A Prescription to End Pain at the Pump
By Congressman Paul C. Broun, MD


As a doctor, I am used to hearing patients describe their symptoms in a variety of ways. Recently, my patients have begun to describe a condition which seems to defy traditional medical diagnostic procedures. Some describe feeling a “lighter sensation in their wallets.” Others complain about having to “dig much deeper into their purses.” Still more complain that the sight of a dashboard fuel gauge approaching “empty” brings them great physical and mental discomfort.

After consulting all available medical literature, there is only one conclusion to make: all of these patients are experiencing the classic symptoms of “pain at the pump,” a condition brought on by extremely high gasoline prices.

Regrettably, the Democratic leadership in Congress seems determined to make the conditions Americans face worse instead of better. Recently, the Democratic Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. John Dingell, has announced his intention to introduce legislation to raise the federal tax on gasoline and diesel fuel by 50 cents per gallon! This would be an additional charge, levied on top of the already existing federal tax of 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon for diesel fuel.

If the Democrats are successful in their effort, how would this affect the average driver in Georgia ? According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) the average price for regular gasoline in Georgia is $3.22 per gallon. If Rep. Dingell’s plan passes, this would automatically rise to $3.72 per gallon for regular gasoline. For diesel the prognosis is even worse. The average cost of diesel fuel in Georgia is $3.98 a gallon. With Rep. Dingell’s plan in place, the average cost would jump to $4.48 per gallon.

Fuel prices approaching or exceeding $4.00 a gallon are only going to exacerbate consumers “pain at the pump.” These prices will only make an already existing condition worse.

In order to treat the problems associated with “pain at the pump” it is necessary for Congress to immediately take the following actions. Consider it my prescription for dealing with this problem.

First, Congress must realize that the problem is not that gasoline is taxed too little, but that it is already taxed too much. Members of Congress should join me in opposing any efforts to increase federal taxes on fuel. In fact, given the economic disruptions caused by the current high price of gasoline, Congress should go one step further and consider reducing or eliminating the already existing federal tax.

Second, Congress should let America become more energy independent. For example, if we could drill for more oil and natural gas off the coast of the United States or in the Rockies or Alaska , it could add to our ability to be less reliant on foreign energy sources. By increasing the world supply of oil and gas with our own existing resources, we could utilize the laws of supply and demand to bring the price of fuel down. An additional benefit would be that we could break the stranglehold on energy that is currently being enjoyed by countries in the Middle East that do not have America ’s best interests in mind. Let me be clear, this can definitely be done in an environmentally sound manner, and should be implemented immediately.

Third, we need alternative forms of energy production, including bio-fuels like ethanol that are already in use, nuclear power that has proven to be an incredibly safe and successful source of power, solar, wind and advancing technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells. The growth of Georgia and our nation will entail using all economical means available to us.

Fourth, we should encourage the construction of new refineries in the United States . It does little good to increase our use of domestic supplies of oil if we do not have the refinery capacity to quickly convert this fuel into a form usable in the market place. Due in part to successful lobbying efforts by environmental activists, there has not been a new refinery built anywhere in the United States in decades. We urgently need to upgrade our refining capabilities.

These four proposals serve as a prescription for the kind of energy policy this nation needs - one that makes us stronger and less reliant on countries hostile to freedom, and one that will help cure the problem of “pain at the pump.” But that would take a Democratic Congress willing to put an end to their desire to tax everything they see, and willing to stop playing politics with the environmental lobby at the expense of average Americans ability to afford the fuel they need to work and live.

Our nation has been blessed with abundant natural resources. We shouldn’t be hesitant to tap into them, especially at a time when energy costs are so high. Until Congress gets serious about the issue, “pain at the pump” seems to be a problem with no immediate treatment on the horizon. Congress should remember the first rule of the “Hippocratic Oath” that I, and all doctors, take. That rule? “First, do no harm.”

By proposing to increase taxes on gasoline and by handcuffing our efforts to utilize domestic fuel sources, the Democratic Congress has shown that they don’t understand this simple rule. I shudder to think of the implications this has for any future efforts by a Democratic Congress to implement universal health care.

U.S. Congressman Paul C. Broun, M.D.
Receives an “A +” on Immigration Reduction Report Card

Americans for Better Immigration Send Broun to the Top of the Class; Broun receives only perfect score in Congress

Washington, D.C.- U.S. Congressman Paul C. Broun, M.D. achieved a perfect score on the Immigration Reduction Report Card issued by Americans for Better Immigration. Americans for Better Immigration (ABI) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization which lobbies Congress for reductions in immigration numbers. Broun’s 100% score is the highest in the entire United States Congress, and he is the only member of Congress to have achieved a perfect score for his legislative career. The “subjects” Broun was graded on include Chain Immigration, Visa Lottery, Anchor Baby Citizenship, Border Control, and Interior Enforcement.

I am fully committed to reversing the problem of illegal immigration and ensuring the integrity of our nation’s borders,” said Broun. “We can not continue to allow our government to look the other way when it comes to dealing with illegal aliens. I am adamantly opposed to any form of amnesty. I will work not only to prevent the passage of any legislation that would provide a path to citizenship to illegal aliens, but I will also work to deny them access to the economic spigot that draws illegal aliens to our country. Our safety and our very sovereignty are at stake.”

Last week, the Committee on Science and Technology, of which Congressman Paul Broun is a member, unanimously passed out of committee the “Hall Border Security Bill” or H.R. 3916. This legislation supports the development of technologies to assist our border patrol agents. Broun is an original sponsor of H.R. 3494, The Charlie Norwood CLEAR Act of 2007, which mandates the federal government to pick up every illegal alien apprehended by local authorities. Broun is also a cosponsor of H.R. 4088, the Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement (SAVE) Act of 2007, and H.R. 997, The English Language Unity Act, which would make English the official language of the United States . Broun is working on drafting legislation which would give employers, landlords, school systems and social workers the tools that they need to verify the legal status of an immigrant seeking a job, seeking housing, schooling, or other public assistance.

The “report card” issued by Americans for Better Immigration may be viewed in its entirety at the following link: http://grades.betterimmigration.com/view_all.php3?Flag=GRADE
 

U.S. Congressman Paul C. Broun, M.D. Receives “True Blue” Award for Support
of Pro-Life and Pro-Family Issues

Washington, D.C.- U.S. Congressman Paul C. Broun, M.D. today announced that he has been designated a “True Blue Member of Congress” by Family Research Council Action and Focus on the Family Action for his support of issues that strengthen traditional family values. Congressman Broun’s selection as an award recipient is based on his voting record on pro-family issues. The “True Blue” award is given to Members of Congress who show commitment to the defense of family, faith and freedom as evidenced by the score they generate on the FRC Action scorecard.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the Family Research Council and by Focus on the Family as a ‘True Blue Member of Congress’,” said Broun. “I am committed to working on behalf of pro-life and pro-family issues that I believe are fundamental to our nation’s continued well-being. These issues, which include advancing the principle of religious liberty, preserving the sanctity of marriage, and defending the rights of the unborn, define who we are as a people and a nation. As long I as am privileged to serve the people of the 10th District, I will continue to be a champion for these traditional values.”

One of the votes which earned Congressman Broun the “True Blue” award was his vote in opposition to the “Employment Non-Discrimination Act” (ENDA), legislation which sought to give preferential legal considerations to homosexuals in the workplace. A link to Congressman Broun’s floor speech discussing his opposition to ENDA is included below for your convenience.

Congressman Broun’s ENDA Speech:

http://www.c-spanarchives.org/library/stream_it.php?format=wmv&program_id=202147-2&offset=14696&duration=177

U.S. Congressman Paul C. Broun, M.D. Introduces Resolution Supporting “National Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia Awareness Day.”

Broun: “I am pleased to support the good work being done at Augusta ’s Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia Research Foundation.”

Washington, D.C.- U.S. Congressman Paul C. Broun, M.D. today announced his introduction of House Resolution 994, which expresses support for the designation of a “National Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia Awareness Day.” Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia is a genetic blood disorder that presents a variety of symptoms that often causes it to be misdiagnosed. People suffering from this incurable disorder often suffer from life-threatening problems with uncontrollable bleeding and severe, painful bruising. In addition to raising awareness about this disorder, Broun’s resolution also commemorates the work being undertaken by Augusta ’s Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia Research Foundation, which was founded by Helen P. Smith in 2001.

“As a practicing physician, I understand the harm that misdiagnoses of this disorder can cause to the many children and adults who suffer from Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia,” said Broun. “Because many leading physicians report that it presents symptoms that are often mistaken for other bleeding disorders, it is important to raise awareness of this disorder to prevent further misdiagnoses and to promote research. Although there is currently no cure for this disorder, promising research does exist and many researches believe that a cure will soon be found. I am pleased to be able to help draw attention to this cause, and to add my support to the good work that is being done at Augusta ’s Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia Research Foundation.”

Congressman Broun’s bipartisan legislation is co-sponsored by every physician currently serving in the United States House of Representatives. It could be considered on the House Floor within the next 3 weeks.

Congressman Broun with Science & Techonology Committee Approve “Hall Border Security Bill”

Broun: “Illegal immigration is one of the greatest threats facing our nation today.”

Washington, D.C.- The Committee on Science and Technology, of which Congressman Paul Broun is a member, today unanimously passed out of committee the “Hall Border Security Bill”or H.R. 3916. This legislation, which was introduced by Ralph Hall (R-TX) and co-sponsored by Broun, supports the development of technologies to assist our border patrol agents. H.R. 3916 focuses on four key long-term technologies that could substantially improve the security of our nation’s borders: unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), tunnel detection, anti-counterfeit technology, and biometric technologies.

“Illegal immigration is one of the greatest threats facing our nation today,” said Broun. “We have an estimated 12 to 20 million illegal aliens in this country. Many of those crossing the borders are Middle Easterners who very well could be terrorists plotting against the United States . Others are members of the most violent Latin American gangs, like Sur Trece. Many are seeking work but are breaking our laws by entering illegally. They are cutting in front of those who are waiting years to enter legally. These illegal aliens wreak havoc economically on our social systems. I applaud Ralph Hall for his leadership in the effort to protect our sovereignty by employing new technologies to secure our borders.”

The goal of H.R. 3916 is to improve long term planning for research and development at the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T), especially in the area of border and maritime security technology.  

The following members also signed on as cosponsors: Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD); Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL); Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-CA); Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX); Rep. Michael Conaway (R-TX); Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL); Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA); Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX); Rep. Bob Inglis (R-SC); Rep Sam Johnson (R-TX); Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC); Randy Neugebauer (R-TX); Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA); Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI); Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX); Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE); Rep. John Sullivan (R-OK); Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Technology and Innovation Subcommittee Chairman David Wu (D-OR).