Peter Visclosky: “I would start my remarks by saying the gentleman from California has me at a disadvantage because we just received a…”

“I would start my remarks by saying the gentleman from California has me at a disadvantage because we just received a copy of the final amendment that was offered in the House. Lines 7 and 8 are new to the amendment and refer to Executive Order No. 13963, which is in addition to other items that I am opposed to. I am told that those sections in that executive order refer to planning for sustainability, but I cannot confirm that to the Members of the House. I do rise in strong opposition to the gentleman's amendment. He talks about exotic items--exotic items. The Department of Defense would be blocked from purchasing recycled paper. Let's not buy recycled paper at the Department of Defense. Now, there is a great idea. The Department would be blocked from generating renewable energy that might include using tents with photovoltaic materials that generate solar power onsite for our troops in God-forsaken places on this planet with no other access to energy sources. The Department would be blocked from considering sites for new Federal facilities that are pedestrian friendly and accessible to, God forbid, public transit. Perhaps we should move the Pentagon because it is near a Metro stop. The Department would be blocked from cooperating with the Department of Energy's efforts to maximize the use of alternative fuels for our Federal fleet. The Department of Defense is the largest purchaser of energy in the United States of America.…”