Debbie Dingell: “I rise with a great deal of respect for my colleague but in opposition to this amendment, which seeks to cut funding…”

“I rise with a great deal of respect for my colleague but in opposition to this amendment, which seeks to cut funding from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program. Here is the reality. The world is moving to alternative transportation. It is not all going to be electric vehicles. It could be hydrogen. It will be others. Right now, electric vehicles are the future of transportation in this country and in the world, and we are competing in a global marketplace. As we continue to invest in this EV transition, it is critical that we get the charging infrastructure right. We must do everything within our power to keep America competitive, to make it easier for consumers to make this transition, and that is what this program does. It plays a vital role in expanding our charging infrastructure, alleviating fears, and creating an interconnected network that everybody has access to, not just those that have access to expensive chargers. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program provides funding to States to deploy EV charging infrastructure and establishes networks that make them more accessible. Let's work together to expand EV charging accessibility and invest in American-made EV chargers. We must support and advance through development the production and distribution and the infrastructure nationwide. To meet these goals, we have to get serious. We have to roll up our sleeves and get to work.…”