Joe Barton

It is obvious that companies have less incentive to stay in the United States than they did before these bills became law.

My basic problem is that I am not sure the FDA deserves a large increase in user fees given the amount of money that they have been receiving in general fund increases.

Put me down, as I said at the last hearing you had on this, as undecided on this particular bill.

I especially want to commend the Federal Trade Commission. You all have been doing excellent work on privacy.

I think that is great.

Do you agree that Federal permitting reform for oil and gas leases should be a priority to enact?

I don't think it is a surprise to you that many of us don't share the optimism that you just expressed about the ability for technology to overcome that.

Where did 1,000 pounds per ton come from, and what is magic about it?

We should address this problem with a good policy, not quick-fix politics.

Today is the 18th hearing in a day about America's energy policy.

So when industry says it is 3 to 7 years, they are just not telling the truth?

Well, it is too expensive.

Canada's oil sands present an incredible opportunity for American energy security.

The President ruled and deferred the decision because of the elections coming up this November.

It was clear that something changed this past fall with the President's handling of the Keystone XL pipeline.

The Keystone pipeline... already brings Canadian oil sands crude across the border.

Well, do you think that the American taxpayer should have a reasonable expectation that all of these loans should be repaid as opposed to any loan that is made is just money down the tubes and it is not going to be repaid.

I know at least one other has, since Solyndra, and I am told that there are a number of others that are on the problem list.

Concerning this independent advisor you just referenced, has he prepared--and if so, could you present to the committee for our review--a list of the additional loan guarantees and the status of those?

In my opening statement I referenced the alternative energy budget and specifically said concerns about the Loan Guarantee Program.

I continue to be concerned about Solyndra. I continue to believe that that project has been mismanaged by your department.

It is obvious that some of that money hasn't been too well spent.

Most of us on the Republican side do believe that a robust domestic drilling program would significantly improve production.

It is obvious that part of the solution is to drill more here in the United States.

Gasoline prices are going up. He said it was 3.99 a gallon in Michigan, and in my hometown of Ennis, Texas, it was 3.58 a gallon, so come to Texas and you will save 40 cents.