THE FIGHT FOR ENERGY

THE FIGHT FOR ENERGY:  THOSE WHO "PROTECT" THE ENVIRONMENT VS. THOSE WHO DEPEND ON IT.

It is a great honor to represent the scenic stretch of Tennessee from Clarksville to Nashville, to Memphis. Anchored by Tennessee’s great metropolitan centers, the heart of my district is the rural engine of Tennessee’s economy and home to the men and women who work the land every day. These are the true environmentalists and conservationists, those for whom clean air and clean water isn’t an abstract notion, but the vital force that keeps the corn, cotton and soybeans growing. They are among the hardest hit by escalating energy prices.

Contrast them with the other “environmentalists”. These are the latte’ sipping earth-first-istas who believe corn is more appropriately poured into a gas tank than into corn meal muffins. Their environmental experience is a drive through the Napa Valley. “Pay more, drive less” is an option for them because they don’t have to depend on hauling goods to market to make their living. After all those spinning classes, they think nothing of a brisk bike ride to the office.

My constituents and I live a very different lifestyle. While the trial lawyers and green peacers sip proseca and chat politely about the fate of the ridge crested woodchuck; my constituents pile their kids into the mini-van and head to church, summer camp, swimming lessons, and baseball practice. They don’t want the liberal elites to make it more expensive to dream big dreams and turn those dreams into reality.

For my constituents, pay more and drive less isn’t an option. Perhaps the family budget in rural Tennessee can’t absorb the spike in gas prices as easily as the family budget in San Francisco. There isn’t a commuter train that connects Waynesboro to Clifton, nor is there a subway system to whisk passengers from one end of Memphis to the other.

What my constituents need is innovation for short term, mid-range, and long term American energy solutions. They need credit for energy efficiency and conservation where they can achieve it; a clear path to American self sufficiency in the long run; and a menu of reasonable, workable energy solutions as soon as possible.

The answer they get from Washington however is “no”. No to the new nuclear power needed to charge electric vehicles; no to the new clean coal technologies that enable coal to liquid fuels that that would help America become energy independent and burn cleaner than petroleum; and no to tapping the untouched oil resources right here in the United States.

They hear plenty about wind, solar, and biomass, but until they can drive their crops to market in a solar powered semi or start their tractors with bio-fuel that functions in extreme temperatures, they need more immediate solutions.

Maybe it is time for those that are a roadblock to action on the energy issue to let us know what they are for. Are they for higher prices? Are they for driving less and paying more? Do they want to see us on bicycles and walking the five miles to the office? What we do know is that they stand as the lone roadblock to reasonable American energy solutions.

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Sen. Lamar Alexander and Sen. Bob Corker Endorse Rep. Marsha Blackburn

Sen. Lamar Alexander and Sen. Bob Corker Endorse Rep. Marsha Blackburn

United States Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker today announced their endorsement of Congressman Marsha Blackburn for re-election to Congress in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District.

“I enjoy working with Marsha, who has become an effective member of Congress.  I was glad to make a contribution last year in support of her re-election,” Alexander said.

Also citing her effectiveness, Sen. Corker said, “Congressman Marsha Blackburn has been an effective representative for the 7th District.  Since being sworn in, I have enjoyed working with her on a number of issues and look forward to continue serving with her and focusing on ways to strengthen our state and our country.”

Rep. Blackburn is honored and humbled to have the support of the state’s distinguished Senators.  “Sen. Lamar Alexander and Sen. Bob Corker represent Tennessee well and are true statesmen.  I look forward to continuing to work with them in Congress to lower taxes, end wasteful spending, and defend our rights and family values,” Blackburn said.

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NRA Endorses Blackburn

National Rifle Association Endorses U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn

Fairfax, VA-The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is endorsing Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn for re-election in Tennessee’s 7th congressional district and urges its members to vote for Rep. Blackburn.

Chris Cox, NRA-PVF Chairman, stated, “Marsha Blackburn has a perfect pro-gun voting record in Congress and is a great friend to Tennessee gun owners and hunters. She is a true pro-Second Amendment Member of Congress and NRA-PVF is proud to endorse Representative Blackburn in the August 7th primary and in the November 4th general election.”

During her tenure in Congress, U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn has been a steadfast supporter of the Second Amendment. She has co-sponsored NRA legislative efforts to bring much-needed reforms to the BATFE, restore self-defense rights to residents of the District of Columbia and supported the historic congressional amicus brief in favor of the Second Amendment that was recently upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in District of Columbia v. Heller.

Congresswoman Blackburn also co-sponsored the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, the Emergency Powers Act and the Protecting the Second Amendment and Hunting Rights on Federal Lands Act. Her unwavering defense of the Second Amendment has earned her an “A” rating with NRA-PVF.

Rep. Marsha Blackburn responded, “I am honored to continue to have the confidence of the National Rifle Association and look forward to continuing the fight to preserve Americans’ Second Amendment rights.”

“Representative Blackburn is a dedicated defender of freedom,” concluded Cox. “Her history of fighting for and protecting the Second Amendment for all law-abiding Americans has earned her the trust of Tennessee's gun owners and NRA's endorsement.”

Chris Cox, a Tennessee native, also serves as Executive Director of the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Actions (NRA-ILA).

About the NRA-PVF:

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group.  Four million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime.  The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services.

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FORMER SEN. MAJORITY LEADER BILL FRIST ENDORSES REP. BLACKBURN

FORMER SEN. MAJORITY LEADER BILL FRIST ENDORSES REP. BLACKBURN

Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, M.D., today announced his endorsement of Congressman Marsha Blackburn for re-election to Congress in Tennessee ’s 7th District, citing her leadership and conservative record.

“Congressman Blackburn has provided strong leadership for the 7th District. She works tirelessly on behalf of her constituents, always demonstrating a deep devotion to conservative values,” Frist said.

“Having worked closely with her to represent our state, I know she carries tremendous experience and the respect of her colleagues. I’ve supported her for many years and look forward to doing so again.”

A two-term U.S. senator twice unanimously elected Majority Leader by his colleagues, Sen. Frist has served the people of Tennessee with integrity and excellence.

“I’m honored to have the support and confidence of Senator Frist,” Blackburn said.

“He is a true conservative who knows first hand what it takes to stand up for Tennessee values in Congress. I look forward to continuing that fight to lower taxes, eliminate government waste, ensure a strong national defense, and strengthen family values.”

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BLACKBURN LEADS CHARGE AGAINST HIGH GAS PRICES

Washington, May 21 -

Rep. Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) stood with her Republican colleagues today as they proposed real action to immediately reduce the staggering price of gasoline. On a day when gas prices across Tennessee’s 7th district reached historic highs, Blackburn set forth a series of solutions that could bring that price down. Congressman Blackburn explained the Republican plan for lower gas prices on C-Span’s Washington Journal this morning before joining her colleagues for a Capitol Hill Press Conference.

“Tennesseans are ahead of Congress where gas prices are concerned. They know that to get the price at the pump down, Congress must clear the roadblocks to increased domestic supply. It costs a mom about $86 more a month to fill the mini-van than it did in January 2007 when Democrats took Congress. That mom is tired of her family budget being used as a laboratory for Democrat and environmentalists’ pet policies. As we begin the Memorial Day travel week, I am calling on Democrats to embrace these common sense solutions and give Tennesseans a needed break.”

Congressman Blackburn on C-Span’s Washington Journal:

Part 1: http://www.criticalmention.com/report/7437x21884.htm  

Part 2: http://www.criticalmention.com/report/7437x21894.htm  

Part 3: http://www.criticalmention.com/report/7437x21898.htm  

Part 4: http://www.criticalmention.com/report/7437x21900.htm  

Part 5: http://www.criticalmention.com/report/7437x21902.htm  

Republican Plan For Lower Gas Prices:

For more, see www.gop.gov  

• Immediately suspend the 18.4 cents per gallon federal gas tax between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Offset the cost to the Highway Trust Fund with a corresponding one-year freeze on all taxpayer funded earmarks. This will ensure that the American people get a break at the pump while the states are not burdened with another unfunded mandate.
   
• Increase the production of American-made energy in an environmentally safe way. This includes exploration of next generation oil, natural gas, coal, and the production of advanced alternative fuels like clean coal-to-liquids.
  
• Promote new, clean, and reliable sources of energy like advanced nuclear and next generation coal.
• Cut red tape and increase the supply of American-made fuel and energy. Eliminate the road-blocks to new construction of new oil refineries and bureaucratic regulations mandating the use of exotic fuels have decreased supply and increased the cost of gas.
• Encourage greater energy efficiency by offering conservation tax incentives to Americans who make their home, car, and business more energy efficient.

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RELIEF AT THE GAS PUMP IS FOUR SIMPLE STEPS AWAY

Memphis, Jun 4 - As I write this, it costs more to put gas in our cars than ever before. In a single month, the price at the pump in Memphis went up 30 cents, and it has risen more than 75 cents a gallon over the past year. It costs busy mothers in West Tennessee about $220 to fill up the minivan each month. That is $86 more than it cost in January 2007, when Democrats took control of Congress.

Of course, I am telling you what you already know. Gas prices are too high, and they are a primary cause of the problem I hear about from Memphians every day: "There is just too much month left at the end of my money."

The family budget is now a laboratory for a national energy experiment that is reducing the domestic supply of oil and increasing demand for foreign oil. A few of my colleagues and I have solutions that will reverse this course. Congress can take four simple actions to bring the price at the pump down. Some will show an immediate result, while others are long-term solutions, but they all rely on much-needed congressional action.

Temporarily lift the federal gas tax. As a long-term policy option, this idea is more than problematic. For short-term relief, however, nothing will bring the price at the pump down faster, and right now Tennessee families need relief more than the government needs cash.

I support temporarily lifting the gas tax until Labor Day, along with a concurrent one-year moratorium on wasteful budget earmarks and pork-barrel projects. Funds from those could be diverted to the Highway Trust Fund to compensate for the temporary loss of fuel tax revenues. I have already sworn off such wasteful spending, and encourage my colleagues to follow suit.

Promote production of American-made energy. As long as demand for oil continues to increase and its supply remains fixed, the price at the pump will never come down. In the short term, however, signaling to OPEC that the United States will begin to increase its domestic supply of oil will encourage member nations to bring down their prices.

Over the longer term, we must take steps to exploit new sources of energy. This doesn't mean we have to damage the environment. For example, Congress could advance the commercialization of the nation's 2 trillion-barrel shale oil resource, 80 percent of which occurs on government-owned land in the West. This resource alone could supply all of America's needs for more than two centuries.

Cut red tape. Perhaps the best thing the government can do to bring the price of gas down is to get out of the way. For example, did you know that the "premium" gas you pump in Tennessee is different from the "premium" they pump in California? Government regulations promote the production of "boutique" fuels blended to meet the standards set by various states. To do so, oil refineries must produce fuels in small batches. Setting a single standard for regular, midgrade and premium gasoline would allow refineries to produce in bulk and save us all money.

Speaking of refineries, one hasn't been built in this country since the late 1970s. Clearing the Environmental Protection Agency's red tape to expedite new refining capacity would also bring prices down.

Conservation tax incentives. Americans also increase supply when we conserve energy, so the government should encourage those who pursue efficiency. That means making home energy-efficiency upgrades tax deductible, giving incentives to builders who make homes and buildings more energy-efficient, extending solar and fuel cell investment tax credits, and increasing the energy efficiency of government buildings.

These four steps must be at the very top of Congress' agenda if we are to keep the economy moving this summer.

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NEW PERSPECTIVE ON IMMIGRATION REFORM

Washington, Jun 5 -

Reprinted from RealClearPolitics: http://blackburn.emanager.house.gov/emanager/Pages/Documents/DocumentAdd.aspx

Four months ago a promising young man named Jamiel Shaw was gunned down in Los Angeles by a criminal alien who was freed from prison only the day before. Community members were shocked and saddened by another victim claimed to gang violence. Thousands turned out to say goodbye during the student-athlete's funeral. But weeks later an investigation revealed Shaw's assailant was no ordinary gang member. Pedro Espinoza, it turns out, was instead a violent criminal alien released from prison (and not turned over the Federal government) on March 1st, exactly one day before he murdered the seventeen year-old Shaw. Sorrow turned to anger, and a demand for action.

This tragic case highlights a new role that local law enforcement is playing, one for which they are poorly resourced or equipped. At a time when illegal immigration has turned every community into a border town, local law enforcement has become the nation's real border fence. We must recognize that they are playing this role by necessity, if not by choice, and resource them appropriately. The cop on the beat has a new threat in the form of criminal aliens. That threat can be easily and justifiably deported if correctly identified. The problem is that most local law enforcement officers, the men and women who find themselves on the front line of the immigration problem, don't have the resources or are actually banned from enforcing the country's existing immigration laws.

Jamiel Shaw's gang-land style execution, after all, provides a shocking example of what happens when police officers don't have the right tools in their arsenal. And too often, local rules and regulations leave law enforcement officials fighting with one hand tied behind their backs in the struggle to protect their communities.

LA's sanctuary policy, known as Special Order 40, is just one illustration. The local rule prohibits law enforcement officials from asking any questions about a detainee's immigration status. In cities that implement similar ordinances, law enforcement officials have no flexibility to ask questions even if they possess concrete evidence suggesting violation of our nation's immigration laws. The political leaders in these communities instead take a "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" approach to working with the federal government on illegal immigration.

Concerned citizens and police officers across the nation are pushing back. Tired of a slow and steady denigration of public safety in their communities and a dramatic spike in immigrant-related gang violence, citizens are demanding their legislators repeal sanctuary policies similar to Special Order 40.

The community has proposed "Jamiel's Law" which would place an immediate immigration hold on a criminal until the Feds pick him up. "Jamiel's Law" corrects in LA what has become a problem in sanctuary cities across the nation, but that is not the end of the story. In nearly ever American city small and large, citizens and law enforcement officials agree that Washington is not doing an effective job of enforcing immigration law, or answering the call from police officers when help is needed.

This is where Congress must step in to fill the breach. The CLEAR act, under consideration by the House, will prevent "catch and release" policies responsible for Jamiel Shaw's murder by providing law enforcement access to information on immigration violations. Officers currently lack that information unless they have a specific agreement in place with the Department of Homeland Security. As a result, they have no way to cross-check detained, arrested, or currently incarcerated bad-guys' criminal background with an immigration database. That gap in information sharing led to a violent criminal and illegal immigrant's release onto the streets of Los Angeles, where he gunned down Jamiel Shaw the very next day.

This is not another call for a wholesale, and possibly unrealistic, roundup of all illegal aliens. Rather it is a commonsense approach, giving cops the ability to protect our communities by kicking proven violent offenders out. One county in Tennessee has a relationship with DHS that allows them to identify criminal aliens in county jails. As a result of this relationship, 3,000 aliens were handed over to the federal government and deported last year.

By working together at the city, state and federal level, we can prevent senseless crime that afflicts communities around the country. Jamiel's family and citizens in LA have shown us the will in our communities is there. Washington just needs to replace political hand wringing with a little common sense.

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BLACKBURN VOTES AGAINST MORE WASTEFUL SPENDING

Washington, May 14 - Rep. Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) cast her vote against a farm bill that adds hundreds of billions to the federal deficit, gives tax breaks and earmarks to special interests, and failed to reform agricultural subsidies.

“Tennessee’s farmers know they can count on me; and I know that they need a real farm bill. They need a farm bill that addresses their needs, not a special-interest give away that further expands the federal deficit. Small working farms in Tennessee deserve federal resources; millionaires can do all right on their own. I hope that when the President vetoes this legislation, the Speaker will take farmers’ needs seriously and send a clean farm bill to the floor.”

More on what is wrong with the Farm Bill:

• Continues to Subsidize Millionaire Farmers Without Reforming the System: The Farm Bill continues to subsidize household incomes of $2.5 million or more, but fails to adopt meaningful reforms to set the subsidy program on a path to fiscal sanity.
• Will Significantly Increase The Deficit: The bill waves PayGo budget restrictions and is not fully paid for. As a result, the legislation will immediately add to the federal deficit by increasing new spending by $23 billion, $80.1 billion in increased mandatory spending over 10 years, and $658 billion in total mandatory spending over 10 years.
• $1.4 Billion in Special Interest Tax Breaks And Pork Barrel Spending: The Farm Bill contains a $250 million project for land in Montana earmarked for one organization, $170 million for the salmon industry in San Francisco, and an earmark that directs the USDA to sell land to a private ski resort.
• Sugar-Coating The Problems In The U.S. Sugar Program: Consumers already facing a turbulent commodity industry caused by skyrocketing prices in grocery stores will suffer a further indignity while the U.S. sugar industry receives an earmarked loan rate, and a new sugar-to-ethanol mandate that will increase sugar costs for everyone else. This increased rate may lead to job losses in Tennessee when home-based companies are forced to outsource labor abroad.

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BLACKBURN SEES THROUGH DEMOCRAT TAX HIKE / TAX EQUITY "BAIT AND SWITCH"

Washington, May 21 - Rep. Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) today announced that she will vote against a Democrat bill that offers a weak extension of tax equity along with a massive tax hike and yet more egregious earmarks. The single year of sales tax deductibility included in the Democrat bill is immediately overcome by a permanent $55 billion dollar tax increase in the very same “extender” legislation. Representative Blackburn, who led the fight in 2003 to secure income tax equity for Tennessee in the form of sales tax deductibility, will vote for the Republican motion to force real sales tax deductibility, free from earmarks and tax increases.

Displaying more legislative ambition than they have attempted thus far this year, along with a corresponding disregard for the taxpayer, Democrats also pushed through the final votes for the largest tax increase in American history. The permanent $683 billion tax hike is estimated to cost 7th District families $3,666 more each year. Marsha Blackburn voted “No”.

"Once again, Democrats are picking Tennesseans’ pockets, and once again House Republicans have stood up to slap their hands away. Tennesseans already have too much month left at the end of their money, they don't need a $3,666 tax hike to make things even harder. Tennesseans deserve real sales tax deductibility, not a deduction for a single year accompanied by still another tax hike. Today, Democrats took money out of Tennesseans’ wallets and handed it over to trial lawyers. Tennesseans are not fooled by this bait and switch tactic and neither am I."

What’s Wrong With The Democrat Tax Extenders Bill: The bill would extend sales tax deductibility for just a single year while at the same time:

• Tax Hike: A $55 billion tax increase over 10 years and a harmful corporate estimated tax payment shift gimmick.
• No AMT: The tax-extender bill does not contain any repeal or inflation adjustment to the Alternative Minimum Tax.
• Cash for Trial Lawyers: The bill grants a special $1.57 billion tax cut over ten years for trial lawyers in certain contingency-fee cases.
• Cash for New York City: The bill essentially provides a $2 billion earmark for New York City for any transportation infrastructure project.

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BOB GUNN: 'OILMAN' NOT A DIRTY WORD

Editor’s note: Times Record News Correspondent Ted Buss recently completed a book on Wichita Falls geologist Robert Gunn. This commentary/perspective is based on interviews and materials Buss gathered for that project.

Ted Buss/For the Times Record News

For the past 35 years Bob Gunn has met with presidents, members of Congress and statesmen, allegedly accustomed to logic and reason. Among them were men like Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush.

His best work on behalf of the petroleum industry came during the Jimmy Carter Administration and events leading to the Camp David Accord in 1979. He was persuaded by a powerful American Jewish Council into developing an extensive study defining the oil and gas reserves and energy potential within the U.S.

It was an important piece of work that would give Israel comfort in knowing that America had sufficient resources to assist its ally in any military emergency. He was virtually assured that his study would earn him the opportunity to be part of a “blue ribbon” team that would sit with President Carter and others to seriously discuss America’s energy future.

Many good and qualified geologists came before and have come after him, but Carter’s assessment of Robert D. “Bob” Gunn in 1979 continues to plague an entire industry. The denial to allow one of the country’s brightest geological minds to serve as a voice of reason on behalf of the nation was because, as Carter put it: Mr. Gunn represented “dirty oil.”

It mattered little to Carter or anyone else in Washington that Gunn was a serious student of the petroleum industry. Not only that, Carter and the boys had no way of knowing Gunn has forever been an advocate of earth science, political fairness, environmentalism, national security, and has maintained a duty to repay huge chunks of humankind dues to his city and state.

Gunn is a nationally noted petroleum geologist of more than 60 years and past president of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG). However, he and countless others like him have forever been ruled guilty by association. Ignorant sins of the past, coupled with grotesque films like “Giant,” “Dallas,” and most recently Daniel Day-Lewis’ psychotic portrayal in “There Will Be Blood,” have kept the image of greed and environmental disobedience alive.

“What some did to our country in the 1930s and ‘40s is a disgrace,” Gunn said during a recent talk. “You can fly over parts of the nation and see remains of salt water spills, and it is enough to make you sick. But that kind of person, in our industry, no longer exists.”

Education, growth in technology and a few sensible environmental regulations have made the petroleum industry not even a shadow of its former self.

“The kind of oilman we had in the 1930s and ‘40s couldn’t begin to make it today,” said Alex Mills, president of the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers. “Many years ago (inactive) wells were plugged with tree stumps. They didn’t have the knowledge or the technology to know any other way.

“Today we have two regulatory commissions in Texas to tell us where we can protect the fresh water from the salt and other contamination,” he continued. “This is highly regulated, as it should be.

“In addition, our industry spends $20 million a year of its own money to plug wells where we can’t find the owners — wells that were drilled as far back as the 1920s and ‘30s. There is no other industry I know of that spends $20 million a year for such (environmental) diligence.”

Today, with gasoline prices at $4 a gallon and crude oil threatening the $200 per barrel mark, “We are no closer to understanding the problem (politically) than we’ve ever been,” Gunn said. “We’ve seen everything from windfall profits taxes to severe caps on the number of days we were allowed to produce.

“We’ve seen President Reagan bring the Soviet Union to its knees economically by getting Saudi Arabia to dramatically increase production,” he added. “Oil was the Soviet Union’s chief export, and it ruined them. However, it devastated our domestic industry, too. When the price of crude dropped to $8 a barrel, it cost our industry 400,000 jobs.”

Gunn and Wichita Falls Congressman Beau Boulter met with Reagan to consider solutions, but by then the damage was done, and the environmental movement had Washington and major media giants in its hip pocket. It could do no wrong.

“Environmental groups said ‘no’ to everything back then and it’s still that way today,” Mills said. “Meanwhile, we continue to ignore vast sources of energy we could produce in our own country, and imports remain at 60 percent. But we are beginning to see that more and more Americans are becoming disenchanted with what many now call extreme environmentalism.”

One member of Congress, Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., has often pushed for a much-needed debate on the nation’s energy crisis.

She begins by saying Congress owns a share of the blame. And in a national television interview, Blackburn said, “Over the last 30 years, we have had environmental extremists driving the energy policy of this country, saying no to everything. Both Republicans and Democrats have been guilty of bowing to environmental demands since the 1970s.”

As far back as the late 1970s during his peak years of involvement with the AAPG, Gunn was quoted in papers like The Dallas Morning News, Tulsa World, Houston Chronicle, Times Record News and others as estimating that the U.S. — on- and off-shore — held more than 100 billion barrels of oil. And, he added, “We have the capability to retrieve it without damaging the environment.”

That was 1979. Nobody listened then. Nobody is listening now.

The seriousness of the problem won’t easily go away. Other countries are exploring for more while the U.S. does little. And even our own Department of Energy estimates there are more than 112 billion barrels of technically retrievable oil in the U.S. Meanwhile, the DOE says global demand for oil and gas will increase by more than 45 percent by 2030 compared by today’s needs.

However, politicians continue to look at the greed factor — especially within “Big Oil.”

“Many of those companies do make a lot of money,” Mills said. “When has success through hard work been a problem? We never see the work that goes into recovering initial investments, and just how much these companies put back into exploration. I recently saw where Chevron spent $20 billion last year alone in exploring new sources of energy.”

It should be noted here that big oil companies produce very little in the U.S. The majority of America’s oil and gas needs come from independent companies.

“You don’t become an oilman overnight,” Mills said. “It takes years of education; years of working in the trenches learning the business. And it takes years to develop prospects, which don’t always work out.”

The federal government, meanwhile, reaps billions in energy taxes for doing nothing. Now the Democratic Congress aims to repeal $17 billion in tax breaks from the oil companies, plus adding a new windfall tax.

How does this help solve the crisis we face today? And are there short and long-term fixes?

“The short term, say over a couple of years, is tough,” Mills said. “Conservation is a key. Being more sensitive to how much we drive, and investing in better fuel economy cars will help ease demand. Lower thermostats. Turn off lights. Ride bikes and walk when you can.

“The (long term) solution in my opinion is when you have high prices, you need more supply,” he continued. “Where is that supply going to come from? Wind isn’t the answer. It may help a little, but it won’t generate enough electricity to serve a nation.

“Solar is good, but it’s not the answer. Biomass (corn) has already proven to be a disaster. It has contributed to higher food prices because more corn and less wheat and soybeans are being planted.

“Coal could do it,” he continued, “but if you earnestly believe that fossil fuels create global warming, coal sure isn’t the answer. Nuclear is a solution, but everyone is afraid of the word ‘nuclear.’

“So where does that leave you? Crude oil and natural gas. Crude oil on the transportation side, and natural gas on the electricity side.

“But you know what?” he smiled. “It won’t happen. Congress and none of our three presidential candidates have a clue. We can save both our nation and the Caribou, but the environmentalist and our political leaders won’t have it.”

Gunn agrees, but his dogged makeup won’t allow him to stop trying.

“Several weeks ago I was in Dallas for a few days, and I met a nice couple from Washington, D.C.,” he said. “I got to know the lady reasonably well, and I happened to make some derogatory remarks about Hillary Clinton, and she wanted to know why I would say such things.”

Gunn proceeded to tell her about how he took exception to the way Clinton was putting the blame on oil companies for the energy crisis.

Gunn told her that he understood why she did it. He explained it was designed for the unthinking people — the masses who were going to vote.

“I told her it was irresponsible of Clinton,” he said. “She knows better, but I told her that I didn’t believe she (Clinton) has the knowledge of how to solve the energy problems we face.”

The woman told Gunn that she and Hillary were actually close friends, and that she often advises her on campaign strategy. In fact, the woman told Gunn, that Clinton asked her to keep her ear to the ground while she was in Texas in a way of possibly assisting the oil and gas business.

“She asked me what Mrs. Clinton could do to solve the energy crisis,” Gunn said. “I told her, ‘I don’t think she can because it would take extremely strong leadership in overcoming the environmental movement.’ I’m not sure Clinton, or the other two presidential candidates have the courage to do what needs to be done.

“It is actually very simple,” he continued. “The production of more energy here at home would drive the price of gasoline down. Everyone is looking for someone to blame for high gasoline prices. I don’t believe you should look any further than Congress for not having the courage to allow our country to pursue our own resources.

“We need to be looking at all sources of energy, but many of those will take time,” he told his friend. “Meanwhile oil and gas represent the bridge, and we have sufficient resources in this country to reduce our imports from 60 to 20 percent in the next 10 or 12 years.

“She asked me how,” he said. “I told her that first you open up ANWR and the outer continental shelf for exploration, all the way from Canada to North Carolina. Second, you open up (off-shores areas of) Florida, California and Washington and ANWR. You do these with reasonable lease terms for companies to explore under certain economic scenarios because it is going to be terribly expensive.”

Gunn said almost the exact things 35 years ago. And what was the political response?

“They just patted me on the head and said, ‘Good boy. Great information. Thank you so much.’ And they did nothing.”

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BLACKBURN CALLS ON FCC TO ABANDON PLANS FOR AGGRESSIVE RE-REGULATION

Blackburn Calls On FCC to Abandon Plans for Aggressive Re-regulation
Washington Mandates the Wrong Path to Better Local Broadcasting

Apr 16, 2008 -  Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) today released a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin signed by more than one hundred and twenty of her bi-partisan colleagues. The letter expresses concern over the FCC’s “localism” proceeding, which would represent a “radical re-regulation of our nation’s broadcast system.”

“While we agree with the Commission that fostering more and better local programming is a laudable goal, we do not agree that mandates from Washington are the best means of achieving that goal. Indeed, the tentative conclusion in the localism proceeding to effectively force broadcasters to air programming that fits pre-ordained categories creates clear constitutional concerns.” (Text of 4/16/08 Letter to the FCC)

The FCC localism effort will restore a 1970s era regulatory regime for local broadcasters. That represents a return to a time when most local radio stations operated in the red. Reverting to out-of-date rules would impose significant costs on broadcast licensees that will harm their ability to serve the public interest. This could ultimately lead to cost-cutting and job elimination in an effort to comply with the Commission’s ill-conceived mandates.

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APPROPRIATIONS DEADLINE TO PASS WITH NO BLACKBURN EARMARKS

Appropriations Deadline to Pass With No Blackburn Earmarks
"Let My Actions Speak For Themselves"

Mar 18, 2008 - The House Appropriations Committee has designated March 19th as the deadline for Members of Congress to hand in their earmark requests for the FY 2009 Budget. Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), a solutions oriented legislator and original co-sponsor of earmark reform resolutions, will not be submitting any requests this year. Commenting on her decision, Rep. Blackburn said:

"Wednesday is the first day of what has become the great feeding frenzy known as the earmark process. The majority of my colleagues participate because they are dutifully tending to the needs of their districts. Unfortunately, many others are vying behind closed doors for wasteful pork. "

"This is not a decision I came to easily, but I believe that the process has been fatally corrupted. In my opinion, the current process has proven to be disrespectful of the taxpayer and of the true and valid needs of our districts."

"There are a number of 'earmark pledges' that I could have signed, all with different caveats, each with a different solution to the problem. I will let my actions speak for themselves, rather than let an outside group speak for me. Since I want to be part of the solution instead of the problem, I will not submit earmark requests to the Committee this year."

"There are other transparent avenues to ensure that 7th District needs are met and I will vigorously pursue them. When the appropriators consider the wish list of 'me too' requests, they are not going to find 'Blackburn' among them."

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BLACKBURN TO WAYS AND MEANS LEADERS: MAKE SALES TAX DEDUCTIBILITY PERMANENT

Blackburn to Ways and Means Leaders: Make Sales Tax Deductibility Permanent
American Families Deserve Tax Equity and Predictability

Apr 18, 2008 - Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), who successfully restored sales tax deductibility for Tennessee in 2003, led her bi-partisan colleagues from Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming in calling on House Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel and Ranking Member Jim McCrery to make sales tax deductibility permanent.

“The issues of fairness, certainty and predictability in our tax code should be of utmost importance to this Congress, especially in light of our nation’s current economic condition. During these trying economic times, we believe that it is critical for our constituents to know whether a tax deduction or incentive will be available in the future so that they can make informed decisions about their finances.” (Text of 4/17/08 letter to Chairman Rangel and Ranking Member McCrery)

“Tennesseans deserve the same right to deduct state taxes from their federal income tax as residents of other states. Our tax code allows taxpayers who pay state income tax to make that deduction, but penalizes those of us who pay a state sales tax. The House must restore equity to Tennessee taxpayers.”

How the Sales Tax Deduction Affected Tennessee in 2005:

• The largest group claiming the sales tax deduction was families making less than $50,000.00 a year. 
  
• 22% of all Tennessee income tax returns claimed the sales tax deduction.
  
• In total, Tennesseans claimed $1.23 billion.
  
• On average, the deduction reduced Tennessee tax bills by $551.

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BLACKBURN STATEMENT ON STEM CELL RESEARCH

Blackburn Statement On Stem Cell Research
No treatment trials in human beings have been successful using embryonic stem cells

May 8, 2008 - Rep. Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) will attend the Energy and Commerce Committee’s critical hearing on stem cell research today. The Congressman will stress the value of adult stem cell research, which does not require the destruction of human embryos, over embryonic stem cell research. Below are excerpts of Rep. Blackburn’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Embryonic stem cell research is understandably a controversial issue. It entangles ethical and moral standards in scientific research and in the process distresses millions of our constituents.”

“What I find so frustrating about this debate is the absence of evidence that could justify the continued research into embryonic stem cells. While no journals have published successful embryonic studies, we have a wealth of studies saying that adult stem cells are entirely viable.”
“In almost all cases, research tells us adult stem cells are equivalent or superior to embryonic stem cells. The advantage here is obvious. Harvesting adult stem cells does not require any destruction of human embryos. Still, the political-scientific community insists on pursuing embryonic stem cell research and in the process wastes scarce resources and time when more promising and less controversial lanes of research exist.”

“One particular disease that is touted for support of embryonic stem cell research is diabetes. But since 2002, published studies in stem cells and diabetes journals concluded that trials using these cells showed no cures; and most of the time, the treatments resulted in tumors.”

“Significant progress, however, has been made on treating diabetes with adult stem cells. Since 2003, studies in the same journals showed adult stem cells successfully treated diabetes in mice. And when human trials conducted in Brazil and Europe began to use adult stem cells for treatment, many of the patients were insulin free after stem cell transplants.”

“Mr. Chairman, the federal government should shift its focus to the more promising, and more ethical lines of adult stem cell research. Adult stem cells have a proven track record, and NIH should be focusing most of its funds on them. I urge my colleagues to reconsider their views and support science that actually works and shows results.”

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BLACKBURN ON THE PROTECT AMERICA ACT

Blackburn on The Protect America Act

No Partisan Interest Before American Security

Washington, Mar 14 - Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) attended a late night "secret session" of the House here tonight. The session, which gave members an opportunity to openly discuss top-secret intelligence gathering regulations, left Congressman Blackburn convinced that Congress must act immediately to permanently restore Protect America Act provisions; giving the intelligence community the tools and flexibility they need to protect Americans from future terrorist attack. Blackburn urges her colleagues to embrace the bipartisan legislation that the Senate approved nearly a month ago, rather than the law currently before the House, and send it to the President for his signature.

Congressman Blackburn plans to speak on the matter today during the House debate on the issue. Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery:

Mr. Speaker, the legislation before the House today is nothing short of an abdication of the Liberal Majority's responsibility to protect the American people. Yesterday's Investor's Business Daily editorial sums the bill up nicely: a "FISA Fix For Lawyers". I could not say it better myself. After all, this bill is nothing short of an earmark for the trial bar; and it reveals the brazen partisan interest of this Democrat Majority.

Rather than accept bipartisan legislation adopted by the Senate and endorsed by our nation's national security experts, the liberal elite of this House instead brings forward a $72,440,904 thank you note to their trial attorney contributors.

Why $72,440,904 you ask? That is the amount that trial attorneys have contributed to Democrat candidates in the 2008 election cycle.

But might it be only a down payment for the potential liability interest that trial attorneys will win if the Majority has its way and the House adopts this earmark bill?

This begs the question: at what cost? A real-world example will help reveal the answer: Last year, three American soldiers were kidnapped in Iraq. Operating under the old FISA rules, it took over nine hours for the intelligence community to get permission to intercept communications that might help rescuers. The communications, mind you, were between foreign terrorists in a foreign country. Under the Senate-approved FISA bill, that time would be far shorter. In this context, wasted hours can cost lives. Two of the soldiers I mentioned above are still missing, the third was later found dead.

This is the same outdated language our intelligence community is functioning under RIGHT NOW, and would still be in place if the Democrats have their way today.

Is this the appropriate way to address electronics surveillance in the 21st Century, when terrorists use American-made wireless technology to target and kill American citizens? I think not.

Mr. Speaker, our wireless surveillance laws must reflect the technological reality of 2008, not 1978.

We now use satellite phones, not rotary phones; text messages, not telegrams. This bill fails to recognize reality, and in turn robs our national security professionals of the tools, real-time access, and agility they need to protect American citizens.

Our men and women in uniform have to get it right every time; the terrorists only need to get it right once. This legislation will make our job more difficult, all for a $72,440,904 bill of sale to a special interest group. That, Mr. Speaker, is unconscionable. Vote against this deplorable earmark for trial lawyers, and let's instead pass the Protect America Act. I yield back.

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BLACKBURN JOINS COLLEAGUES IN PREVENTING MORE RECKLESS SPENDING ON THE BACKS OF AMERICAN TROOPS

Washington, May 15 - Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) joined her House Republican colleagues in proving that Democrats did not have consensus, even within their own caucus, for the spending and surrender bill on the floor.

“The differences between House Republicans and Democrats could not have been made clearer than they were today. Within moments, House Democrats voted against providing funds for our troops and for huge spending increases. Their attempt to play politics with the lives of the 700 Tennessee National Guardsmen deployed to Iraq and the elements of the 101st Airborne deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan fell under its own weight.”

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BLACKBURN NAMED TO ENERGY PANEL

In The Face Of Highest-Ever Tennessee Gas Prices Blackburn Named To Energy Panel
Solutions Oriented Leader's Greater Role In Energy Policy

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BLACKBURN: "THIS IS NOT OUR MONEY"

Priorities in The Democrat Budget: Historic Tax Hike, $280 Billion In Earmarks, No Tax Relief For Tennessee
Blackburn's Reminder To Congress: "This Is Not Our Money"

Washington, Mar 13, 2008 - In response to the Democrat's audacious 2009 Budget Resolution, Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) took to the House Floor last night to raise her objections. The Budget, which includes $280 billion in discretionary earmarks, fails to address the looming entitlement crisis, fails to grant sales tax deductibility for Tennesseans, and increases taxes on 7th District residents by an average of $2,668.00, is unacceptable to Blackburn, who will vote against the resolution.

Excerpts of Rep. Blackburn's Remarks:

Taxes:
"Budgets should reflect the priorities of a nation...Taxes seem to be a priority. Enough of a priority that this Democrat Majority wants to increase taxes on my constituents in the 7th District by $2,668.00."

Entitlements:
"By the time we get to 2030, it is going to take every tax dollar coming in to pay for the entitlements of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security...there is a crisis coming with entitlements."

Sales Tax Deductibility:
"[Democrats] had the opportunity to extend sales tax deductibility, which those of us in Tennessee have enjoyed because we don't have a state income tax...every democrat on the budget committee voted against giving that tax relief to my constituents."

See Rep Blackburn's "Too Much Month Left At The End Of Their Money" speech in the multi-media section.

Heritage Foundation Breakdown of Democrat Budget Economic Impacts for Tennessee's 7th District:

Average Tax Increase Per Taxpayer: $2,668.00
Additional Per Capita Loss in Personal Income: $1,525.00
Loss to Local Economy (in millions): $311
Statewide Loss to Local Economy (in millions): $1,959

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BLACKBURN: "NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO TAX TOO MUCH"

Blackburn On The Economy: "Now Is Not The Time To Tax Too Much So That Government Can Spend Too Much"

Longer Term Pro-growth Policies Must Be Adopted

Washington, Mar 7 -  Economic indicators released today indicate that the economy lost 63,000 jobs in February, the largest loss in five years. The Federal Reserve also confirmed that Americans' equity in their homes fell below 50% for the first time since 1945. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) made the following remarks in response to the news:

"Official economic indicators released today bear out what I hear from my constituents; Tennesseans have too much month left at the end of their money. The economic stimulus package passed last month may provide a short term boost, but to correct the economic trend, longer term pro-growth policies must be adopted. The budget Democrats unveiled yesterday will take this country in exactly the wrong direction. Now is not the time to tax too much so that government can spend too much."

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Letter from the Congressman

Dear Friends,

I am sure you are aware by now that I have a very serious opponent in the Republican Primary
on Thursday, August 7th. My opponent is a former 2 term State Senator and the current Register of Deeds in Memphis.

I am taking this challenge very seriously. My opponent knows that he can’t out-conservative
someone with my voting record, so he kicked off his campaign with a negative attack on me and has never let up. He is being encouraged by some of his pals in the Courthouse in Memphis who resent the fact that I don’t spend more time catering to their wishes. He has the active support of Democrats who have been encouraging other Democrats to vote in the Republican Primary.

I will not break my promise to represent each individual community and county in the 7th
Congressional District with equal respect, honor and effectiveness. I strive every day to serve all of our constituents whether they are in Clarksville, College Grove, Collinwood, Collierville,
Cordova or anywhere in between.

Lets be frank, there are those who do not want their Congressman to be a staunch conservative who is willing to challenge the Leadership on issues like spending, earmarks and the direction of the National Republican Party. I have always represented a stark contrast to “get along-go along” politics and the “good ole boy” network. I always knew I would be targeted. I just never thought it would be by another “Republican”.

I need your help now! My re-election will be determined in the Primary in August.We are
now finalizing the purchase of T.V. and radio time.We also plan on waging an aggressive direct
mail campaign. All of this is expensive. One 30 second T.V. spot in Memphis or Nashville can
cost as much as $2500.00.

This is clearly the most serious challenge I have faced since being elected in 2002. You have
been a friend and supporter that I have counted on in the past and I am asking you to step up and help me one more time.

I am proud to be the voice for our conservative values in Washington.

Sincerely,

Marsha

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BLACKBURN IMMIGRATION REFORMS INTRODUCED IN SENATE

Blackburn Immigration Reforms Introduced In Senate
Reforms Give Local Law Enforcement Tools to Identify Detain Illegals

Washington, Mar 5, 2008 - Rep. Marsha Blackburn's CLEAR Act will take a major step forward when a group of 10 Senators include the language, which has 135 bipartisan House co-sponsors and support from a wide coalition of grassroots and border security organizations, in a package of immigration reforms being introduced in the Senate today. The legislation would give local law enforcement the tools they need to identify and detain illegal aliens in the normal course of their duties. Blackburn's language will be adopted in Senators Chambliss and Isakson's Effective Immigration Enforcement Partnerships Act of 2008. Congressman Blackburn remarked on the latest development:

"This is a critical step toward securing our borders. The Charlie Norwood CLEAR act has been tested, and found support, in the law enforcement community and on the House Floor. That support has now moved this common sense approach to immigration reform to the Senate. I urge Senate leadership to give the legislation the urgent attention it deserves and quick passage."

More on Rep. Blackburn's Charlie Norwood CLEAR Act (H.R. 3494):

• The bill affirms state and local law enforcement official's authority to enforce immigration law- including the ability to detain illegal immigrants;
• Denies funds to "sanctuary cities" that refuse to partner or cooperate with the Federal government on immigration enforcement;
• Lists immigration violators in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database - which every cop has access to in his squad car;
• Demands that DHS take custody or make arrangements to take custody of detained criminal aliens within 48 hours;
• Provides DHS Immigration Enforcement Training for state and local law enforcement;
• Continues and Expands the Institutional Removal Program (IRP) which where implemented helps flush out and remove criminal aliens in the penal system that have been arrested already- So rapists, murderers and pedophiles are not released back onto the street after they serve their time.

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BLACKBURN INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO STOP YOUTH SMOKING

Blackburn Introduces Legislation To Stop Youth Smoking
Bill Stops Adolescent Smoking Without Adding To Bureaucracy

Washington, Feb 28, 2008 - Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) today introduced legislation designed to prevent adolescent smoking. The "Stop Adolescent Smoking Without Excessive Bureaucracy Act of 2008" strengthens existing work that local governments are doing to reduce minor access to tobacco products. Blackburn, who was joined by Reps Jean Schmidt (R-OH), John Shadegg (R-AZ), Trent Franks (R-AZ), Tom Feeney (R-FL), Howard Coble (R-NC), Mary Fallin (R-OK), Pete Sessions( R-TX), and Patrick McHenry (R-NC) in sponsoring her bill, made the following remarks about the legislation.

"Rather than continuing to fight a decade-long battle to force the FDA to regulate tobacco products, this is a good government approach to a significant social challenge. My bill builds on a proven program with a record of success and strengthens current law."

More on "Stop Adolescent Smoking Without Excessive Bureaucracy Act"

• Youth Protection: Congressman Blackburn's legislation strengthens the Synar Amendment program of 1992- the most successful and effective federal-state tobacco control partnership yet. Synar mandated an 80% compliance rate of preventing tobacco sales to minors. The Blackburn bill will raise that compliance rate to 90% over the next 10 years.
• Enhanced Cessation Efforts: The Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) provided funds to states for tobacco control and cessation efforts. Many states use these funds for other programs. The Blackburn bill encourages states to spend MSA funds properly.
• Real Consequences: If a state does not achieve at least a 90% compliance rate and spend at least 10% of MSA payments on tobacco related projects, the Secretary of Health and Human Services has the option to withhold Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant funding.
• Consumer Education: The Blackburn bill increases consumer awareness and industry transparency. The legislation requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to post tobacco product ingredients on the HHS website within 48 hours.

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REP. BLACKBURN COMMENTS ON IMPACT OF SEVERE WEATHER IN TN

Rep. Blackburn Comments on Impact of Severe Weather in Tennessee
I am struck by the devastation, both physical and personal, inflicted on our region last night

Shelby County TN, Feb 6, 2008-  Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) made the following statement regarding the tornado destruction in Tennessee:

"Our state has been hit by a series of serious and deadly storms. I am struck by the devastation, both physical and personal, inflicted on our region last night. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who were impacted overnight. I commend the first responders and local emergency services for their critical action before, during, and after the storm. We are in contact with local, state, and FEMA officials on the impact and will continue to work to ensure that vital resources are available as they are necessary. I will remain in Tennessee today to assess the damage personally and offer any assistance I can to assure critical resources are available."

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FISCAL CONSERVATIVES SCORE HEALTHCARE AND TAX RELIEF FOR TENNESSEE FAMILIES

Blackburn: Fiscal Conservatives Score Healthcare and Tax Relief Victories for Tennessee Families
Blasts Democrat Leadership for going home with vital work undone on Sales Tax Deductibility

Washington, Dec 19, 2007 - As American families prepare for the Holiday season and begin to plan for the New Year, Congressman Marsha Blackburn applauded Republican leadership in passing tax fairness for working Americans, vital healthcare funding for Tennessee children, and partial DSH payment for Tennessee hospitals without a tax increase. Blackburn questions Democrat Leadership's commitment to extending Tennessee's sales tax deductibility.

"After more than eleven months of broken promises, politically-motivated votes and brinksmanship by the Democrat Leadership, I am pleased that Congress was able to provide this

critical relief for working Tennesseans."

"Tennessee families can enjoy the holiday season with the full understanding that for the coming fiscal year, the long arm of the Internal Revenue Service's Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) will not extend any further. By stripping out tax increases insisted upon by the Democrat Leadership, House and Senate Republicans were able to pass clean legislation to prevent additional working class families from paying the AMT, which would have hit an additional 23 million American families in the coming year. "

"At the same time, I am equally pleased that Congress finally took action to hold off a pending collapse of the SCHIP system by passing legislation that fully funds the program, provides physicians a .5% payment increase through Medicare, and critical Medicaid DSH payments for Tennessee hospitals until June 30, 2008."

Blackburn blasted Democrat Leaders for returning home for the Holidays without extending the sales tax deductibility that is worth billions for Tennessee families each year.

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BLACKBURN JOINS USTR AMBASSADOR AT ANTI-PIRACY PRESS CONFERENCE

Blackburn Joins USTR Ambassador Susan Schwab, Foreign Ambassadors at Anti-Piracy Press Conference

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BLACKBURN VOTES AGAINST GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTHCARE

Blackburn Votes Against Government-Run Healthcare
House Sustains President's SCHIP Veto

Washington, Oct 18, 2007 - Today, Congressman Marsha Blackburn moved to rein in the liberal Leadership's move to "slow motion socialism" by voting to sustain President Bush's veto of H.R. 976. Rep. Blackburn had the following statement after the House voted to sustain the veto 273 to 156.

"Everyone in Tennessee watched TennCare, Tennessee's attempt to institutionalize Hillary Clinton's plan for universal healthcare, inflict pain and pressure on our healthcare system. We observed first hand that expa