008, the Senate passed this legislation by unanimous consent and on May 19, 2008, H.R. 6022 was signed into law by the President.

On June 26, 2008, I voted for, and the House passed, the Energy Markets Emergency Act, H.R. 6377, by a margin of 402-19. The Energy Markets Emergency Act would direct the Commodities Futures Trading Commission to curb excessive speculation, price distortion, and other activity that is causing major market disturbances.

The Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands (DRILL) Act, H.R. 6515, would seek to increase the domestic supply of oil as a way to increase supply and ease high prices. On July 17, 2008, I voted for H.R. 6515, but, the House failed to pass this resolution by a margin of 244-173 -- a two-thirds majority was required for passage.

I also support the Gas Price Relief for Consumers Act, H.R. 6047. This bill would crack down on Middle Eastern oil profiteers by making it illegal for any foreign state to limit the distribution of its oil in order to intentionally hurt United States consumers. On May 20, 2008, I voted for, and the House passed, H.R. 6074, by a margin of 324-84. The Senate has yet to consider this legislation.

I also support the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act, H.R. 6049, which would increase the production of renewable fuels and renewable electricity, and encourage greater energy efficiency. This bill would extend and expand tax incentives for renewable electricity, energy and fuel from America's heartland, as well as for plug-in hybrid cars, and energy efficient homes, buildings, and appliances. On May 21, 2008, I voted for, and the House passed, H.R. 6049 by a margin of 263-160. The Senate has yet to consider this legislation.

There is no immediate short-term solution to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. However, our country must work hard toward a long-term goal of becoming energy independent by harnessing renewable energy sources available here in the United States, and increasing fuel efficiency in our vehicles and homes. I will continue to monitor legislation concerning gas prices. Should further bills regarding gas prices reach the House floor for a vote, I will keep your views in mind.

Once again, thank you for sharing your concerns with me. If I may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office or visit my website at http://berkley.house.gov.

Sincerely,

SHELLEY BERKLEY
Member of Congress"


Now the question is have any of YOU written your Congressperson or Senator? Please do, because remember, "THEY work for us".