On the recordJune 15, 2016
The boogeyman of Russian coal and Vladimir Putin really do strain credulity. In addition to the option of buying coal in Germany itself, which would obviously be one way to do this, as my colleague, Mr. McClintock, points out, there is abundant coal alternatives if they want to buy coal in Poland, our NATO ally, or in Ukraine, an ally that we would like to help in lots of ways as they strive for independence and economic development under the boot of Vladimir Putin's Russia. The last thing that was raised, the fact that somehow the language in the base bill would not require coal from Pennsylvania, is also a red herring. The language in this bill that says domestically sourced energy is required and other provisions effectively mean that the status quo--the sweetheart arrangement with one specific coal company in Pennsylvania--would be the only way that the Air Force could comply with this requirement. So let's reiterate our bipartisan opposition to this wasteful, zombie earmark. I ask for an ``aye'' vote. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Huffman). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.
