Relief For Consumers At The Gas Pump

WASHINGTON – As gas prices continue to soar, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette(D-CO), Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, will takeaction today by supporting legislation to suspend the filling of theStrategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) through the end of the year. TheHouse of Representatives will vote on this bipartisan legislationtonight under suspension of the rules.

"Congress is taking immediate action to address the gas crisis in ourcountry," said DeGette. "Suspending shipments to the StrategicPetroleum Reserve will increase supply to the marketplace, bring downthe price of oil, and provide relief for consumers at the gas pump.With our economy facing uncertain times, this is a critical first stepin restoring consumer confidence. I encourage President George W. Bushto stand up for the American consumer by signing this legislation intolaw."

Temporary suspension of the SPR could reduce gas prices from 5 to 24cents per gallon. The U.S. Senate approved this measure on anoverwhelming bipartisan vote of 97 to 1 earlier today.