On the recordOctober 26, 2023
In regard to the energy and water bill that is before the House today, I respectfully rise in opposition to the amendment. We discussed earlier today in some very strong and positive debates about the role of the NNSA and the strong nuclear arsenal aspect of the Department of Energy, which is so critically important, and I debated against my Democratic colleagues in that regard. That is all part of this great energy and water bill. It is a wonderful robust bill, not only for the Department of Energy, but also for the water side of the bill. The reduction proposed in this amendment would negatively impact national security and critical infrastructure programs in the bill. As I alluded to, this bill has both defense and nondefense spending in it. The amendment makes no distinction of where the reductions would come from, instead allowing the Biden administration to administer the reductions as they see fit. I would not trust the administration to do that. I think Congress needs to do that. That would likely affect the NNSA, as I have alluded to, and I cannot respectfully support any amendment that would jeopardize the balance of this bill, therefore, I oppose the gentleman's amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
