WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Truckers and Citizens
United (TACU), a nationwide organization that represents the interests of
thousands of professional drivers and trucking employees, is gearing up for
a massive convoy around Capitol Hill on Tuesday, September 23rd, to ask
Congress and President George W. Bush to back energy legislation that would
make gas prices more affordable. For months, the volatile shifts in gas
prices have led to higher prices for local business operators, including
truckers, and consequently almost every type of consumer good they
transport.
The convoy, which could slow traffic in the nation's capital for hours,
will start at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, and travel to downtown
Washington, DC, where it will parade around the U.S. Capitol by
mid-morning. The group wants Congress and the President to pass and sign
energy legislation before Congress adjourns that would address the
hardships caused by record-high gas prices and curb rampant oil
speculation. Hundreds of truckers are expected to participate in the event,
with drivers bringing their rigs from New York, West Virginia, Maine,
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Arizona, and Texas.
The truckers are calling for legislation to reduce high gas prices that
are severely hurting the trucking industry and legislative reforms that
will stop excessive oil speculation. Specifically, the truckers are asking
Congress to close loopholes that allow speculators to manipulate oil prices
without ever planning to take delivery of the oil, as well as lift some of
the bans on offshore drilling, and allow smaller refineries to be built
around the Gulf region.
Ron Wenger, Co-Director of TACU, thinks Congress has been to slow to
act. "Truckers are just struggling to get by these days and the high cost
of fuel is killing them. Everyday Americans are doing their part to reduce
consumption, but our legislators haven't done anything on their end to
remedy these problems," Wenger said.
Co-Director Mark Kirsch echoed his thoughts. "We need Congress to pass
energy legislation today that can reduce gas prices and end rampant oil
speculation. These issues aren't just impacting truckers; the high prices
are hurting consumers, too," Kirsch said.
Following a brief rally at FedEx Field at 8:00AM, the convoy of trucks
will depart for Capitol Hill by 9:00AM. The group will take Maryland
Interstate 295 South to the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge and enter
Washington, DC, on South Capitol Street (SW). The convoy is expected to
arrive at the corners of 3rd Street and Independence Avenue, SW, by
10:30AM. The convoy will circle the National Mall on Independence Avenue
and Constitution Avenue between Third and Fourteenth Streets before heading
back to FedEx Field in Landover, MD.
Interviews with leaders from TACU will be available as the convoy
parades through the nation's capital, and members of the group will meet
with legislators throughout the week to discuss their energy priorities.
http://www.truckersandcitizensunited.net
Truckers and Citizens United (TACU) is a national organization
dedicated to bringing together and empowering professional drivers and
trucking employees. We represent the interests of owner-operators and
professional drivers on all issues that affect truckers and their families.
TACU actively advocates for the safety and success of its members at the
state and federal levels.
SOURCE Truckers and Citizens United
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Related links:
http://www.truckersandcitizensunited.net
CONTACT:
Ted Kresse, +1-202-777-3719, for Truckers and
Citizens United
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