Congress deadlocked on ways to lower gas prices

The key stumblingblock: whether to lift a ban on offshore drilling. By Washington - With a gallon of gas hovering at $4 a gallon and energy prices the No. 1 issue on voters' minds, congressional leaders are increasingly deadlocked over what to do. In response, frustrated rank-and-file members on both sides of the aisle are stepping up efforts to find common ground. Two potential solutions fell short on key votes this week. On Thursday, the House rejected a measure that would have released about 70 million barrels of oil from the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve. On Friday, Senate Republicans blocked a move that would have led to a vote on a bill to stop excessive speculation in energy markets. Both foundered on the same issue: whether to lift a congressional ban on exploration and drilling in protected offshore areas and... [read full story]