WASHINGTON, D.C. – Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives J. Dennis Hastert announced Wednesday that the House will aggressively pursue legislative measures to lower gas prices. U.S. Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard), who has long stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive energy plan to bolster U.S. economic competitiveness, called for bipartisan support for the plan.

“Republicans have previously put forward common-sense legislation to address some of our current energy challenges only to be thwarted by Democrat opposition,” said Tiahrt. “With gas prices continuing to rise, I am hopeful Democrats will stop playing politics with this issue and actually work with us to help the American people.”

The Republican Energy Agenda includes legislation that would allow for environmentally-friendly new energy exploration, increased penalties for gas price gouging, the limitation of special fuel blends and expanded efforts to utilize alternative energy sources.

“As American families decide whether or not they can afford gas for summer vacations, Congress should not adjourn for our summer recess until we address this matter. I am pleased Speaker Hastert continues to make this a high priority and hopeful statesmanship will prevail over election year politics,” Tiahrt said.