John Sullivan

Thank you, Chairman Whitfield.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3409, the Stop the War on Coal Act. This bill would help reverse the negative impact of President Obama's coal policies and protect American jobs from overregulation by the EPA.

The Obama administration is trying to regulate what they don't have the votes to legislate, and it's costing American jobs. Just this week, Alpha Natural Resources announced the elimination of 1,200 jobs due to the Obama administration's hostility towards the coal industry. The relief this bill provides cannot come soon enough.

One of the main provisions of the bill is the TRAIN Act. It's bipartisan legislation I authored and the House passed last year. The TRAIN Act forces EPA to conduct an in-depth cost benefit analysis of their most expensive power sector regulations so the American people can fully understand how the EPA's train wreck of regulations is impacting our economy.

At its heart, the TRAIN Act simply asks these questions:

What do these EPA regulations mean for the ability to compete in a global marketplace?

Will electricity prices climb, and by how much?

How would higher electricity prices and power plant closures affect jobs in the U.S. economy?

This is the right thing to do. I urge the passage of this measure.

Mr. Speaker, as millions of Chinese around the globe celebrate the Republic of China's National Day this October 10, we need to acknowledge the fact that it hasn't been easy for Taiwan to be a beacon of democracy and an island of prosperity in a world of tyrants and economic uncertainty. Taiwan's many achievements are attributable to the tireless efforts of their people and leaders throughout the decades.

I am proud to see that the United States has always been on the side of the Republic of China. During WW II, the United States and China were partners in war and we supported Taiwan against potential adversaries for decades until we enacted the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979. In recent decades, we witnessed Taiwan's evolution from authoritarian rule to full democracy. At the same time Taiwan has been a good political, economic and cultural ally of the United States. In recent years, Taiwan has been very strong in cooperating with us against global terrorism.

I am glad that we have re-established high level trust with President Ma Ying-jeou's administration. Taiwan has resumed important arms purchases from us and that Taiwan has lifted the ban on U.S. beef imports and is looking to restart talks on the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with us. I am sure that the United States and Taiwan will be helping each other in many areas in the years to come.

Congratulations to the people and leaders of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on their National Day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to state for the Record that I missed rollcall vote 410 to H.R. 4480 taken on June 21, 2012, and I would have voted ``aye'' on the measure. This critical legislation promotes an American energy plan that will not only reduce our dependence on foreign oil, but also spur economic growth and job creation. Additionally, the legislation will protect American refineries by reducing unnecessary red tape and burdensome Obama Administration regulations.

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