By Terry Gildea
Washington, DC – Gasoline prices are now averaging $3.08 per gallon across New York State. Democratic Congresswoman Louise Slaughter squarely blames Republicans and the Bush Administration for an energy crisis she says is out of control.
Tuesday, President Bush called on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the possibility of price gouging and proposed repealing energy industry tax breaks. But Slaughter says House Democrats were offering solutions to the energy crisis long before the President.
"Had they accepted amendments on this energy bill when it came to the floor, we would already have the windfall profits tax, and we would already have something to help low-income people pay their gas bill and get to work," Slaughter said. "They were disallowed because they didn't fit in with the agenda, which is what can we do for the oil industry."
Despite the partisan blame game, there is little Congress can do to ease gas prices now. There is currently no federal law to fight price gouging or even define it. Gas prices are expected to keep rising throughout the summer driving season.