Washington, DC ­ Recently President Bush said that the American people must make sacrifices because of concerns that the recent storms could disrupt the gasoline market. Specifically, he said that Americans should avoid taking trips that are "not essential."

Colorado Democratic Party Chairman Pat Waak issued the following statement:

"President Bush continues to call on the American people and Coloradoans to make more and more sacrifices to make up for his failed leadership. It's no secret that America's working families have learned to make great sacrifices over the last five years with the Republican leadership in control of the White House and Congress.

"Sadly, President Bush and Colorado's Republicans in Congress have yet to make sacrifices themselves, continuing to champion tax breaks for the wealthy while amassing an irresponsible deficit that will be passed along for generations to come. And while Bush's big oil cronies have enjoyed record profits, his Administration has done little if anything at all to help lower the cost of oil. Americans know we can do better.

"The truth is that when they had the chance, the President opposed amendments proposed by Democrats that would have made America energy independent by 2020, and the Rubber-Stamping Republicans in the Senate followed suit. Coloradoans and all Americans expect more from President Bush and the Republicans in Congress.

"Democrats will continue to fight for energy independence because Colorado's drivers shouldn't have to depend on the charity of the Saudi royal family for relief from out of control gas prices. Making America energy independent is the right thing to do for our national security, for our environment, and for consumers."