Gingrey Supports American Energy Act An “All-of-the-Above” Approach to Energy Independence

U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey released the following statement after joining his House Republican colleagues to introduce the American Energy Act, a comprehensive energy bill to help reduce gas prices by increasing the supply of American-made energy, improving conservation and efficiency, and harnessing renewable and alternative energy technologies.

“Georgia families have now been paying north of four dollars a gallon for gasoline for over a month,” said Gingrey. “As a nation in crisis, we must realize that there is no single solution that Congress can enact that will provide both short and long term solutions. Instead, this crisis requires a multi-faceted – ‘all-of-the-above’ – approach that increases domestic energy supply, thereby reducing our dependence on foreign oil and providing immediate relief to the pain we are all feeling at the pump.”

“The American Energy Act is just what the doctor ordered, and will put us on the road toward energy independence. I call on Speaker Pelosi and the Democratic Leadership to do the right thing for hardworking Americans and immediately bring the American Energy Act to a vote on the House floor.”

Rep. Gingrey will be leading an in-depth discussion of the American Energy Act this evening as he hosts a special order hour on the House Floor. You can view this energy discussion on C-SPAN.

Increases the Supply of American-made Energy in Environmentally Sound Ways

Opens the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), which will provide an additional three million barrels of oil per day, as well as 76 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Opens the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), which will provide an additional 1.5 million barrels of oil per day.

Increase the supply of gas at the pump by cutting bureaucratic red tape that essentially blocks construction of new refineries.

Allow development of our nation’s shale oil resources, which could provide an additional 2.5 million barrels of oil per day – a total of 1.3 trillion barrels of oil currently under the lock and key of the federal government.

Promotes renewable and alternative energy technologies

Spurs the development of alternative fuels through government contracting by repealing the “Section 526” prohibition on government purchasing of alternative energy and promoting coal-to-liquids technology.

Establishes a renewable energy trust fund using revenues generated by exploration in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and ANWR.

Permanently extends the tax credit for alternative energy production, including wind, solar, hydrogen and biomass, as proposed in H.R. 5984 – the Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act, introduced by Representative Roscoe Bartlett from Maryland.

Eliminates barriers to the expansion of emission-free nuclear power production.

Improves energy conservation and efficiency, the legislation

Provides tax incentives for businesses and families that purchase more fuel efficient vehicles.

Provides a monetary prize for developing the first economically feasible, super-fuel-efficient vehicle reaching 100 miles-per-gallon.

Provide tax incentives for businesses and homeowners who improve their energy efficiency.

Bremen Post Office to be Named for Local Fallen Soldier

Bremen Post Office to be Named for Local Fallen Soldier
House Passes Gingrey Legislation to Honor the Late Sergeant Paul Saylor

The U.S. House of Representatives today unanimously passed legislation introduced by Congressman Phil Gingrey (R-GA) that will honor the late Sergeant Paul Saylor by designating the post office located at 101 Tallapoosa Street in Bremen, Georgia, as the “Sergeant Paul Saylor Post Office Building.” Sergeant Saylor heroically gave his life for our country on August 15, 2005, while on patrol in Mahmudiyah, Iraq when the vehicle he was traveling in rolled over into a canal. He was 21 years old.

“Our nation will be forever indebted to Sergeant Paul Saylor,” said Gingrey. “I know he is here with us today, and I would like to say: Thank you, Paul. Your spirit lives on and you will never be forgotten.”

This legislation had nearly fifty co-sponsors, including every Member of the Georgia Congressional Delegation.

The legislation now awaits action in the Senate.

Below, please find the video, audio and text of Congressman Gingrey’s remarks. To watch the video, click here.

Remarks by Congressman Phil Gingrey
on H.R. 6092, designating the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 Tallapoosa Street in Bremen, Georgia, as the “Sergeant Paul Saylor Post Office Building”
July 8, 2008

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6092, a bill I introduced to honor the life of Paul Anthony Saylor by designating the post office in Bremen, Georgia as the Sergeant Paul Saylor Post Office.

Mr. Speaker, thankfully we are at a point today where the Iraqi government is proving to be more and more capable of securing its country and where al-Qaeda terrorists are on the verge of being completely routed. We can all agree that the road on which we have traveled has been anything but smooth. Indeed, we have lost 4,166 of our nation’s greatest treasures in Iraq.

They are not just statistics, Mr. Speaker — there is a story behind every one of the brave men and women who have died serving our country in the Global War on Terror. I have come to know Paul’s story well over the last three years.

Paul Saylor’s story is indeed one of courage, kindness, generosity, and devotion to his family and to his country. Paul was a beloved son to his parents, Jamie and Patti; a beloved brother to Little Jamie; and a beloved nephew to Linda Kirkland. He enjoyed playing high school football with his older brother and was known for his smile and his caring heart. Since Paul’s death, many have spoken of his penchant for standing up for others being bullied, and for picking people up when they were down. It is testament to the affection that others had for Paul that of the 5,000 citizens of his hometown, over 1,500 attended his funeral.

Mr. Speaker, it was Paul’s sense of duty that led him to join the Georgia National Guard following his attendance at North Georgia College and State University. Upon joining, Paul had no idea he would be called upon to defend our freedom in Iraq, but when he was, he bravely answered that call. He served our nation in Iraq as a member of the Georgia National Guard’s 48th Infantry Brigade. Paul lost his life on August 15, 2005 while on patrol in Al Mahmudiyah, Iraq, when the vehicle he was traveling in rolled over into a canal. He was 21 years old.

Sadly, Mr. Speaker, upon being returned to his family, Paul’s remains were in a state of advanced decomposition, and he was not able to be viewed by his family for a final goodbye. His family has since worked tirelessly to improve the treatment of the remains of all fallen soldiers to ensure that no family has to experience a similar fate.

As I have worked with Paul’s family to address the shortfalls in the mortuary process, I have visited the mortuary facility at Dover Air Force Base, as well as a mortuary affairs collection point in Iraq, to evaluate current processes and procedures and identify areas where improvements could be made. Those efforts led to the inclusion of a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, which requires that all medical personnel be trained in remains preservation prior to their deployment.

This training is carried out in the medical training facilities at Ft. Sam Houston and the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. On a recent visit, I was able to determine that the Army is solemnly carrying out this duty. While we could never do enough to support and honor Paul’s sacrifice, it is the least we can do to ensure that we can honor the remains of our fallen heroes with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Our nation will be forever indebted to Sergeant Paul Saylor. I know he is here with us today, and I would like to say: Thank you, Paul. Your spirit lives on and you will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me today in honoring Sergeant Paul Saylor.

Vote yes on H.R. 6092.

Gingrey Amendment Would Increase Focus on Offshore Drilling

U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey (R-GA), Ranking Member of the Science Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation, today offered an amendment to the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008 which would help alleviate U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

As gas prices continue to climb and with millions of barrels of oil off of our Outer Continental Shelf under the lock and key of the federal government, increasing the development and utilization of ocean and coastal energy resources is critical to addressing our energy crisis.

Congressman Gingrey’s amendment would actually guide the National Sea Grant Program, originally adopted in 1966, back towards its original intent – to better understand our oceanic resources as an important energy supply. Rep. Gingrey’s amendment was voted down along near party lines.

“Unfortunately, Congress in 1966 seemed to be light years ahead of today’s Congress in 2008, because it was open to the potential of exploring and understanding what offshore domestic energy resources our nation had to offer,” said Gingrey. “With the improved technologies available for energy exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf, it is time that this program once again lives up to its initial promise from over 40 years ago. At a time when families are paying $4.07 for a gallon of regular gas, it is long overdue that we put in place the processes to explore American offshore energy resources.”

Rep. Gingrey’s amendment would add an additional duty for the Director of the Sea Grant Program to move the curriculum of the program towards more energy resource exploration, including production of energy from petroleum, natural gas, geothermal, wind and ocean thermal resources.

NOTE: A recent Rasmussen Poll shows that 67% of Americans support exploration for oil off of our nation’s coasts.

The text of Gingrey’s statement in support of his amendment is included below:
Rep. Phil Gingrey
Statement for Gingrey Amendment SG08-001 to HR 5618
Science Committee Mark-Up
June 25, 2008

I first want to commend the Energy and Environment Subcommittee for its quick action on H.R. 5618, the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008. This bipartisan legislation expands the scope and purposes of the National Sea Grant College Program, and the amendments that I will be offering this morning will assist the Sea Grant Program in its expansion through H.R. 5618.

In the Declaration of Policy in the original Sea Grant Program, the law – originally adopted in 1966 – notes that the vitality of our country is dependent on the understanding, development, and utilization of ocean and coastal resources because these resources supply energy and contribute to a number of important goals for our country – including national security and commerce.

Unfortunately Mr. Chairman, the 89th Congress in 1966 seemed to be light years ahead of the 110th Congress in 2008, because it was open to the potential of exploring and understanding what offshore domestic energy resources had to offer. With the improved technologies available for energy exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf, it is time that this program once again lives up to its initial promise from over 40 years ago.

That is why I am offering these common-sense amendments. My first amendment this morning would add an additional duty for the Director of the Sea Grant Program to move the curriculum of the program towards more energy resource exploration, including production of energy from petroleum, natural gas, geothermal, wind and ocean thermal resources.

At a time when families are paying $4.07 for a gallon of regular gas, it is long overdue that we put in place the processes to explore American offshore resources. Mr. Chairman, the American people agree. A recent Rasmussen Poll shows that 67% of Americans support exploration for oil off of our nation’s coasts. And yet, 85% of the Lower 48 states’ Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) energy resources remain under the lock and key of the federal government – off limits to drilling.

This amendment would bring together some of the nation’s top academic institutions through the Sea Grant program to find ways to better utilize our offshore resources for energy production in an environmentally sensitive manner. Their contribution will ultimately provide relief for working American families from the rising gas prices they face each day, by introducing more American supply into the marketplace.

Mr. Chairman, a real solution is long overdue, and now is the time for our laws to reflect real world challenges, where we need reasonably-priced fuel to not only maintain our quality of life, but also preserve American economic growth and prosperity. I believe that this amendment helps put us on that path.

Subcommittee Examines Efficiency of Nation's Transportation Infrastructure

Today, the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing to review ongoing Federal, State, academic, and industry research and development (R&D) activities intended to reduce lifecycle energy consumption and fuel use, and also to promote sustainability for surface transportation infrastructure.

“There are approximately 4 million miles of roads in this country and Americans drive approximately 4 trillion miles per year,” noted Subcommittee Ranking Member Phil Gingrey (R-GA). “To support all this traffic, government expenditures on our highways are approximately $140 billion annually. Unfortunately, even with this constant influx in spending, our infrastructure cannot support our growing traffic needs.”

Gingrey continued, “The priority of research and development in the transportation sector has lagged behind construction and rehabilitation, but the challenges that now face our transportation infrastructure will require innovative designs and technologies.”

The surface transportation sector is a major contributor to energy use and pollution, accounting for approximately 33 percent of carbon emissions in the U.S. annually. While materials and technologies currently exist to combat pollution and energy waste from transportation infrastructure, there are cost and other logistical decisions that have limited their widespread implementation.

Advocating for a larger research budget at the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) spoke highly of efforts to promote a more efficient, sustainable transportation infrastructure, noting that further research would pay for itself in the long term. Within the U.S. Department of Transportation, RITA has sought to effectively prioritize transportation research programs, identify innovation gaps, and coordinate research and technology efforts within the Department, and throughout the transportation community.

Further highlighting the benefits of increased investments in R&D, one of today’s witnesses, Dr. Christopher Poe, Assistant Agency Director at the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), cited a study conducted by TTI in order to estimate the benefits of improving mobility in congested Texas cities. The 2003 study concluded that an increase in spending of $66 billion, in order to reduce traffic congestion, would generate $540 billion in savings from lower travel delay, reduced fuel consumption and business efficiency. This total return on investment represents an 8 to 1 return ration.

Witnesses at today’s hearing also urged additional technology transfer and education efforts in order to engage policymakers and the public to pursue greater use of these new technologies. They noted that a strong partnership between the research and user communities is vital to ensure that R&D efforts are tied to user needs and that demonstration projects prove the effectiveness of various technologies and materials.

Gingrey Applauds Passage of Clean Troop Funding Bill and Improvements Upon GI Bill

U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey (R-GA), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today (June 19, 2008) voted in support of H.R. 2642, the Iraq and Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations Bill, which not only provides necessary funding for the Global War on Terror, but will also strengthen the educational benefit for our men and women in uniform who have so bravely served our nation.

“This bill is a true victory for our men and women in uniform,” said Gingrey. “Not only does this supplemental provide our warfighters the tools they need to continue their success in the Global War on Terror, but it also gives our soldiers returning home the access to higher education that they so richly deserve.”

“Over the last twenty years, the basic Montgomery GI Bill allowance has only increased by 193% while the average cost of a four-year public school – tuition, room and board – has increased by 278%. Given the many sacrifices that our soldiers have made defending our freedoms, it is only right that we address this discrepancy.”

“Republicans fought for the inclusion of provisions allowing the benefit to be transferred between soldiers and their immediate family members — provisions not included in the original Webb GI Bill — which members of the military cited as the most important aspect of any improved version of the GI bill. I was proud to stand with our soldiers — and their families — in supporting this much needed improvement.”

In addition to the transferability to the provisions of the GI Bill here are a few other key provisions House Republicans fought hard to include in the Iraq and Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations Bill are listed below:

· Provides Troop Funding for FY 2008-2009. The agreement ensures that our men and women in uniform will have the resources they need well into the next Administration, rejecting demands from Democrats to stop funding our troops who continue to make significant progress in Iraq and Afghanistan.

· Eliminates ALL War Restrictions. The agreement gets our troops the funding they need for success without any politically-motivated restrictions that the Democratic Majority pushed for in order to hamstring our commanders in the field.

· Provides New Resources for American Veterans. The agreement will help our veterans (or their families) get a better education after they return from Iraq and Afghanistan.

· Cuts Wasteful Pork. The agreement cuts $8 billion in wasteful Washington spending.

· Rejects Funding for Planned Parenthood. The agreement eliminates funding for Planned Parenthood.

· Ensures SCHIP Serves Low-Income Children First. The agreement eliminates a Senate Democrat-authored provision designed to overturn Administration efforts to ensure that SCHIP serves the neediest children first.

· Includes NO Tax Increases. The agreement includes no tax increases of any kind.

Gingrey Honored for Work in Health Information Technology

This week, as part of National Health Information Technology Week, Rep. Phil Gingrey, M.D. (R-GA) was recognized as the 2008 Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Advocacy Federal Leadership Award. Established in 2003, the HIMSS Advocacy Award recognizes current and former government officials who have made a significant contribution meriting national recognition to the healthcare information technology field.

“Health Information Technology is one of the most promising ways to tackle today’s problem of skyrocketing health care costs,” said Gingrey. “A correctly implemented and widely adopted interoperable HIT system would save the American health care system more than $160 billion dollars every year.”

“In addition to this immense cost savings, there are numerous other advantages that are just as compelling. We know HIT can reduce medical errors, save time and most importantly, save lives. Properly implemented HIT would enormously increase the efficiency within our health care system and has the potential to eliminate duplicate testing that rob patients of money and time and often cause patients to endure unnecessary pain and discomfort. Even more vital is the possibility of eliminating medical errors that that lead to almost 100,000 deaths every year.”

“Health information technology is and should continue to be a top priority in Washington. Reaching our full potential for HIT in the most efficient and effective way is essential to providing relief from increasing costs for the health care needs of hard-working American families.”

Dr. Gingrey has been a strong proponent of advancing the widespread use of Health IT and worked with Rep. Gonzalez (D-TX) to co-author the bi-partisan, H.R. 1952, the National Health Information Incentive Act of 2007.

Health IT Week allows public and private sector organizations with diverse perspectives on health care to gather in Washington, DC to work together under one banner with the goal of improving health care efficiency, quality, cost-effectiveness and patient safety through health IT.

Previous award recipients have included Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy and former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and Founder of the Center for Health Transformation Newt Gingrich.

Rep. Gingrey speaking on the gas price situation

Gingrey has co-sponsored a bill – H.R. 3089, the No More Excuses Energy Act of 2007 – which "will require the federal government to get serious about increasing domestic energy production that will lead to a decrease in the amount we pay at the pump".

http://www.cq.com/floorvideo/play.do?id=185b649ee920485e3e8476775e7bd791547f6f160522da861e39907f3e9766eac9175bed86fe51749e8569ca09d9f94113b21fa3efce182a319c437e2076d45de963b5d8b8f11981