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

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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.

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

Our goal throughout has been really pretty simple.

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

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?

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

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

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…

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'd like to first thank the gentleman from California for his amendment and for working with the minority party and the ranking member on the provisions of the amendment. I understand there's support for the amendment on this side of the…

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.

It is a really good common-sense approach to allowing the regulations of Sarbanes-Oxley to kind of phase in

I want to congratulate and thank my friend from Tennessee, Mr. Fincher, for his leadership in this legislation

I also believe that Members of Congress ought to be held to a higher standard.

Right. I agree with that.

Last week I sponsored a job fair in my home State of Delaware in Georgetown. The good news is that nearly 2,000 people turned out to meet 55 employers, some of whom had jobs for them. The bad news is that so many people out there are…