Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01), Chair of the Populist Caucus, joined Populist Caucus Vice Chairs Rosa DeLauro, Peter DeFazio, and Donna Edwards and 76 Members of Congress in writing to the Republican House Leadership opposing a Republican bill they plan to bring to the House Floor. The Republican bill would limit the Commodities Future Trading Commission's (CFTC) ability to regulate oil speculators and prevent them from driving up gas prices across America. Rep. Braley released the following statement:
"Millions of hardworking, middle class families across America are already struggling to make ends meet - gas prices shouldn't be another burden for them to bear. But instead of working to lower gas prices, the Republican leadership is planning to bring a bill to the House Floor this week that would limit the only agency that currently has the power to curb oil speculation and prevent oil price manipulation. Iowans drive long distances to get to work, sometimes over 100 miles, and they simply can't afford gas at these prices. Congress and the President should be taking all possible measures to ease the pain at the pump, not voting on bills that would raise gas prices."
A copy of the letter is available here: http://go.usa.gov/W2d
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