‘Campaign season is here’: House panel clashes on energy costs

Democrats blame oil companies, Republicans blame Biden administration

A House panel erupted in partisan rancor Thursday as Democrats and Republicans clashed over the root causes of soaring energy costs that are squeezing American consumers and businesses alike.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing to examine the factors driving up energy prices, which have reached their highest levels in decades and are a major source of anxiety for voters ahead of the midterm elections.

Democrats finger oil companies

Democrats on the panel blamed oil companies for price gouging, pointing to record profits reported by Big Oil in recent months.

"Oil companies are making record profits while American families are struggling to make ends meet," said Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), the committee chairman.

"These companies are putting their profits ahead of the American people, and it's time for us to hold them accountable."

Republicans blame Biden administration

Republicans, on the other hand, blamed the Biden administration's policies for the surge in energy costs.

"The Biden administration has declared war on American energy," said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), the ranking member of the committee.

"Their policies have made it harder to produce oil and gas in this country, and they have driven up costs for consumers."

The impact of the war in Ukraine

Both Democrats and Republicans acknowledged that the war in Ukraine has also contributed to the rise in energy prices.

The conflict has disrupted global energy markets and led to a sharp increase in the price of crude oil.

However, Democrats and Republicans disagreed on how much of the blame for high energy prices should be placed on the war in Ukraine.

The political implications

The debate over the causes of high energy costs is likely to be a major issue in the upcoming midterm elections.

Voters are increasingly concerned about inflation and the rising cost of living, and both parties are eager to pin the blame on their opponents.

Democrats are likely to argue that Republicans are out of touch with the economic concerns of ordinary Americans.

Republicans, on the other hand, are likely to argue that Democrats' policies are to blame for the current economic困境.