(H.R. 8444). Vote is on the Steiger motion to recommit the bill back to committee and delete the proposed crude oil equalization tax. This tax would gradually increase the government-controlled price of domestic oil to that of the more expensive imported oil. The tax would raise the price of oil from the present average of $11 per barrel to about $13.50 per barrel. The higher price would give consumers an incentive to use oil more efficiently and to substitute other fuels, including solar energy. The new tax revenue would be rebated to consumers to protect the economy by maintaining consumer purchasing power. Environmental groups and some consumer groups support the crude oil tax as a conservation tool and an incentive for solar energy. It raises the price of domestic oil to its "replacement cost" (the price of imported oil), without permitting the oil companies to reap the windfall profits that would result from simply ending the price controls on domestic oil. See #20 for vote on final passage of the bill. Motion rejected 203-219. August 5, 1977. NO is the correct vote.