Joe Barton: “This is an important issue for me obviously.”

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…

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.

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.

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