Political Quotes

“the current law that this amendment addresses doesn't hinder our readiness at all, nor does it raise costs. It is not costly. It is not a general ban on the internal combustion engine. Mr. Chairman, I believe I may be the only certified internal combustion engine mechanic in the U.S. Congress right now, although my certification has long since run out. I love internal combustion engines, but they do run out of fuel. They need fuel, just as electric vehicles need electricity. The current law allows for a preference for leasing or procuring electric, hybrid, biofuel-capable, or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles when reasonably comparable on cost to an internal combustion engine. The current law does not mandate buying a non-ICE vehicle. It just establishes a preference when all else is equal. Also, Mr. Chairman, it has many exemptions that prevent impacts to readiness and makes this a nonproblematic, commonsense provision. These include tactical vehicles that are entirely excluded from this preference policy. The policy can only be put in place if the alternative-fuel vehicle fully meets the needs of the Department of Defense.”