WASHINGTON — The House has passed legislation that would enable Americans to sue OPEC for price-fixing.

Under the bill, OPEC, which has refused to significantly increase crude oil production, could be sued in U.S. courts, Middle East Newsline reported. On May 20, the House passed the bill by a vote of 324-84.

President George Bush has threatened to veto the legislation. The White House has warned that the bill could reduce oil supplies, raise prices and threaten American jobs.

"Instead of using a veto threat to shield cartels and Big Oil companies from accountability, the Bush administration should work with the Congress to protect American consumers," Ms. Pelosi said.

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