Telework Improvements Act of 2008

TELEWORK IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2008 -- (House of Representatives - June 03, 2008)

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Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on H.R. 4106, the Telework Improvements Act of 2008. This legislation is designed to encourage more Federal employees to participate in telework programs. This legislation moved through committee, and I understand Chairman Waxman worked with Ranking Member Tom Davis to make several improvements to this legislation.

Getting serious about promoting telework is a major step in the right direction, but telework only indirectly addresses the problem of soaring gas prices. Mr. Speaker, gas prices have gone up $1.63 since Democrats took control of this House last January, and as far as anybody knows, Democrats still have no plan to address this problem.

The Republicans, on the other hand, stand ready to address the problem with a blueprint that promotes alternative and renewable fuels, harnesses technologies already being employed successfully by many of our global competitors, and encourages responsible oil and gas exploration designed to unlock America's natural energy resources and end our dependence on foreign fuel imports.

I remain concerned that none of the bills being considered today do anything to address the pain at the pump currently facing our Nation.

American families and small businesses are begging Congress to throw them a life preserver amid today's soaring gas prices, but no relief is in sight. No wonder Americans believe Washington is broken.

Most Americans believe it is past time to start addressing the real problems facing American families. I note with some disappointment that not a single piece of legislation to help lower gas prices is on the House schedule this week.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, while this legislation will give a break from high gas prices to some Federal employees, the vast majority of Americans have to use their cars to go to work and to other activities and are paying an average of $4 a gallon, the highest prices in history, while the Democratically controlled Congress does nothing to help those hardworking Americans who struggle to do the right thing every day, but are receiving no assistance from the Democrat majority here.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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