Feb 28, 2012
DCCC Launches Automated Phone Call About Dan Benishek Protecting Big Oil
The DCCC is launching automated phone calls targeting Representative Dan Benishek (MI-01) and his Grand Oil Party (GOP) for their relentless protection of Big Oil profits at a time when gas prices are rising and oil company profits have reached record highs. Benishek repeatedly voted to protect taxpayer giveaways for Big Oil companies making record profits even while voting to end the Medicare guarantee for seniors.
While Benishek protected tax breaks for Big Oil companies, he made the outrageous claim that “oil companies pay their fair share.” In reality, thanks to Benishek’s reliable support, the five largest oil companies reported a record $137 billion in profits last year. Now, with rising gas prices, Benishek’s Big Oil allies are poised to make even more.
The automated phone call script running in Representative Dan Benishek’s (MI-01) district, follows:
“Hi, this is Dale calling on behalf of the DCCC.
Can you believe gas prices are nearly $4 a gallon here – who can afford that?
It just means Big Oil companies are making more than ever.
But Congressman Dan Benishek and Washington Republicans are doing everything they can to make Big Oil companies even richer—voting to protect over $40 billion of our tax dollars in subsidies to those oil companies making record profits while we continue to pay more and more at the pump.
And Congressman Dan Benishek had the nerve to say that Big Oil companies already pay their fair share.
Big Oil companies certainly are paying their share but it’s the nearly $60,000 they’ve contributed to Dan Benishek’s campaign.
Whose side is Congressman Benishek on? Sadly, it’s clear that Congressman Benishek’s last priority is middle class Michigan families and seniors.
Call Congressman Benishek at (989) 448-8811 and tell him to reduce gas prices and stand up for Medicare not fight to protect Big Oil.”
In addition to the automated calls, the DCCC recently relaunched an online action center at TheGrandOilParty.com where voters can demand Republicans return the taxpayer dollars they are using to give subsidies to Big Oil companies making record profits.
BACKGROUND
Benishek Says Big Oil Pays Its Fair Share. “Congressman Dan Benishek, R-Crystal Falls, addressed federal spending during a public forum Tuesday in Petoskey. […] "(Democrats) talk about raising the taxes on the oil companies. I think oil companies pay their fair share," Benishek said.” [Petoskey News, 8/24/11]
Benishek Took $58,100 From the Oil and Gas Industry. [OpenSecrets.org, accessed 2/21/12]
Benishek Voted for the House Republican Budget that Continued Special Tax Breaks for Big Oil. On April 15, 2011, House Republicans voted for the budget plan authored by Rep. Paul Ryan. Robert Greenstein, President of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities wrote that it was noteworthy that the Republican budget secured no deficit-reduction contribution at all from closing special interest tax breaks, such as breaks for big oil companies. [H Con Res 34, Vote #277, 4/15/11; Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, 4/20/11]
Benishek Prioritized Subsidies for Big Oil Over Education. On July 29, 2011, House Republicans voted against directing a bipartisan committee tasked with reducing $1.8 trillion in deficit reduction created under Speaker Boehner’s debt ceiling plan to prioritize cutting subsidies for major oil and gas companies and corporate jets before cutting funding for education. [S 627, Vote #676, 7/29/11; Congressional Record, H5764, 7/29/11]
Benishek Voted to Protect Taxpayer Subsidies for Big Oil. On March 1, 2011, House Republicans voted against a motion which would have prohibited any major integrated oil company from being eligible for any tax benefit or relief under related provisions of the tax code. [HJ Res 44, Vote #153, 3/1/11; Congressional Record, H1426, 3/1/11; 26 U.S.C. § 167(h)(5)(B)]
Benishek Voted to Protect Taxpayer Subsidies for Big Oil. On May 5, 2011, House Republicans voted to bypass consideration of the Big Oil Welfare Repeal Act of 2011 (H.R. 1689), which would repeal key taxpayer-funded subsidies for oil and gas companies. [H Res 245, Vote #293, 5/5/11; The Hill, 5/4/11; CBS News, 5/4/11; Congressional Record, H3076, 5/5/11]
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