United States Passes Tax Hike for Oil Companies

US House Republicans criticized energy legislation passed late Wednesday, saying that it would raise taxes on the oil industry but give tax breaks to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and the state-run oil company CITGO. 'Middle-class families and small businesses are feeling the squeeze from rising costs for gasoline, food, and other costs of living,' said House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) in a statement. 'Unfortunately, the Democrats' 'no energy' bill will only make matters worse by raising taxes and setting the table for even higher prices at the pump.'