The bill passed by a 253-166 margin and now goes to the Senate for consideration.

“I voted for this bill because it is part of a larger strategy to increase the supply of American-produced energy and help break our dependence on Middle East oil,” Jim said. “The bill would make sure that approved projects do not stall because of additional paperwork and bureaucratic delays.”

Jim has voted for several bills to help America achieve greater energy independence.

Jim is a co-sponsor of H.R. 1229 ,the proposed Putting the Gulf Back to Work Act, aimed at improving the safety of offshore energy exploration and preventing unaccountable bureaucrats from arbitrarily delaying the release of drilling permits once the applications have been approved. The Department of Interior reportedly is sitting on several permits for offshore drilling even though the applications have been thoroughly reviewed and approved.

A study by Dr. Joseph Mason of Louisiana State University estimated that a “permit moratorium” could cost 36,137 Americans their jobs over 18 months.

Jim also co-sponsored H.R. 1231, which would require the Obama administration to establish a five-year offshore lease plan in productive areas with the goal of producing 3 million barrels of oil per day by 2027. The bill passed the House by a vote of 243-179 on Thursday.

And the House has passed the proposed Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act (H.R. 1230) by a 266-149 margin. All of these bills are awaiting consideration in the U.S. Senate.

Statement on President’s decision to end troop surge in Afghanistan

President Obama announced last week that 33,000 American troops would leave Afghanistan by the summer of 2012. The force reduction is roughly equal to the 30,000-troop surge the President had approved in December 2009.

Jim issued the following statement on the planned withdrawal of U.S. forces:

“Decisions about troop levels in Afghanistan need to be made according to conditions on the ground, recommendations of our military commanders and a clear advancement of our national security interests. Great care must be taken to ensure that decisions are based on military strategy, not political calculations. The President correctly noted that even though a portion of our American forces will be coming home, we are not retreating from our central mission of crippling al-Qaida and preventing Afghanistan from becoming a terrorist safe haven where radicals can launch attacks against America and our allies.After a decade of valiant sacrifice by our troops and their families, it is absolutely appropriate to expect the Afghans to accept greater responsibility for their security. Congress will continue to support our troops with all the resources required to build on their hard-won success in Afghanistan and monitor how this drawdown will affect the brave men and women still in the field.”

Jim recognized for support of National Parks

Jim was among the 34 members of Congress who earned the “National Park Heritage” award from the National Parks Conservation Association. The distinguished honor is based on Gerlach’s voting record in support of national parks during the 111th Congress.”National Parks bring history to life and are incredible recreational resources where families and all Americans can enjoy the great outdoors,” Gerlach said. “I am extremely proud to receive this award in recognition of my support of the Gettysburg Battlefield, Valley Forge, Hopewell Furnace and all National Park Service sites.”

“These members of Congress have demonstrated a solid commitment to trying to protect and improve our National Park System so that it can better represent the history and culture of our diversifying nation,” said Tom Kiernan, president of the National Parks Conservation Association. “As we look to the national parks centennial in 2016, support from our members of Congress will be essential for future generations to enjoy our national park legacy.” 

Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice of the American people in protecting and enhancing our National Park System. NPCA, its 600,000 members and supporters, and many partners work together to protect the park system and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for our children and grandchildren.

In your community

Elverson celebrates 100th anniversary

The Borough of Elverson celebrated its Centennial Anniversary on Saturday during festivities in Livingood Park. Jim presented an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of the Borough’s memorable milestone and offered congratulatory remarks on the House floor to Mayor Arleigh Hegarty.

Called “The Greatest Square Mile in Pennsylvania,” Elverson was incorporated in the spring of 1911 from land annexed from West Nantmeal Township, Chester County.

 
Relay for Life in Boyertown

The eighth and final Relay for Life event in Berks County was held Saturday in the Boyertown High School Stadium.

Jim was honored to join survivors, family members of cancer patients and volunteers and kick off the 24-hour walk-a-thon to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Organizers estimated that the eight events in Berks helped raise more than $1 million for research, patient support and other programs.