Joe Barton

Mr. BARTON of Texas

Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, as the committee of jurisdiction on the minority side, we do not oppose the amendment, we support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BARTON of Texas. I guess for the time being I am in mild opposition.

Mr. BARTON of Texas. And I may not be in opposition. I want to ask the distinguished author: these grants that would be established if the program were to be established, would they be granted on a competitive basis?

Mr. BARTON of Texas. It would be an open process with criteria, and all comers would get to submit an application and then a merit-based review of those applications?

Mr. BARTON of Texas. So this is not specified certain institutions?

Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in doubt about the amendment. I would like to engage the author in a colloquy.

Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would modify section 9502(a) of H.R. 3221 to ensure that the Energy Information Administration restores its previously terminated collection of data on solid byproducts from coal-based energy producing facilities and makes improvements on these data. I don't think it's controversial, and I would ask its adoption.

Mr. BARTON of Texas. I would be happy to yield to the gentleman from Virginia.

Mr. BARTON of Texas. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I have been informed as a member of the committee I have the right to close. I would ask the sponsor to close, and then I will close.

Mr. BARTON of Texas

Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to recommit.

Mr. BARTON of Texas. In its current form, definitely so.

Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in serious opposition.

Mr. BARTON of Texas

Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation.

Mr. BARTON of Texas. And they have accepted it?

Mr. BARTON of Texas. Reserving the right to object, and I may not object, I just want to ask of the gentlewoman from California, has this unanimous consent request been cleared with the minority leadership?

Mr. BARTON of Texas

Mr. BARTON of Texas. Reclaiming my time, is the gentleman attempting to create a system where we encourage democratic government in these developing countries? Are you trying to get the countries to adopt specific extractive practices? What is the underlying intent?

Mr. BARTON of Texas. This is not an Energy and Commerce issue. The Government Reform Committee is not here. So I would say we will withdraw our opposition and just be neutral based on what the gentleman has said. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BARTON of Texas. Sure. I would be happy to yield.

Mr. BARTON of Texas. We have been trying to figure out what this amendment actually does. Would the author try to explain, in terms a Texan could understand, what you're attempting here with this amendment?

Mr. BARTON of Texas. And I do not oppose it. I think it's one of the best amendments that's been offered. Anything we can do to help. This is obviously something that needs to be done. Not only van pooling but car pooling, also. And the more emphasis we can put on this, this is one of the most cost-efficient ways to save transportation fuels out there. All you have to do is go to any freeway in any urban area in America and see all the cars and trucks that have only one person in them to understand how important this particular amendment is. I'm in very strong support of it and would urge its adoption. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, with that understanding, I support the amendment.

Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I am going to rise in confused opposition.

Mr. BARTON of Texas. Is there anything in the amendment that could be construed to be a roadblock for any specific existing project that has not yet been permitted?