Chairman Rush Works to Stop High Gas Prices

Press Release

Chairman Rush Works to Stop High Gas Prices

As Chicago faces the highest gas prices in the country, Illinois Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D) moved important high gas relief legislation thru Congress today. As chairman of the subcommittee he managed the movement of the bill to the House floor, which passed with a two-thirds vote in favor of H.R. 1252, the "Federal Price Gouging Protection Act."

"Gasoline prices are now at record highs. Now rising gas prices are one thing, and I fully recognize the reality of global oil markets, the current state of our refinery capacity, and the basic laws of supply and demand," said Rep. Rush. "But the gouging of American consumers is another matter entirely, and the bill on the House floor today, ensures that American consumers are protected from companies that would prey on them during emergencies when they are most vulnerable."

H.R. 1252: "Federal Price Gouging Protection Act" will protect legitimate businesses, but penalize price gougers. A key part of the bill, sponsored by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), includes the prohibition of wholesale or retail sale of gasoline or other petroleum distillates at prices that are unconscionably excessive or take unfair advantageof consumers. The federal government would be allowed to impose tough civil and criminal penalties for those who manipulate or gouge prices. The bill also gives enforcement powers to the Federal Trade Commission which includes the issuing of fines that would be applied to Low Income Home Energy Assistant programs nationwide.
"I want to commend Mr. Stupak for a fine piece of legislation that is thoughtful and careful in its scope. On the one hand, the bill is tough and decisive. It gives the Federal Trade Commission the tools to crack down on and punish those companies that would price gouge American consumers by unscrupulously taking advantage of unique energy shortages and unconscionably raising the price of gasoline on American consumers," said Rush.

"As chairman of the subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection, I fully support Mr. Stupak's bill and its expeditious treatment on the suspension calendar. It's important for the American people to know that we are on the ball and are moving quickly to address their concerns. I urge the members of the House to pass this legislation," Rush added.

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