William Pryor: “I will visit with my colleagues today about a problem this Nation is facing, something very critical to our economy and…”

“I will visit with my colleagues today about a problem this Nation is facing, something very critical to our economy and critical to every section of this great land. It is something I was reminded of time and time again when I was at home in Arkansas during the August recess: It is the high price of gasoline. The price of gas in the last month has risen across the Nation anywhere from 30 to 70 cents per gallon. In Arkansas and throughout the country gas prices are at an unprecedented high. Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina made a bad situation worse. The Gulf of Mexico and the State of Louisiana are absolutely essential in our Nation's production of crude oil and gasoline. Hurricane Katrina has caused major disruptions in the supply of these crucial commodities. This is one reason for the recent spike in the retail price of gasoline, but I am certain it is not the sole cause. As I traveled my home State last month, I heard from countless citizens who believe the oil companies are taking advantage of them. Can you blame them? It is hard for the people in my State, as I am sure it is for the people in other Members' home States, to fill up their gas tanks and pay record high prices at the pump while, at the same time, opening up the business page and seeing the oil companies are making record profits. That does not sit well with people.…”