“Consumer frustration over high gasoline prices has apparently been judged blind-rage-inducing enough to trot out the usual discredited solution, domestic oil drilling. President Bush recently reiterated his desire to drill just about everywhere from Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to the Gulf of Mexico as a way to offer consumers relief at the pump.”

“With American consumers and businesses struggling as the price at the pump cascades across our economy, Senator McCain’s proposals show he aims to continue the ‘drill and veto’ policies of the current Administration. John McCain’s energy proposal is an attempt to divert attention away from his recent flip flop and his support of the failed Bush-Cheney policies that have resulted in skyrocketing gasoline prices for consumers and skyrocketing profits for Big Oil.”

“Our commitment to a barrier-free workplace sends an invaluable message to all Americans that the House will lead by example.”

“Today, the House took another step to help our veterans and ease the minds of our troops still in the field with the economic hardships caused by the strain of multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many National Guard members and Reservists whose active duty has been extended were forced to leave behind small businesses and jobs and often find themselves in debt as they try to rebuild their lives after serving our country.”

“Women have served our nation in war throughout our history. In the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, women in uniform on the frontlines have been killed or seriously injured. But until today, not a single woman has been chosen for promotion to a four-star general in the military.”

“Drilling for oil on federal lands will not bring significant gasoline price relief, U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall said Saturday.”

“As our nation commemorates the 64th anniversary of the original GI Bill, we are committed to ensuring that our next generation of warriors have the tools to succeed when they return home.”

“The House voted on Thursday to offer what amounts to a free college education to the new generation of military veterans as part of a costly legislative package that finances the war in Iraq through the end of President Bush’s tenure and into the early months of the next administration.”

“It was almost inevitable that a combination of $4-a-gallon gas, public anxiety and politicians eager to win votes or repair legacies would produce political pandering on an epic scale. So it has, the latest instance being President Bush’s decision to ask Congress to end the federal ban on offshore oil and gas drilling along much of America’s continental shelf.”

“We take an oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic. In that Preamble to that Constitution, we must provide for the common defense. Essential to honoring that commitment to protect the American people is to have the operational intelligence that will help us do that.”