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For the first time, the price of oil has risen to more than $100 a barrel -- almost four times the price when President Bush took office.

Last month, the New Direction Congress passed landmark energy security legislation that included a historic CAFE increase to boost fuel efficiency standards for our cars and trucks, a Renewable Fuels Standard to dramatically increase homegrown American biofuels that reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and requirements that root out manipulation of energy prices. This legislation, signed into law by the President, will save consumers money, create jobs, strengthen our national security, and reduce the threat of global warming.

It is with great personal sadness and deep appreciation for his outstanding leadership that I learned of Chairman Lantos' illness. His experience, intelligence, and compassion will be deeply missed.

Tom Lantos is one of America's leading experts on foreign affairs and most effective advocates for human rights both at home and abroad. As the only Holocaust survivor ever elected to Congress, he has used his position to fight for those whose voices have been silenced by hatred and oppression.

On the homefront, Tom Lantos is a champion for working families and a great advocate for protecting the environment.

On behalf of all my colleagues, I thank Chairman Lantos for his 27 years of service in the House and to America. My thoughts and prayers are with Tom, his wife, Annette, their daughters Annette and Katrina, and the entire Lantos family at this difficult time.

From Chairman Tom Lantos of the Committee on Foreign Affairs:

Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Lantos to Complete his Congressional Service at the End of Current Term

Washington, DC - Congressman Tom Lantos (D-San Mateo, San Francisco) today released the following statement:

"Routine medical tests have revealed that I have cancer of the esophagus. In view of this development and the treatment it will require, I will not seek re-election.

Washington, D.C. -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid issued the following statement today criticizing President Bush's expected veto of H.R. 1585, the fiscal year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act in response to assertions by the Iraqi government that one section could expose Iraqi assets in U.S. banks to requests for compensation for American victims of Saddam Hussein.