Diana DeGette

Starting on day one, the Biden administration has shown a desire to get EPA's mission back on track.

Given the importance and scope of EPA's mission, this is an Agency that we cannot afford to neglect, and that is truer today than ever.

When extreme weather and environmental catastrophes hit, frankly it is often the most vulnerable populations that bear the brunt.

Every year climate change is contributing to an extended hurricane and wildfire season, threatening billions of dollars in catastrophic losses.

This is an Agency that we simply cannot afford to neglect, and today that is even more true today than ever.

At this critical moment, we have no time to lose.

Today, we continue this subcommittee's long record of oversight of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Scott Peters from California will be the vice chair of this committee for this Congress.

The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing will now come to order.

Sadly, it has been about 2 years since we had our hearing in this Committee with HUD and with FEMA about the $1.9 billion HUD grant to upgrade the electrical system.

Rep. DeGette's measure would make DOE the validator of these technologies, thus driving their innovation.

We know that climate change, the climate crisis is an existential threat to the human race.

This bill will be a critical part of the Build Back Better infrastructure package.

We just want to make sure we stay on track to get all of these shots into Americans' arms by the summertime.

Thank you for your efforts, and we all stand ready on both sides of the aisle to help you do what you need to do to make sure we have the production.

We're very confident we're going to be able to deliver several hundred million doses next year.

But vaccines in vials don't protect people--vaccines in arms do. We must act now to overcome the remaining logistical hurdles and strengthen the Nation's COVID-19 vaccination campaign. There is no time to lose.

This plan advances urgently needed solutions to mount a successful vaccination program, restore trust with the American people, and mitigate the spread of the virus.

The Biden administration has its work cut out for it. Indeed, it faces the greatest and most immediate challenge of any presidential administration in modern memory.

We must act with a sense of urgency and use every resource available--at the Federal, State, and local levels--to fight the spread of this virus.

It's essential that Americans continue mitigation efforts, like wearing masks and practicing social distancing, even if you've been vaccinated.

Vaccines don't save lives, vaccinations do.

I am so delighted to join your subcommittee in this Congress. I think that energy policy and, in particular, climate issues are going to be the preeminent issue in this Congress.

I was one of the unlucky members who was stuck in the House Gallery. We could see the mob pounding on the door to the House chamber.

This was not the first time that President Trump inspired violence, but it must be the last time that he`s given a platform to do so.