[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 129 (Thursday, July 31, 2008)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1630] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. MARK UDALL of colorado in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 30, 2008 Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I was not present for the vote on this resolution (H. Con. Res. 398), despite my best efforts to reach the House floor in time to do so. Had those efforts been successful, I would have voted ``no,'' because I think we should not adjourn or recess this week until completing action on legislation to revise our national energy policies--something that has not yet occurred. I left on an early flight out of Colorado this morning in an effort to reach the House in time for that vote. My flight landed just as the vote began. As soon as I got in the car, I called the cloakroom to advise that I was en route, and asked that the vote be held open until I arrived. I was no more than 10 minutes from the Capitol, and I was aware the vote was being held open already--as the first vote of the day, apparently in an effort to give Members additional time to arrive and cast their votes. However, the vote was completed as I entered the Capitol. I regret that my request that the vote be held open was not honored and that I was not able to cast my vote even though I was only seconds short of being able to do so. ____________________