Tim Walberg: “I thank my colleague and friend from Michigan, the chairman of the Energy Subcommittee, as well as the ranking member of…”

“I thank my colleague and friend from Michigan, the chairman of the Energy Subcommittee, as well as the ranking member of the subcommittee for this opportunity. I also want to start off by thanking the Energy and Commerce Committee staff on both sides of the aisle for their time and work on this issue. Additionally, I would like also to thank my colleague, Debbie Dingell, for being an original cosponsor of H.R. 1109 and helping advance this bipartisan and, might I add, commonsense rule. Based on current statute, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission takes the position that approval from the Commission is necessary for all mergers and acquisitions, no matter how small or insignificant the value of the facilities involved, even down to zero. FERC's interpretation has led to trivial paperwork that bogs down the Commission and creates unnecessary red tape for American businesses, ultimately increasing utility bills for the consumer. H.R. 1109 will help reduce excessive paperwork burdens and bring down energy prices for American families. This bipartisan solution unties FERC's hands and allows the Commission to ensure American consumers are getting the most affordable and reliable electricity possible in a commonsense sort of way. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1109. Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.”