A story in the Washington Post outlined DoD resistance to EPA efforts to clean up the three military installations that pose an immediate threat to people on site and nearby residents, and the Pentagon's refusal to sign agreements required by law regarding 12 other military installations on the Superfund list of the most polluted hazardous waste sites in the nation.

The Department of Defense is an important part of many communities across the country, like Ft. Meade, and they must be a responsible neighbor. DoD is not above the law and is not exempt from EPA regulations. The sites outlined in the Washington Post article pose an immediate hazard to the health and safety of Americans, and I look forward to oversight hearings to ensure DoD's immediate compliance with EPA's cleanup efforts.

I am disappointed and frustrated that the Republicans decided twice this week to deny us an opportunity to do what we should be doing: Legislating on the important issue of rising gas prices.

The Consumer-First Energy Act of 2008 would have made a major difference on the cost of Energy here in the United States. First, it would say that taxpayers don't need to subsidize the oil companies. The oil companies are making record profits, which they're not investing back in this country. Secondly, the windfall profit provision of this legislation would invest a little of the profits made by oil companies here in America in renewable energy sources.

The Republican leadership again exercised a filibuster against H.R. 6049, which provides $18 billion for tax incentives for renewable energy sources. The legislation also provided for more energy efficient buildings.

Click here to read my full statement on recent gas price legislation

This morning the U.S. Senate took a vote that effectively killed global warming legislation this year. The final outcome was not surprising, but it is still disappointing. It also is not the last word.

Because of obstructionist tactics, Republican opponents of the bill kept us from considering even a single amendment over the course of an entire week of deliberation on the Senate floor. The Republican minority used extraordinary procedural steps to turn their back on fellow Republican and bill sponsor Senator John Warner (R-VA), and turn their back on the American public who urgently want the Congress to take steps now to reduce dangerous pollution and move our country closer to energy independence.

But like global warming, this legislation will not go away just because some do not have the courage to act. We have to recognize that climate change is upon us. We can fail to act, and the results will be predictable and devastating to our economy, our national security, and our precious natural resources like the Chesapeake Bay.

Click here for my full statement and fact sheet on the Climate Security Act.

The Oral Health Initiative Act of 2008 would draw upon the resources across the Department of Health and Human Services to maximize the impact of existing oral health programs and policies, and - for the first time - identify duplicative or overlapping programs, evaluate the adequacy of federal support for state-run programs, identify opportunities for new programs, and make recommendations for spending related to oral healthcare. Special attention will be given to identify prevention and treatment of dental disease in low-income and high-risk populations.

This is not just about dental care. I believe this is a question of whether we are truly committed to improving the overall health of our children and all Americans. If we can get a clear picture of what resources are available, and what is working, we can direct resources to individuals most in need without escalating costs.