House Considers Legislation Aimed at Reducing Gas Costs
The United States House of Representatives considered three measures on June 15, 2004 aimed at ensuring more reliable and stable gas prices. Representative Platts voted in favor of each of these measures.
First, the Gasoline Price Reduction Act (H.R. 4545) would address supply disruptions which have occurred in certain regions of the country due to the government-mandated use of specialized gasoline formulations known as "boutique fuels." Second, the Energy Policy Act (H.R. 4503) would provide incentives for domestic oil and natural gas production as well as alternate energy sources. Finally, the U.S. Refinery Revitalization Act (H.R. 4517) would streamline the process for creating new oil refineries. No new oil refineries have been built in the United States since 1976. Today 153 refineries operate in the U.S., compared with 324 in 1981.
H.R. 4517 and H.R. 4503 passed the full House by a vote of 239-192 and 244-178, respectively. Both bills are now pending in the Senate. Although a majority of members (specifically, 236) voted in favor of H.R. 4545, that measure failed to pass the House because of a special procedure that was in place requiring a super-majority for final passage.
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The Month in Review
The following is a list of some additional key votes taken by the United States House of Representatives during the month of June 2004:
Identity Theft Penalty Enhancements (H.R. 1731)
The House approved without objection a bill which would increase by two years the prison terms of those who commit identity theft in conjunction with other felonies such as bank, wire, or mail fraud.
The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (H.R. 218)
The House approved without objection a bill which would permit current and former law enforcement officers who meet certain training requirements and other criteria to carry concealed weapons in any state.
The United States International Leadership Act (H.R. 4053)
The House voted 365-56 to pass a bill which would create a "democracy caucus" at the United Nations and urge the President to advocate reform of U.N. institutions. Representative Platts voted in favor of this legislation.
Veterans Home Loans (H.R. 4345)
The House approved without objection a bill which would increase from $240,000 to $330,700 the maximum home loan amount that the Department of Veterans Affairs can guarantee.
The Spending Control Act (H.R. 4663)
The House voted 146-268 to reject a measure which would place enforceable caps on total discretionary spending over the next two fiscal years as well as require any additional mandatory spending to be offset with decreases in spending elsewhere. Supporters of the measure argued it was necessary to restrain the recent growth in federal spending. Representative Platts voted in favor of this legislation.
Corporate Taxes/Tobacco Bail-Out (H.R. 4520)
The House voted 251-178 to pass a measure which would reduce corporate taxes by $140 billion over ten years through various tax deductions and credits. Opponents of the measure complained that it contained too many provisions aimed at special interests, especially a $9.6 billion subsidy for tobacco growers that was added just prior to House consideration. Representative Platts voted against this legislation.
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