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 take action today by supporting legislation to suspend the filling of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) through the end of the year. The House of Representatives will vote on this bipartisan legislation tonight under suspension of the rules.

“Congress is taking immediate action to address the gas crisis in our country,” said DeGette. “Suspending shipments to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve will increase supply to the marketplace, bring down the price of oil, and provide relief for consumers at the gas pump. With our economy facing uncertain times, this is a critical first step in restoring consumer confidence. I encourage President George W. Bush to stand up for the American consumer by signing this legislation into law.” 

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