I hope that we can continue this cooperation on other critical issues related to America's future technological competitiveness. We must work together to encourage the creative talents that have made our country the world leader in technology.

The hydrogen powered car, with its high fuel mileage and zero emission rate, is just one example of the products under development that will help increase our energy independence.

Right now too much American time and resources are spent dealing with situations caused by our dependence on oil that we import from unstable countries.

In the Gulf region and nationwide, small businesses are an integral and crucial part of local economies and communities. They should not be overlooked.

Hydrogen holds great promise to meet many of our future energy needs, and it addresses national security and our environmental concerns. Hydrogen is the simplest, most abundant element in the universe.

We all want more information available when making health care decisions for ourselves and our families.

Yet, despite our many advances, our environment is still threatened by a range of problems, including global climate change, energy dependence on unsustainable fossil fuels, and loss of biodiversity.