Truckers Hit Streets of D.C. to Protest Gas Prices

WASHINGTON – Horns blaring, a caravan of truck drivers arrived in Washington on Monday to protest high gasoline prices.

The group, Truckers and Citizens United, circled the National Mall before traveling to RFK Stadium to park. From there, they were to march and take shuttles to the Capitol, where an afternoon rally was scheduled. Organizers say about 350 vehicles were expected.

The truckers are calling on Congress to stop subsidizing big oil companies, release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserves, and end exports of oil from Alaska, among other things.

Many of the truckers drove to Washington from Harrisburg, Pa., and other areas to the north. One passenger held a sign that read "Enough is Enough," and a driver used a bullhorn to yell at Congress as he passed by. The sound of so many semi-truck horns blaring was deafening.

Nathan and Tara Horn of Normal, Ill., said they were visiting museums and other sites, but came to the Capitol to see the truckers' protest.

"Just knowing the influence that our citizens have to talk to our congressmen and senators ... This is awesome," said Nathan Horn, stopping to watch the trucks pass in the rain. "We really need to bring the fuel prices down for the common person."

Tara Horn said she works at a food bank where more people are seeking assistance because of rising food prices. The price of fuel has made transporting goods across the U.S. more expensive.

Traffic was not significantly affected by the convoy of vehicles, though a few truckers drove through red lights as they honked their horns.