The US House yesterday took action aimed at high gas prices - they passed a bill that would create the first laws against price gouging.

Here in Missouri we have a price gouging ban, enforced by our office, which says companies can't jack up prices on necessities during emergency situations. That might include bottled water, gas, hotel rooms or any other critical supply.

We have sued businesses for price gouging after Sept. 11, Hurricane Katrina, and the severe storms of the past year. Last week we announced a massive settlement in southwest Missouri from the January ice storm.

In the bill passed by the House yesterday, the feds could prosecute companies that charge "unconscionably excessive" prices for energy supplies like gas and heating oil. The White House says President Bush would veto it.