Stupak Joins Senators Clinton and Kerry to Address 90% Increase in Home Heating Costs

WASHINGTON – Congressman Bart Stupak (D-MI) joined Members of the House and Senate to discuss topics addressed with constituents over the Columbus week district work period. Stupak held six town hall meetings in Michigan’s 1^st Congressional District and noted that the expected 90% increase in home heating costs was among the top concerns expressed by his constituents.

“The cold weather is starting to settle into Northern Michigan. Our winters are six or more months of snow, cold and harsh winter weather. Families in my district do not have the option of not paying these skyrocketing increases in home heating costs,” Stupak said. “Families in my district will be forced to choose between putting food on their tables and heating their homes. Seniors will be forced to choose between buying vital prescription drugs and heating their homes.”

Stupak highlighted the controversial October 7^th vote on the Republican energy bill where the Republican leadership held a five minute vote open for 45 minutes to twist arms so that Republican Members of the House would change their votes to pass this flawed legislation 212-210. Stupak said that the Republican bill would do nothing to bring down gas prices or protect consumers from future price gouging because it does not include natural gas and does not provide additional penalties for those who engage in price gouging. With refineries increasing their prices 255% over the past 12 months, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) needs to clarify price gouging and go after those in the supply chain that have gross, excessive increases in cost and profit.

“A number of truck drivers also attended my town hall meetings to tell me that the price of diesel is putting them out of business,” Stupak said. “Under the Republican energy bill, truckers wouldn’t see any relief at the pumps as their bill does not provide the FTC with the tools they need to go after those in the supply chain who are gouging.”

Stupak also noted that the Republican energy bill would do nothing to address home heating cost increases, which USA Today estimates will cost up to 90% more this winter. In addition, the Republican bill actually weakened the Clean Air and Clean Water standards for the country under the guise of providing more refinery capacity.

Stupak was joined by Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY), John Kerry (D-MA), Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Stephanie Herseth (D-SD), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL).

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