[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 15, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H5019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                DEALING WITH THE HIGH PRICE OF GASOLINE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, since the beginning of the 
year, gas prices across the Nation have been increasing. With the 
summer driving season fast approaching, prices at the pump are again 
reaching record highs.
  With the price quickly approaching $4 a gallon, it is time again for 
Congress to act to help consumers with this increased cost. High gas 
prices not only increase the cost of living for American families, but 
increased gas prices will affect the prices on nearly every single 
consumer good on the market. Working families are not only paying more 
at the pump, but at the grocery store, the pharmacy and the shopping 
malls as well.
  These increases have a harmful effect on our Nation's economy and 
security. They make it harder for working families to commute to and 
from work, especially in cases where public transportation is lacking. 
It also increases the cost for public transportation, which makes it 
harder for those individuals without automobiles to travel.
  But we see the effects of high prices across the board. Parcel 
delivery rates increase. Municipalities must increase their taxes to 
pay for gas for their emergency responder vehicles. Our utilities go 
up. We cannot afford to stand by idly as our cost of living steadily 
increases for the sake of continued record oil company profits.
  In response to the rising gas prices, I have requested that the 
Federal Trade Commission investigate possible gasoline price gouging 
and hold those accountable who engage in such practices.
  I am also a cosponsor of Congressman Stupak's legislation, H.R. 1252, 
the Federal Gas Price Gouging Prevention Act. This much needed 
legislation calls on the FTC and the Attorney General to investigate 
possible price gouging, both nationally and locally, and to prosecute 
any group found to be taking advantage of the American people. As 
summer approaches, travel within the United States historically does 
increase. According to the Automobile Association of America, gasoline 
prices may reach an all-time high by Memorial Day.
  The time has come for Congress and the President to work together on 
a solution for the American people. Earlier this year the House passed 
legislation to repeal tax breaks for oil companies while devoting more 
Federal resources to renewable fuels. I am hopeful the Senate will 
quickly act on this much needed legislation this month.
  If we are serious about reducing our dependency on foreign oil, we 
must work with manufacturers and researchers to bring renewable fuels 
to the forefront. Our environment and economy depend on it.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the 
aisle to ensure American consumers are given a voice about the high 
price of gasoline.

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