On the recordJune 30, 2021
This bill is riddled with problems, but one example I want to focus on right now is the Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Program. I have an amendment that would rein in some of this program's outlandish spending and take a more targeted approach at water assistance. Let me be very clear. I am not saying that there is not a need for a program such as this, and I am not saying that some people wouldn't benefit from it. All I am saying is that we should figure out the best way to attack the problem before authorizing $8 billion to fund it. Funding the program prior to a study is backwards. The logical first step is to determine the scope of the problem, rather than just throwing money at it; and my amendment would do just that. I would argue that the Democrats even recognize the need for a study. They included it in the bill. I am just arguing it should be done before the implementation of a permanent entitlement at the EPA, the very first of its kind, when the EPA said they didn't have the logistics or the ability to run the program. This is irresponsible government, and it will come at the cost of taxpayers. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to consider this and vote ``no'' on the underlying bill.
