Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I want to start by thanking Chairman Calvert for this opportunity. Mr. Chair, this amendment prohibits the EPA from using funds for actions pursuant to section 115 of the Clean Air Act. Section 115 of the Clean Air Act allows the agency to mandate State emissions levels to whatever level the agency deems appropriate if, in collaboration with a foreign government, they determine endangerment and if the other government has a reciprocal agreement to prevent or control these emissions in their own nation. Now, this is a backdoor provision that allows the agency to vastly expand its regulatory authority and encroach on the constitutional rights of the States to regulate their own energy sectors, based on the actions of a foreign nation and the whims of the executive branch. It is irresponsible to allow unelected bureaucrats at the EPA to retain the ability to seize such an expansive authority. If the U.S. government wants to pursue such a policy, one that, in my opinion, is constitutionally suspect, it should be done through an explicit congressional delegation of authority on a case-by-case basis. A similar amendment has passed the House during the interior and environmental appropriations packages for the previous 2 fiscal years, Mr. Chairman. I urge my colleagues to take back our Article I authority and support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to this amendment.…”