STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD - MICHAEL C. BURGESS

ENERGY AND COMMERCE HEARING

February 8, 2007

“Department of Energy's Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Proposal”

Mr. Chairman,

Thank you for convening this hearing today.

One of my most important responsibilities as a Member of Congress is to ensure that my constituents' tax dollars are being spent wisely. It is for that reason that I look forward to the ongoing debate about our national funding priorities.

Secretary Bodmin, thank you for appearing before us this morning. As we begin the Fiscal Year 2008 appropriations cycle, it will be helpful to hear from you about the President's Budget request for the Department of Energy.

I am especially interested to hear your testimony regarding the President's Proposed "Twenty in Ten" Initiative, as well as the oil and natural gas research programs that have been zeroed out in the President's proposed Budget.

Secretary Bodmin, thank you again for appearing before us this morning. I yield back.