House members urge consideration of anti-energy tax measures

A group of House members is pushing for expedited floor consideration of two resolutions that oppose taxes targeting the oil and gas industry.

“We must send a clear message to the American public that we stand opposed to policies that will senselessly drive up energy prices for American families and businesses, harm our economy, and drive American jobs overseas,” Rep. Charles Boustany (R-La.) and 55 of his colleagues said in a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). 

{mosads}One of the resolutions, introduced by Boustany, would express the sense of Congress that a new tax should not be placed on oil. President Obama’s budget released earlier this year proposes a $10.25 tax on each barrel of oil.

The other resolution, introduced by House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), would express the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would be detrimental to the U.S. economy.

The lawmakers said in their letter, “The very nature of a carbon tax means a direct increase in the cost of traditional forms of energy across the board such as gasoline, diesel, electricity, and natural gas.”

Boustany said in a statement Monday that he is pushing House leadership for quick action on the resolutions so Congress can send Obama a message that it is fighting back.

“We cannot sit by and allow this President to fund his anti-energy agenda out of the pockets of our hardworking men and women,” he said.