House votes to make price gouging on gas a US crime

WASHINGTON -- Congress is intent on showing it feels your pain at the pump.

The House yesterday voted 284 to 141 to pass a bill that would make gasoline price gouging a federal offense.

In the Senate, Democratic leaders were scrambling to introduce an energy bill, the first since they took control of Congress. A committee also held a hearing on whether oil industry mergers have contributed to higher fuel prices.

And the day before, both parties ignored a presidential veto threat and approved legislation that would subject the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to price-fixing lawsuits.

Record-high gasoline prices have drivers grumbling nationwide. Members of Congress have particular cause for alarm as they prepare to recess for a week for Memorial Day, the traditional start of the summer driving season.

"I was at a funeral Saturday, and when the monsignor greeted me, he said, 'My God, Bart, you have to do something about these gas prices!' " said Representative Bart Stupak, Democrat of Michigan and chief sponsor of the antigouging bill.

Many Republicans seemed prepared to support the bill despite a White House veto threat. The 284 House members who voted for the bill included 56 Republicans.

The legislation would give federal authorities the power during presidentially declared energy emergencies to investigate and prosecute anyone selling fuel at a price that is "unconscionably excessive" or "indicates the seller is taking unfair advantage of unusual market conditions."

The White House contends the definition of gouging is vague and would make the law difficult to enforce. It also questioned the need for the legislation, noting that many states have price-gouging laws.

A ntigouging legislation passed the House last year, but died in the Senate. This year, a similar antigouging bill has cleared a Senate committee.

The measure would give the Federal Trade Commission the power to investigate price gouging and punish violators.