Representing a district that is in touch with America's energy needs, I know just how important domestic production of oil and natural gas is to our economy and our nation's security. That's why I opposed the Democrat's Energy bill, which the House passed late Tuesday. Behind the political window dressing, the bill does virtually nothing to increase domestic energy production or reduce dependence on foreign oil. This bill doesn't allow enough drilling in America's outer continental shelf where the oil is. The bill encourages drilling only 50 miles off the coast, and we know the most oil is located between 3 and 50 miles off our coast. I am convinced America needs more than drilling. We need to generate more energy from oil, gas, nuclear and alternative sources. I will continue to support an "all-of-the-above" energy plan in Congress. Many House Republican colleagues and I protested the August recess to encourage better energy legislation that will fix today's high gas prices and energy shortages. (See "Seeking an "all-of-the-above energy plan" [1] from Aug. 4, 2008) I thank you for your support and encouragement in August, and it looks as if we will need your continued support to help us push this Democrat Congress toward providing real energy legislation that helps the American people.