The first measure Congress passed was the Energy Policy Act, which offers incentives that encourage American refineries to produce more gasoline and oil by-products. This measure also requires that U.S. gasoline contain specific volumes of the corn-based additive ethanol. Incorporating more ethanol into gasoline requires us to use less oil, and is better for the environment because it creates cleaner burning fuel.

 Congress also passed legislation that will increase the United States' ability to efficiently refine more of its oil by speeding up the construction of new oil refineries and restarting idle oil refineries. And the Renewable Energy Project Siting Improvement Act will simplify the burdensome and complicated review process potential renewable energy sources undergo, thus assisting in the overall production of renewable energy sources. 

The bottom line is, we must reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and develop a long-term energy policy that increases our energy independence. Depending on foreign countries to supply the majority of our energy needs jeopardizes our national security, and as we are experiencing with high gas prices today, stifles our overall economy. 

In the short-term we must encourage more domestic exploration. And it is critical that Congress appropriate sufficient resources for the research and development of measures that increase the use of renewable energy, and invest in emerging technologies that will reduce overall energy consumption.

America needs a long-term energy policy that will ultimately reduce the high-cost of gas prices and would sufficiently address America's long-term energy needs. We need a real energy plan that works - America's future depends on it. 

Fourth District Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR-04) joined members of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Democratic Rural Working Group Friday in announcing the Democrats’ five priorities for rural America: supporting family, community, patriotism, prosperity, and strength.

“I am proud to join my fellow Democrats in speaking and standing up for the heartland by announcing our contract with rural America,” said Ross. “Today we stand up for the preservation of the values and priorities that are important to the future of rural America. Without good roads and good jobs, rural America will be left behind.”

The principles released by the Democratic Rural Working Group are: 

Standing for Common Sense Spending. 

Creating Jobs and Strong Trade Priorities. 

Building Roads, Airports, Information Systems and Infrastructure. 

·Strengthening Education, Health Care and Housing for Our Families and Communities. 

Defending America -- Honoring our Military and Our Veterans. 
 

During the press conference, Ross focused his message on investing in our rural infrastructure. Ross said, “Investing in our rural roads and highways is critical. For every $1 billion dollars we invest in our roads and highways, 42,000 jobs are created. That means if we invested $1 billion in every congressional district in America, 18 million new jobs would be created. And that does not even count the long-term jobs that would come to rural America through the economic opportunities that would be created by better roads and better infrastructure.”

Finally, Ross said rural members are working to invest in national priorities like education and health care, and honoring our men and women in uniform and veterans. 

“Make no mistake – Democrats are the ones who represent the best interests of rural America,” said Ross. “We will continue to fight for the conservative family values of America’s working families. By investing in rural America, we pave the way to a solid economic future for our children and grandchildren.