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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 18, 2007

Kagen Votes for Energy Independence, Sides with Wisconsin Farmers
House Completes Historic 100 Hours Legislation

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. voted today to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and put America on a bipartisan path towards energy independence.

H.R.6, the CLEAN Energy Act, creates a Strategic Renewable Energy Reserve to invest in clean, renewable energy resources and alternative fuels, promote new energy technologies, develop greater efficiency and improve energy conservation.

The bill funds progress in clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency by repealing $13 billion in subsidies given to Big Oil companies.

It also ensures oil companies will pay their fair share in royalties, closes tax loopholes and ends giveaways for Big Oil in the 2005 Energy bill.

“I trust the farmers in the Midwest for our future energy needs more than anyone. Today’s vote was about seeing the next step towards independence and taking it,” Kagen said.

“We must be committed to clean, renewable sources of energy,” Kagen said. “Every person in Wisconsin knows the value of self-reliance.”

H.R. 6 was the final piece of legislation House Democrats promised to enact in the first 100 Hours of the 110th Congress.

“The American people sent a clear message for positive change and a new direction, and that’s exactly what we have begun to do,” Kagen said.  “The ‘100 Hours Agenda’ proves we can come together as a nation and begin to solve these really complex issues.”

“From fundamental ethics reforms, to restoring fiscal responsibility, to strengthening our national security, to giving more Americans a realistic shot at a higher education, this bipartisan Congress is committed to real results for people.  During these first two weeks, we changed how business is done in Washington,” Kagen added.

Kagen pointed out that each of the “100 Hours Agenda” items passed the House with broad bipartisan support.  “We’ve set a tone for the 110th Congress that is one of cooperation, consensus and compromise that extends beyond party lines.  We’re putting progress ahead of partisanship, and that approach was a big part of what we’ve been able to achieve,” Kagen said.

The House has passed the following items since the start of the 110th Congress:

  • Ethics Reform, 1/4/07 Passed 430-1 (D 232-0; R 198-1)
  • Restoring Fiscal Responsibility, 1/5/07 Passed 280-152 (D 232-0; R 48-152)

100 Hours Legislation

  • Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations, 1/9/07 Passed 299-128 (D 231-0; R 68-128)
  • Increasing the Minimum Wage, 1/10/07, Passed 315-116 (D 233-0; R 82-116)
  • Expanding Stem Cell Research, 1/11/07, Passed 253-174 (D 216-16; R 37-158)
  • Requiring Negotiation for Lower Prescription Drug Costs, 1/12/07, Passed 255-170 (D 231-0; R 24-170)
  • Cutting Interest Rates on Student Loans, 1/17/07, Passed 356-71 (D 232-0; R 124-71)
  • Ending Subsidies for Big Oil and Investing in Renewable Energy, 1/18/07, Passed 264-123

“This is just the beginning of the work we are going to do on behalf of the American people, but it’s a very important step in the right direction,” concluded Kagen.

Contact:
Curtis Ellis
202 225-5665 (office)
curtis.ellis@mail.house.gov
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