WASHINGTON, DC - Service Employees International Union (SEIU) International President Mary Kay Henry issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted down the "The Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act:"

"Led by Senator Menendez, the Senate had a chance today to end corporate welfare for Big Oil. But even at time when Americans are struggling to put gas in the car, a group of Senators voted to continue providing taxpayer-funded subsidies to oil barons. There is no excuse for voting against legislation that would end these tax giveaways for the 1%, while at the same time championing deficit reduction on the backs of the 99% through cuts in essential services."

"The Senators that sided with Big Oil over struggling families need to explain to working people why they believe that taxpayers should continue giving a share of their paycheck to subsidize an enormously profitable industry."