On the recordJuly 9, 2013
The gentleman from Georgia's amendment would further cut funding for renewable energy and energy reliability and efficiency program by an additional 1 percent from the levels contained in our bill. The Energy and Water Development bill cuts levels by $2.9 billion below last year's level, including $971 million from renewable energy and energy-efficient activities. In just those accounts alone, that's 50 percent below fiscal year 2013, and 67 percent below the President's request. To that end, the funding the bill preserves is just as important as the funding it cuts. Our bill focuses the vast majority of remaining funds within this account on programs that can address high gas prices and help American manufacturers compete in the global marketplace. These programs can reduce American manufacturing costs, help companies compete in that market, creating jobs here at home. Reducing Federal spending is critical. That's why the bill reduces funding for this account to half its current levels. But we also must make strategic investments to address high gas prices and help America compete. The amendment would eliminate these important programs. I urge Members to oppose it. I yield back the balance of my time.
