Sali: Idahoans encouraged to send in their gas receipts, tell Congress to act on energy crisis

From: Congressman Bill Sali 

Congress must remove the restrictions it put on America’s oil-rich public lands. We must increase exploration and production of American crude oil, as well as increase American refining capacity. These steps will lower gas prices. Unfortunately, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is refusing to take up legislation that will increase American energy independence. That is why I am asking Idahoans to send me their fuel receipts, so that I can show Speaker Pelosi just how serious the energy crisis is for Idahoans.

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 she’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.

Here are the addresses for my offices. I hope you will take this opportunity to show Speaker Pelosi how important this issue is to you:

Boise Office
802 W Bannock, Ste 101
Boise, Idaho 83702

Caldwell Office
704 Blaine St, Ste 1
Caldwell, Idaho 83605

Coeur d’ Alene Office
610 W Hubbard, Ste 206
Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho 83814

Lewiston Office
313 D Street, Ste 104
Lewiston, Idaho 83501

As always, I look forward to hearing from you, getting your advice and ideas. I want to work with you in solving America’s current energy problems.