"President Barack Obama pushed Congress Tuesday to give oil market regulators more muscle to deter price manipulation by speculators, the latest White House response to determined Republican attacks on administration energy policies amid high gas prices at the pump."

"Obama wants Congress to strengthen federal supervision of oil markets, increase penalties for market manipulation and empower regulators to increase the amount of money energy traders are required to put behind their transactions.

"We can't afford a situation where some speculators can reap millions while millions of American families get the short end of the stick," Obama said at the White House.

The plan is more likely to draw sharp election-year distinctions with Republicans than have an immediate effect on prices at the pump. The measures seek to boost spending for Wall Street enforcement at a time when congressional Republicans are seeking to limit the reach of federal financial regulations.

The president's $52 million proposal comes as Republicans have been hammering Obama on his energy policies, recognizing the political cost of high gas prices on the president. Obama's plan would turn the tables on Republicans by taking aim at Wall Street's role in the oil price chain."

Jim Kuhnhenn reports for the Associated Press April 17, 2012.
[2]
SEE ALSO:

"Obama Urges Congress To Increase Pressure on Oil Market Manipulation" (Chicago Tribune) [3]

"As Gas Prices Cast Cloud, Obama Calls for Scrutiny on Market" (New York Times) [4]

"Obama Asks Congress for More Oil Market 'Cops on the Beat'" (Bloomberg)
[5]
"Obama's Politically Charged Oil Market Rules Target Speculators" (Forbes) [6]

"Stung By Gas Prices, Obama Seeks New Oil Market Crackdown" (Reuters) [7]