I think we can note that the U.K. came out with a definitive statement, calling atrocities in Darfur ethnic cleansing last week.

They tell us that, in Niger, for example, they call it one coup too many.

The bill I am introducing is H.R. 1449, Committing Leases for Energy Access Now, or the CLEAN Act.

How do those countries respond to you when you talk to them about the not very good situation with the coup for changing the governments as opposed to a nice clean election that the people could have a say in?

We should not mince words. Anyone engaged in coups should be personally sanctioned.

I think we can note that the U.K. came out with a definitive statement, calling atrocities in Darfur ethnic cleansing last week.

For a Federal lease, we are going to have to nominate that parcel, and then we are going to have to wait for that state to offer a lease sale.

Securing American energy independence should be a top priority for Congress.

Before I do, Mr. Soto, I think you just explained why maybe we have a $33.6 trillion debt. It is that giant sinkhole. All the money is going in there. That must be what it is.

Geothermal is proven clean and efficient, and it provides baseload, reliable power to residents in rural areas.

We should not mince words. Anyone engaged in coups should be personally sanctioned.

Thank you very much.

They tell us that, in Niger, for example, they call it one coup too many.

How do those countries respond to you when you talk to them about the not very good situation with the coup for changing the governments as opposed to a nice clean election that the people could have a say in?

We do not want to lose ground to Russia or China, but we should not fall into the trap of giving free passes to authoritarian and military regimes.

It seems to me we could be further along than where we are.

If you pass along all of our concerns, that may be helpful to you, and maybe you could get back to us with what you find out in that regard.

We applaud Representative Fulcher for his introduction of H.R. 1449, the CLEAN Act, and for his continued leadership on geothermal energy.