Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. McNerney). Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Rush. I also want to thank my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee, including the chairman of the subcommittee, for their hard work. I am pleased to have several bipartisan measures included in the legislation, including reforming hydropower licensing, addressing efficiency in Federal buildings, enhancing the energy-water nexus, verification of cyber-resilient products for the grid, authorization of water programs, an update of our national policy on the future of the grid, and smart grid-capable labels on products to enhance consumer choice. These are items I believe should remain in any final energy package. Unfortunately, the Republicans have loaded the bill with nonconstructive language. One such provision is language from H.R. 2898 that would harm California's delta and the economies of the families, farmers, and communities I represent. There is no way this language should be part of an energy package. It is just an add-on. It just shows how desperate the Republicans are to push through this bad policy. Because of this, I regretfully oppose this legislation. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's energy and electricity systems need upgrades and modernization. Climate change needs to be addressed. The Senate companion bill does not address these issues. So, again, unfortunately, I have to oppose this legislation. {time} 1445”