Harkin says House measure won’t help gas prices

We may have to get used to those high gasoline prices. Iowa Senator Tom Harkin says the measure passed by the U-S House this week will do little to scare OPEC nations into increasing oil production.Harkin says the House measure has been “watered down” by republicans at the urging of oil companies & the defense industry — and poses no serious threat to the Middle East.Iowa Congressman Tom Latham, a republican from Alexander, disagrees with Harkin. Latham says the measure WILL be effective as it gives President Clinton the go-ahead to push OPEC nations into raising production levels.Harkin says the legislation should have cut off 415-million dollars in U-S aid & arms sales to OPEC nations, not just urged the President to negotiate in those areas. Latham says Harkin makes unfair charges about the bill being watered down by republicans.OPEC nations are slated to meet next Monday to consider a production boost.