Recently, Forbes.com looked at the nation’s largest metro areas and calculated how much it’s costing commuters to get to and from work as a result of the Pelosi Premium. Several of the cities where the pain at the pump is most acute are represented by Democrat leaders, who have promised both their constituents and the American people that they would take action to lower gas prices.

Promises Made

Promises Broken

Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD): “Democrats believe that we can do more for the American people who are struggling to deal with high gas prices….” (Release, 10/4/05) Chief Deputy Whip and senior Energy and Commerce Committee member G.K. Butterfield (D-NC): “The [Energy Committee] assignment will also allow him to voice the concerns of families related to home heating costs and the price of gasoline.” (Release, 1/9/07) Assistant to the Speaker Xavier Becerra (D-CA): “Democrats will free America from dependence on foreign oil.” (Website) Chief Deputy Whip Maxine Waters (D-CA): “Congress is…passing bills to bring down gas prices.” (Release, 5/6/08) Chief Deputy Whip Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL): "Oil prices remain over $50 a barrel, squeezing working families further with rising gas prices.…” (Release, 4/20/05) Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel (D-IL): "We can continue to fiddle while gas prices reach $3 a gallon … Or we can provide incentives that put our nation on a better track for the long-term. Let's start now." (Release, 4/19/06) Senior Chief Deputy Whip John Lewis (D-GA): Americans are being ripped off at the gas pump. … It is not fair, it is not right, it is not just that today some Americans have to choose to fill their prescriptions or fill up their cars with gas. This crisis is having a rippling affect. It affects taxi cabs, hotels, restaurants, school systems, and local government. All across the board, people are struggling. … Where is the leadership in Washington? Where is the leadership in the Congress? Why won't someone speak up on behalf of working families?” (Release, 5/1/06)

Washington, D.C. $6.32/day    Raleigh, N.C. $6.10/day   Los Angeles, Calif. $6.12/day     Miami $6.28/day Chicago $6.23/day   Atlanta $6.62/day

(Source: Forbes, Cities With The Worst Pain At the Pump)

###

NOTE: Visit GOP.gov to view the House Republican Conference’s new web video, “The Pelosi Premium.”