Phil Gingrey: “in closing, I rise again in support of this rule and in recognition of the importance of the underlying bill. I do want…”

“in closing, I rise again in support of this rule and in recognition of the importance of the underlying bill. I do want to take this opportunity in closing to recognize the hard work and efforts of Chairman Thomas and Chairman Barton, as well as their respective committees, for the final product that we have before us today. Also, Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize and thank Chairman Thomas for his decades of service to this House and the people of his district, as well as Americans all across this Nation. Bill Thomas, a brilliant professor from Bakersfield, has truly been a leader across the board, and his expertise and devotion of 28 years of service across this country will truly be missed. Mr. Speaker, the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 is a very important piece of legislation that positively impacts each and every American by fostering economic growth, driving innovation, increasing our energy supply, and improving the quality of health care in this country. As the 109th Congress draws to a close, and the minority prepares to become the majority, I believe that we must work together to produce legislation like this that recognizes the fact that when the government gets out of the way, Americans can do what they do best, and that is what is best for America.”