Political Quotes

“Put simply, this legislation forces President Trump's hand to carry out the goals of his predecessor, but this administration was elected to tackle our energy issues differently, our environmental issues differently. Americans asked for this change in direction. And we got that last Congress, where Republicans worked with this administration to find creative ways to streamline the development and use of all of our energy sources and technologies. We examined grid modification issues, looked at ways to encourage the creation and adoption of advanced nuclear energy, along with creative ways to encourage new coal and natural gas technologies. We looked at how market forces are driving new energy technologies and how the Federal Government can play a supportive role in that advancement, not pick winners and losers. I worry that today's legislation could bring us back to a prescriptive approach to our Federal energy policy. It could cause significant ratepayer hikes on families and small businesses in eastern and southeastern Ohio who simply cannot absorb higher electric bills. H.R. 9 was rushed through our committees. The Energy and Commerce Committee held no hearings on it, but simply a full committee markup. Members had no time to debate it--only vote. E&C Democrat leadership even expressed frustration over the expedited pace of this bill. Because of these reasons and the issues raised by my colleagues, I urge a ``no'' vote on H.R. 9. {time} 1600”