On the recordMarch 28, 2023
Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. DelBene). Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the polluters over people act. Protecting our environment is foundational to the heritage, culture, and quality of life that we enjoy in the Pacific Northwest. We are trailblazers in clean, renewable energy sources like hydroelectric, wind, and solar. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle should follow our lead and focus on accelerating our transition toward a green energy economy like Democrats did in the Inflation Reduction Act. Instead, Republicans are pushing a messaging bill loaded with giveaways to the fossil fuel industry that will blow a $2.4 billion hole in our deficit. This legislation not only does nothing to lower energy costs, but it raises prices for families by repealing Inflation Reduction Act discounts for energy-saving home appliances. I offered an amendment to this bill, with the support of every Democrat from the Washington and Oregon delegations, that would prevent oil and gas companies from drilling along the Washington and Oregon coasts. The last thing any of us want is the next Deepwater Horizon spill on our shores. This was rejected by the majority. An open amendment process apparently only applies to Republicans. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to reject this bill.





