Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 4447 which, in broad strokes, would reform U.S. energy policy by making investments in energies that will reduce our carbon footprint. My amendment is offered, not as a critique of the underlying bill, but to fulfill a promise made to constituents in my community that we can simultaneously invest in cleaner energy and in our workforce. My amendment creates opportunities for workers at risk of being displaced so that they can begin or continue a career in construction. For those in coal or other related industries, this amendment offers cost-shared grants to pay for pre-apprenticeship training in cleaner energy career paths. My amendment prioritizes grants to entities that have a successful history of placing pre-apprentice graduates into full apprenticeship programs or into gainful employment, and it supports local businesses by creating a sliding scale of Federal cost sharing, devoting a greater percentage of resources to small, local businesses rather than to larger businesses that already have the financial wherewithal to transition workers. I urge a ``yes'' vote.”