Doc Hastings

I want you to remember the individuals who did this work, and remember that some of them are now--their third generation is still working on the site.

While some differences remain between the House and Senate bills, there is genuine bipartisan desire in both the House and the Senate to advance this proposal into law.

Clearly, the nature and location of these facilities, especially those located on secured Department of Energy sites, presents a challenge.

The B Reactor produced the plutonium for the first-ever nuclear explosion, and later produced the plutonium for the bomb that helped end World War II.

Today's hearing on this proposed legislation has taken many years and the efforts of a great many dedicated individuals in several communities across the country that were integral to the successful development of the Manhattan Project.

As part of the Manhattan Project, the secret World War II effort to develop and construct the first atomic bomb and the work done at Hanford was an integral part in ending the Second World War.

To Establish the Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Los Alamos, California, and in my home State--or New Mexico, Los Alamos, New Mexico.

This Committee has focused intensely on federal dams and canals, but today's hearing takes a new turn.

I believe that's because of lawsuits by taxpayer-funded litigants and because of Federal agencies that stifle innovation and energy growth.

Regrettably, what I just said is not hyperbole. It is happening. It is a reality. And I think it is unacceptable.

The re-licensing process should not be a hostage-taking opportunity for Federal agencies to demand a ransom to be paid to fund their wish lists.

Today's hearing is another step by this Committee to restore the promise of hydropower, a renewable, emissions-free, and low-cost source of energy.

Despite their success, hydropower is under assault from those bent on litigation and over-regulation.

I think the gentleman has a very good lease. And I've been talking about where Virginia has been shortchanged, from my point of view. I think this amendment goes a long way to advance that debate, and, actually, what we all want is the…

I thank the gentleman for yielding. I think the gentleman has a good amendment. As he pointed out, it already has passed on a bipartisan basis on the floor, and I think it's worthy to be passed in this instance. I support the amendment.

I thank the gentleman for yielding. I think you have a very good amendment, and I support that amendment. I thank the gentleman for bringing it to the floor.

Could I inquire how much time remains on both sides? The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Washington has 2 minutes. The gentleman from New Jersey has 30 seconds.

I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Gardner).

I advise my friend that I have no more requests for time, and I am prepared to close if the gentleman is prepared to close.

I will advise my very good friend from Massachusetts that I am prepared to close if he is prepared to close.

I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Nunnelee).

I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe).

I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia, Dr. Gingrey, a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to another member of the Natural Resources Committee, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Johnson).

I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina, a member of the Natural Resources Committee, Mr. Duncan.