Democrats in Congress, accusing oil companies of gouging and profiteering that has raised gasoline prices, on Thursday promised legislation to allow the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general to go after them. “It would give the FTC and the state AG’s increased authority, including civil penalty authority, to go after oil companies and retailers that are gouging their customers and would cover both wholesale and retail sales,” House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone told reporters. With opinion polls showing Americans concerned about high prices for energy, food and other consumer goods, Senate Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said legislation to lower retail gasoline prices “is at the very top of our list.” House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, also a Democrat, said lowering the price of gasoline at the pump would have the ripple effect of easing rising prices on […]