Lawson supports measure to help consumers cope with inflation

Special to the Outlook

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Legislation intended to help consumers cope with inflation was passed by the U.S. House in the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act.

The Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act takes three steps to lower costs for America’s families: reduces fertilizer costs in the field to lower food prices in the grocery store, lowers meat and poultry costs by increasing meatpacking competition and capacity, and lowers prices at the pump by making cheaper, cleaner unleaded 88 (also known as E-15) more available.

North Florida Congressman Al Lawson was one of the supporters of the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act.

 “Today, I proudly voted for more strong action to bring down kitchen table costs for working Floridians,” said Lawson, following last Thursday’s vote. “Putin’s war in Ukraine is driving up the cost of fuel and food all over the world. But by lowering costs for America’s farmers in the fields, we can lower costs for American families in the grocery aisle.

“We can stop the unfair, anti-competitive practices of powerful meatpacking conglomerates that have jacked up the price of meat and poultry in the supermarket, even as the men and women who raise the meat struggle to stay in business. And by unleashing the power of clean, homegrown American ethanol, cheaper unleaded 88 at the pump can help break the grip of foreign autocrats weaponizing gas prices.”

The Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act builds on House Democrats’ ongoing work to strengthen supply chains and bring down costs for working families. Earlier this week, the Congress passed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to ease the burden of rising costs for consumers, retailers and farmers by cracking down on exorbitant shipping fees.

The House previously passed the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act to combat Big Oil’s excessive gas price hikes. Meanwhile, the House and Senate are continuing to advance a bold competitiveness package that will lower costs by reinvigorating American manufacturing while strengthening our supply chains.

“This legislation is the latest step in House Democrats’ continued fight to cut costs for working Floridians,” Lawson said. “As we work to get food and gas prices under control, we remain laser-focused on bringing down costs across the board for families in Florida and across the country.”