Joe Barton: “I ask that this exchange of letters be included in the Record during today's debate on H.R. 5253. U.S. House of…”

“I ask that this exchange of letters be included in the Record during today's debate on H.R. 5253. U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, May 3, 2006. Hon. Joe Barton, Chairman Committee on Energy and Commerce, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Barton: In recognition of the desire to expedite consideration of H.R. 5253, a bill to prohibit price gouging in the sale of gasoline, diesel fuel, crude oil, and home heating oil, the Committee on the Judiciary hereby waives consideration of the bill. There are a number of provisions contained in H.R. 5253 that implicate the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judiciary. Specifically, the bill contains increases in criminal penalties under title 18 of the United States Code, which implicate the Judiciary Committee's jurisdiction under Rule X(I)(l)(7) (``criminal law enforcement''). The Committee takes this action with the understanding that by forgoing consideration of H.R. 5253, the Committee on the Judiciary does not waive any jurisdiction over subject matter contained in this or similar legislation. The Committee also reserves the right to seek appointment to any House-Senate conference on this legislation and requests your support if such a request is made. Finally, I would appreciate your including this letter in the Congressional Record during consideration of H.R. 5253 on the House floor. Thank your attention to these matters. Sincerely, F.…”