Joe Barton

May I inquire how much time I have remaining? The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Texas has 2\1/2\ minutes remaining.

Before Congressman Hensarling leaves, I just want to commend him for his service and tell him what a privilege it has been for me to serve with him and to know him as a friend. We are both retiring, and we are both, so far as I know, going…

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…

I thank the gentlewoman from Michigan for her kind words. I appreciate the nice gift I got yesterday from her and her husband, his new book, ``The Dean.'' I look forward to reading it over Christmas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the…

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.

I think it is a measure of President George H.W. Bush that we all think of him as a personal friend. It is literally true that he had tens of thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands, of men and women who considered themselves personal…

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

Truth is a powerful drug. Use it sparingly.

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is voluntary on a State basis.

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.

I am grateful that that one did deliver.

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.

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

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.

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.

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