Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment which ensures that the Department of Energy continues to fund Energy Innovation Hubs in the Offices of Science, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, and Nuclear Energy. {time} 1930 The current report language accompanying H.R. 3266, which is the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill, directs the DOE not to fund these centers. By passing this amendment, we will clearly express Congress' intent to continue funding these innovation hubs and request that the final report language be edited to reflect our intent. The four existing innovation hubs conduct critical research across energy fields including nuclear, solar, advanced storage, and energy supply chains. These hubs are modeled off of the iconic Bell Laboratories, but private industry no longer sustains this type of research due to increasing pressure to make short-term profits. That is why it is essential that the government conduct this research. Mr. Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to support the en bloc and amend the final report language so these vital innovation hubs continue to receive funding.”