Joe Barton: “Some of the opponents of our current market-based energy policy keep harping on the fact of the scarcity issue.”

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

As dean of the Texas delegation, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Texas, the Honorable Michael Cloud, be permitted to take the oath of office today. His certificate of election has not arrived, but there is no contest and no…

But I also think I speak for the majority and the minority that we hope that this is something that can move reasonably expeditiously and that means actually end up in a bill the President signs in this Congress.

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.