An apparatus for reducing or eliminating gas lock in a downhole pump is provided. The apparatus has a ported bushing connecting to an upper standing valve at a first, uphole end and connecting to a lower standing valve at a second, downhole end. The apparatus also has one or more vents. In one embodiment, the apparatus is coupled downhole of a traveling valve of a downhole pump such that, on each upstroke, the one or more vents of the apparatus draw liquid from the annulus between the pump and the tubing into the passage between the upper and lower standing valves for opening the upper standing valve to accumulate liquid in the pump barrel below the traveling valve. The accumulation of liquid in the pump barrel below the traveling valve breaks gas lock and opens the traveling valve, ensuring the operation of pumping liquid from downhole to surface.