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Pryor introduces anti-gouging amendment Wednesday, Sep 14, 2005 By Alison Vekshin Stephens Washington Bureau WASHINGTON -- Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., on Tuesday introduced legislation calling for a federal investigation into soaring gasoline prices in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The legislation directs the Federal Trade Commission to determine if gas prices are being manipulated by suppliers or distributors. "If price gouging is occurring, then we must punish those who would take advantage of a national tragedy," Pryor said in a statement. Pryor offered the amendment to a federal spending bill that funds science-related programs and the State, Justice and Commerce departments in the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. "We must find out, not speculate, not accuse, not assume -- but find out whether or not gas-price gouging is occurring through the supply chain or distribution markets," Pryor said. If approved, the legislation would require the commission to provide an initial report to Congress within 30 days, with updates every 30 days afterward and a final report no later than 90 days after enactment of the legislation. If price gouging is identified as a cause, Pryor would like to work with state attorneys general to prosecute the offenders, said spokesman Rodell Mollineau. Further, Pryor would like to hold congressional hearings and draft legislation making price gouging a federal crime, Mollineau said. -- 30 -- |
