[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PRICE GOUGING BY BIG OIL COMPANIES

  (Mr. Burchett of Tennessee was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my concerns on the 
rising price of diesel fuel. Price gouging by greedy oil companies is 
causing hardworking Americans to struggle to fill their tanks. 
President Trump has already called on the Department of Justice to open 
an investigation into this abuse.
  Behind me, to my left, you will see a chart explaining just how dire 
this situation is for consumers. Refiners typically make a profit of 
around $15 per barrel, or roughly 35 cents per gallon. Today, the 
refiners are making $117 per barrel, or $2.78 per gallon. That is 
nearly an 800 percent increase, Mr. Speaker, an 800 percent increase 
they are making on the backs of hardworking Americans--our farmers, 
truck drivers, and ultimately us, the consumers. Every day we go to the 
market and pay more.
  That is why I am introducing legislation to implement export control 
measures on American diesel. Export controls drive down prices while 
also helping farmers and keeping more money in the pockets of 
consumers.
  That is affordability, Mr. Speaker. That is what America wants. That 
is what they are asking for, and dadgummit we ought to deliver it.
  These companies know they can make more money selling at higher 
prices abroad. American companies should prioritize American consumers 
and keep American diesel in America.
  I ask the President to please call on Congress to pass this vital 
piece of legislation. I don't believe Congress has the guts or the 
willpower to do it. But the President has proven time and time again 
that he and Vice President Vance do have the guts to do what is right 
for this country. I call on the President--I implore the President--
please, to call on Congress to pass this vital piece of legislation.

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