Standing Up For Lower Energy Costs and America’s Energy Security

I am pleased that in spite of the planned August District Work Period, many of my colleagues have stayed in Washington, D.C. to protest that Speaker Pelosi did not allow a vote on energy solutions before Congress adjourned. Members are asking for votes on legislation including, the No More Excuses Energy Act and the American Energy Act, which are commonsense measures that would start this country moving in the right direction toward energy independence.

I will be on the House floor tomorrow calling on Speaker Pelosi to bring Congress back for a vote on important energy legislation.

What is happening is truly historic; citizens are being allowed to come right to the House floor and listen to Members of Congress speak directly to them on why we need to use American resources, and why we need to do it now. This is the Peoples’ House, and it shall remain that way. The call for energy independence will not be quelled until Congress establishes a comprehensive energy package.

President Ronald Reagan once said, “All great change in America begins at the dinner table.” The American people are hurting from high gasoline, diesel and food prices. I am honored to join my colleagues to continue the fight for real solutions that will have long term, lasting effects. We can no longer afford “band-aid” solutions for our energy problems. Ingenuity is the driving spirit of America, and we have the tools and resources to start producing American made energy; we just have to do it.

My policy is YES: yes to drilling on land and off the outer continental shelf; yes to using our nearly 300-year supply of coal; yes to new refineries and nuclear power plants; and yes to alternative and renewable energy resources. It is clear that we cannot drill our way out of this problem. We are still a nation that depends on fossil fuels, but by increasing supply, the prices will drop and we can focus on new energy sources that will serve as a bridge to American energy independence.

Congratulations To The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce

I am thrilled that the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce was named the “American Chamber of Commerce Executives' Chamber of the Year,” during ACCE's annual conference held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Chamber of the Year award is the only one in the nation that acknowledges and commends a chamber for their role in creating both leading businesses and communities.

One of the key components of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce’s initiatives is that it offers its health plans to start up and small businesses, allowing those businesses to grow and succeed, by employing and retaining top employees.

The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce’s innovation, creativity and vision for a brighter future for the city of Lubbock are outstanding. The chamber has always stood by their strong principles and convictions of their objective and mission which is to “strengthen, promote and serve our member businesses.” To that end, the chamber and its members have shown the entire nation their determination and success.

Coming Soon – Energy & Economy Updates In The 19th District

Beginning next week, I will be traveling around the 19th District and look forward to visiting with you.

I will be hosting several meetings to discuss energy and the economy and am interested in hearing about how energy prices are affecting you and your family and what you think Congress should do to help support our economy and reduce energy costs.

As I travel through West Texas and the Big Country, I hope you will be able to join me to discuss energy and other important issues that are on your mind.

On Tuesday, August 19th, I will be in Friona from 10:00am until 11:00am at the Headquarters Restaurant, located at 1508 West Highway 60.

On Wednesday, August 20th I will be in Brownfield from 8:30am to 9:30am at City Hall, in the Council Room at 201 West Broadway.

On Tuesday, August 26th, I will be in Clyde from 9:00am to 10:00am at the Clyde Chamber of Commerce building, located at 614 North 1st Street. Later that day, I will be in Breckenridge at Ernie’s Spanish Kitchen Restaurant, located at 2915 West Walker Street from 12:30pm until 1:30pm.

I look forward to speaking with many of you as I travel around the district to update you, but more importantly, to hear what is on your mind.

To learn more about my schedule as I travel though the district, please call my office, toll free at (888) 763-1611. Thank you and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Recognizing American Competitiveness

I would like to wish all of our athletes participating in the Olympics the best of luck in the coming days. These talented men and women are an inspiration to our nation and exemplify determination, dedication and perseverance.

I would like to also wish the very best for our athletes from Texas. There are 45 athletes competing that currently reside in Texas. I know they will make not only the great State of Texas, but our entire nation proud.

As always, when events unfold in Washington, I will be sure to update you. In the meantime, do not hesitate to visit my website or call my office toll free district wide at (888) 763-1611 or my Washington, DC office at 202-225-4005.