Democrats blast Bush for runaway gasoline prices

In a letter to the president, 15 Democratic members of the US Senate also renewed their call for an "energy summit" to discuss strategies for tackling the rising cost of fuel, and urged his support for proposed anti-price gouging legislation.

"We have thus far been disappointed by your administration's lack of response to our invitation to co-host an emergency bipartisan national energy summit. This offer still stands," the lawmakers wrote.

"In the absence of leadership or cooperation from your administration, we will soon be moving ahead with our own set of real solutions, which will spur the kind of innovation and investment America needs to secure its energy future for the 21st century," Democrats said.

Gasoline prices across the United States have seen a sharp hike in recent days, and experts are predicting that vacation travelers in July and August will face pump prices that are about 25 percent higher than last year.

Democrats -- who say the price hike is due in large part to price-gouging by oil producers -- are calling for strong consumer protection measures. They also urged aggressive programs to develop biofuels, alternative fuels and energy-saving technologies.

"We stand ready to work with you to develop a serious national strategy to curb Americas dangerous dependence on oil," the senators wrote.

Among the 15 senators signing the letter were Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, and senators Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry and Joe Lieberman.

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