Boehner: Latest House GOP Petition Would Force Vote on Bill to Roll Back Costly Government Fuel Mandates

Congressman John Boehner
July 16, 2008

Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) today issued the following statement on a discharge petition filed by Rep. Thelma Drake (R-VA) to force Democratic leaders to schedule a vote on the Fuel Mandate Reduction Act (H.R. 2493), legislation authored by Republican Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO) to reduce the price of gasoline by removing fuel blend requirements and government mandates that contribute to high gas prices:

Republicans believe that in order to reduce the price at the pump, Congress needs to adopt an all of the above strategy that would increase the supply of American energy, promote more conservation and efficiency, and encourage the development of more alternative and renewable fuels. The all of the above strategy also calls for removing outdated and onerous government mandates that needlessly drive up fuel costs, such as the guidelines demanding more expensive blends of gas for different parts of the country. Rep. Drakes petition to force a vote on Rep. Blunts Fuel Mandate Reduction Act will ensure these heavy-handed and outdated regulations become a thing of the past.

The American people have come to realize that the only ones standing in the way of more American energy production and fewer costly government energy mandates are the Democrats in charge of Congress. If rank-and-file Democrats are truly concerned about reducing the price of gasoline on behalf of American consumers, they will sign Rep. Drakes petition to force Speaker Pelosi (D-CA), Majority Leader Hoyer (D-MD), and their colleagues in the Democratic leadership to bring this common sense legislation to the floor. With August recess rapidly approaching, Members on both sides of the aisle must begin speaking with one voice: we should not leave town without giving the American people the energy reforms to lower gas prices they expect and deserve.

NOTE: The current gasoline supply includes specially formulated fuels, which are required by law in certain communities. When supplies of one or more of these special blends are limited, prices rise quickly, intensifying consumers pain at the pump. By simplifying the U.S. fuel supply mix, the Fuel Mandate Reduction Act (H.R. 2493) would make more fuel supplies available to communities and help reduce gas prices. For more information on the House GOPs comprehensive plan for lower gas prices, please go here or visit the House GOPs Real Energy Solutions.”