John Carney

The medical bills in particular are a problem because of--I don't know if you know much about the medical billing system, but it is incomprehensible.

Delaware may be small, but our little State was crucial to the birth of this great Nation.

I was honored to pick up where my predecessor, Congressman Mike Castle, left off.

Though Delaware was the first State to sign the Constitution and join the Union, she is the only State that does not have a national park.

I am delighted that you are holding the hearing this morning. I thank you for the opportunity to share a few thoughts with you.

What does the closure of these facilities mean for our own security here in our country? My conclusion is that it is not a good thing.

The problem is the difference between the cost of refining the different types of crude, correct?

One of the biggest threats that we face in the world right now is the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran.

So given that reality, so then the concept of energy independence should be a good goal, right?

So the question really is: Are we setting ourselves up for that same kind of vulnerability?

One of those sanctions is to attack their need for refined petroleum products because they don't have refining capacity in the country.

It might be important for somebody to take a look at that question, particularly as it relates--as the Chairman has said, you know, this is a decision that is coming at us pretty quickly.

It is hard for me to imagine that our homeland security is not threatened in some way by that.

I think you have identified the main homeland security risk with respect to the concentration of refining capacity here in the United States.

One of the concerns I have had all along is the fact that some of these factors may be temporary conditions and yet we are looking at a permanent shutdown, if you will, that would have long-term effects when those price differentials are…

Cheaper crude selling the same product. That is very tough.

The profitability of refining really is a function of the spread between the price of crude and the price at the pump.

It might move consistently up at some level but not up and down.

Our goal throughout has been really pretty simple.

Thank you very much, Congressman Meehan. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to join you...

I want to just close by thanking you again for including me in this field hearing...

I am particularly concerned, as you are, Congressman Meehan, about the effects of a shutdown like this...

I rise to claim time in opposition, though I'm not opposed to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Delaware is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection.

I thank the gentleman. Being new at this, I think I was supposed to grab that time in opposition, but I don't oppose this amendment. So I stumbled there for a minute. I rise in support of the technical amendment that is under consideration…

As a Representative from Delaware, the first State, I am the last one, I am the lowest man on the totem pole on this committee.