On the recordMay 18, 2016
I am grateful for the opportunity to speak about this amendment to the 2017 NDAA. Since taking office in 2009, President Obama's administration has forced its green energy agenda on the American people despite the devastating costs. For our military, this means a mandate to purchase renewable energy and to incorporate climate change into almost every aspect of training, regardless of cost or efficiency. As you might imagine, these mandates result in some absurd wastes of money. Every cent spent by the Department of Defense on the incorporation of the administration's climate change agenda is a cent lost for the defense of the American people. The U.S. military should be focused on defending American citizens, not serving as a playground for the green energy movement. Moreover, spending the American people's tax dollars on crony capitalism is despicable. Renewable energy should be free to compete in the energy marketplace. American families shouldn't be asked to subsidize costly, inefficient, and uncompetitive green energy with their hard-earned tax dollars. My amendment ends this wasteful and dangerous practice; it prohibits renewable energy mandates placed on the Department of Defense; and ensures that every unit of energy our military purchases is the most cost-effective option available. I ask for support on this amendment. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
