Joe Barton: “Mr. Chairman, could I defer at this point in time and let one of the other members who has been here ask questions?”

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

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

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 helped lead the fight, and a lot of Members on the committee did, to repeal the ban on crude oil exports 3 or 4 years ago.