Where Does Bruce Braley Stand on National Energy Tax?

Where Does Bruce Braley Stand on National Energy Tax?

Fellow Iowa Democrat Raises Concerns, Says It Will Hurt Iowa Families, Braley Position Unknown

Washington – With Speaker Pelosi slated to ram the controversial National Energy Tax through the House this week, Iowa families need to know where Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA) stands on the issue. The job-killing legislation would also adversely effect utilities and other industries that are critical to middle-class Iowan families. This legislation is brought to floor as the spokesman for fellow Iowa Democrat Leonard Boswell has readily admitted that the bill will hurt his constituents. But any dissent will put him at odds with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as he’s voted for Pelosi’s agenda 98.2 percent of the time (Washington Post Party Unity Score).

“With fellow Iowa Democrat Leonard Boswell’s office stating that the National Energy Tax will hurt Iowa families, it’s time for Bruce Braley to come clean and tell his Iowa constituents where he stands on the controversial bill,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Does he side with Iowa families or with his liberal leader, Nancy Pelosi?”

Background:

In an interview with the Iowa Independent, Boswell’s spokesman, Mark Daley stated:

“Under the way it is written now, it will hurt Iowa utilities and ultimately Iowa families…”  

“…‘coastal utilities will have a windfall profits and the people paying for it will be Midwestern and rural families through rate increases.’” (“As climate change bill moves forward, Boswell remains skeptical,” Iowa Independent, 06/23/09)

Iowa utility companies are already crying foul on the legislation, which has the potential to cause Iowans’ utility bills to skyrocket:

“Iowans could see their power bills jump as much as 25 percent if Congress enacts a House bill aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, industry officials say…

“William Ferhman, chief executive of MidAmerican, said, ‘This bill as it sits today will have a tremendous negative impact on our customers.’…

“Iowa’s rural electric co-ops could see their rates going up 11 to 18 percent, said Allan Urlis of the Iowa Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives.” (“Climate bill unfair to Iowa, utilities say,” Des Moines Register, 06/22/2009)

Besides the effects on utility rates, the National Energy Tax will negatively affect the agricultural industry, prompting over 100 agricultural organizations to come out against the legislation, including:

The National Corn Growers Association

The National Grain and Feed Association

American Farm Bureau Federation

United Egg Producers