Transcripts For CSPAN House Appropriations Debates 2021 Interior Environment Related Agencies... 20240712

Good morning. I called a meeting on appropriations to order. Before we begin, house rules require me to remind you we have set up an email address to which members can send anything they wish to submit in writing at any of our hearings or markups. The email address has been provided to your staff. First, consideration of the interior environment appropriations bill, fiscal year 2021. I will now recognize ms. Mccowan to present the bill. Good morning. I want to thank Ranking Member, for his strong collaboration of partnership throughout this entire process. He has been a great partner from the great lakes and a little geography being social studies teacher, he borders with the great state of ohio, lake erie and in minnesota, we border on lake superior. Id like to thank all members of our subcommittee for all contributions and especially the way in which continue our tradition of nonpartisan work, to Work Together on issues that affect Indian Country. Im also grateful for the leadership of chairwoman and Ranking Member ranger, superior. This is chairwomans last markup and i am particularly want to extend my gratitude to her for her outstanding leadership shes provided on this committee and her understanding heritage areas in the full subcommittee for work that we do. Shes preserving our nations parks and public lands, Environmental Protections, clean air and clean water for generations to come. I wish you all the best in the years ahead and i know we all do. Fiscal year 2021, subcommittee is recommending a total of 36. 8 billion in discretionary funding, this is an increase of 771 million over last years level. In addition to our regular appropriations, the bill includes 2. 4 billion and adjusted funds for suppression operations. This brings the total funding for Fire Management to 5. 7 billion. Thank you, again for all your work on this issue. This bill includes an additional 15 million in emergency designated Infrastructure Investment for the bureau of Indian Education, Indian Health services, the Environmental Protection agency. These investments will increase access to quality healthcare, education to clean up contaminated land, would an unhealthy air. As a result the impending enactment of the Great American outdoors act in fiscal year 21, the land and Water Conservation fund will be fully funded 900 billion for the first time in 40 years. This bill allocates distribution of those funds, once the committee receives the list from agencies, which is required, we will reflect the final decisions in the enacted bill. Last year, House Democrats secured significant new investments in Environmental Protection and land conservation. For fiscal year 2021, this bill builds upon the successes and advances the priorities of american families, ensuring we have clean air and water to protect our childrens health. Protecting almost special places and endangered species by taking meaningful actions to address Climate Change. This bill is a rejection of dangerous policies and funding cuts proposed by the Trump Administration. Instead, this bill moves us forward by investing in resources in ways that keep our Community Safe and healthy. This bill invests in the protection and preservation of our landscapes and biodiversity. The covid19 pandemic is affecting our entire nation but there pronounced Racial Disparities in its impact with africanamericans, hispanic latinos, native americans, experiencing higher rates of infection and higher rates of death. Tribal communities are disproportionately feeling the effects of the endemic while our work to provide covid19 relief is ongoing, this bill invests in the health and safety and welfare of Indian Country. This bill provides 3. 5 billion to Indian Affairs bureau of Indian Education and the office of special trustee and 6. 5 billion to the Indian Health service. As a nation, we have more work to do to ensure we provide the health and Safety Education of our brothers and sisters working together on our subcommittee, this bill is another step in the right direction towards upholding federal Government Trust and treaty obligation. This bill contains 102 million for the problem of population to to thank our question colleagues for keeping the committee focused on this work. Thank you mr. Stewart. I want to know this bill provides provisions that protect our environment now and future generations. Given the circumstances, find ourselves facing with covid19 and the fact that many of these provisions passed overwhelmingly with support in the house last year, ive included them in the bill. We know how this movie ends so here are provisions included. A provision to block off the coast of florida, california and maine which passed on the house for 252 to 178, a provision to protect the pristine wilderness and a provision and the importation of sports at the elephants and lion trophies in tanzania, zimbabwe and zambia. Passed on the house floor by about 2392192. 239192. Before i conclude, id like to address the issue. Confederate flags and memorials have long been simple question and discrimination in our nation. In my first year as Ranking Member, along with chair calvert, this bill was brought down on the house floor by a Confederate Flag issue. Five years later, as chair, i continue to be savvy. And at times, outraged that we as a nation, not made more progress to address racism and to end the cruel legacy of the confederacy. I am committed to do everything i can to help our country this legacy ofal Racial Justice. Thats why in this bill, i am requiring theuage National Park service to remove all confederate commemorative works. Furthermore, this bill includes language authored by representative jeffries, that prohibits for the purchase of the display of Confederate Flags in our National Parks. With one exception. With one exception. I am a social studies teacher. That exception is in special circumstances where flags are flown to provide historical content. Think of gettysburg. This is not about erasing our history or denigrating anyone s heritage. This is about whether or not we are willing to do the hard work, needed to confront the truth of writestory and to work to past wrongs. Past wrongs. In order to do that, that means ending the use of confederate symbols which continue to be used today to intimidate and terrorize millions of our fellow americans. I hope every member of this Committee End of this body, will join me. And finally, i want to thank the staff on both sides of the aisle jocelyn hunt merchant, erickson, peter and donna. Rebecca taylor also. For all this hard work in the legislation and for the work they do together with the republican staff so we can be here today. I urge members to support this good bill. Im going to say its a great bill. Madam chair, i yield back. [applause] its clear that your statement was very much appreciated. And i want to thank you for you very kind, personal remarks for me. Thank you. Would now like to recognize the subcommittee Ranking Member mr. Joyce. Thank you, madam chair. And congratulations for completing another year of the interior environment related and appropriations bill. I want to congratulation you chairmanwoman lowey on your retirement. Thank you for your long standing dedication to this committee. Nd as always i want to thank ms. Granger for her steadfast leadership. I would like to thank you, chairman for the way youve led this subcommittee during this unprecedented year. Youve addressed the new and unique challenges caused by this deadly virus which is something we are grateful for no matter which side of the aisle we sit on. You cant to show that even when we disagree we can do so without being disagreeable. No more do we agree more on the conservation of the great lakes. Theyre the largest surface fresh water system in the world, and its crucial that we protect them to the fullest extent possible. Thats why im grateful for the great lakes initiative, continue robust investment is sential to eradicating coastline erosion. Another area where we strongly agree the Indian Country. Its a testament to you and the rest of the members that we continue our nonpartisan approach to programs for erican indians and natives which is 1 4 of the bill. Which covid19 has hit Indian Country harder than any other area of the nation. As part of the task force, i as pleased to see 3 million in a program against violence against the knave American Indian and to address violence and other Violent Crimes against indijon women. This subcommittee continues to Work Together on behalf of Indian Country. I also appreciate especially for our western members that the bill provides full funding er the payment in lieu of taxing program and continues to include significant for the wildfire suppression and hazardous fuels activities. Could be an challenging year, these funds are critical to prevent the devastation weve seen in recent years. I was also pleased to see the bill provides 55 million for the final phase of the national air and Space Museum Renovation and along with increased funding for the Technical Assistant grant. The bill provides Additional Support for the grants to work with partners to restore wetlands and other habitat. I want to thank the chair and the staff to make a sincere effort to accommodate these priorities and alongside several republican. We appreciate by our constituents regardless of party. So thank you. However, while i applaud the bipartisan prioritys that have been increased in the bill, there are several problems that will need be addressed before the bill can become law. First and foremost, this bill adds several new controversial policy writers, administrator provisions and restore directives. Theyre aimed at stopping regulatory red tape and curbing Renewable Energy. It takes a step back on conventional energy. Several provisions in this bill under mine our opportunity r ability to do so. Learned e lessons we that we cannot protect american jobs if we cannot power them. Renewable energy is not ready to carry the load on its own. There are a number of bill provisions that weve agreed in conference for the past several years that have fallen out of this draft. Adding those items back will be essential to reaching an agreement. The bill benefits from offbudget emergency funding provided in other bills. Instead of using the savings from the assumed passage from the Great Americans outdoors act, this bill reallocates those funds. And the bill includes a new title with 15 million with socalled new spending for additional infrastructure that alone does not give the federal government license to continue to borrow and spend without any overarching plan for fiscal responsibility. It is for these reasons that i can not support this bill at this time in its current form. But im committed to working with you madam chair along with chairman loy and the rest of our colleagues in this committee as we muy through the fiscal 21 process. Im hopefully be able to craft an interior bill will that will receive bipartisan support to help conserve our nations cultural, natural and Environmental Resources that we care so deeply about. And i yield back. [laughter] seems mr. Cartwright doesnt like my speech as much. Mutual admiration societies. I would now like to recognize myself for opening remarks. I thank chair mccollum, Ranking Member joyce for your work on this bill as well as the staff for your efforts to review member and craft the product before us. House democrats reject the Trump Administrations pandering to the fossil fuel industry at the expense of the environment and on public land. Instead, we will promote solutions that preserve our landscapes, protect endangered species and help prevent the worst impact of Climate Change. He fiscal year 2021 interior appropriations bill would fulfill these obligations by nvesting 9. 37 billion for e. P. A. , an increase of 318 million including an increase of 13 million for super fund. 3. 2 billion, an increase of 55 million to the National Park service and 170 million for both the National Endowments of the arts and the National Endowment for the humanities. E. P. A. s je graphic programs serve to protect the health of the American Public as well as our most important eco systems which enables both enhance, recreational and business opportunities. When i first came to congress, i promised to clean up the Long Island Sound. Im proud to have secured reck levels of funding to rehabilitate this Precious Resource in the lower hudson valley. Including 30. 4 million in this bill today for the Long Island Sound regional program. I look forward to moving this bill to the floor of the house of representatives. I urge all members to support it. And i would now light to recognize Ranking Member granger for her opening remarks. Ms. Granger. Thank you. I want to thank chairman mccollum and Ranking Member joyce for the work theyve done on many programs supported by the interior bill. This bill does many good things for the preservation of Natural Resources. In addition the bill helps local communities across the country with education and safety needs particularly in Indian Country. Even though the bill funds you many shared priorities there are several policy items that raise concern. The bill eliminates several long standing common sense provisions that have had partisan support for many years. Stead the bill adds many new directives that would limit demoastic energy and prevent the administration from reducing regulatory burdens. Additionally, im concerned about spending across all the fiscal year 2021 appropriations bill and in particular the funding levels pro posed in this bill. This bill i cludes 15 billion in new emergency spending including components of the infrastructure bill that was pushed through the house last week without republican involve. Ment. Involvement. It was a departure from years of bipartisan work on infrastructure priorities. And i cant support this additional spending today. We must find ways to reign in federal spending while addressing our nations most pressing needs. I hope we can resolve these policy and funding differences. In closing, i want to recognize all the subCommittee Members for their dedication to the important programs in the bill and the staff for their hard work. Thank you, madam chair, and i yield back. Are there any other members wishing to make general comments about the bill . Mr. Lora. Mr. Lora is recognized. Let me thank the Ranking Member kay granger as well as chair Betty Mccollum for the leadership of this subcommittee. This bill once again prioritizes Environmental Protections by making strong vestments to provide for the public land. I would like to thank the chair for the 9. 4 million increase to the Long Island Sound Geographic Program which represent as record funding level of 30. 4 million. I might add that the Long Island Sound caucus is a bipartisan effort within the congress. A Long Island Sound a National Treasure whos watershed covers five or six states. More than 25 million citizens live within the shores. To t brings 31 million the commercial and tourism and other water dependent businesses. It funds conservation, watershed management activitys that protect and restore the environmental and economically vital resources of Long Island Sound. We also say tow the chair for prioritizing additional funding of 12. 9 million to address the president presence of contamination in our commune the. These chemicals are linked to a number of health defects including growth and the development of children. This funding will support the important work of establishing standards, recontaminating Drinking Water and the cleanup being done by the Environmental Protection agency my thanks to all the participants in this bill. And i yield back. Are there any other members wishing to make general comments about the bill . Madam chair . Mr. Captor seeks recognition. Thank you, madam chair. Chairwoman mccollum and Ranking Member joyce, bravo. You have written a truly historic bill. Your bill deliver first a america at the cross roads. The programs under your bill help us insure you clean air, clean water and helping to restore a Natural Balance to our world while the Ecological Health of our world hangs in the balance from Climate Change, your bill moves our nation to build a better future. Obviously, there are too many programs to mention that this bill abely supports. Unless i would like to thanking both the chair and Ranking Member for your support of the great lakes and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. This is critical for protecting nearly 90 of our nations Fresh Service water. The bill recognizes the importance of this vital resource providing 335 million. Provides critical support for dules bloom and eliminate the grli. Now, the initiative is poised to support targeted investment for our communities and support the great lakes regions blue economy. For too long the struggles of americas waste and Drinking Water systems had been ugnored. In addition to provide additional funding if the clean water and Drinking Water state Revolving Fund. The chairwoman mccollum has offered a lifeline to save our crumbling infrastructure by including a 3. 2 billion for infrastructure assistance i would like to applaud your assistance on the green fund encourages states to make green and Sustainable Investments at treatment facilities. The state revolve ling loan fund must be the engine for communities across our nation that invest in Green Infrastructure and energy upgrades. These investments are the life blood of our future. Chairman mccollum, you and your staff have labored tirelessly to invest in a new future for our fragile country and earth. I yiled back and urge support. Ms. Sleep recognized. Thank you very much. Hank you, chairwoman lowey and ranking web granger for your leadership and thank you chairwoman Betty Mccollum and mr. Joyce for an incredible bill. First of all, let me just say this. Our constituents are demanding that we dismant the legacy of slavery as captured in the monuments and flags across d country. Symbols celebrate the people that were brought here 200 years ago. Im one of the descendants. Thank you for your commitment and for not giving up on your efforts to accomplish what you have in this bill. We are deeply grateful. Also, i want to thank you for providing the 22 million to preserve the sites and stories of the civil rights movement. It includes 3 million to preserve and memorialize the sites where japaneseamericans were confined during a shameful mind you a shameful episode in our country. It includes 10 million for historically black colleges and universities turned Historic Preservation fund. It has been an avenue for our young people to launch themselves in productive careers and forge their identity as leaders. So many of my africanamerican students from california attend historically black colleges and universities some of thank you so much for that. This Grant Program assists hbcu to restore and preserve Historic Buildings under campus. Preserving these sites provides with us an invaluable physical link to help provides todays americans with the history of slavery and the fight for a more Perfect Union. This committee is grateful for investing in Environmental Justice. Thank you very utch many this bill increases fund to 9 million for the e. P. A. Which is an increase of 319 million. It will improve protect the health of our communities including low income communities, black and brown communities, our environment and tony sure clean water for our children and families. All the bill includes important language on science technology, engineering and math also known as stem and the diversity in our smithsonian institutions. This language reinforces the bridges between smithsonians curriculum and help to los the achievement gap first students of color and low income children. Thank you so much for helping us repair the damage of the past. I look forward to work with you as we work to move this bill on the floor. Im deeply grateful for all the provisions. Thank you again. Mr. Schultz is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. I commend you on putting together a bill that protects our land and Natural Resources. Invest in Climate Change, resilience and insure us that we are adequately investing in our nations crumbling system and Drinking Water systems. Thank you for providing funding in a variety of accounts that will insure floridas everglades and water supply will be managed and preserved properly. The bill includes language that prohibits the department of interior from authorizing offshore oil and gals leasing or related activities. Safeguarding our marine echo sm is an essential priority. We cannot afford another deep water horizon and we cannot risk our economy that depend on the beaches and coastline remaining pristine. I want to study the extraining of water for bottling. This provision would help us better understand what kinds of damages theyre causing in places like chinny springs, florida where the water level has been decreasing. Water bolingt Companies Pay no r than 100 to extract millions of gallons annually and preserving them. And this vital drinking resource is critical. It includes language encouraging the e. P. A. To provide assistance to states and municipalities like Fort Lauderdale who are suffering from cascading sewer failures. Further as we witnessed a resurgence of fascism and White Supremacy movement in our own nation, im glad the bill provides funding if the holocaust mue museum. It is important to keeping this message alive. Never again. And finally, im pleased the bill includes full funding for collected. Er thank you, for putting together an excellent bism and i yield back the balance of my time. Mr. Quigley is recognized. Thank you, madam chairwoman. I want to thank you on your work on this years bill. I want to point out a few specific things that are of note. I want to thank you so much for your hard work including the language of Land Management activities, protecting the birds and limiting Plastic Waste both within and outside National Parks. Finally, the Committee Report makes clear that in wildlife refuge rights away for power and pipelines must be as minimal as possible. The expansion of rights showlingd be considered extremely carefully and adhere to existing law. This provision like the bill, its entirety strikes the right tone for resilient Economic Growth. Once again, i would like to thank the Committee Staff on both sides of the aisle for their work on this legislation. Congratulations to all of you. And i will support the bill. Pingries is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. And thank you to the chair and Ranking Members of the committee, the chair in particular for putting together such a good bill and the hard working staff. Im very proud to be a member of this subcommittee and really appreciate many of the tough issues that have to be tackled. A lot has been said, but i want to meanings couple of other things. Im very fortunate to be cochair of the bipartisan arts caucus. And its wonderful to see 170 both for the n. E. A. And the n. E. H. Money for the arts gets targeted and partisan rhetoric and put down that Something Congress shouldnt be spending money on but this is a particularly hard hit sector. I dont think any of us should be dismissing this. It brings about 763 billion for our economy. Its 4. 2 of the g. D. P. A lot of the sectors could not say that about their contribution. Its been devastated because so much on the fly requires us getting together in a room and sitting close to each other. It sfretches broadway to each one of our communities, small towns, Small Community theaters all shut down. Some people in front and the people out back. So this has take an very, very hard hit. And not clear when it will come together again soon. So i really appreciate the funding that will go to many of the arts organizations in all of your communities. And i appreciate the added flexibility in the language to help keep these Community Institutions a afloat. I also appreciate the continued investments in Indian Country both for infrastructure and the Indian Health service. We know there are Health Inequities and during this covid19 is particularly important to have this funding. Also appreciate the new funding for research on the relationship between coronavirus and air pollution. Yet again snag we see a lot of economic and Community Disparities around this issue, and its important that we invest that money now. The bill continues to reverse past couts the e. P. A. And if there were ever a time we needed funding if the e. P. A. , it is today. Whether we need clean water, clean air, things that have been mentioned critically important. And just two things that i want to make it extremely important to my home state of maine. Having that language in here yet again attempts to reassure us that this will not happen in states like mine where it will be devastating to our fisheries and other critical uses of our offshore and inshore ocean territory. So increasing funding for the National Park service to address the maintenance backlog and hire new staff for park units. These are gyms and treasures and critical place. And i know maybe we can greatly use this funding and need it yesterday. So im glad that its there in there. Once again i want to thank the staff and the Committee Leadership for doing such great work on this and look forward to voting for this. I yield back. Thank you. Mr. Killmer is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. And before i begin, i want to take a brief moment to thank you, chair lowey for your incredible leadership on this committee and ecoo the comments made by my colleagues over the last few days. Its been said that leadership is not about being in charge. Its about taking care of those in your charge. And i want to thank you for the care youve shown to the members of this committee and to the people we represent. You care about our constituents, our communities, our families. Our priorities and concerns are your priorities and concerns too. And on behalf of my constituents and on behalf of three constituents in the kilmer family i want to few for being a special and impactful leader so. Thank you. As i extend gratitude, i want to say thank you to chairman mccollum and granger for the work on this bill. I represent a district thats home to 11 native americans tribes, the Olympic National forest, a National Park, the nations largest estuary by volume, puget sound. A brandnew National Heritage area. So every day, i see firsthand how the investments made in the bill help to grow rural economies, uphold our treaty and trust obligations to native americans. And protect our environment for generations to come. And theres a lot in this bill to be proud of. But i want to thank you for including the 30 million, a critical 5 million increase over fiscal year 2020. That will help our regional partners begin making Real Progress on the coordinated effort to recover the sound. Last summer, chairwoman mccollum and Ranking Member joyce, you were kind enough to travel to my neck of the woods to meet with tribal leaders, fishermen, farmers, to see how these investments actually translate into coordinated on the ground projects that will help to recover not only the health of our sound but also iconic species like salmon and orca. And i am grateful that this bill reflects our shared commitment to recover this iconic body of water which is a key economic power and rejects the president s shortsided proposal to eliminate this program entirely. I want to thank a minute to recognize this increase were made possible because later this Month Congress will finally pass the Great American outdoors act to permanently fund the land and Water Conservation fund and establish a new dedicated funding to address the multibillion dollar maintenance backlog at our nation parks and other public land. As someone who has worked to make these investment mandtoirks im committed to see that finally come to fruition. I want to thank my good friend and colleague mr. Symptom for lips on this effort that has gotten us here. As our nation continues to grapple with the rippling economics of this pan dem irks these creations will provide needed jobs and provide a critical lifeline to the communities i represent. That depend on a healthy Outdoor Recreation commifment so im extremely proud of the values and priorities reflected in this bill in combination with the Great American doors act and i urge my colleagues to support both. Thank you, and i yield back. Mr. Kilmer, before i turn to the next speaker. I just want to say that im you of the challenges made this year. I wish you and your family a great year ahead. And i ms. Watson coleman. Thank you, madam chair. I strongly support this anterior environmental bill and i think thank the chair and Ranking Member for work in this field. I want to highlight this bill and important investments, for the impact for minority and low income communities, the bill increases in Environmental Justice programs, reflects the subcommittee recognition of how critical it is to protect higher levels of environmental harm. While this is a relatively Small Program in the epas overall budget, is significant increase that i hope we can further expand in future years. Additionally, for years, with under invested in our nations infrastructure. Minority and low income americans being denied between air and water, this bill, 13 billion in emergency investments in clean Water Infrastructure cleanup, reflects it now in this crisis. Finally, i want to appreciate the committees continued funding for the commission. I have been working with my colleagues on the commissions to make sure the complete story of our nations history is old, we told, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2026. In the event of the last couple of months, and was trading how important it is that we truly understand our past. I look forward to working with the chair and Ranking Members to see if additional funds may be included for the commission, when we reach an agreement. With that, i support this important bill. Thank you, i yield back. Thank you, madam chair. I want to thank the chairman who i want to thank the chairman who has shown tremendous leadership in addressing so many issues in this committee, im proud to recognize the commitment of mr. Joyce. Im thrilled to see this report includes whats important in my state of michigan. Like the great lakes, protections for some of our nations, the most critical ecosystems, and commits to eliminating dangerous pollutants and contaminants in our schools and communities. Representing our state and district that has been environmentally devastated. I am encouraged to see epa will receive a total of 9. 28 billion, under funding and long delayed improvements to our Water Infrastructure since women, children and especially people of color. Among the programs epa 2. 7 billion is dedicated for clean water and Drinking Water state Revolving Funds. A combined total of 189 million targeted and grants to help fight contaminants in our water, such as lead. This bill includes language that will hold the Administration Accountable for slowing down the removal of dangerous lead pipes in our communities as part of ruleead and copper revision. I want to mention the great lakes. Coming from great lakes seat, 300 million allocation for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative allows us to continue to protect and restore this asset. Often, we look at the great lakes and not realize how important they are to the survival of our ecosystem. We must protect them from Invasive Species like the asian carp. I dont want to let it go without saying today that the leadership of our chairwoman to recognize i want to thank you for prohibiting funding to be parks tohe National Purchase or display the Confederate Flag. I am often asked why is there such a movement we talk about Racial Justice in america when it comes to a symbol of continuing slavery in this country, or to be waved next to our American Flag to me is the greatest insult being played out today in our environment. Thank you, chairman, for that. I want to put on the record that the womans caucus for this congress, i want to thank you, and im happy to see the funding included to protect women on native land from protections under violence. I am so happy to see that because as we see the report after report of how the women on our tribal lands are under seige, we are stepping up and recognizing we can make a difference. Serving on this committee has been one of the most empowering voices we have in congress because it addresses so many issues that are not on the front page of the paper. Its where the work happens and how we take care of our country. Thank you so much. I yield back. Thank you. I want to think chairwoman for i want to thank the chairwoman for her hard work along with the staff on both committees for the work theyve done to develop a balanced bill. I want to mention a couple things you were able to work with me, and i thank you on behalf of my district of the state of texas. 2500 for the u. S. Mexico border epa, its important to take care of the pollution we have. Is one of the da rivers thats been challenged in the whole u. S. So thank you for that. Thank you for the work on the brownfields grants program. It directs more funding to povertystricken areas. Thank you for the money and language on the Environmental Health area, and not only the gulf of mexico but other places also. In particular, thank you for the culture Education Funding and language. The language that directs the smithsonian to explore the american latino hispanic and the center. This is important for many reasons. The first european language spoken in the u. S. Was not english but it was spanish. The first establishment was in florida. If you look at the symbols we have, for example the american dollar bill is in spanish, a spanish symbol. Look at the origins of the cowboy, its from vaqueros from spain, and i could go on to other places. I want to thank you for the money and language to move forward and hopefully sometime in the near future we will talk about American Latino Center here. I also want to thank you for the representation of hispanic contribution to the American Society and culture because theres so much contributions we have from the hispanic heritage so i want to thank you for that. And thank you for the money on the Infrastructure Projects, we still have to work on that. I want to thank you for that, madam chair and Ranking Member and also for the conservation work you mentioned a few minutes ago so thank you. I yield back the balance of my time. Thank you very much. I want to briefly thank the chair, the subcommittee, and my good friend and Ranking Member, they are both very good friends. The exceptional job they did in respect to Indian Country in this bill. In the investments made in terms of healthcare in light of the current covid19 crisis in Indian Country is extraordinarily important and i appreciate the focus on this. I wont be able to support the bill in this current form for some of the reasons my friend, the Ranking Member laid out. I expect this bill to continue to improve during the legislative process parts. The parts relating to Indian Country probably cant get a lot better than it already is. I know my friends will be fighting hard in conference to preserve the gains they made and i think it ought to be recognized. This is a difficult bill. I had the privilege of sitting on the subcommittee for a number of years, and its difficult because it varies and is controversial. Energy issues, environment issues, you go through it. But im proud of, both democratic and Republican Leadership, over a decade now, back to our good friend and former colleague, kept the focus on indian issues, native american issues has never let that become a partisan divide, quite the opposite. It is one of the things inside the bill that unites both parties, and each side attributed anonymously and has. The house has done a lot better in this area in the senate and it doesnt matter whether democrat or Republican Leadership in the senate. This is something i think has emerged as a special priority and pride and bipartisan cooperation. I want to commend our distinguished subcommittee chair and Ranking Member for keeping that focus, making those investments and putting us in a position with considerable pride to say it is working hard to fulfill federal obligations in Indian Country. With that, i yield back. Thank you. Mr. Cartwright is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. Id like to begin by thanking chairwoman and the rest of the subcommittee, the staff and and Ranking Member joyce. I would like to reflect i thought he gave a fine speech this morning. [applause] the bill that you ] the bill that you together, put together invests in protection, it takes meaningful action to address, change and supports tribal communities which have been disproportionately impacted by the covid19 pandemic. Im particularly proud we include a supplemental appropriation that will provide 10. 2 billion for clean water and Drinking Water state Revolving Fund programs. These supplemental appropriations would protect our water quality, stimulate the economy and provide jobs for hardworking americans by investing in Water Infrastructure projects we need. In addition, im thankful we continue to invest in the cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay, a vital resource for the 18 Million People that live in its watershed, and the millions that visit the area every year. Many communities, even those hundreds of miles from the chesapeake, have had to implement storm water fees, derisively called rain taxes to meet the goal of the Chesapeake Bay agreement. Too often the burden of these these fees falls on those least able to afford it. Those who are elderly and on fixed incomes, those already choosing between food and medicine, and now have an additional monthly expense to deal with. The budget proposed by the administration of the white house requested only 7. 3 million for this Chesapeake Bay program. That would cause the spike in those so called rain taxes while we didnt have sufficient funds fully to alleviate the burden on local communities. These additional funds 5 , the 95 million in this bill will help their kids with fewer fees struggling. On struggling families. Im glad to invest in the pilot program, its a true Success Story of the corpus subcommittee. The program transforms in an Economic Opportunity and transitions into a new and brighter future. I think the chairwoman for her great leadership on the fiscal year 2021 interior appropriations bill, and i yield back. Saying no other member wishing to make opening remarks, i would like to recognize ms. Mccollum to offer a managers amendment. Madam chair, i have an amendment at the desk, and i ask it to be considered. Without objection. I have a managers amendment, and it makes a number of noncontroversial issues, a change to the bill. And to the report that have interest to many of the bipartisan members of the committee. I appreciate close collaboration with mr. Joyce. Our staffs worked together to put together this amendment, and we are in agreement with it. Mr. Joyce, i want to let you know i agree you gave a fine speech too. [laughter] and you blush. I urge the adoption of the amendment, and i yield back. I appreciate the opportunity to work with the chairwoman, her staff and colleagues to address noncontroversial bipartisan improvements to this report, and support the amendment and urge adoption. I yield back. Any other members who wish to be heard on the amendment . I recognize ms. Mccollum for one minute to close. I just ask for the amendment to be supported, and i hope we can go by voice. The question is on the amendment. All those in favor say aye. Those opposed say no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Are there any further amendments . Does the member from ohio rise . Madam chair, i have an amendment at the desk and ask unanimous consent. Read. My amendment is simple. It seeks to provide the president s requested level of funding for oil, gas and coal management is all set from the from 2017nobligated and prior. As i said in my opening, our economy we cannot protect american jobs if we cannot power them. We noble energy is not ready to carry the load. Renewable energy is not ready to carry the load. We need to invest in both. I urge the adoption of my amendment, and i yield back. Any members wishing to be heard on the amendment . Thank you. Mr. Joyce, i rise in opposition to your amendment, and i will do so in as much of an agreeable fashion as i can. This amendment decreases the gasrtment on short oil and program by 3 million, and the coal program by 3. 7 million. I would like to share why i feel this amendment is unnecessary. First, for several years the department has had unobligated balances in the oil and gas program. They cannot spend all the money they have been given. Why would we give them more . Hasnd, the administration an abysmal record in federal courts with respect to the oil and gas program. Consider these facts, and may, 287 leases covering 150,000 acres in the Eastern Central montana were thrown out because of a flawed analysis. Coveringay, 440 leases 336,000 acres in wyoming and montana were thrown out for violating stage croplands. Last year to leases from 2018 two leases from 2018 covering 900,000 acres in nevada, utah and wyoming were thrown out. The fact is, this department has been incompetent with environmental reviews due to political pressure to push these leases through and is causing massive problems. This needs to be fixed before we give them more money. Finally, given the overall contraction in the oil and gas industry due to covid19 pandemic, the department is not ramping up this program. Consider these facts. Oil is currently less than 40 a barrel, and Many Oil Companies will tell you it costs 55 65 per barrel to break even. The number of active oil and gas flows in the country have dropped passivity sleep because of the price collapse. Oil and gas permits were down by 69 in texas last month over the same period as last year, and nearly every company has announced large reductions in energy investments. No one is looking to expand right now. I want to point out, as mr. Joyce says, this bill does add money for Onshore Energy development and Renewable Energy programs. Investments inor solar, geothermal, and wind is where the expansion is. It is where the funding needs to be directed. I urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment, and i yield back. Are there any other members wishing to be heard on the amendment . If there is no further debate, member from ohio is recognized on the amendment for one minute to close. Madam chair, Market Forces are already driving this nation closer to fully sustainable domestic sources of energy. It is neither right nor necessary for this committee, this congress to pick winners and losers among thousands of workers in the energy sector. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this amendment, and i yield back. The question is on the amendment offered by the member from ohio. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say no. The nos have it. The amendment is not adopted. Madam chair. I request a roll call vote. A rollcall vote has been requested. Al of those in favor of recorded vote, raise your hand. A sufficient number being in support of recorded vote is ordered. The clerk will call the roll. Call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] members will now have five minutes to record their vote or change their votes. Madam chair . The gentleman is recognized. Madam chair, and i recorded . You are recorded. Thank you, madam chair. You are welcome, sir. On this vote the ayes are 19, the nays are 30. The amendment is not adopted. For what purpose does the member from North Carolina rise . Madam chair, i have an amendment to the desk and asked the reading be dismissed with. The clerk will read the amendment. I ask the reading be dismissed with. Without objection, the reading is dispensed with. Thanking to begin by our chair and Ranking Member for their work on this bill. It is a good bill, and it prioritizes things we need in terms of Environmental Stewardship and vital climate research, operations and maintenance of our public lands, and much more. Represents the largest of the preeminent epa labs in this country, i do take a particular interest in environmental production Environmental Protection agency basis. The amendment would prohibit the Environmental Protection agency to enact or enforce their strengthening transparency and regulatory science rule promulgated in 2018 and , first supplemented in march of this year. This rule would place new crippling limits on what studies can be utilized when epa crashed new regulations. The rules are a part of a dangerous pattern of attempts by this administration to silence scientists and to throw up barriers to regulations that benefit the environment and our Public Health. I think it is fair to say that science, scientific associations across the country oppose this rule, and even the epas own Science Advisory Board opposes this rule. It shows us that it really comes from the agencys political appointees. The rule would be unfeasible to implement and prevent the inclusion of any studies containing Sensitive Health information, proprietary industry data, and nonproducible studies on human or made natural disasters or the those thingsata on are not reproducible. I will not go into great detail about the Scientific Consensus on this rule, i will just quote from a couple of letters. The proposed rule seeks to solve a problem that does not exist. It instead creates new barriers to the epas use of scientific studies. Or are multiple mechanisms in place that address the reproducibility and the transparency of scientific studies. In a march 18, 2020 letter the American Association for the advancement of science said, the epas socalled transparency rule is not about transparency. It is not about strengthening science. Lets call the rule what it is, a deliberate attempt to exclude Scientific Evidence from the policymaking process. If a similar letter from the American Chemical Society and others. Isam chair, the epa contingent to push forward on this dangerous role despite Massive Public outcry, and disagreement from their own Science Advisory Board. For that reason it is our job as congress to ensure they cannot use appropriated funds to hamstring the legitimate regulatory process, and the evidence from which it legitimately draws, and to endanger rather to protect Public Health. We must reject scientists and scientific information, and ensure decisions made that affect our environment and Public Health are based on the best available scientific information. That is the bottom line. It is why i urge my colleagues to vote yes on this amendment, and i yield my time back. Mr. Joyce is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. I oppose the amendment, which seeks to undermine the administrations efforts to ensure the revelatory sign underline epa is fully transparent and publicly available in a manner sufficient for independent validation. Epa has taken measures to ensure the role to protect confidential , proprietary, and personal information. The agency has provided ample time for the Science Advisory Board and members of congress and other stakeholders to participate in the rulemaking incess and way in weigh how this rule can be appropriate agency is committed to addressing many outstanding concerns and comments from the recent comment as it works to finalize the rule. We should let this rule go through the standard rulemaking process. I urge a no vote and yield back. The senator is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. I rise in strong support of my colleagues amendment. The administration appears it will stop at nothing when it comes to weakening Environmental Health protections. Now, the trump epa wants to prevent the agencys career experts from using the best available science when writing regulations to limit pollution because that will mean weaker rules that will cost looters less money. Every scientific and medical organization that has looked into this proposed rule thinks its a terrible idea, including the American Lung association, the american thoracic association, National Academy of science and, as mr. Price pointed out, even epas scientific Advisory Board would sit out nine major problems with this rule. This rule would only serve to undermine Public Health and i urge my colleagues to block the epa from finalizing the rule and support the price amendment. I yield back. Ms. Wasserman schultz is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. I rise in support of my distinguished colleagues really intelligent and focused amendment. In another life, mr. Price was a College Professor and thats why im not surprised to see that he has offered a commitment to black epa rule that would shut science and research out of the policymaking process. Washington needs more scientific and empirical input in our policy process, not less. The current administrations war on science has shown what happens when you dont heed the lessons of data and research. You end up with bad policies that causes more harm than good. Does everyone here remembers sharpie gate . The Inspector General found that no officials violated the agencys scientific integrity policy when they erroneously marked up a hurricane forecast map with a sharpie to please the president. The administration has also the discouraged agencies from using the term Climate Change and the president has called it a hoax. The president also with no evidence points to the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in treating covid19. Some of that has even shown the opposite. Or we can look at how the administration has barreled forward with cursory, poorly crafted environmental reviews that havent properly considered science for projects like the dakota axis pipeline or arctic message oil and gas. The epa has also conducted a purge of scientists at its own agency. The epa Science Advisory Board has been sidelined and has experience resignation in protest. Madam chair, there are countless more examples. We should all want a government that utilizes the best science and research. Failing to use data in policymaking is akin to wildly stabbing in the dark and hoping you hit something. In a worstcase scenario, it leads to the capture of regulatory agencies by industry who sometimes benefit when governments fail to properly consider the environmental and Public Health of policy. I recommend a yes vote on this really well thought out amendment. Lets make sure that the federal Agency Responsible for protecting our air and water is using the best available science. Thank you, i yield back. Mr. Simpson is recognized. I thank the chair lady. Before i talk about this amendment, let me first say how appreciative i am of the chairwoman and Ranking Member ability to put together, and the staff. Theyve done an amazing job of trying to address most of the concerns of members on both sides of the aisle and i appreciate the work on this bill. As far as this amendment goes, ever since we debated this in 2018 and then again in 2019, ive been trying to figure out where i was wrong in opposing this and why the proponents of this were correct. So far, i havent been able to figure that out. I havent figured out why the proponents of this are so proposed to science. Especially transparency and science, which is what this rule is really about. Its transparency in science. According to cal berkeley, assigned to victory is defined as in science a broad natural exclamation for a wide range of phenomena series or concise, coherent, systematic, productive and broadly applicable often integrating and generalizing many hypotheses. Theories accepted by the Scientific Committee are strongly supported by many different lines of evidence. That is exactly what were talking about here today. The epa should be basing its policy decisions on sound science and the public needs for the epa that they are making their decisions based on sound science. All this does is provide transparency so that the public knows the science thats being used by the epa to make its decisions. I dont know why thats controversial. Most scientists publish their findings in journals that are reviewed. Why should the epa not be able to do that . Why should they not have that same transparency . This proposed rule is consistent with current passed federal government initiatives to increase scientific transparency. Its also important to note that under this, other agencies use these policies, and under this, it ensures the confidential and personally identifiable information is not disclosed. It guarantees that. Moving forward during the decisionmaking process, epa will only rely on science thats publicly available. Publicly available. Why should the public not know where this science is coming from . Doing so will give more confidence that the epa is using the best available science and that its apparent in its decisionmaking process. Current epa proposal also provides for exemptions from making information public notlable, as i said, would compromise privacy or confidentiality. It would also note that the comment time received an extension stemming from requests from the democrats. This Comment Period closed in may and the majority of comments are in favor of greater transparency. Transparency in the science that enables independent validation of scientific conclusions is important to advance epa mission advancing epas mission and in advancing science. So after all of this consideration that ive done over the last two years trying to figure out where everybody was coming from, the only thing i could think of when i consider why would you be opposed to transparency and science . In science . Why would you be opposed to the public been able to see where the science is coming from . The only thing i can think of, and i heard it here from some who speak, is that its proposed by this administration. Its proposed by this administration that we must oppose it because it cant be right. Theres no logical reason. I would urge i wont ask for a roll call vote and i think id lose. I was born at night, but i wasnt born last night. So, i would urge my colleagues to vote against this but think about what youre doing and think about what the true intent of this rule is get the politics out of it. This is a deliberative body. Partisan politics unfortunately enters into it too often. I yield back. Are there any other members wishing to be heard on the amendment . Judge carter, you may be recognized. [inaudible] did you wish to speak . No, maam. Sorry about that. If there is no further debate, the amendment from North Carolina is recognized on the amendment for one minute to close. Thank you, madam chair. As i hope this discussion makes clear, the issue here is not transparency or reproducibility, both of which are Standard Features of Scientific Research and are good things. The problem is throwing up impossible standards of transparency and reproducibility that make it, that exclude huge swaths of research from being considered for the scientific rulemaking enterprise. And as i said earlier, the main problematic area are Sensitive Health information and proprietary industry and data from disasters that, by definition, cannot be reproduced. So the question is, are we going to throw up these standards as a way of excluding crucial evidence and hamstringing the regulatory process . Medical data cant always be made completely transparent. Longitudinal public house duties cant always be reproduced. We need to apply common sense to this and balance and understand that the testimony, the universal testimony of the Scientific Committee here is fully cognizant of the issues and has come down firmly against this proposed rule. So i urge my colleagues to come firmly down in the same way and accept this amendment. Thank you. The question is on the moment the amendment offered by the member from North Carolina. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it and the moment the amendment is adopted. Ah, the birthday boy has the next amendment, mr. Newhouse. Should we sing you happy birthday and then move on to your amendment . No. [laughter] you happy birthday to happy birthday to you newhousethday mr. Happy birthday to you [applause] wow. Now, for what purpose does the member from washington rise . Just to hear a birthday song, thats all. [laughter] thank you, madam chair. I have an amendment at the desk. The clerk will read the amendment. Offered by mr. Neuhaus. I request, madam chair, that they dispense with the reading. Without objection, the reading of the amendment is dispensed with. Madam chair, i by the way, thank you for recognizing my 35th birthday. I appreciate it very much. By the way, you all sound great this morning. But before i begin, i would just like, as others have done, and as you near your end of your long illustrious career, madam chair, i want to add my voice to those recognizing your strong leadership and your fairness in guiding this committee. I think i can say that youve given all of us the opportunity to be our best and i sincerely thank you for that. I thank you. Means a great deal. Madam chair, Ranking Member granger, members of the committee, the amendments before you would strike five bipartisan positions that would hamper this nations efforts to strengthen our Energy Independence. I believe they have no place in this interior appropriations bill. But first is regarding bureau of Land Management leasing and the in the Arctic National wildlife refuge. This is not new to the committee nor is it new to the peoples house. In addition to creating new jobs in alaska and across the nation, opening this minuscule area to Oil Exploration empowers the United States to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil and disparate and expand our Domestic Energy supply. While i expect the subcommittee chair may tie this to an argument about the historic tax cuts passed by congressional republicans, what we really should point out is the importance of this region to securing our Nations Energy independence. Under this administrations laser focus, for the first time in nearly 70 years, we became a net exporter of oil and we should build upon this development and not do things to undercut it. My amendment strikes another provision that harms the great state of alaska, which by the way, is represented by the esteemed dean of the house, mr. Young, who is a fierce advocate, both for American Energy dominance and for the people of alaska and their precious natural wildlife and environment. Including their National Forest and their Timber Industry. Unfortunately, this bill seeks to continue the clinton era roadless rule, which prevents the multiple use mandate for federal forest lands. My amendment would strip this unnecessary rider from blocking healthy Forest Management in the National Forest. My amendment also removes the unfair and misguided moratorium on even the potential for Mineral Development in northeastern minnesota. This provision prevents the United States from securing its own Mineral Resources and hands over control of our supply chains to dangerous foreign actors like china and russia. It deprives Minnesota School districts of millions of dollars in mining royalties, all while blocking jobs and Economic Growth in a region desperately in need of them. Representative stopper stauber has been a steadfast champion for the people of the iron range and his advocacy, alongside that of representative hammer, rightly prioritizes the likelihood of the people of northeastern minnesota. Not ideological partisans who reside elsewhere. Appropriations riders like this unfairly remove even the possibility of fair consideration for a potential projects ability to meet or even exceed the robust standards and the Environmental Protections already in place. House republicans are leading the charge to combat the distressing foreign independency foreign dependency our nation currently faces on critical and rare minerals. And i stand with my colleagues on their commitment to American Resource Development because lets be clear about this. Mining is already taking place in this very watershed. But unfortunately, its taking place just north of the border. Our canadian friends recognize mining can be done responsibly and we should, too. Another provision in this bill prohibits the epa from replacing the obama administrations job killing methane rule, which was a regulatory blow to the American Energy sector and unnecessarily harmed Economic Growth. Duplicative in costly mandates like this held america back from energy dominance. We must recognize the fact that methane emissions have decreased while production has increased over the same time. Over the same period. In fact, it is due to innovation and Technology Improvements in the oil and gas industry that the u. S. Has been a world leader in Emission Reductions over the past five years. We should ensure science and facts inform these decisions and not politics. The last rider my amendment strikes, madam chair, affects something that takes place in my own state. Unfortunately, some states, like washington, are currently abusing the section 401 certification process under the clean water act to block the progress of federally permitted energy projects. The politicization of this law jeopardizes clear guidelines for the timely review of Infrastructure Projects while also harming economic and job growth. Several of our colleagues, including representative cheney from wyoming and jim forte from montana, have rightly worked to halt this abuse and advocate for the resource rich powder river basin, which is currently being blocked from accessing International Markets through ports in my home state. I believe this is wrong, and as the epa works to finalize the clarification of this important law, the Appropriations Committee should not be legislating the agencys decisionmaking. Madam chair, as a proud member of the congressional western caucus, and also a proud republican who supports strengthening our nations all of the above energy strategy, i offer this amendment to strike these partisan riders and they have no place being a part of this appropriations bill and i would ask that lets get back to the bipartisan tradition of this committee and agreed to remove these writers today so we can focus on the important duty of appropriating, rather than politicizing these important facets of our Nations Energy independent efforts. With that, madam chair, ill back the balance of my time. Thank you. Ms. Mccollum . Thank you, madam chair. Rise in strong opposition to this amendment. As i pointed out, they were overwhelmingly supported by members of both sides of the aisle in house floor. Were still the same congress that we were last year. The same members, for the most part, except as some exceptions. We know how the vote will turn out. Now, with the circumstances we find ourselves in with covid19, i decided to put them in the building. As i said, many of these provisions passed overwhelmingly on the floor and they were supported by members on both sides of the aisle. First, i would like to speak to the bipartisan language which presents the epa from finalizing the rule to roll back on pollution control meant to prevent gas leaks. These leaks are a major source of carbon pollution. Rolling back this rule actually makes bad financial sense, too, because the last natural gas leaks the more the Natural Gas Companies will have to sell. Second, the bill includes a provision blocking the implementation of the trump epas plan to got state authorities to protect water under the clean water act. Governors from both parties all across the country have denounced the epas effort to undermine their ability to protect the rivers, their lakes, their streams, and other parties of water within their state. Fourth, excuse me, third, the bill contains a provision that simply asks the administration to raise the money it promised from oil and gas sales in the arts of wildlife refuge. Well, they use that oil and gas sale to balance their tax bills. And so for three years, they have told us they will raise 1 billion. And this bill simply says ok, raise the 1 billion. How is that objectionable . The bill includes a provision to protect the tongass National Forest for more development that would negatively impact wildlife fishing and recreation in the water. I will speak to the rainy river watershed. It is most unfortunate that the gentleman thinks that i should not have an opinion on a National Wildlife refuge or a National Park or a National Wilderness area. My objection and work has been to protect a National Wilderness area. The gentleman points out that some members in minnesota oppose this. Overwhelming majority of minnesotans, the overwhelming majority of minnesotans, support the actions that i am taking. The gentleman implies that i dont support mining. We have a rich history of mining which, at one time, created great pollution and i support to aconite mining. The gentleman points out that in canada, they do sulfite, copper copper ore mining, which has never been done, by the way, and such prestigious body of freshwater in the United States here. Canada, based itself with a huge disastrous consequence of acres and acres of pristine forests and of fish and water being destroyed with the sulfur, copper spell. Spill. So, canadians are rethinking how this mining should move forward. Finally, i would say that yesterday, in the agricultural committee, i held up a 60 page redacted report. When i first became involved in this issue after the Trump Administration, i asked mr. Zinke and i asked mr. Perdue if they would let the study go through, the twoyear study to see if we could even say fleet safely mine, safely mine in this pristine waterproof water soap you are that you could put a cop in and say fleet drink it while youre canoeing. 20 months into a 24 month study, they abruptly stopped the study. And the response weve had back is congress to seat with the taxpayers has been 60 pages of redacted reports. If its so safe to mine, why not share the report . Share the report. That is all ive been asking for. Share the report, share your findings. Why stop a study 20 months into 24 months and then boom, boom, boom, with leasing then money and not one piece of Scientific Research shared with this congress . I am told no, you cannot see it. We are told no, you cannot see it. This region of the country needs to be protected from this type of mining. Just as the Trump Administration protected the same types of treasures, even smaller, in montana and in washington state. As you can see, i stand strongly behind my decision to provide these provisions in the bill and i urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. And with that, madam chair, i yield back. Mr. Joyce is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. I may take issue with the gentlemans alleged 35th birthday, i do strongly support his amendment. Me that mic it concerns me that these and other riders, which curtail our Nations Energy independence by limiting conventional energy, were added to the bill in several longstanding bipartisan provisions have fallen out. One of the most important lessons we learned from the covid19 pandemic is that we cannot sit back and rely on foreign nations to supply the resources of which we depend the most. We must continue to aggressively pursue an all the above approach that utilizes all our domestic Natural Resources, including coal, oils, mineral, timber, natural gas, and wind. Therefore, i start we support the gentlemans amendment to strike these controversial riders and look forward to working with my colleagues on the final bill that promotes and prioritizes, not hinders, u. S. Production of energy and Natural Resources. Thank you, madam chair. I yield back. Mr. Quigley is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. I would join the subcommittee chairwoman in opposition to this unlimited one of the provisions of the bill that this amendment seeks to strip wood and millions of dollars of taxpayer subsidy to the Timber Industry in alaska and stop the irreparable damage to the tongass National Forest, a treasured part of our unique National Heritage. The tongass attracts hunters and sportsmen from around the world , is home to diverse ecosystems and numerous alaska native communities, and its one of the most important natural carbon sinks on the planet, playing a Critical Role in slowing manmade Climate Change. But by some estimates, taxpayer subsidies for logging in tongass costs taxpayers 31. 69 a year and yield 1. 7 million in return, a loss of nearly 30 million a year that i hope alone would be enough reason for my friends across the aisle to oppose the continuation of this wasteful policy and provisions of this moment seeks to remove where to save taxpayers money and protect our Natural Resources. For that reason, i urge a no vote and yield back. Ms. Granger is recognized. Madam chair, i support the gentlemans amendment to strike these controversial riders and riders. Riders violate the spirit of my bipartisan budget agreement signed into law last august. The language carried in the bill would undermine americas Energy Independence and would bar access to the very Natural Resources that build and fuel our great nation. The coronavirus pandemic has taught us an important lesson and dependence on other countries for vital resources poses a threat to the stability and functioning of the United States. Therefore, i urge my colleagues to support the gentlemans amendment to strike these controversial riders and ensure continued American Energy independence. Thank you, madam chair, ill yield back back. Mr. Cole is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. Before i make my remarks, i want to make a modest suggestion that you might consider for the committee to adopt the banner birthday song as the official birthday song. As my friends on the republican side note, its so much quicker and to the point, so this is your birthday song. It doesnt last too long. Hey isnt that better . I think we should, in the spirit of bipartisanship, memorialize our former speaker and do that. Seriously, do support my friends a moment and i want to talk a little bit about why in more general terms may be the discussion normally goes. I really think i represent an oil and gas state, no doubt, and i represent a big oil and gas district and im very proud of both. And i will also represent a district that probably any district augusta gathering in terms of wind powered over 40 of electricity in oklahoma is generated by wind. So, we dont find a contradiction between clean energy and oil and gas energy and we recognize they both have uses and we worked really hard to try to make sure the oil and gas industry is environmentally responsible in our state. And its very environmentally responsible, much more so, frankly, than it was 20 years ago. I dont have any problem with us working that way. I think you have to also look at the realities here. The reality is the Energy Industry and the United States, the traditional Energy Industry provides hundreds of thousands of jobs. As my good friend from washington pointed out, its lowered the cost of energy for every american. And i can tell you, over the last decade, until the recent Economic Growth under this administration, the biggest raise the anybody got in america, it was lower gasoline prices for the car and lower heating and cooling prices for their homes. You can thank the fossil fuel industry for that, particularly the Natural Gas Industry for that. My friends also, several of them alluded to this, and lets be real. Most of my adult lifetime, we were dependent on foreign energy. For us to have moved from energy in order to export, frankly, this was not a Government Program prayed this was private industry in the Energy Industry, its of biggest strategic game changer in the last generation for america and it will keep us out of wars abroad. Finally, if you thank you will get rid of carbonbased Energy Provides well over 70 , close to 80 , of all the energy in the country, anytime soon, think again. Again, im not against pursuing wind. Im for it. Im for solar. Other forms of energy that a does are cleaner, i think those are good things. But lets not vilify an industry that frankly has made life enormously better and made all of us enormously secure. I thank my friend, who is exactly on point. One of the reasons this bill is as many good things as it has will not get bipartisan support is because many of us look and say its anti fossil fuel and anti American Energy independence. Thats a mistake. I know my friend has thought through this and i thank him for bringing the amendment to the floor and i look forward to supporting it. With that, i yield back, madam chair. If there is no further debate, the member from washington is recognized on the amendment for one minute to close. Thank you, madam chair, and i would only say that this is a good bill in many ways, and i hope that we could bring it to the floor with broad bipartisan support, but this is the Appropriations Committee and i think this is the right thing to do to remove these. These sections of the bill that, frankly, they will be lost in a Conference Committee with the senate anyway, and so to remove the challenges that we could actually have a successful bill that could withstand the Conference Committee, be passed by both bodies and signed into law by the president , i think thats the most important thing we can do, and i appreciate the opportunity to point these issues out and would respectfully ask for support by my colleagues of the committee. The question is on the amendment offered by the member from washington and all those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed, say no. No. Opinion of the chair, and the have it amendment is not adopted. Madam chair, i would ask for a recorded vote. All those in favor of a recorded vote, it has been requested, a sufficient number being in support is ordered and the clerk will call the roll. [roll call] [roll call] on this vote, the ayes are 19. Nays are 30. The amendment is not adopted. Is there any further amendment or discussion . Seeing none, i recognize the gentlewoman from ohio for a motion and i ask for your support for this bill. Madam chairwoman, i move to favorably report the interior and environment appropriations act of 2021 to the house. The question is on the motion. All those in favor, say aye. Those opposed, no. No. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. Oh, ok. A recorded vote has been requested. All those in favor of a recorded vote, raise your hand. A sufficient number being in support, a recorded vote is ordered. The clerk will call the roll. [roll call] [roll call] does any member wish to record their vote or change their vote . The clerk will tally. On this vote, the ayes are 30. The nos are 19. The motion is agreed to. I ask unanimous consent that the staff be permitted to make technical and conforming changes to the bill and report just approved. Seeing no objections, so ordered. [inaudible] oh. [laughter] we are taking a brief break so that ledge branch can come up, get organized, and we can move ahead as efficiently as we can. So that we can go on, whether its home or wherever youre going. Lets move on. Thank you. Congratulations. Good work. [inaudible conversations] chairwoman lowey consideration of the interior environment appropriations bill, fiscal year 2021. I will not recognize to present the bill. Chairwoman lowey consideration 1 appropriations bill. It reflects the hard work and participation of our Committee Members as well as the good ideas we have received from many sources including my colleagues and outside experts. The bill provides increased funding to support staff and other resources that Congress Needs to do its job well. The bills analytic capacity in the legislative branch and to address high priority Information Technology and security. For example, the bill provides a 25 million increase for the which covers staff, office space and other facilities. I believe it is sufficient to express our new normal as members move into a new means of interacting with constituents. It turns out to an average of office. Per member of our bill creates a new house modernization initiatives account and provides a down payment of 2 million to start the process of modernizing the house. I believe this funding is necessary to bring the house into the 21st century. This bill also provides increases to the main analytical agencies in the legislative branch to continue building their capacity including the Congressional Budget Office and Congressional Research service, and Government Accountability office. Now that i have mentioned all the parts of the bill that i know theres broad consensus on, i wanted to discuss some items that require a tougher conversation. First, i once again included language on the bill to prevent People Holding employment authorization under the daca program to work for congress and other legislative Branch Agencies. D. R. E. A. M. E. R. S. Are americans, and should be able to serve their country in this body. I included it because it is the right thing to do, and i want to welcome these members to our National Community to seek employment with congress and the leg Branch Agencies. Second, the bill includes language talking the cost of members. Justment for right now, with everything going on in our country, i believe this is necessary. However, i would like to point out that this will be the 12th Consecutive Year that no costofliving adjustment has been provided. With the average rent in 2300. Ton, d. C. At right now, every federal judge from the District Court to the Supreme Court is compensated at a much higher rate than members of congress. We need to have a real discussion on this issue, or will have a congress were only millionaires could afford to serve. Finally, the bill includes longoverdue language directing the architect to remove the statues or busts in the u. S. Capitol that represent figures who participated in the Confederate Army or government, as well as the statues of 4 white supremacists, including roger b taney. I hope this action will begin a larger conversation we need to other statues in the capital representing figures who are press various minority groups. And there may be portraits throughout the capitol complex that need to be reevaluated, too. Largerthis is part of a National Debate that other appropriations subcommittees will address, but we need to make a statement now on something we can control, the removal of statues that many visitors to the capitol find offensive. This is the peoples house, so lets make sure all people are welcome. Before i yield back, i would like to recognize the staff for the hard work and time they have put into this bill under difficult circumstances. From the majority staff committee, i would like to thank matt washington in his first cycle as a clerk of the leg branch, and sue as well as Rachel Jenkins from my personal stuff. From the minority committee, i would like to thank michelle, also in her first cycle as minority clerk, as well as ben from the Ranking Member staff. Finally, i want to thank for her three decades of service to this country. Over those three decades, you have been an effective legislator and is leader in this committee and this congress. I cant wait until we are back in our Committee Room handing your portrait, so you can take your rightful place among the titans of this committee. I ask for your support of this bill. I yield back. Lowey i would now like to recognize the subcommittee Ranking Member, ms. Herrera butler. Thank you. Thank you, madam chair. Ryan,ank you, chairman for including several initiatives in this bill that are important to me and my republican colleagues. The recommendations for fiscal year 2021 legislative Branch Appropriations bill provide 4. 19 8 billion, excluding the senate items, which historically are left to the senate to determine. It is 207 million above the fiscal year 2020 level million w the budget request. Bestmost of the congress has had to adjust like most of the nation to the way it does business during covid19. Our committees, agencies and ,perations around the capitol we have had to become more flexible and much more reliant on technology. Thatbill offers support will allow the house to maximize its effectiveness with the use of technology where maintaining decorum, increasing transparency and allowing the chamber to function under new and uncertain circumstances. While i am pleased that this bill supports accessibility for visitors and staff, specifically with different, or as some people call, disabilities, it specifically provides an opportunity to provide increased assistance to deaf or hard of hearing capitol hill members, visitors, for technological assisted devices. The library of congress received Adequate Funding for many of the provides. It in addition, the library received the funding necessary for Major Construction project that will have a resounding impacts on the 1. 7 million visitors who work through their doors annually, as well as satisfying over all capacity needs for the next two decades. This bill also supports the Critical Mission of the Capitol Police, as they continue their mission with distinction in response to an everchanging threat environment, ensuring safety to visitors, members and staff on the capitol complex. We thank them for their service to members, to staff, and to the visiting American Public. While this bill has taken care of some important initiatives to branch,the legislative it is silent on any funding to continue our response to the coronavirus in the coming fiscal year. House. The peoples the American People expect us to safely continue our work to help citizens and instances survived this and businesses survive this pandemic. Theust ensure the safety of people who work and visit the capitol complex. The sooner we get this right, the sooner our doors can open to the public. My hope is that this happens in the near future. I am concerned that the 5 increase in bill enjoys was only able to happen because of the emergency funding used in other bills, which frees up space within the budget cap. There is an increase in overall spending in this bill, yet we have not built in some of the covid response, cleaning and necessary safety precautions that we all know we will need into the fall. That concerns me. I remain hopeful we can continue to work through this and other controversial issues as we move forward in this legislative process. Ey,that end, chairman low as regards to pictures and partners around the capitol, it will be great if we return to our room and lucy all the portraits, all the former of the Appropriations Committee, it will be nice to finally have a true decoration up in the appropriations room with a chairwoman. I dont think any of us will have controversy over. [applause] then he say thank you, again, to chairman ryan. It has been a pleasure to work with him, and to the majority and minority staff will make us look good. Thank you, and i yield back. Lowey thank you for your kind words. I would now like to recognize myself for opening remarks. I thank chairman ryan and Ranking Member Herrera Butler further work on this bill, as well as the staff for their efforts to resume member requests and craft the product before us. The fiscal year 2021 legislative Branch Appropriations bill makes key investments in our workforce, from funding for a house modernization initiatives, to increased resources for diversity and inclusion efforts, to more fully represent the needs of the Diverse Communities we serve. As our nation weathers the covid19 pandemic, we must ensure that members of congress can effectively work on behalf of their constituents, and that legislative branch employees can perform their duties safely. The fiscal year 2021 legislative Branch Appropriations bill would 640 both by providing million for the members representational allowance, a 4 increase above the fy2020 enacted levels, providing offices with the ability to meet rising costs, and ensure Safe Environments for staff. 631. 3 million to the architect of the capitol. 031. 8 million above the fy202 enacted levels. 2 million for modernization efforts in the house, and an increase of 500,000 for the office of diversity and inclusion. Groundstol and its should be a place where all americans feel welcome to work and visit. To that end, this bill would caotect the rights of da recipients to work in the legislative branch. It also includes Strong Language removing statues and imagery that honor divisive figures who were involved in the confederacy or otherwise have unambiguous records of racial intolerance. I look forward to moving this hill to the floor of the house of representatives, and i urge all members to support it. I would now like to recognize Ranking Member granger for her opening remarks. You,granger thank chairman ryan and everyone else for the work they have done to address Critical Issues in congress. The work ofcognizes the committee on modernization and takes steps to make congress more efficient and transparent on behalf of the American People. To bill funds priorities support the capitol aging infrastructure and support the health and safety of employees and visitors. The men and women of the Capitol Police demonstrate the high standards of professionalism, and this bill recognizes their sacrifice by ensuring they have the resources they need to continue to keep the complex safe. Unfortunately, i have concerns that will prevent me from supporting this will in its current form. 11 months ago, and bipartisan budget agreement set the top line spinning level for fiscal year 2021. There was consensus at the time that tells would not contain. Olicy riders this bill violates the spirit of that agreement. The total cost of the bill increases by 5 , and there are new riders inserted that more the bill. E i hope we can come together on these issues as the process moves forward. I want to thank the subCommittee Members on their work as well as minority and majority staff. Thank you, madam chairwoman. By jun i yield back. Chairwoman lowey are there any other members wanted to make general comment on the bill . You are recognized. Rep. Castor i want to thank chairman ryan and Ranking Member Herrera Butler further work on this very important and also extend thanks to chairman lowey and Ranking Member granger. I want to touch on a few aspects of this bill. I am pleased to see the open World Leadership Center emerging as an even starting with the emerging Democratic Leaders in the former soviet space. There is no question we can do more as a legislative branch and helping others be more effective in a parliamentary setting, and this moves america down that road. Number two, i am pleased with the inclusion in this measure of direction to the u. S. Botanic gardens to increase funding to expand outreach programs to build upon the Botanical Gardens agriculture training and education initiative, especially in urban challenged communities that are food short. There is such potential for advancement there. Congress has a long way to go if we want to lead the nation in paycheck fairness, and a study completed in 2019, the first of its kind, however staff participation was only 51 in that. Thus, this bill requests the cao to implement the study to collect a larger sample size and better understand staff pay disparities that exist across the house of representatives. Hard,ct chairman ryans Ranking Member Herrera Butler and Committee Staff for diligently working to incorporate these priorities and others. I yield back and ask for support. I want to begin by thanking the chair of the subcommittee and Ranking Member for their hard work to craft this bill and help us manage the capital campus. It is a very important job. I would like to flag something for their attention as they continue their work and legislation moves forward. I am concerned about the library of Congress Plans to rebalance its book and manuscript work. The request calls for the elimination of decertification. That is the first the full committee has heard about plans to eliminate this program. As a former member of the thatmmittee, my view is the decertification program has been a success for more than 20 years. The library acknowledges that it that. 5 million books remain to be treated, with 500,000 books of critical importance to the library collection. 500,000 books require at least two years of more work. The library says that would like to move these books to cold storage. I am concerned cold storage costs more than ds edification. Deacidification. Cold storage further does not provide safekeeping for these critically important books. Library study data simply does not support the conclusion that it is time to move away from ification, from a cost or preservation basis. I used to be a historian. My son was the chief archivist of the chickasaw nation for five years. So it is something i care about. Preserving original documents is important. We have a National Archive for a reason. We could digitally preserve everything, the constitution of the u. S. , the declaration of independence, but we know there is Intrinsic Value in the original document. I dont know how allowing the record, is ah is a good idea in conducting the study. I dont have a problem with the study. Lets just not have people who have already decided what they want to do, making a study as to whether their decision is correct. I dont oppose a review of the program. I just ask we fully fund the dea cidification program and fully fund the study going forward. I ask the chair and Ranking Member to take a hard look. Awayme i see us moving from preserving original documents to just shoveling just shuffling them off into storage, 100yearold records put in storage, that doesnt look good after a couple of years, the Chemical Interaction that goes on, even in the best kind of storage. Preservation is something we should keep first and foremost at the library. So the subcommittee chair and Ranking Member, i ask you to look at this and make the right judgment in the end. I would like to respond. I appreciate your comments and your experience. HaveHerrera Butler and i had an ongoing conversation with the library. We appreciate your input. This is a conversation that you will now be part of. Thank you for offering your services. Chairman ryan i would like as a point of personal privilege to suggest my good friends and all my wonderful colleagues that we have eight people who have requested time. It would be very nice if you could all be brief. Oure we are concluding time, and many are moving on to airports and other forms of transportation. Thank you. Mislead. Miss lee. Least toative i am support the leg Branch Appropriations and i will be brief. It is crucial to view Funding Priorities through the lens of Racial Justice and ensure all our creations bills this year beyond to meetnd this moment and work toward dismantling racism. Billeeply grateful this includes language to remove confederate statues and busts, including those who have perpetuated racism from the unlighted states capital. This is an issue myself and chair Bennie Thompson have been working on for years. We must confront the horrors of institutional slavery and those who fought to preserve it. These painful symbols of support for the continuation of slavery, trees, and slavery, treason and racism have no place in our country and in our statues in the n should be and should not be enshrined and glorified in the United States capital. Thank you for the 1. 5 Million Dollars for the office of diversity and inclusion. As a former staffer to the late dellums, i ron was one of the few black staffers on the hill let that time. I know the importance of diversity here on the hill in the necessity to remove barriers and establish policy for inclusion. I am pleased the bill includes language permitting the legislative rash to employ daca recipients, or dreamers. I hope all of us do that. These initiatives will expand arther opportunities and talented force of democratic staff members. Thankentative i want to chairman ryan and Ranking Member Herrera Beutler for your leadership on this bill. Enable us to better serve constituents and make decisions on their behalf. The former chair of legislative branch subcommittee, the bill holds a special place in my heart. I want to associate myself with the remarks of my former partner in crime, when i did chair the committee, mr. Cole, about the dification study, and if you could loop me that loop me in on that as well, the preserving of documents is critically important. In the future, we dont just want digitize asian. The digitize Asian Program was never intended to shift over completely to the way we preserve documents. It is very important we have the actual documents in acuity. In bill in documents perpetuity. Consideration will enable members of congress to do our jobs safely in the coronavirus. It dedicates Critical Resources for diversity and modernization. It is past time the halls of Congress Look like the communities we represent. The bill includes funding to pay aterns, which makes congress more diverse and accessible place from for people from communities across america. Im pleased the bill allows congress and legislative agencies to employ dreamers. I experienced this difficulty a few years ago when i had an incredible dreamer who was an intern in my office, and an open position on my staff, and we could not hire her. I shudder to think the opportunities missed by so many young people who should not be prevented from being hired as dreamers, people lawfully in this country, to work for the greatest legislative body in the world. Further, the bill provides an increase of 34 million to the gao. We saw yesterday in our discussion how important that gao is to congresss work, the federal watchdog that makes sure Government Programs are working effectively and responsibly. Gao with the cdc end use it in so many important ways. They are an important oversight watchdog. Directsly, the bill architects of the capital to remove figures and busts of people who participated in the confederate government and people known for racial intolerance people they have no place in the greatest institution in the world. I look forward when this bill comes to the floor and working with my colleagues to improve it. Representative thank you. Chairman ryan then Ranking Member beutler, thank you for your leadership and the work you and your staff did on this bill. To point out the progress we have had on Cyber Security and hope we increase efforts in professional development and retention with employees. To raise one concern regarding u. S. Capitol police. Regioneagues in the d. C. Have asked about this. On march 20, the department suspended the entire collectivebargaining agreement of the officers you need in response to covid19. Separatement has 41 articles, regarding everything from scheduling, health, safety and discipline. As a result, none of the officers that you see every day protecting this complex in our Representative Democracy have union protections that they have voted and paid for. I understand we are in extreme circumstances, but here in the Capital Region of washington dc, virginia and maryland, the u. S. Park police, metropolitan d. C. Police, arlington, Montgomery Police departments, are all dealing with covid19 and are operating under their existing collective bargaining agreements. The u. S. Capitol police is the outlier. So congress is back in business are goingese officers to have to have their collective bargaining. We need answers from the department. I yield back. Chairman lowey mr. Thornberry. Representative just some brief comments. I am so proud to work here. Our Capitol Grounds are a living museum. And display our heritage demonstrate our working democracy. And they showcase the dignity of our National Vision through extraordinary architecture and lovely gardens and americas gym, the library of congress. I was hoping perhaps chair ryan or Ranking Member Herrera Beutler would care to give us an update on the new Visitor Experience unfolding at the library, which is going to enhance their ability to receive more guests in a more meaningful way, without disturbing the traditional architecture of the building. The mores one of exciting projects projects we have going on in the leg branch bill and in the capital. We have been releasing 10 million a year. This bill includes another 10 million for the project. That will be 30 million. Anotherxpecting a tranche expecting another tranche next years bill, which will be 40 million and we have a commitment of 20 million from the private sector, 10 million has already been given from david rubenstein. So we are doing the best we can to make this a Publicprivate Partnership and it is moving forward, we are excited, and it is going to be a real gem for the library. Representative what is the timeline for completion . We are working on that. Thee are complicated, with money being released a little at a time. I will get you a more firm answer on that. Representative thank you. I yield back. Chairman lowey mr. Kilmer is recognized. Thankentative i want to chairman ryan and Ranking Member Herrera Beutler for their leadership and the work of staff on this. Ensuring that the house is equipped to uphold its article one responsibilities and act as a full coequal branch of government is absolutely essential. I appreciate your work on behalf of this institution. I would like to thank you for including some initiatives of the select committee on modernization of congress in the bill. I had the honor of serving as chair of the committee, working , andextraordinary partners the committees guiding principle is to make Congress Work better for the people. Our committee passed 45 recommendations to improve the way Congress Works. In march, the house passed legislation to implement almost 30 of those. To see that the Appropriations Committee supports the work we have done so far. Housell establishes modernization activities, to carry out the recommendations the committee made to modernize house operations. The committee is taking able step in investing in the future of the institution. Things that we need to fix took a long time to break and the solutions are rarely cheap, so i commend the committee for recognizing modernization is an ongoing process. The bill includes funding to support transition activities for new members and staff. The select Committee Recommended bringing the house in line with the senate in providing members with funds to hire stafford during the post election transition. This will help new members better navigate the transition. The bill increases funding for the cio to help that office implement the efficiency initiative, a onestop shop Human Resources hub Congressional Staff, and purser saying and purchasing technology. The bill raises the cap for the house Student Loan Repayment program. The select committee studied Congressional Staff recruitment and retention and we know benefits matter a lock, especially when this institution isnt able to match private sector salaries. I am grateful to see the Committee Supports it. The sick that the subcommittee this subcommittee looked at job pipelines on the hill, the problem is that people cant afford to work for free. Paid internships opens a more diverse pool of candidates. The bill increases funding for the office of diversity and inclusion that is recommended making permanent. I commend the committee for investing in this Worthy Mission thank you for your leadership, on behalf of the select committee. And for the great work done on this bill. The modernization initiatives will go a long way. I want thank you and congressman graves. You have done a great job in putting together a comprehensive list. This 2 million is a down payment, but i think the American People want this institution to be modernized, and function in an efficient way, and you have given us numerous recommendations we will build on. Representative i want to mr. Cole myself with and missed Wasserman Schultz on their comments about reservation at the library of congress. Preserving original documents is very important. We need to do everything we can. I agree with their comments. Anyway i could be of help with that. The conversations are ongoing and we welcome input. It is not that we are not going to be preserving the original documents. For clarifications sake, we are not going to get them digitized and check the originals. How they get done is the ongoing conversation. I know a lot of it is just a study being done and it is not a done deal, but change i think we have done a good job the last 30 years with this preservation process. That, i can be helpful will try to be of assistance. Thanks. Ms. Clark isy recognized. Representative clark i want to thank chairman ryan and Ranking Member Herrera Beutler for producing a bill that moves our institution forward. Amant to say how grateful i for the work and friendship of our chairwoman, nita lowey. I will miss her, but she leaves a legacy of Inclusive Leadership that she always demonstrated in shaping Appropriations Bills to reflect our shared values. This bill is a good example of that. It not only provides for the need of the agencies under its meets thisn, but it Inflection Point in our march for Racial Justice and equality. This is reflected in the provisions to diversify our interns, increase the lifetime loan repayment, increase availability of genderneutral restrooms, and ourude dreamers and congressional workforce. I am particularly proud that this bill takes the longoverdue step of removing the statues of those who tried to tear down our country in defense of slavery, from our nations capital. Will increase the transparency end diversity, and ring that to the work of our Capitol Police. Beginnings marked the , not the end of our efforts to respond to this moment in our nations history, but i am grateful for the progress this will rings and i urge my colleagues to support it. Thank you. Thank you. Wey and i thank you for your kind words. Recognized miss delauro is recognized. Bill movesive this our nation forward as it reflects on values going forward. I support the bill and its provisions to remove certain statues in the u. S. Capitol and permit legislative Branch Agencies to employ dreamers. Our nation faces turmoil, but also a reckoning, and i believe each member of the committee once to help our country meet its ideal of a more Perfect Union were all are equal under the law. That means venerating for those who fought for equality, and not venerating those who fought against it. Our country is enriched by dreamers, those residents brought to the country as children. Dreamers follow the rules and tuck on through an application process and approved to stay in and during this pandemic, 200 thousand are serving our nation and community as essential workers, healthcare care workers and farmworkers. Iny play a Critical Role keeping our country safe and we would be enriched and having them here in government. As cochair of the womens caucus, we have a historic number of women serving in the u. S. House of representatives and in the senate. This committee recognizes the 100year anniversary of women achieving the right to vote in the u. S. Diverses with the composition of the 116th congress. Committee recognizes the significance of the centennial and the passage of the 19th amendment to the constitution, and it encourages the library of congress to continue to raise awareness of this anniversary through exhibits. Want to thank the committee for increasing, the recommendation for increasing female representation through who will curator, create a list of 10 notable historic female figures not on display as a capital statute and also to look at 10 former and current members of congress who have set trailblazing records. Congress and our memorials and statues should reflect the diversity of this country and the diversity of women who served this country. Thank you. Chairman lowey seeing no other member wishing to make remarks, to recognize mr. Ryan. Representative ryan i rise to offer a managers amendment. This amendment has been agreed to on both sides. It has four report language items. The first addresses intern diversity. It directs the cao to start tracking Demographic Data so we know where we need to improve. The second report language item allows allowances for committees. There are allowances for leadership offices, but not committees. If providing study committees with an allowance will lead to more diversity among committee interns. The third new admission is from our the third new addition is from our friend in wisconsin and encourages the library of congress to digitized its books in rare collections, especially with the focus on magic in the Harry Houdini collection. Mr. Poe can come of gentleman from wisconsin, has been pushing that , the gentleman of wisconsin, has been pushing that, a visit a magician. Ensuresfourth edition ensuresourth addition the committee will be notified before a contract award to an outside vendor. The minority has no issues with itions. Dd representative Herrera Beutler i appreciate the opportunity for having worked with chairman ryan and then team and our colleagues to address the improvements in this rep or and i urge its adoption and yield back. Report, and i urge its a job should and yield back. Chairman lowey all those in favor, say aye. Those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. Any further amendments . Seeing none, i recognize the gentlewoman from ohio for a motion and ask for your this will. Representative i moved to favorably report the legislative appropriations branch act for 2021 to the house. Chairman lowey those in favor those opposed say no, and in the opinion of the chair, it. Ayes have is that it . All those in favor of a recorded vote, raise your hands. I guess we got it. Inufficient number being support, the clerk will call the roll. Clerk [roll call] aye. Ishop, misses bustos, aye. Mr. Calvert, no. Mr. Carter. No. Mr. Cartwright, aye. Aye. Lark, n no. , o mr. Cuellar, aye. Delaureo, aye. No. Fleischman, no. Fortenberry, ms. Granger, no. Mr. Graves . Dr. Harris,no. Miss herrera ut learner, no. No. Hurd, mr. Joyce, no. Miss captor, aye. Aye. Ilmer, ms. Kirkpatrick, aye. Miss lawrence, aye. Miss lee, aye. Ey, aye. E mr. Newhouse, no. Mr. Palazzo, no. Aye. Ang greek, pocan, aye. Mr. Quigley, aye. Mr. Rogers, no. Aye. Allen, mr. Ruperts burger, aye. Mr. Rutherford, no. Mr. Ryan, aye. Mr. Cerrado, aye. Anyrman lowey does member wish to record their vote . Mr. Simpson, no. Aye. Asserman schultz, ms. Coleman, aye. Mr. Homan, no. Chairman lowey does any member wish to record a vote or change their vote . The clerk will tally. [indiscernible conversations] chairman lowey safe travels, my friend. Safe travels. [captions Copyright National cable satellite corp. 2020] [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap. Org] on this vote, nos are 18, 30, the the motion is agreed to. I ask unanimous consent that the staff be permitted to make technical changes to the bill. Seeing a no objections, so ordered. Without objection, the committee stands adjourned. [indiscernible conversations] unfilteredas coverage of congress, the white house, the Supreme Court and the Public Policy events. You can watch all of cspans Public Affairs programming on television, online, or listen on our free radio app. Be part of the National Conversation through washington journal, or through our social media feed. Cspan created by americas Cable Television companies and brought to you today by your television provider. A house subcommittee looks at the health and equity disparities in minority communities that have contributed to high Coronavirus Infection and mortality rates, including lack of testing and higher amounts of the essential workforce populations in these areas. Due to technical issues, we can only show the first hour and 20 minutes of the hearing. Show the first hour and 20 minutes of the hearing. Good afternoon and thank you for joining us today. Like to sayld