Joe Barton

Before I yield to Dr. Burgess, I echo what Congresswoman Castor just said about the staffs that have worked so hard. We couldn't have done this bill without all the individuals she just named. I also thank her. When she said I have been…

If we did that and went to a pure market for ethanol, it would work.

I would repeal every existing regulation and law on oxygen and CAFE standards.

I think that Mr. Flores and Mr. Shimkus have done a very good job in trying to patch together a compromise bill that's good politics.

Truth is a powerful drug. Use it sparingly.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I want to thank you, sir, for appearing voluntarily without subpoena and standing or sitting there all by yourself.

That's hard to stomach. We wouldn't be having this discussion if there wasn't a general agreement that your company has discriminated against conservatives, most of whom happen to be Republican.

The allegation that we made, the Republicans, is that you're discriminatory against us--against the Republicans.

Mr. Chairman, my time has expired. Next time I would ask unanimous consent if I could ask the question and then answer it myself so that I could make sure I get the right answer I want.

Now, I want to ask Mr. Salo, you have mentioned two principles that legislation that actually works should have. You mentioned flexibility. Does ACE Kids have flexibility?

You can tell that you have been president of a national organization. I am throwing you softballs, and you are being very ecumenical.

Every now and then, we have a day when it reminds us why we ran for Congress. Today is one of those days.

This is a really, really good bill. I hope we have a great hearing.

The final Medicaid discussion draft, the ACE Kids Act, is introduced by full committee Vice Chairman Barton and Representative Castor.

I am grateful that that one did deliver.

It is voluntary on a State basis.

I don't want to speak for the Department of Energy, but the draft legislation allows, without going through the appropriation process, funds generated by using this facility for private purposes to be used for maintenance of the facility.

But I also think I speak for the majority and the minority that we hope that this is something that can move reasonably expeditiously and that means actually end up in a bill the President signs in this Congress.

We are just trying to adopt the SPR to the modern situation.

It doesn't change the basic mission statement. It doesn't change the authorized level of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

I was very heartened by the opening comments of Mr. Rush and Mr. Pallone.

I want to thank Congressman Rush for working with me as one of the two lead bipartisan sponsors.

I am a little bit skeptical if we are doing this simply because we don't like natural gas power, we don't like coal power, we don't like nuclear power, because that would be an added cost that somebody's got to bear.

My Texas pride doesn't need to be hurt by that, is what you are telling me.