And while many observers believe that the current high prices are likely to be shorter in duration and severity that the huge oil shocks we experienced back in the Seventies, these increased prices have put increased focus on the importance the Department s activities play in crafting a national energy policy. The Administration s DOE budget request seeks to put our nation in a position where the American people are protected from energy price shocks while having access to the energy and fuel they need. And the budget request does this not by hurting the environment, but by increasing our energy efficiency and diversifying our fuel supply base. These are the kinds of tax cuts that would make a real difference in our energy future, and will save consumers more money in the long run than a small break on the gas tax. Unfortunately, the House yesterday passed a Republican budget resolution that failed to make any mention of these common sense tax credits.
People understand what that means for their home heating bill.
The Administration has also proposed to expand DOE s Weatherization Assistance Program that helps low-income households make their homes more energy efficient. These are the Americans that most need to reduce monthly energy costs. This program has already weatherized almost 5 million low-income homes and is saving 3.0 million barrels of oil each year. With funding from DOE and the states, our nation could add more that 150,000 homes to the list in the next year which will save more than an additional 91,000 barrels of oil per year. Here again, the House Republican Budget resolution is silent.