[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 21, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E988]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               GAS PRICE RELIEF FOR CONSUMERS ACT OF 2008

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                               speech of

                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2008

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon in strong support 
of H.R. 6074. Today gas prices are higher than they have ever been at 
any time in our Nation's history. These prices are causing a ripple 
effect that is causing the price to rise for even the basic necessities 
of life for Americans, such as food and electricity. And in States like 
my home State of North Carolina, where people must travel farther 
distances to go to work, church, and the grocery store, these prices 
are making it harder to make ends meet.
  This legislation will end the practice of oil producing countries, 
most notably the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), 
from intentionally suppressing production capabilities to ensure higher 
profits. This legislation closes a loophole that prevents the U.S. 
Department of Justice from being able to sue these countries under 
anti-trust violations. H.R. 6074 will also establish a Justice 
Department task force that will carefully examine these countries for 
collusion, gouging, trade manipulation, and other unfair practices. 
This task force will be required to report their findings annually to 
the Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, for too long these countries have come to rely on a 
strong U.S. market to sell their product. Today, we are sending the 
message that they will now have to play by the rules.
  I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 6074.

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