mr. gowdy is recognized for five minutes. >> mr. chairman, is there as interconnectivity between cost of energy and economic recovery? >> yes, there is. particularly when there is a supplyside element which there appears to be given some reductions in available supply and tensions in iran and so on. higher energy prices create at least short-term inflation pressures and moreover, they act as a tax on household purchasing power and reduce consumption spending and that also is a drag on the economy. so yes, higher oil prices, higher energy prices are a concern. >> i think the price per gallon in europe is about double if not more than what it is in the united states? >> yes, because of much higher taxes. >> so can you imagine any scenario under which someone would advocate for boosting our price per gallon to european levels? >> well, there are a lot of policy issues related to that. >> i mean an economic reason, not environmental. economic. >> well, the question is whether or not there are other goals that are served, environmental g

. >> mr. gowdy from south carolina is recognized for five minutes. >> mr.etween cost of energy and economic recovery? >> yes, there is. particularly when there is a supply side element, which there appears to be, given some reductions in available supply and tensions in iran and so on. higher energy prices create at least short-term inflation pressures and moreover they are -- they act as a tax on household purchasing power and reduced consumption spending and that also is a drag on the economy. so, yes, higher oil prices, higher energy prices are a concern. >> i think the price per gallon in europe is about double, if not more, than what it is in the united states. >> yes, because of much higher taxes. >> so can you imagine any scenario under which someone would advocate for boosting our price per gallon to european levels? >> well, there are a lot of policy issues related to that. >> i mean an economic reason, not environmental, economic. >> well, the question is whether or not there are other goals that are served, environmental goals, congestion goals a

reed and mr. gowdy and mr. duncan and my brother from georgia and also my colleague from the great state of arkansas. mr. speaker, very simple. the supreme court has begun to consider the patient-protection affordable care act. the high court will pour over article 1, section 8 to pour over the words that congress shall have the power to collect taxes, duties, and exices to pay for the debts and pay for the common defense and welfare of the united states, to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several states and with the indian tribes. the 2012 supreme court must determine whether the founders had any intention of mandating the behavior of private enterprises and american citizens. to me, the answer is obvious, absolutely not. our nation was founded on the declaration of independence, freedom of choice and a free market are at the core of our nation's soul. a governmental mandate for the behavior of individuals and private enterprises is against what our founders intended. the process perfect o