Virginia Foxx

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 861. I am proud of the progress being made in the global war on terror every day. While there is no quick path to victory, it is absolutely necessary for us to maintain our resolve. Many people forget that terrorists have long waged war against the United States, well before the 9/11 attacks. Americans were bombed in Lebanon in 1983, at the World Trade Center in 1993, at Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia in 1996, at the American embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998, and on board the USS Cole in 2000. Over the years, terrorists have made it their mission to strip us of our freedoms, thinking they could kill innocent Americans unprovoked, without paying a price. It is vital that we continue to stand up to these murderers and show them that the United States will not sit back and tolerate their savage acts. We can either win this global war on terror now, or we can let the terrorists bring the war to us like they did on 9/11. The right choice is clear. Thanks to the hard work and perseverance of our troops, Abu Musab al Zarqawi was killed last week. Yet, as President Bush said, we must continue to prosecute this global war on terror until our mission is accomplished and until Iraq can defend and govern itself fully. I am very proud of our troops for their service, selfless attitude and sacrifice. They are making great strides. They are freeing people from oppression so they may enjoy the same freedoms that all Americans cherish. Today our military has liberated the people of Afghanistan from the brutal Taliban regime, and has denied al Qaeda its safe haven of operations. They have crushed Saddam's Hussein's brutal dictatorship and captured thousands of terrorists and terrorist operations. Children in Iraq are returning to school and Iraqi businesses are prospering. Iraq has had several successful elections and has formed their government under a new prime minister. There is undeniable progress and hope in Iraq every day. Mr. Speaker, I close with a story about a constituent, Sergeant Dale Beatty of Statesville, North Carolina. Sergeant Beatty was severely injured while fighting the global war on terror and lost both legs. Yet Sergeant Beatty is not angry. In fact, his resolve is even stronger today. He knows that he made a great sacrifice for a noble cause. Sergeant Beatty came to visit me while he was at Walter Reed and told me he would gladly go back to the Middle East to fight alongside his comrades if he could. That is a true American hero. Sergeant Beatty's morale and the morale of our troops I have spoken with demonstrate we are doing the right thing.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, democracy dealt terrorism another major blow last week with the defeat of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the mastermind behind countless brutal acts of terror. This was a crucial victory for Iraq's new democracy, and major setback for the terrorists who seek to destroy that democracy. Mr. Speaker, we all know the sacrifices our military has made to ensure our freedoms and our safety. They fought bravely and served honorably. That is why I cannot understand why some members of the press and some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle put a negative spin on our military's accomplishments. These folks need to focus on the great progress we are making and stop listening to liberal newspaper editorial columns. Last week's silencing of al Qaeda's top leader in Iraq should silence their false views on the war on terror. Mr. Speaker, I would like to close with a quote by an Army major serving his third tour in Iraq. ``For every vividly portrayed suicide bombing, there are hundreds of thousands of people living quiet, if often uncertain, lives. For every depressing story of unrest and instability, there is an untold story of potential and hope. The impression of Iraq as an unfathomable quagmire is false and dangerously misleading.''

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of our Speaker and the majority leader for taking a fiscally responsible stance on the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense and the Global War on Terror. Our leaders pledged that this House would reject an emergency supplemental spending package that exceeded the amount requested by the President, and this was absolutely the right stand to take. I am sure there are folks who could argue the merits of the additional funding proposed by the Senate, but we should debate those merits at another time. This war supplemental spending is for emergency spending for the war on terror. It should not be used as a free-for-all for nonemergency spending that should be debated in our yearly budget and appropriations process. I am very pleased that the House and Senate reached an agreement on this supplemental package that eliminated the $14 billion in additional funding that had been added by the Senate. This action proved that this Congress is committed to fiscal discipline. The conference report now accomplishes its original goal by providing $65.8 billion in funding for our troops so that they have the equipment and resources they need to win the war on terror.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 1445) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 520 Colorado Avenue in Arriba, Colorado, as the ``William H. Emery Post Office''.

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of S. 1445 and yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, S. 1445, offered by the distinguished gentleman from Colorado, Senator Salazar, would designate the post office building in Arriba, Colorado, as the William H. Emery Post Office. Mr. Emery carried the mail in Arriba, Colorado, for 50 years and 6 months, a record for any carrier west of the Mississippi River. He began his work when he was only 19 years old, delivering the mail on horseback. At different points in his career, he also delivered the mail using a single buggy, a Harley Davidson motorcycle, and a Model T Ford. Emery was extremely dedicated to his job despite the difficult conditions of eastern Colorado. Often he dug through snow drifts and forded swollen streams in order to complete his route. William Emery retired at the age of 70, having served the Arriba Post Office his entire life. He was married to Luella Frances Emerson. The couple had three children, six grandchildren, and many great grandchildren, many of whom still reside in Colorado to this day. The renaming of the Arriba Post Office after William Emery is a fitting tribute to a man who served the people of Colorado for over half a century. For this reason, I urge swift passage of this measure. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 5169, authored by the distinguished gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Sodrel), would designate the post office building in Ramsey, Indiana, as the Wilfred Edward ``Cousin Willie'' Sieg, Sr. Post Office. Mr. Sieg was born March 16, 1931, in his life-long home of Ramsey, Indiana. After finishing high school at Corydon High, Cousin Willie went on to graduate from Indiana University in 1953 with a degree in marketing. Upon graduation, Cousin Willie served our country as a first lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He was a member of both the Air Force and the Air Force Reserve until 1968. After his active duty service, Cousin Willie returned home to help run the family business, Ramsey Popcorn Company, alongside his parents and brothers. His parents had started Ramsey Popcorn in 1944, going door to door selling raw popcorn kernels out of the back of their truck. The business soon grew, and in the early 1960s, Cousin Willie, along with his three brothers, took over day-to-day operations of the business from his parents and eventually served as president of Ramsey Popcorn Company, Incorporated. Under his purview, Ramsey Popcorn Company grew to become one of the top four producers of popcorn in the world. The company sells roughly 50 million pounds of popcorn a year and exports to over 20 countries throughout the world. Ramsey also sells to household-name snack food manufacturers and supermarkets, including Kraft, Frito Lay, Campbell's, the Kroger Company, and Target. Mr. Sieg was truly proud of his small community and felt compelled to become involved in any way that he could. In addition to employing many members of his community, he was also a member of the Ramsey Lion's Club, the Ramsey-Spencer Grange, and local Farm Bureau. He was a Rotarian and actively involved in local and State politics, as well as the area schools' athletic programs. He also served as a member of two boards, the Ramsey Water Company and the North Harrison Community School Board. Mr. Sieg passed away on February 2, 2006 at the age of 74 after losing a battle with lung cancer. The town of Ramsey and the State of Indiana lost a proud and prominent member of their community. I urge all Members to come together to honor a man that took pride in serving his community by passing H.R. 5169. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5169) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1310 Highway 64 NW. in Ramsey, Indiana, as the ``Wilfred Edward `Cousin Willie' Sieg, Sr. Post Office''.

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 5169, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Sodrel).

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, despite what some on the left may say, we are making terrific progress in the global war on terror. Last week, U.S. forces took out al Qaeda's number one terrorist in Iraq who was responsible for countless murders and terrorist attacks around the globe. This was an incredible victory for the U.S. military and intelligence communities. This great accomplishment is concrete evidence that the Iraqi people are cooperating with our troops. They are supporting our mission and are demonstrating their desire to be free. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of our troops for the great strides they have made. We have crushed Saddam Hussein's brutal dictatorship and have captured thousands of terrorists. Iraqi children are in school and Iraqi businesses are prospering. Iraq has had several successful elections and has formed their government under a new prime minister. And although it is rarely reported by the media, there is undeniable progress and hope in Iraq with each new day. The Iraqi people have proven they long for freedom and will continue to fight the terrorists by establishing a free, democratically elected government. However, our work is not done. We must stand firm in this war on terror until the job is done and until Iraq can defend and govern itself completely.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, House Republicans are continuing to work to lower the cost of gasoline over the mid and long-term. On Wednesday, House Republicans passed the Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act to help reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. Despite our country's increasing demand for fuel, the United States has not built an oil refinery in over 30 years. Total capacity of current refineries is roughly 17 million barrels per day, while demand is nearly 21 million barrels per day. We cannot continue this trend of using more refined petroleum products than we produce. It is vital that we move away from our dependence on foreign sources to fill this gap. I am pleased that this week's long overdue legislation helps remove red tape preventing construction of new refineries. House Republicans have also taken other actions to ban price gouging, promote conservation efforts, reduce the cost of energy, encourage the use of alternative power sources and improve our electricity transmission capability. Republicans have also repeatedly supported legislation to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas exploration. And the Democrats? They have voted ``no'' on nearly every measure that would offer relief to hardworking Americans.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, one of the hardest jobs Members of Congress face while in office is deciding whether to support or oppose a bill that is half good and half bad. Too often, we are forced to vote in favor of issues we strongly oppose while supporting goals with which we agree because our viewpoint was not the prevailing view. That is exactly what I faced today with H.R. 5522, the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2007. Mr. Chairman, I am on the record today as voting ``aye'' on the Foreign Operations Appropriations Act. I voted ``aye'' because the bill contains many worthwhile and effective provisions. Most importantly, the bill offers financial support to Israel and many other of our partners in democracy. Without backing from the United States, countries that uphold democracy and freedom could suffer, and I, for one, will always support countries that cherish and promote freedom and democratic ideals. Another important provision that I strongly support in this bill is the withholding of 60 percent of the funds allocated for Russia until its president certifies that they have terminated any arrangements to provide nuclear assistance to Iran. I am also extremely pleased with the many pro-life provisions maintained in the bill. These pro-life provisions send a clear message to foreign governments that if you engage in population control and abortion practices, you will not receive assistance from the United States. These measures, along with other provisions designed to keep jobs in America are examples of why I chose to support this piece of legislation. However, Mr. Chairman, there were numerous provisions within the bill that I have serious reservations about and that did not have enough support to be removed from the bill. I would like to go on record highlighting the portions of the bill I do not support. Mr. Chairman, I am deeply concerned about the International Export and Investment Agencies funding included in the bill. This provision requires the Federal Government to provide insurance to private companies investing in foreign countries. I cannot for the life of me understand why taxpayer dollars should fund this agency. If private companies wish to insure their investments overseas, they should use private insurance companies to do so, not the Federal Government. Mr. Chairman, I am also very concerned about the economic aid for Egypt contained in the bill. To be giving such economic assistance to Egypt at a time when it has been cracking down on top political dissidents and opponents within and without its borders is unwise. Many of my constituents who follow international affairs have contacted me abhorring the actions in the Sudan and wondering why Egypt continues to support the government in Khartoum. We need to send a message that we will not tolerate human rights abuses or support for such abuses, especially from one of our important strategic allies. Mr. Chairman, the bill provides $4.1 billion for the Agency for International Development, USAID, which provides funds for development related projects in developing countries. I am not opposed to helping out those countries in need, but this program has not proven effective enough over the course of its existence to warrant this level of funding. Additionally, I want to express my opposition to the $522 million for the Trade Capacity Enhancement Fund. Mr. Chairman, this bill tested my beliefs and forced me to make a very difficult decision. In the end, I believe the good outweighs the bad, but I want my colleagues to know that I will continue working to remove these disturbing provisions. I was voted into this office to reduce Federal spending and bring common sense back to the legislative process. That is exactly what I will do.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, we are making great strides in the war on terror with every new day. Just last night, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the mastermind behind countless brutal acts of terror, was killed in an air strike. Al-Zarqawi was directly responsible for thousands of bombings, assassinations, kidnappings and other acts of terror in Iraq and around the globe. Thanks to the hard work and perseverance of our United States military forces, he will no longer be able to kill. This is a major victory in the war on terror and a major step setback to al Qaeda, as al-Zarqawi was one of its strongest leaders. Yet as President Bush said, we cannot expect the terrorists to give up just because one of their most visible leaders is gone. We must continue to prosecute this war on terror until our mission is accomplished and until Iraq can defend and govern itself. Mr. Speaker, I cannot begin to express how proud I am of our troops for their service, selfless attitude and sacrifice. They are making great strides. They are freeing people from oppression so they may enjoy the same freedoms Americans cherish. They are fighting a global war on terror, and they are winning. I commend our military forces for reaching this great milestone and encourage them to keep up the great work.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported that our Nation's real gross domestic product was revised from 4.8 percent up to 5.3 percent. That is the fastest growth of our GDP in 2\1/2\ years. That is not the only good news. Our economy has created 5.3 million jobs since May 2003. 75,000 jobs were created last month alone. Unemployment has dropped from 6.3 percent to 4.7 percent, lower than the average of the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Personal income increased at an annual rate of 6.7 percent in April. The Treasury Department is reporting the highest annual tax receipts ever. The Federal budget deficit is $38 billion lower today than in May 2003. Last month Republicans approved a tax conference agreement that will continue this economic boom, and once again, the Democrats fought to stop it. In fact, if Democrats had their way, we would all face a massive tax hike. Mr. Speaker, the Republicans will continue to hold the line on spending and extend tax relief for all Americans. We know that these for-growth policies work, and they will continue to foster economic growth.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, House Republicans understand that in this post-9/11 world we cannot separate national security from border security. On that fateful day back in 2001, we learned that the ``business as usual'' mentality simply does not work anymore. What our Nation needs is a clear immigration enforcement strategy that reduces the threat posed by those who are breaking our laws. It is estimated that roughly 12 million illegal aliens now reside in the United States. Each year the number grows by another 700,000. Yet we are arresting the same number of illegal aliens as we did back in 1977, despite the fact we have many more illegals coming in than we used to. Obviously, something has to be done. That is why House Republicans voted to pass a major border security bill this past December. This bill strengthens our borders, implements employment eligibility verification systems, cracks down on those who knowingly hire illegals, empowers local law enforcement to enforce our immigration laws and expedites the swift deportation of illegal aliens. This is something that has to be done and we cannot compromise on this. Our Nation's security is at risk, and nothing else is more important.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the many of the hard working beekeepers in North Carolina's fifth congressional district. Beekeepers play an extremely important role in our society and often do not get the recognition they deserve. Back in 1905, an obscure Swiss patent clerk named Albert Einstein published three papers that would later result in his receiving the Nobel Prize. During that same year, he gave a speech on a subject that fascinated him greatly, the marvelous honey bee. He said, ``If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years left to live.'' Back then, much like it is today, the survival of the honey bee was threatened by pests and climate. The honey bee survived the challenges of Dr. Einstein's time but new obstacles have also emerged. Despite these challenges I am sure that Dr. Einstein would be happy to know that the honey bee is alive and well in North Carolina. Next year the North Carolina State Bee Keeping Association celebrates its 90th year of helping local beekeepers succeed. I am happy to report that the association has seen a 58 percent increase in membership in just the past 2 years and now has more than 1,900 dues paying members. The organization is run entirely by volunteers without a single full time paid staff member. It is the largest bee keeping association of its kind in the Nation and some folks tell me the best. According to Dr. David Tarpy, North Carolina State Agriculturist and head of the agricultural program at North Carolina State University, there are some 10,000 hobbiest beekeepers in North Carolina. I am proud of our North Carolina beekeepers and I want to tell you why. But first perhaps we should answer a basic question. Why do so many grown men and women fawn over this tiny insect and weighs less than an ounce and is so small it can rest on your fingernail? The answer reveals the secret of why so many are so passionate about their apiary hobby. If you call the office in the North Carolina Department of Agriculture that works with beekeepers, you will be greeted by the words, ``beneficial insects.'' After all, the honey bee is one of God's most beneficial creatures. She makes sweet honey that mankind has enjoyed for most of his time on the planet. The 100,000 colonies of bees managed by North Carolina beekeepers produce some $10 million worth of honey, almost all of which is consumed within the State. Some say our honey, especially the wonderful sourwood honey produced in the mountains, is just too good to send away. The honey bee also pollinates 90 or more important food crops, a third of all the food we eat. Without proper pollination, many of these crops would not produce fruit. The value of honey bee pollination to North Carolina agriculture exceeds $100 million and is growing. Cucumbers are ninety percent dependent on honey bee pollination, blueberries 80 percent. Apples, melons and many vegetables are also dependent on the honey bee. There is much more to this little bee than the delicious honey they make and even crops they pollinate. Modern medicine is returning to the old ways and rediscovering the practical use of many products from the hive in preventing and curing disease. Honey was used to treat burns and minor wounds by the ancient Greek, Chinese, Roman and Egyptian civilizations. The jelly that worker bees use to grow their new baby queens is a highly valued and expensive cosmetic. Pure beeswax makes wonderful candles and is a reliable industrial grade lubricant. There is much anecdotal evidence that bee venom is an effective remedy for arthritis and multiple sclerosis. And most recently, sticky, resinous propolis from the hive, once considered a nuisance is now the subject of a major cancer treatment research project at Wake Forest University. Speaker after speaker at the annual beekeeping conferences tell us that North Carolina has the best State wide organization of beekeepers in the entire Nation. Many people in many organizations deserve credit for this success. In 1975 Dr. John Ambrose came to work for North Carolina State University as an extension bee keeping specialist. Dr. Ambrose led an important era of growth for beekeeping in North Carolina, expanding the position to a major teaching and research position that is now held by Dr. Tarpy. This position is one of the best of its kind in the entire Nation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture bee labs also play an important role in finding and developing new ways to protect of the honey bee. J.D. Foust has been president of the North Carolina association of Beekeepers for the past 3 years and has led the organization through its fastest growth ever. Brady Mullinax of Forsyth County, has been a stalwart in the organization for more than half a century. Steve and Sandy Forrest, proprietor of Brushy Mountain Bee Farm in Wilkesboro, have build a thriving business out of supplying beekeepers with equipment and supplies and are now the third largest beekeeping supplier in the entire Nation. The typical beekeeper in North Carolina not unlike the solitary yeoman farmer who, with an ax and hoe, carved North Carolina's vast agri-business economy from the wilderness that once swept from the Atlantic and Mississippi River. He takes his chances and usually at the end of another season, there is sufficient honey for him to sell at his roadside stand and leave enough for the bees to survive another winter. For many beekeepers in my district the honey they produce is their Christmas money and an important part of their annual disposable income. I am proud of our beekeepers, for they are the residual spirit of the early pioneers who built this country on little more than strong backs and a desire to be free. If Albert Einstein was correct in his fear that the survival of mankind depends in large part on the survival of the honey bee, I am confident that the honey bee is in safe hands among so many North Carolina passionate beekeepers.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, the press has reached a new low in this country. I am appalled that ABC World News Tonight ran a false story claiming that our Speaker of the House, who is of the utmost integrity, is under investigation by the Justice Department. How convenient for them to mistakenly accuse the Speaker of the massive corruption that a Democrat Congressman is charged with, and then use the capabilities that only the mass media possesses to deliver that lie into the living rooms of every American. Let me read to you the Justice Department's press release issued yesterday. Here it is. Before ABC ran its blatantly false story, this press release did not mince words and said, ``Speaker Hastert is not under investigation by the Justice Department.'' Enough said.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, as we approach Memorial Day, I rise to express the heartfelt condolences of a grateful Nation and to honor the life of Sgt. Monta S. Ruth of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Sergeant Ruth passed away on August 31, 2005, while serving in Samarra, Iraq. Sergeant Ruth served our country in the United States Army. His strong patriotism and desire to defend our freedoms led him to join the military after graduating from Glenn High School, where he was active in the Junior ROTC. He served in the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Sergeant Ruth was a loving husband, father, son and brother. He leaves behind his wife, Aylin Ruth; his parents, Barbara and Frederick Kluttz and Edward Ferebee; his daughter Zoe Ruth; and several brothers and sisters. May God bless them and comfort them during this very difficult time. We owe this brave soldier and his family a tremendous debt of gratitude for his selfless service and sacrifice. Our country could not maintain its freedom and security without heroes like Sergeant Ruth who make the ultimate sacrifice. Americans, as well as Iraqis, owe their liberty to Sergeant Ruth and his fallen comrades who came before him. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the life of Sgt. Monta S. Ruth.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise and ask permission to claim Mr. Burton's time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, House Republicans are committed to securing our Nation's borders in order to ensure that our citizens remain safe and secure. One of my Republican colleagues from Virginia recently introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would permit members of our Armed Forces to assist with border protection under certain circumstances. The Democrats like to say they are working to keep our country secure, but they voted ``no'' on this commonsense amendment, and this is not the first time they voted against important border security and national security measures. Republicans voted to pass a major border security bill this past December, but Democrats voted ``no'' on the bill. Republicans voted to pass the REAL ID Act to make sure that people who receive driver's licenses are here legally, but Democrats voted ``no'' on the bill. Mr. Speaker, House Democrats have had ample opportunity to show that they are serious about border security. Yet every time they get a chance to prove it, they vote ``no.''

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, Democrats unveiled their national security agenda recently with much fanfare. High on their agenda was improving border security. So how can Democrats improve border security? Here are some suggestions. First, you get a border security bill that addresses the hiring of illegal immigrants and gaining control of our borders. Second, you can have a bill that completes the mission of the 9/11 Commission recommendations by implementing common-sense reforms in order to better protect our homeland. Now, I am sure many on this side of the aisle are asking, didn't we pass legislation like this? Why, yes we did. Back in December 2005, we passed the Border Protection Anti-Terrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act, which combats the hiring of illegal workers and increases penalties for alien smuggling. We also passed the Real ID, which requires driver's license applicants to provide proof they are in the country legally and closed asylum loopholes that the 9/11 Commission found had been abused by a number of terrorists. Mr. Speaker, I guess the Democrats left improving border security on their list because they didn't vote for either bill. But I say they should check it off. House Republicans have already accomplished it.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, many Americans are concerned about gasoline prices. They can rest assured that House Republicans are focused on their concerns and are working very hard to lower the costs of gasoline over the mid and long term. Republicans introduced and passed the Gasoline for America's Security Act which will ban price gouging and increase U.S. fuel supply by encouraging new refineries while at the same time promoting conservation efforts. The bill passed the House but still needs immediate attention in the United States Senate. Republicans also passed the Energy Policy Act which reduces the cost of energy, reduces our reliance on foreign oil sources, encourages the use of alternative power sources and improves our electricity transmission capability. The bill also provides relief to our hardworking farmers by providing tax incentives and money for research and development by ethanol and biodiesel energy sources. In addition, House Republicans have repeatedly supported legislation to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas exploration. The Democrats, on the other hand, have opposed building new refineries, have opposed drilling in ANWR and, in fact, voted against both of these bills. Madam Speaker, Republicans have worked hard to address America's energy needs. And the Democrats? They vote ``no'' on every solution.