The Hill Report: Week of September 1 - 5, 2008
Statement
This week in Washington, Republicans in the House of Representatives concluded five weeks of speeches, rallies, and protests for fair and real energy legislation.
Since the House adjourned for summer recess on August 1st, every workday members of my party and I have been demanding that Speaker Nancy Pelosi bring Members back to Washington, D.C. to vote on substantial energy legislation. We have held daily sessions on the House floor, speaking to constituents, tourists, and school groups about our nation's energy crisis. Americans need and deserve a real debate on all possible solutions, and my colleagues and I have asked time and time again that our legislation be awarded a fair open debate and a vote.
Today marks the end of our month-long quest for a real energy debate in Congress. This Monday, September 8, the House will reconvene. Unfortunately, energy still does not seem to be an important issue for the Democrats. Speaker Pelosi has scheduled debate on two bills next weekneither of which addresses energy. At a time when gas prices are over $4.00 in some areas, the House will consider the No Child Left Inside Act (HR. 3036) and The Missisquoi and Trout Rivers Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2008 (HR. 3667). While I am sure that both of these bills have merit, Americans are looking to Congress for real solutions to the high cost of fuel. Unfortunately, our party's demands for a vote have fallen on deaf ears.
I support an "all-of-the-above" approach to gaining energy independence - which includes increasing the production of American energy, improving energy conservation and efficiency, and promoting renewable and alternative energy technologies. As Congress picks up its work again this Monday, I will remain steadfast with my Republican colleagues in calling for consideration of real energy legislation that provides relief for all Americans at the pump.
National Medical and Physicians' Organizations
During this August district work period, I had the opportunity to attend several annual conferences for national and Texas medical organizations. Physicians and health care providers are an integral part of our country's infrastructure, and I was honored to be able to speak with members about issues affecting them in Congress and their great importance in our society.
Texas Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting
Today, I had the pleasure of attending the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists' (TSA) annual meeting in Lost Pines, Texas. TSA is a voluntary, non-profit association of physicians interested in the medical specialty of Anesthesiology. TSA is a recognized component society of the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
Members of TSA meet this weekend to discuss legislative business, participate in continuing education, attend panels and workshops, and enjoy the camaraderie that has been established in the Society. This year, I was honored to be the 2008 Betty P. Stephenson Lectureship Guest Speaker. Dr. Betty Stephenson was a renowned anesthesiologist in Texas, a devoted leader, and a wonderful doctor who passed away in 2006. She was extremely active in politics and TSA, becoming their first female President during a time when the Society was predominately male. In honor of her memory and accomplishments, a Lectureship is given each year at the Society's meeting.
Our state is blessed to have so many active and engaged anesthesiologists, and I have been grateful for the opportunity to work with them and members of TSA throughout my career. Today I spoke to TSA about the importance of physician involvement, the role of anesthesiology in medicine's future, and health care policy in Congress. I greatly enjoyed this unique event and the chance to honor Dr. Betty Stephenson and all members of the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists.
Foundation for Fighting Blindness Annual Visions Conference
On August 8th, I also had the privilege of attending the Foundation Fighting Blindness' (FFB) Annual Visions Conference in Arlington, Virginia. FFB is a research group dedicated to providing prevention, treatments, and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher Syndrome, and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases. FFB has funded thousands of research studies at many prominent institutions worldwide, and since its inception in 1971 has raised more than $300 million in support of their important and urgent mission. I was pleased to meet with FFB members at the Visions' Conference opening lunch, and privileged as keynote speaker to share the story of how I got involved in Vision issues. At such an exciting time with so many treatments moving into the realm of human studies, the work of the FFB is more important than ever. I commend their accomplishments and look forward to working with them in the future.
Have a good weekend.
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