The Middle Eastern countries are the only members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries with significant unused capacity, The Washington Times reports.

"We have a strategic partnership with the Saudis, but it seems to me a partnership works two ways," Sen. Byron L. Dorgan, D-N.D., chairman of the Democratic Policy Committee, said at a news conference Thursday. "The Saudis want to purchase sophisticated weapons from our country. ... They should understand there are certain things we need from them as well."

Retail gasoline prices are approaching $4 a gallon around the country and have broken the $4 barrier in San Francisco.

At the news conference, Dorgan said he will amend the Farm Bill to limit speculation in oil futures, which he believes is another force driving up prices.