I fully support global commerce.

Despite the previous efforts of Congresses, our addiction to foreign oil, as the President stated, is greater today than ever before. That dependency is a threat to our national security, and we must address that threat.

The Crime Victims Fund is distributed to service providers who assist millions of crime victims annually throughout our communities in a host of ways. It is paid for by fines levied on criminals, not taxpayers.

The civil rights movement would experience many important victories, but Rosa Parks will always be remembered as its catalyst.

I fully appreciate the fact that George W. Bush won 49% of my district.

In coming to the Congress as a new Member and becoming a fellow Blue Dog, we have had an opportunity to share and really spend a great deal of time in examining the challenges that our Nation finds itself in in getting its fiscal house in order.

For decades, Japan has been a friend and reliable trading partner with the United States, and I anticipate that relationship will prosper.