"I am pleased that President Bush has released oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, so we might ease the burden of high gasoline prices on individuals and families throughout the country," Senator Collins said. "Gasoline prices were too high before Hurricane Katrina, and this disaster has made the situation worse. The SPR is intended to provide relief during periods of crisis, at times when working families are struggling to make ends meet. That time is now."
The President''s announcement follows a request by Senator Collins to increase the supply of oil by maximizing the use of the SPR.