Reply #8: Text of letter

[Jack Rabbit]

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February 15, 2006

Mr. Bill Jones
(street address redacted)
Centerville, MO 63633-0088

Dear Mr. Jones:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the testimony of oil company executives before the Senate Committee on Commerce. I appreciate the time you have taken to share your concerns with me.

On November 9, 2005, several executives from ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce. The executives were asked several questions pertaining to the industry's record profits and allegations of price gouging. Unfortunately, the executives were never placed under oath and therefore all statements made in front of the committee are not subject to penalty of law. In recent months, the record profits achieved by the major oil companies have come to my attention. Honest testimony is needed to explain the gains received over the last six months. Measures need to be taken to investigate and prosecute price gouging by the major oil companies. With gas prices being so volatile, manipulation of the market will not be tolerated.

In the United States, we are blessed with abundant natural resources yet remain at the mercy of an international cartel. Our dependence on foreign oil threatens our economy and our way of life. Our national security depends on secure and stable supplies of energy. In particular, alternative fuels are important in Missouri, where the corn and soybean our farmers produce can be made into viable fuel additives, reducing the amount of oil needed to produce a gallon of gas. America's energy future depends upon the proper management of natural resources and energy infrastructure.

Once again, thank you for contacting me regarding the testimony of oil company executives before the Senate Commerce Committee. Please feel free to contact me with other mattes that are of importance to you. I am honored to serve as your Representative in the U.S. Congress. i think you're an asshole.

Sincerely,
/s/
JO ANN EMERSON
Member of Congress

Hand written note: Please forgive the delay in responding.