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Robin Hayes Votes to Protect Corporate Welfare for Oil Compaines
Hayes' vote last night proves that he is in the pockets of Big Oil
Friday, May 19, 2006
"His vote last night proves that Hayes is in the pockets of big oil companies....Estimates are the top three American oil companies will have earned more profit in three months than President Bush's proposed savings for eliminating 141 federal programs next year. If anything, we need to hold these oil companies accountable." – Larry Kissell
BISCOE , N.C. – Larry Kissell, high school teacher and Democratic nominee for Congress in North Carolina's 8th district, was disappointed with Congressman Robin Hayes' vote to protect corporate welfare to big oil companies today. Hayes voted against an amendment to the Interior Appropriations bill that would require royalty fees to be charged to oil companies that drill in public waters in the Gulf of Mexico .
"I am very disappointed with Robin Hayes. He's a good man who has become a part of the problem in Washington. His vote last night proves that Hayes is in the pockets of big oil companies. His vote expanded corporate welfare for the same oil companies that are making record profits while we are stuck with gas prices that regular folks can't afford," said Kissell.
According to the New York Times, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) introduced his amendment to the Interior Appropriations Act that would require at least 7 billion dollars in payments over the next five years. These funds would only be required from oil and gas extracted in publicly owned waters. Hinchey's amendment passed 262-165 without the support of Robin Hayes. (Roll call vote #167 5-18-06)
"Robin Hayes and I have very different views on this. I would have voted to strip away corporate welfare for oil companies. They are one of the most lucrative industries in the world and suffering Americans shouldn't be bankrolling their operations. ExxonMobil reported a first-quarter net income of $8.4 billion. Estimates are the top three American oil companies will have earned more profit in three months than President Bush's proposed savings for eliminating 141 federal programs next year. If anything, we need to hold these oil companies accountable. Forcing oil companies to pay for the right to drill in public waters is a start," Kissell said.
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