[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 88 (Tuesday, June 12, 2012)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1040] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. JEFF DENHAM of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 12, 2012 Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 316, I was unable to cast a vote on this amendment to the Energy and Water Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2013 due to obligations in my district. The underlying bill was a well struck balance of funding priorities. California, my district included, is very dependent on gasoline for its transportation needs. Without the necessary research funds, the state will not be able to develop new and better ways to fuel our cars and trucks. With nearly fifty percent of California's oil coming from the Middle East, it is crucial that we continue to research and develop our fuel resources here at home to ease our dependence on an unstable source that can drive up costs on consumers. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' ____________________