Press Releases

“The high cost of energy in general, and gasoline in particular, is putting a real squeeze on American families,” said Congresswoman Kaptur. “Drivers are paying the price because the Bush Administration failed to produce an energy policy.”

Kaptur noted that Congress has taken several steps to address the cost of gasoline, which has increased from $1.46 in January 2001 to $3.80 in the most recent official reporting period. In recent days, Congresswoman Kaptur backed legislation to suspend filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, invest in renewable energy sources, and explore antitrust enforcement actions against the multinational oil companies and the foreign oil cartels.

“Senator Ted Kennedy, the lion of the Senate and always a fighter for causes such as national health care, social justice and help for the poorest Americans, is in our hearts and prayers today as he fights against illness. I join with our community in sending heartfelt wishes for a rapid recovery to the Senator.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended until May 30 the deadline for farmers in the Sandusky Watershed to apply for the Conservation Security Program (CSP).

The Sandusky Watershed includes certain farms located in eastern Ottawa County and western Erie County, which are located in the Ninth Congressional District.

Under the Conservation Security Program, a voluntary program, producers who practice outstanding stewardship on working agricultural land can receive payments as high as $15,000 a year for a five-year period, depending on their level of participation. Payments can vary depending on the size of the farm and could be subject to contract payment caps.

The award would be used to install modern computer and camera-based surveillance systems to monitor activity in and around the Toledo port’s 19 terminals. The project also would include installation of lighting and towers to deter criminal and potential terrorist activity.

“Our port is the aorta for international commerce moving through Northwest Ohio,” said Congresswoman Kaptur. “We are located at the fulcrum of the Great Lakes shipping system and share an important border with Canada. This award will substantially enhance the security of our facilities so we can continue to compete globally.”

Marcy Kaptur met with World War II Veterans as part of the Honor Flight Program. The program, which flies veterans to Washington, D.C. to see memorials erected in their honor, recently brought a group of veterans from Northwest Ohio to the National Mall.

"It is so fortunate that these veterans, who risked their lives for our country, are able to see how much our country appreciates them," Kaptur said. "I am so proud of all those who serve our country, and I wish we could do more to honor their sacrifices."

Kaptur had lunch with the group at the World War II Memorial, a monument for which she introduced the initial legislation after a constituent, Roger Durbin, suggested it to her.

“Record high gasoline prices are putting the squeeze on American families and hurting our economy,” said Congresswoman Kaptur. “Congress gave the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) greater power to prevent price manipulation, and now the public has an opportunity to help the agency shape the new rules to deal with this situation.”

Congress gave the FTC new authority under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Now the FTC is seeking public comments through June 6 as it decides how to prevent manipulation of oil and gasoline prices.

The request for public comments, said FTC Chairman William E. Kovacic, “is an important part of our effort ... to protect the American people.”