I want to thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this important hearing today on advancing the economic and national security benefits of our Nation's nuclear infrastructure.

What position does the NNSA take on both the problems identified by GAO and the recommended solutions?

I have said it on several occasions that I believe that we must establish policies that place the light on our nuclear fleet, the sources of safe, reliable, low-carbon energy.

However, I did not agree with the DOE NOFA because it appeared to be nonhastening and with little transparency or dissertation for how that outcome was decided.

Mr. Chairman, I must say at the outset that I do have concerns with all three bills before us today.

Are you here as a witness for FERC or are you a witness for the staff?

I want to thank you, Mr. Chairman.

For the past 40 years this policy has helped to promote the wholesale distribution of electric energy, while increasing energy efficiency, and ensuring that energy consumers receive fair retail rates.

H.R. 4476 would make sweeping changes to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, or PURPA, that would fundamentally alter both its objective and effectiveness.

I am concerned that some of the proposed changes under H.R. 4476 will hamper the law's ability to achieve its original objective.

I must say, Mr. Chairman, and announce I do have concerns with all three bills that are before us today.

I still have a lot of concerns, which I think you have been hearing all of my colleagues, Republican and Democrat, express today.

This is a crisis in our country that we've got sites that are hurting areas that aren't being cleaned up.

Without strong and continued funding, we continue to increase the risks to our public health and the environment long term.

I really, really hope that we don't see the elimination of this program.

Is their goal to include minority contractors?

Many of my constituents are constantly seeking ways to break into what has essentially become an onerous, good ol' boys network.

What are your plans for moving forward with that?

My office worked extensively with former Secretary Moniz to establish the minorities and energy initiative.

Can you provide this subcommittee with a list of schools, universities that have received funding over the past 10 years?

I think maybe it might be in order for a bipartisan effort on both sides of this committee to make our concerns heard with the Appropriations Committee.

It is imperative that we examine the leadership profile of the agency and work to ensure that there is diversity at the top.

I have no further speakers on this side, and I yield back the balance of my time.

I want to thank you, Mr. Chairman.

We believe that there could be a more robust chapter on energy in NAFTA.