Heller urges action on rising fuel prices

WASHINGTON -- In delivering the weekly radio address for the House Republican Conference, Rep. Dean Heller of Nevada on Friday called for bipartisan action in Congress to address surging gasoline prices.

But with even Democratic presidential candidates disagreeing on a proposal to temporarily suspend the federal gasoline tax, chances of a bipartisan agreement appear remote.

"My Republican colleagues and I hear the American family's call for action, and we stand ready to work with Democrats to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy, lower energy prices here at home, and invest in all forms of energy to create American jobs and grow our economy," Heller said.

Republicans, including Heller, are calling for oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Gulf of Mexico to boost America's energy supply.

Democrats oppose both.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada originally planned to unveil a Democratic plan to lower gasoline taxes on Friday, but has decided to postpone an announcement until next week.

"The language (of Reid's proposal) is being finalized," said Reid spokesman Jon Summers. Among other things, Reid's plan is expected to roll back billions of dollars in tax incentives for the oil industry and allow the United States to sue the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, for manipulating crude oil prices.

Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., have agreed there should be a holiday from the federal gasoline tax.

Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., opposes a suspension of the federal gasoline tax.

While he calls for bipartisan action, Heller's radio address also attacks House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and notes gasoline is nearly $1.30 higher since she became speaker.

Heller calls this the "Pelosi Premium."

Democrats charge Republicans have obstructed at least five Democratic bills aimed at relieving high gasoline prices.

Heller dismissed the Democratic proposals as "fluff," that would increase taxes.

The Nevadan was selected by House Republican leaders to deliver the radio address because "they want to put a new brand of Republicans in front of the public. The 1994 brand isn't working anymore," Heller said.

Seeking re-election to a second term this year, Heller said he is not as likely to return to Nevada and run for governor as he was when he was elected to the House in 2006.

"I am less and less interested, based on the success that I have had in Washington, to change career paths anytime soon," Heller said.

Contact Stephens Washington Bureau reporter Tony Batt at tbatt @stephensmedia.com or 202-783-1760.