Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3361. This is the Reliable Investment in Vital Energy Reauthorization Act. This legislation was introduced by my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Mr. McKinley and Mr. Tonko, to reauthorize the Hydroelectric Production Incentive and hydropower efficiency improvement programs at the Department of Energy. This legislation went through regular order, and it passed the full committee, Energy and Commerce, by a voice vote. H.R. 3361 would authorize payments to support the development of hydropower production at existing dams and conduits. Literally, Mr. Speaker, there are thousands of existing dams in the United States that can support hydropower production while avoiding the costs and environmental effects associated with building new dams. In addition to affordable and renewable energy, hydropower also provides ancillary services to stabilize the electric grid, to provide storage, to maintain emergency black-start capability. I am proud to support H.R. 3361, which would reauthorize these really important Department of Energy programs and will ensure access to renewable, carbon-free, affordable hydropower for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on H.R. 3361, and I reserve the balance of my time.”