Democratic News

From the DNC Press Office

Washington, DC - Because President Bush and the Republicans in Congress have failed to take action to reduce skyrocketing gas prices, state and local governments across the country are being forced to take matters into their own hands.

This week, the state of Hawaii became the first state in the nation to cap wholesale gas prices, and USA Today reported that rising gas prices have forced state and local governments to consider laying off workers, raising local taxes and cutting back on essential services. [Reuters, 8/25/05; USA Today, 8/24/05]

"President Bush has sat on his hands as ordinary Americans and their communities have been blindsided by skyrocketing gas prices," said Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean. "While oil companies have enjoyed record profits, President Bush's lack of leadership has allowed the gas price crisis to spiral out of control, leaving painful decisions to state and local governments. It is time for President Bush and the Republicans in Washington to put the pedal to the metal and steer us toward a sound strategy for reducing gas prices."