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

I think it's good to have this and I think it's very good that we try to work to tighten up and, as the gentlelady just said, let's determine what the real intent is and then legislate accordingly.

It's obvious that, to me, anyway, this program is being abused.

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.

My Texas pride doesn't need to be hurt by that, is what you are telling me.