Charles Skelton: “the Gasoline for America's Security Act has a nice name, but it does little to help Missouri's farmers and rural…”

“the Gasoline for America's Security Act has a nice name, but it does little to help Missouri's farmers and rural commuters who are experiencing record high energy costs. Motorists in Missouri and across the Nation are paying a premium for gasoline and diesel fuel, especially in the wake of severe weather in the Gulf of Mexico. Missouri's Fourth Congressional District is primarily rural, and residents rely heavily on transportation in going about their daily lives. This is especially true for farmers who are also facing additional costs for natural gas, propane, fertilizer, and pesticides. As energy expenses have sky-rocketed over the past few weeks, many Missourians have expressed concern and skepticism about high prices and simultaneous reports of record oil industry profits. In order to make sure consumers are being treated fairly, the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department should be given explicit authority to investigate collusion and price gouging within the oil industry. Penalties must have teeth and must be severe. And, importantly, the government must be guaranteed broader authority to look into potentially illegal behavior within other energy sectors, at least during times of national emergency. The bill being considered by the House today contains scant assistance for the rural Americans I am privileged to represent. It will not lower their energy prices and it puts in place weak price gouging standards.…”