Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Ross reports on foreign affairs, oil

Oil prices

Oil prices are reaching record highs on what seem like a daily basis, which are causing energy and utility costs to take a heavy toll on our nations working families, seniors, farmers and small businesses. This week, I worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce legislation and demand action to find a solution to our nations energy crisis. I am proud to have taken these necessary steps to help relieve the mounting pressure increased energy costs are having on our nations economy.

I was proud to cosponsor legislation introduced by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell to study the factors that affect the price of crude oil and refined products. This study will examine the effects of market speculation on oil prices and determine how to effectively oversee and regulate the crude oil and refined petroleum product markets. I believe that this legislation is critical to understanding what factors are causing the current spike in gas prices American consumers have been forced to pay at the pump.

This week, I also joined with my colleagues in the House to encourage the development of new, alternative and renewable fuels to help put our nation on a path toward energy independence. In light of the rising cost of food commodities such as corn that have alternate uses, I contacted the Environmental Protection Agency and urged them to pursue programs to advance the development of biofuels that do not rely specifically on food-based feedstocks, such as cellulosic ethanol that can be developed from a host of sources.

In addition, I sent a letter to House Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Norm Dicks, urging him to include funding for domestic energy development in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in the appropriations process this year. The responsible development of our domestic oil and natural gas resources are essential to our nations energy security and economic growth.

As gas prices hit an average of $4.05 per gallon, a new historic high, it is past time to enact a comprehensive energy plan to benefit all Americans. This is one of my top priorities in Congress and I remain committed to working in Washington to help our nation turn the corner and take the necessary steps to become more energy independent.

Diplomatic Mission to Afghanistan

I recently had the honor to visit Germany, Turkey and Afghanistan as part of an official North Atlantic Treaty Organization Parliamentary Assembly (NATO-PA) diplomatic mission representing the United States. As an appointed delegate to the NATO-PA, an inter-parliamentary organization of legislators from NATO countries which discuss issues of common interest and concern, it was important for me to visit Afghanistan. I was able to see first hand the role the U.S. and NATO are playing in the war against terrorism, and to personally thank our troops for their service.

The recent increase in insurgent activities and violence in Afghanistan demonstrates the need for our NATO allies to join the U.S. in committing more resources and troops for an increased military presence in Afghanistan. Terrorism is a threat, not only to our nation, but to all of our freedom loving allies and we cannot let the terrorists retake Afghanistan as a safe haven and training ground for future attacks. As part of the diplomatic mission, I heard briefings on what progress is being made in Afghanistan and Iraq from President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, and General David Petraeus, Commanding General of the Multi-National Force in Iraq.

As the elected Rapporteur of the Trans-Atlantic Relations Subcommittee of the NATO-PA Political Committee, I also presented a report on Iran to the full committee during the Spring Session of the NATO-PA. I told members that NATO should begin to include discussions on Iran in the political agenda because of its recent testing of long range missiles and its nuclear program. Members of the NATO-PA will consider amendments and the adoption of my report during the November session, as well as a resolution based on the report, which if adopted, would be sent to the senior governing body of NATO, the North Atlantic Council.

I am committed to serving as an elected delegate to the NATO-PA because our nations international relations are a cornerstone to a prosperous future both at home and abroad. It was an honor and a privilege to visit with our men and women serving on the front lines supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Turkey and Afghanistan such as Senior Master Sergeant Willie Jackson of Monticello, who is currently serving in our Armed Forces at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey. I returned more committed than ever to ensuring that we continue to provide these brave men and women and their families, our full and complete support until they are able to return home.