Political Quotes

“I share some of my distinguished colleague's concerns about EERE, but let me, for the record, lay some things out. I am a strong supporter of EERE. EERE received over $16 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, of which there were billions in unobligated balances remaining. In other words, they got a ton of money in these big largesse bills that were passed by the last administration. They got $16 billion, and they can't spend it all. That is why, in the House bill, we have reduced funding to EERE by $1.6 billion below the fiscal 2025 level. They had money they couldn't even get to spend. Again, I am a strong, strong supporter of EERE. I have seen the work they do. They do a tremendous job, but they got all of that money in those largesse spending bills. This reduces EERE spending to 2013 levels. I respectfully think my colleague's amendment goes too far in eliminating this program. Again, things that EERE does well: geothermal technologies, advanced manufacturing, and industrial efficiency improvements. It also includes essential work on critical materials that will lay out the groundwork for technologies that will reduce our reliance on foreign supplies. I think EERE is an issue that we all can support. The reductions are there. I think this strikes a very good balance. For these reasons, I must respectfully oppose my colleague's motion. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.”