[Jeanfromfillmore]

Email I received:

Jean -

We have great news from Washington: Senator Lindsey Graham is backing away from introducing a new gas tax. We owe a debt of gratitude to the many American Solutions members in South Carolina who called Senator Graham and asked him not to support new gas taxes. Your request has been granted.

Yesterday, Senator Graham sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid indicating that he would abandon his support for global warming energy tax legislation if the Senate leadership decided to move ahead first with comprehensive immigration legislation. Here is an excerpt from that letter:

"I want to bring to your attention what appears to be a decision by the Obama Administration and Senate Democratic leadership to move immigration instead of energy. Unless their plan substantially changes this weekend, I will be unable to move forward on energy independence legislation at this time. I will not allow our hard work to be rolled out in a manner that has no chance of success.

"Recent press reports indicating that immigration -- not energy -- is their priority have not been repudiated. This has destroyed my confidence that there will be a serious commitment and focus to move energy legislation this year..."

Whatever the reason for his decision, every American should be grateful that Senator Graham appears to be abandoning his support for a global warming bill that was widely reported to contain new gas, diesel, and other transportation fuel taxes. New gas taxes will kill jobs, hurt small business, and make it more expensive to drive and fly. Americans need more jobs, not more gas taxes.

As a result of Senator Graham's letter, Senators Kerry and Lieberman have temporarily postponed the introduction of their global warming energy tax bill, which was originally scheduled to be presented tomorrow. While Senator Graham's abandonment of the energy tax bill appears today to be a major obstacle to the bill moving forward, we remain alert to the possibility that a new gas tax could be introduced sometime this summer. We will update you on any new future developments.

Thank you once again for your tireless efforts in opposing new gas, diesel, and other energy taxes. This weekend's news shows that American Solutions' members continue to play a vital role in protecting all Americans from higher taxes and advancing solutions that will contribute to American safety, prosperity, and freedom.

Sincerely,
Vince-Signature
Vince Haley
Vice President for Policy
American Solutions

P.S. There's a little over one week until May 5th, when Speaker Gingrich and American Solutions head to Greenville, South Carolina for the next stop on our Real Jobs Summit Tour. If you know anyone in the area that may want to join us, please refer them here.