By Associated Press
Washington, DC – Members of Alabama's House delegation were split on a measure that would impose stiff penalties for those found guilty of gasoline price gouging. The legislation was narrowly approved Wednesday by the House.
Republican Robert Aderholt joined Democrats Bud Cramer and Artur Davis in voting for the measure. Spencer Bachus, Jo Bonner, Terry Everett, and Mike Rogers, all voted no.
The bill directs the Federal Trade Commission and Justice Department to go after oil companies, traders or retail operators if they take "unfair advantage" or charge "unconscionably excessive" prices for gasoline and other fuels.
The White House says the measure is a form of price control that could result in fuel shortages, and says President Bush would be urged to veto it.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)