And of the 181 waivers granted by this Committee Last congress, 175 of them were republicans. Thats 97 republicans. Three 3 democrats. Again in the last congress, democrats had to abide by the rules. The republicans did not. I have an amendment to try to eliminate big tax breaks for big oil companies. And every time ive tried to get a vote on it, on an energy bill ive been told, sorry the tax rule says you can only do this you can only do that on a tax bill. Then when i offer it on a tax bill, sorry. Its a farce. And i think the majority is hiding behind the rules to keep members from voting on anything you dont like. I have an Old Fashioned definition of rules. I was taught when you have rules youre supposed to follow them. And given the number of waivers that this committee has provided to get around the rules, i think we taught to be transparent about that. My hope is, the same with the previous amendment, if youre required to report these things then maybe you might think twice abo
And so basically, my opinion ill conclude that we dont need tar sands because of the Carbon Pollution that comes from it. We have our own sources of oil. Were using less oil because our cars are more efficient. The pipeline isnt going to help lower gas prices or enhance our Global Security or fight Climate Change. For all these reasons i oppose the bill and request that the committee grant an open rule allowing amendments to be offered, at a minimum. Thank you. Thank you very much. I appreciate your consciousness, not only being here and taking time to be a witness today, but also it is good to see be. I hope youre going to have a good new year. You too. Mr. Kramer welcome. Previously when youve been with us youve been on the resources committee. I dont know if you still are, but you are also a member now of the energy and commerce committee. I am. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I am the prime sponsor of the bill. That was what i was going to say. Were delighted that youre here. The gentlema
Economy moving forward. The American People were loud and clear and give americas new congress to get our country back on track. We heard this call and we are ready to get off to a quick start. By weeks end we will grow the economy and create jobs. The hire more heroes act, the save america cans act and approval of the Keystone Pipeline. The president has not acknowledged the call of the people and threatened to veto the approval of the Keystone Pipeline. Americans cant afford another two years deterred by politics and cant afford threats and posturing instead of legitimate legislating. The American People deserve a congress and president focused on them, not the next election. I dont know what direction president obama will choose for the last two years of his presidency but i can guarantee you that your priorities will be our priorities for americas new congress. Prior to coming to congress, i served as a Energy Regulator and i carried the portfolio and when we sighted the original K
Were attacking. The ideal of justice and peace that France Defense across the world stage and this message of peace, tolerance that we also defend through our soldiers to fight against terrorism and fundamentalism. France has received messages and expressions of support and brotherhood from all over the world. We must measure the importance of this. We must rise to the challenge that has been thrown down to us. First of all by bringing to justice the authors of this infamous act and have them arrested and brought to justice and punished very severely. Everything will be done to arrest them. The investigation is progressing under the auspices of the justice system. We must protect all public spaces. The government has put in place the National Security alert system at its highest level, the attack alert and this is what we do when there is a threat. We must remain what we are. Aware of the fact that our best weapon is our unity. The union of all our citizens in the face of this challeng