[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 41 (Friday, March 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      COMMITTEE FUNDING RESOLUTION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 8, 2007

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleague Joe 
Barton, Ranking Member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, in 
requesting the resources necessary to ensure the effective operations 
of this Committee over the next 2 years.
  The budget we have submitted reflects the significant increase in 
workload for the Committee on Energy and Commerce, as well as the need 
to attract skilled staff members and provide our personnel with the 
tools required to perform their jobs. The requested sums are not merely 
desirable. They are necessary. The Committee has wide jurisdiction and 
each of its 6 subcommittees has a lengthy ``to do'' list.
  One of our top priorities is developing a substantive, balanced, 
thorough record on climate change. Our comprehensive examination of 
climate change is already underway. To date, we have conducted 5 
hearings on this issue and we expect to conduct 6 more this month. I am 
pleased to report that a variety of industry leaders and issue experts, 
including Vice President Gore, who will testify before the Committee on 
March 21, will continue to provide their insights to the Committee. We 
are confident that this focus on climate change will produce 
thoughtful, fair legislation.
  Other priorities include addressing issues in energy policy, health 
care, consumer protection and privacy, environmental programs, 
telecommunications, and a host of other legislative matters. We are 
also committed to fulfilling our oversight responsibilities. Already, 
the Committee has launched inquiries into nuclear security issues, food 
and drug safety, and the health care situation in New Orleans post-
Katrina.
  Since the 110th Congress convened in January, we have moved forward 
quickly on an exceedingly ambitious agenda that covers a wide range of 
topics of concern to Americans. To date, the Committee has held 19 
hearings, in addition to its role in the ``First 100 Hours''--during 
which this Committee contributed significantly to the Stem Cell 
Research bill, the prescription drug negotiation legislation, and the 
implementation of the 9/11 Commission recommendations. In this month 
alone, the Committee has planned 28 hearings and 6 markups and 
meetings. We expect a combined total of 42 hearings and meetings before 
we reach the Spring District Work Period.
  In light of this very heavy workload and considering the pressing 
importance of the issues facing the Committee, I ask that you fund our 
request for the 110th Congress and thank you for your support.

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