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President Bush declared that America is "addicted" to oil, but few steps have been made to address the problem by Congress. Record high gas prices topped $3.00 in the last year, oil companies raked in huge profits, and their executives' pay soared to extremes. Meanwhile, experts say that our dependence on oil puts us at risk around the world, damages our environment and public health, and hurts our economy.

Despite widespread acceptance that we have to change our ways, why has Congress continued to reward the oil companies, like giving them $3.8 billion in tax breaks and subsidies in last year's energy bill?

Follow the money.

The oil and gas industry has poured $194.4 million into the campaigns of our federal elected officials (75% to Republicans, 25% to Democrats) since 1989, and wields enormous influence in Washington, D.C. If America is to kick the oil habit, we'll have to reduce the role of private money in politics by passing Clean Elections-style public financing.