Political Quotes

“I come to the floor today to support the three individuals nominated to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: David Rosner, Lindsay See, and Judy Chang. The Commission, or the FERC, is often called the most important Agency that people have never heard of. FERC regulates the interstate transmission of electricity and the interstate transportation of oil and natural gas. It ensures that the rates for electric power in the wholesale market are ``just and reasonable.'' It oversees electric reliability. It licenses interstate natural gas pipelines, liquefied natural gas terminals, and hydropower projects. By one estimate, the Commission regulates activities that account for 7 percent of our Nation's economy. For that reason, we must fulfill our responsibility to maintain a quorum on the Commission. In 2015 and 2016, President Obama refused to fill the vacancies left by two Republican Commissioners. Then in January of 2017, the outgoing Chairman of FERC resigned as well. The departure left the Commission without a quorum. It then took 7 full months to restore the quorum at FERC. During that time, too many projects that help keep the lights on, help heat our homes, and aid our allies abroad were reluctantly put on hold. We can't let that happen again. Too much is at stake for American workers, for our energy security, and for our Nation's economy. That is why I am glad the Senate is acting on these three nominations this very week.…”