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   (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

   Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, we have recently celebrated the first day of spring, and very soon Americans will take to the roads for their summer vacations. At least that is what they would like to do.

   Unfortunately, rising gas prices may keep many Americans from taking summer vacations this year. Gasoline prices are rising out of control, with the possibility of reaching close to $2.00 per gallon this summer. These fuel prices have also forced airlines to raise ticket prices.

   Mr. Speaker, today our Nation is more dependent on foreign oil than we were during the gas crisis of the 1970s, and Energy Secretary Bill Richardson admits that the Clinton-Gore administration was ``caught napping.''

   Well, while the administration has been sleeping, gas prices have been skyrocketing. I hope the Clinton-Gore administration wakes up soon, because Americans cannot afford much more of these outrageous gas prices.

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