Sali asks Idahoans to mail gas receipts; will give them to Speaker Pelosi

Press Release

Congressman says House leader needs to understand impact of high gas prices in Idaho

Congressman Bill Sali today urged Idahoans to send their fuel receipts to his offices so that he can forward them to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Sali said he wants to illustrate for Speaker Pelosi the hardship that high gas prices are having everyday in Idaho's 1st Congressional District.

Sali made the announcement at a Post Falls, Idaho, truck stop, where he emphasized the need to boost American energy exploration and production.

"The fact remains we need to get our hands on every drop of energy we can from every source possible. While conservation is important and alternative energy is necessary, there's no such thing as a hybrid or electric semi. Every one of these trucks out here today will continue to need affordable diesel.

"We keep talking about $4 a gallon gas. Well, these truckers here are paying $5 a gallon for diesel, and that is impacting the cost of everything and killing the trucking industry.

"Recently, I asked Idahoans to write me and tell me how high gas prices are affecting them. I heard from literally thousands of Idahoans, nearly all urging Congress to lift the ban on American energy exploration and drilling. The comments were extremely poignant.

A Post Falls trucking company owner named Robert wrote, ‘high fuel prices are breaking me and this whole industry. After being on the road away from my home for 5 to 6 weeks at a time and busting my butt trying to stay afloat, I really don't have to worry about gas prices because I don't have enough money left when I get home to buy gas for my car.'

"Jodi from Middleton wrote to tell me that it's getting difficult to go anywhere, and being summer, she has to tell her kids that gas is too high to go to the park or the library. Jodi also told me that he's paying $165 a week for groceries that used to cost $100 a week. Jodi said, ‘if gas goes any higher, we will lose our home.'

"Mariya from Boise wrote plainly, ‘the government is stifling the nation's economy.'

"Well, Robert and Jodi and Mariya and all the others who have been writing my office asking Congress to do something are right. And yet Congress is not acting. Speaker Pelosi is refusing to take up legislation that increases American energy production. The legislation Congress has taken up so far is pure gimmickry, smoke and mirrors and political baloney.

"Maybe if Speaker Pelosi hears directly from Idahoans, and sees just how much it is costing the families and businesses of our state, she'll be more inclined to act. So I'm asking Idahoans today to engage on this issue in a way they never have. Save those gas receipts. Send them to my office, and I'll make sure Speaker Pelosi gets them," said Sali.

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