That begs the question, why do something the states are already doing?

Rather than facilitating our own energy production and creating jobs for Americans, President Obama would rather send American dollars to the Middle East.

We want a fair return. I am concerned about the price at the pump.

Whatever happens on prices, we know there is absolutely a jobs' impact.

The policies of the current Administration will not create jobs or produce American energy.

I personally do not think we need another layer of regulation at the Federal level when states are already to my knowledge doing an excellent job.

For these reasons, the Ute Indian Tribe requests that BLM not move forward at this time with development of regulations for hydraulic fracking on public lands, and more specifically, reservation lands.

We should have started this process a while back. I understand that as well. My constituents are asking me, and I am asking you today, why in the world we are not expediting oil and natural gas leases on Federal lands to meet our energy…

I share exactly the same sentiments that Representative Langevin just cited; and I have his same concern.

And as you know, my legislation received bipartisan support in Committee, and I expect it will receive bipartisan support once it comes to the full House for consideration later this year.

Until we get all of the answers from OSM on this rulemaking process, it would seem to me to be irresponsible for the Administration to go forward with the rule.

So I'm puzzled as to why you would include this statement; 'Of the almost 2,400 employees involved in carrying out these two responsibilities on a daily basis, less than 25 percent are employed by OSM.'

I thank the gentleman from Maryland for his insight into this issue and his comments. A couple of organizational things just very quickly. Because of the keen interest to address this important issue, we're going to ask for a 4-minute…

I thank the gentleman for his remarks. There are a number of freshmen, including Mr. Kelly, who are making a big impact here in Congress just at 13 months of service. Another one, who I would like to refer to as speaking next, is Ann Marie…

I thank the gentleman from Kansas. He's been an excellent addition to the newer Members coming here to Congress, an excellent addition. Among those who are having scheduling conflicts, unfortunately, is me. I have a committee that's…

I thank the gentlelady for her comments. There's one other person who has a strong scheduling issue that I would like to come forward, from the State of Kansas, another person in his first term who has impressed me greatly, Representative…

And I can certainly count that 200 Members is close to the magic number of 218, which is 50 percent of the House. Likewise, 37 is getting close to the magic number of 50 needed over in the Senate. So you're doing great work. And I…

I thank my colleague from Idaho. I rise in strong support of this amendment. It would streamline the geothermal exploration process to expedite the development of geothermal energy on Federal lands. Being from Colorado, I know well the…

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. America has a long history of religious freedom. In the 17th century, colonists fled to what would become the United States of America in search of religious freedom. In 1789, Congress drafted the First Amendment…

I thank the gentleman for making his remarks. And he mentioned Colorado Christian University. The president of that fine institution is former U.S. Senator Bill Armstrong, who served Colorado both in the U.S. House and in the U.S. Senate…

Thank you. And I do want to applaud Representative Fortenberry of Lincoln, Nebraska, for this courageous move that he has taken, for being a leader on this important issue of protecting the rights of the conscience for Americans. I thank…

If I could ask the gentleman, is there any chance that Kathleen Sebelius will issue waivers to religious organizations, not just the labor unions who up until now have been the main ones getting waivers?

I would just like to point out that this is one more example of the Obama administration stifling the production of domestic energy in this country. They put out restrictive regulations that made it so untenable for commercial companies to…

I claim time in opposition to this amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Colorado is recognized for 5 minutes.

I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. It would strike a key provision of the bill that would provide American jobs and tap into a potential natural resource, American oil shale. This amendment also increases the Federal take from…