I’m fighting to provide relief to the American consumers, farmers, and small businesses that are suffering as a result of increased gas prices.  As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I have joined my Democratic colleagues in the House to offer real solutions to rising gas prices that will protect Americans and create jobs.  I recently co-sponsored H.R. 5372, the Bioenergy Innovation, Optional Fuel Utilization, and Energy Legacy (BIOFUEL) Act of 2006, which includes a plan to achieve energy independence by providing tax incentives to encourage increased production of home grown American – made biofuels, increasing the number of flex fuel vehicles on the road, and expanding the ethanol and biodiesel pumps at gas stations. 

Last week, as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, I delivered the opening statement at a hearing on Vehicle and Fuel Technology where various automobile manufacturers and research agents testified regarding advances in vehicle and fuel technology.  In conjunction with that hearing, I had the privilege of test driving a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle and while the technology necessary for such a vehicle is three to four years away, it is extremely promising news towards America’s energy independence.  I also participated in two days of hearings that investigated increases in U.S. gasoline prices and I recently joined members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in calling for an immediate investigation into the business practices of all six major oil companies. 

I co-sponsored H.R. 3936, the Federal Response to Energy Emergencies Act of 2005, which gives the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) authority to prosecute oil companies engaged in price gouging involving gasoline, home heating oil, or natural gas. 

I also co-sponsored H.R. 1398, legislation that mandates ten percent ethanol in all gas and five percent biodiesel in all diesel by the year 2010.  Increasing the amount of ethanol and biodiesel in our domestic fuel will allow the United States to not only become less dependent on foreign oil, but will also provide a new market for our farm families and reduce the price we pay at the pump by as much as 70 cents a gallon.

Additionally, I co-sponsored H.R. 5365, which provides for the establishment of a Strategic Refinery Reserve to ensure new refining capacity that operates at all times and can be increased during supply disruptions. 

Our future will have a strong blend of alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles that will hopefully provide a choice to consumers when they go to purchase a car and fill up at the pump.  We must work together toward making these technologies affordable and reasonable for all Americans – and work to build our nation’s infrastructure to support these technologies.  I have joined my Democratic colleagues in the fight to take our country in the right direction, one that leads to energy independence and lower gas prices for all Americans. 

The Telephone Excise Tax Repeal Act of 2005 amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the excise tax on communication services.  Ross is a co-sponsor of this legislation.

Some significant facts regarding the tax refunds include:

• No immediate action is required by taxpayers. 
• Refund claims will cover all excise tax paid on long-distance service over the last three years (time allowed given statute of limitations). Interest will be paid on the refunds.
• The IRS is working on a simplified method for individuals to use to claim a refund on their 2006 tax returns.  
• Refunds will not include tax paid on local telephone service, which was not involved in the litigation.
• Originally established in 1898 as a "luxury" tax on wealthy Americans who owned telephones, the federal excise tax on telephone calls is not compatible with today's modern information-age society.

Ross issued the following statement, “I am pleased the Treasury Department decided to repeal the long-distance excise tax.  As a co-sponsor of the Telephone Excise Tax Repeal Act of 2005, I believe Congress needs to act soon in order to alleviate the local excise tax as well.  Phone service is widespread in America, and the overall excise tax costs American families more than $6 billion a year.  The repeal of this tax will save Americans billions of dollars.” 

The legislation will assist independent pharmacists in serving their patients by ensuring that insurance companies do not provide inadequate and late reimbursement rates under the new Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. The bill also promotes greater use of generics, saving taxpayers money.  Ultimately, this legislation will help our pharmacists continue to deliver consistent access and quality care to their patients.

The Fair and Speedy Treatment (FAST) of Medicare Prescription Drug Claims Act of 2006, which was introduced by Congressmen Walter Jones (R-NC) and Marion Berry (D-AR) seeks to ensure that:

• Pharmacists are paid for their services in a timely manner by requiring Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) to offer electronic direct deposit of reimbursements to participating pharmacies.
• Claims submitted electronically will be paid within 14 days, and all other claims will be paid within 30 days.
• Pharmacists are promptly notified if there are problems with submitted claims.
• Generic dispensing fees are set at a minimum level in order to reduce the low reimbursement pharmacists earn in providing these cost saving medications. Under the new bill, taxpayers and the program would save an average of $94 for every generic prescription dispensed.

“As the owner of a family pharmacy in Prescott, Arkansas and husband of a pharmacist, I know first hand the issues facing independent pharmacies nationwide.  Over the past several years, Congress has made substantial changes to both Medicare and Medicaid, which will ultimately hurt the independent pharmacy community’s ability to deliver quality care to its patients.

“The Medicare prescription drug benefit continues to place an overwhelming and unnecessary burden on our pharmacists and their patients.  If Congress does not act soon, more pharmacists may have no choice but to close their doors, as some have already done, leaving patients without access to a critical health care source.  Our bill is a simple reform that will make sure pharmacists are treated fairly and not held hostage by insurance companies.

“This legislation would also build on a provision in the 2003 Medicare bill by establishing guidelines for Medication Therapy Management (MTM) programs offered by drug plans, which are critical in promoting the proper use of medications and reducing adverse events in high risk seniors.”

In conjunction with speaking at the NCPA conference, a press conference was held today where over 200 NCPA members attended.  Ross, joined by bipartisan members of Congress, highlighted the benefit to patients the Fair and Speedy Treatment (FAST) of Medicare Prescription Drug Claims Act of 2006 will provide.