Statement on Waxman-Markey Energy-Rationing Bill

Washington,
D.C., June 23, 2009—House Democratic
leaders plan to bring to the floor this week the Waxman-Markey energy-rationing
bill, H. R. 2454.  If enacted, Waxman-Markey would be the biggest tax
increase in the history of the world and the biggest government intervention in
people’s lives since the Second World War, which is the last time that
Americans needed ration coupons to buy gasoline, food, and other
necessities.  The energy price increases required by H. R. 2454, the
American Clean Energy and Security Act, are not a one-time event, but will go
up steadily year after year until at least 2050. 

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and Energy and
Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Beverly Hills) are moving ahead
with their stupendous energy-rationing bill despite strong statements from
China and India that they will not similarly hamper their economies and
impoverish their peoples. Waxman-Markey is all pain and no gain. 

Waxman-Markey is a 1,201-page economic suicide
note. Those Members of the House who vote for it are voting for long-term
economic decline and for turning the United States into a second-rate
economy. 

We urge that voters contact their Representative immediately
by calling the House switchboard at (202) 225-3121. Tell your
Representative to vote No on H. R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security
Act. Voters may also send their Member an e-mail by going to www.cei.org/1984
and clicking on the link to the action page. 

CEI is a non-profit, non-partisan
public policy group dedicated to the principles of free enterprise and limited
government.  For more information about
CEI, please visit our website at www.cei.org.