Joe Barton: “The President ruled and deferred the decision because of the elections coming up this November.”

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.

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.

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

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…