Cornyn's Choice: Stand Up for Texas Families or Continue to Side with Special Interests

Written by: Tegan R on Jun 4, 2008 3:00 PM EDT

Linked to campaigns: Rick Noriega for US Senator from Texas

(Press release from Rick Noriega's website)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:  Holly Shulman (713) 857-9637                                          
Resha Thomas (713) 621-7425
DATE: June 3, 2008                                                          

Houston, TX – Gas prices remain at record levels at a time when Americans are struggling to pay for groceries and racking up record credit card debt. Today Texas gas prices hit the highest prices ever seen in the state, averaging $3.85 for a gallon of regular gas and the national average also hit the highest price on record, averaging $3.978.  [AAA Fuel Gauge report, 6/3/08] Yet, Senator John Cornyn has refused to take real action to help Texas families. Melissa Noriega, wife of U.S. Senate candidate Rick Noriega, is one of several supporters who are "filling Rick's boots" while he is on active duty with the Texas Army National Guard this week. She previously filled in for her husband in the Texas State House while he was serving Afghanistan.

The Climate Security Act under consideration in the Senate this week provides real solutions to the short term and long term problems facing Texas families. It will boost the economy by providing immediate tax relief to consumers struggling with high gas prices and by creating millions of good jobs. It will strengthen America's security by reducing dependence on foreign oil and the nations that export it. And it will restore America as a leading innovator in energy technology, putting the country on a path for cleaner, healthier future.

"Texas is well positioned to lead in innovative alternative energies – we've already emerged as a leader in wind energy," said Melissa Noriega.  "It's time for a Texas Senator who will break with old style politics and instead stand for policies that will help Texas families now and our future generations. My husband Rick Noriega will do just that."

Oil prices have quadrupled and gas prices have more than doubled during Senator Cornyn's time in the Senate. The impact of the increased gas prices is making headlines today with the announcement from General Motors that increased gas prices would force the closure of American auto plants, affecting thousands of workers. And Texas Prison Guards in rural counties testified recently before the Texas Senate Committee on Criminal Justice that they cannot afford to drive to work.

"Today John Cornyn said that he is hearing from Texans about the high gas prices they are facing at the pump. John Cornyn has a choice:  help Texas families by voting for the Climate Security Act which includes $800 billion in tax relief to help consumers afford increasing energy costs or stand idly by as Texas families struggle to pay at the pump," said Tony Gray, of the Rick Noriega for Senate campaign.

"Time and time again John Cornyn has failed to stand up for Texas families, instead caving to pressure from corporate special interests looking to line their pockets. Texas families deserve better. Instead of looking out for his buddies in the Big Oil and Gas industry who have donated more to Cornyn than almost any other Senator, it's time Texas families had a real advocate for them in the U.S. Senate," added Gray.

Cornyn:  A History of Failure on Solutions to Soaring Gas Prices

Cornyn Voted for $5 Billion in Tax Breaks for Big Oil. In 2006, Cornyn voted for the conference report on H.R. 4297, which included $5 billion in tax breaks for big oil.  Cornyn voted for the conference report, even though Republicans added back in two tax loopholes that have allowed the oil industry to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.  The conference report passed 54-44. [H.R. 4297, Vote #118, 5/11/2006]

Big Oil and Gas has Given Cornyn Over $1 Million. John Cornyn has accepted $1,239,675from the oil and gas industry according to the Center for Responsive Politics – that makes Cornyn one of the top three recipients of oil and gas funds in the U.S. Senate. [Center for Responsive Politics, Accessed 6/3/08]

Cornyn Voted Against Temporary Windfall Profits Tax on Oil Companies. In 2005, Cornyn voted against implementing a temporary 50 percent tax on oil company profits from the sale of crude oil.  Funds collected from the tax would be used to provide a consumer tax credit for petroleum products.  Both Senators Obama and Clinton voted for the windfall profits tax.  The motion failed 35-64. [S. 2020, Vote #331, 11/17/2005]

Cornyn Voted Against Temporary Release of Oil from Strategic Petroleum Reserve. In 2005, Cornyn voted to kill an amendment that would have urged the president to release one million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve everyday for thirty days and would have urged the president to encourage OPEC to increase their oil production.  Both Senators Obama and Clinton supported releasing the additional oil and voted against killing the amendment.  The motion to kill the amendment passed 57-39. [H.R. 6, Vote #147, 6/22/2005]

Cornyn Voted Against Energy Bill Aimed At Increasing Fuel Economy Standards by $13B in Subsidies for Major Oil and Gas Companies.  In 2007, Cornyn voted against a motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Reid, D-Nev., motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment with an additional amendment to the bill that would require new Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards of 35 miles per gallon for cars and light trucks, and require the production and use of 36 billion gallons of biofuels by 2022. It would direct the Energy Department to set new energy efficiency standards. The additional amendment would strike a provision that would require utilities to produce 15 percent of their electricity from alternative sources by 2020. It also would increase to $21.8 billion a package of tax incentives that would be offset in part by eliminating or reducing $13 billion in subsidies for major oil and gas companies.  The motion was rejected 59-40.  [CQ.com; HR 6, Vote #425, 12/13/07]

Texans are Paying Heavy Price for Do-Nothing Energy Policy

$3,261 more per household per year. Households in Texas are paying $3261 more per year for gasoline than when President Bush took office. Texas families now pay on average $5246 per year. [Department of Energy, Household Vehicles Energy Consumption 2001, Table 5.2, August 2005]

A $2.18-or-164 percent per gallon increase in gas prices. Since President Bush took office, gas prices in Texas have increased by $2.18 per gallon, an increase of 164 percent. [EIA Petroleum Marketing Monthly, May, 2001; AAA Fuel Gauge Report, 5/6/08]

$2.1 billion more per month. Families, businesses, and farmers in Texas will spend $2.1 billion more on gasoline in May 2008 than they spent in January 2001. [Department of Energy, Motor Gasoline Consumption, Price, and Expenditures 2002]

$24.6 billion more spent on gasoline this year. If prices remain at current levels, $24.6 billion more will be spent on gasoline in Texas this year than was spent in 2001.Texas consumers, farmers, and businesses are on track to pay $39.5 billion for gasoline this year. [Department of Energy, Motor Gasoline Consumption, Price, and Expenditures 2002]

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