Mike Thompson: “I thank the gentleman for yielding and for all the good work you did on the committee as the ranking member. I also want…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding and for all the good work you did on the committee as the ranking member. I also want to thank Chairman Rogers for the good work that he did as the chairman. Working together, he was very accommodating and allowed all of us to be able to address specific issues that were of concern to us and regarding the security of our great Nation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We are going to miss you. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the passage of this bill. This bill will provide greater national security for our country and the people that we all represent. The bill contains two important provisions that I authored that protect our communities at home and diplomatic facilities abroad. My district is home to several oil refineries, employing thousands of people, providing well-paying, good, middle class jobs, and are a key part of our regional economy. As domestic oil production continues to increase in the region, I have heard from several of my constituents and my local governments about their growing concern regarding the security of the shipment and storage of crude oil and subsequent refined products. I believe we have the responsibility to protect our workers, our domestic refineries, and our communities from potential threats.…”