Political Quotes

“I would like to thank the leadership for bringing this bill up under suspension today, and to Representative Tonko for yielding time, also, to Republican Leader Upton for his kind words. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank the entire Energy and Commerce Committee for their long-term support for this bill. And I say ``long-term'' because this bill has passed the House under suspension under each of the past three Congresses. Unfortunately, our friends in the Senate--and I use that word loosely--have yet to bring it to the floor. I am glad the House is considering this bill early in the session with plenty of time for the Senate to act. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Congressman Welch of Vermont, particularly, for his leadership on this bill. It is no secret that he is one of the great energy efficiency gurus in the House, and it has been a pleasure for me to work with him. Mr. Speaker, across the country, school districts spend billions of dollars on their energy every year. These are schools in need of upgrades and improvements to their facilities. In its most recent Infrastructure Report Card, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the condition of our Nation's schools a grade of D-plus. Now, what this bill proposes are enhancements that improve the state of our schools, our economy, and our environment by implementing economically and environmentally sustainable changes so school administrators can address short-term and long-term needs.…”