POLITICS: Bill Frist Orders Oil Price Probe, page 1
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Topic started on 27-10-2005 @ 03:50 PM by Halfofone
Senate Majority Leader Bill First opened a senate probe into the high oil prices that continue to grow. Even though the prices have relaxed recently, many can't help but think that the oil companies are gouging. Bill First will ask the oil big wigs what the deal is?



today.reuters.com
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Amid record-high earnings from oil companies, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist on Thursday ordered a Senate hearing with testimony from major oil company executives on why energy prices are high.

The unexpected announcement by the chamber's top Republican showed the growing political pressure as American consumers brace for higher winter heating costs at the same time energy companies are reporting fat profits.

"If there are those who abuse the free enterprise system to advantage themselves and their businesses at the expense of all Americans, they ought to be exposed, and they ought to be ashamed," Frist said in a statement.
...



Please visit the link provided for the complete story.


I can't help but think this will end in nothing but a whole lot of hot air. The probe will end and prices won't budge, the companies will continue to carry on buisness as usuall. I can just hear it now; "Well we looked into it, and the reasons for the increaces are all reasonable and there is no hanky panky going on.



[edit on 27-10-2005 by Halfofone]

[edit on 27-10-2005 by Halfofone]


reply posted on 28-10-2005 @ 08:28 AM by RANT
I can remember a time when big oil showed some RESPECT for it's employees.

The top industries supporting Bill Frist are:

1 Health Professionals $255,107
2 Securities & Investment $134,350
3 Pharmaceuticals/Health Products $123,957
4 Lawyers/Law Firms $123,927
5 Hospitals/Nursing Homes $116,200
6 Retired $105,685
7 Insurance $94,671
8 Real Estate $90,550
9 Air Transport $84,375
10 Automotive $61,200
11 Commercial Banks $59,700
12 Lobbyists $59,426
13 TV/Movies/Music $59,050
14 Computers/Internet $58,890
15 General Contractors $54,800
16 Misc Manufacturing & Distributing $54,450
17 Misc Finance $53,550
18 Accountants $52,700
19 Oil & Gas $52,500
20 Pro-Israel $50,800

#19? Come on...

Hollywood supports Bill Frist more than big oil. Does Hollywood get to drill in Alaskan Wildlife Refuges? I don't think so.

My hope is for a long costly investigation on my dime that ends up accomplishing three things:

1) Clearing big oil of any wrong doing,
2) Satiating my concerns that our government is complicit, and
3) Moving Big Oil into the top 5 contributors of Bill Frist

Let this be a warning shot to you too Misc Finance, accountants and Israel. Bill Frist wants to see some Nursing Home kind of money by 2006. Or you're getting probed (and possibly reformed).

Healthcare? You're fine. Best in the world. A bargain actually. No problems there. Securities and Investments? What can I say? We'll try to give you social security again when we come out of this tail spin. Pharmcos...! Who loves ya pharmcos? Consider Canadian imports to sleep with the fishes. Corporate lawyers? Tell McDonald's they can't be sued anymore. It's the law.

Big Oil, I got my eye on you! I know where you live! I know where you golf!

[edit on 28-10-2005 by RANT]


reply posted on 28-10-2005 @ 11:07 PM by RANT
*running Norton Anti-Republican as we speak*

To: Person who complained to me once a long time ago

There was a lot of activity in Washington, DC this week, both on and off the Senate floor. One critical story that I fear may have been a bit overlooked in the shuffle was the passing of one America's legendary heroes, Mrs. Rosa Parks. [blah, blah, blah]

Also, yesterday I called on Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Pete Domenici (R-NM) and Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-AK) to hold a joint hearing to examine reasons for high energy prices. I know that energy prices are a major issue on the minds of all Americans, and we must examine why at the same time oil companies are posting record profits, Americans are paying more than ever to fill up their cars and heat their homes. These hearings are an important step in protecting consumers and our economy from high energy prices. [Look, I did sumin good! Sort of.]

Elsewhere this week, the Senate continued preparations to consider next week's deficit reduction package. [Nothing big, just domestic stuff you count on]

As I'm sure you read or saw on the news this week, Harriet Miers asked the president to withdraw her nomination to the Supreme Court. [Who? The news? Miers? Huh?]

Lastly, I'm proud this week to have joined with Senator Alexander to honor the 80th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry. [Finally, something IMPORTANT!]

Have a good week, I'll be in touch.

Bill Frist
Senator_Frist@frist.senate.gov


My open response.

Have a nice weekend. I hope you choke.


[edit on 28-10-2005 by RANT]
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