Hydroelectric project. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from michigan, mr. Upton, and the gentlelady from colorado, ms. Degette, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from michigan. Upup thank you, mr. Speaker. I would ask mr. Upton thank you, mr. Speaker. I would ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials in the record on their bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Upton thank you, mr. Speaker. H. R. 446 authorizes the federal Energy Regulatory commission, ferk, upon request to extend ferc, upon request to extend by six years the time period for which construction must commence on the gathright Hydroelectric Project located in allegheny county, virginia. This may reinstate the construction license if it has expired. Similar bill is passed under suspension of the rules in the 114th congress in a bipartisan way and i would hope that we can do it today. Mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentlelady from colorado. Degree degree thank you, mr. Speaker. I ms. Degette thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Degette mr. Speaker, i rise in support of h. R. 446, a bill to extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a Hydroelectric Project introduced by mr. Griffith. March 13, twelve, ferc licensed a hydroelectric dam project to be located at the Gathright Dam in the jackson really are river in algainey county, virginia. The licensee for the gathright project was not able to commence construction by the already extended deadline in march, twick. The bill would therefore authorize ferc to extend for up to three consecutive twoyear periods the date by which the licensee is required to commence construction. Similar legislation passed the house of representatives by voice vote twice during the last congress. I hope everybody will support passage of h. R. 446. Hope we can get this thing built and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady reserves the balance of her time. The gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i would yield as much time as he might consume to the gentleman from virginia and a member of the energy and Commerce Committee, mr. Griffith. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Griffin depriff thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise mr. Griffith thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of this bill would would extend the construction deadline for a Hydroelectric Project at the Gathright Dam. Extensive coordination between the hydroproject developer and the army corps and the current difficulties in obtaining a power Purchase Agreement have necessitated this constructions start date extension. This legislation has passed the house previously. Unanimously. And was included in last Congress House comprehensive energy bill. It is my hope this legislation will once again receive overwhelming support in this chamber. I appreciate the support of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and i reserve the balance of my time. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentlelady from colorado. Ms. Degette i urge a yes vote and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back the balance of her time. The gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i too yield back the balance of my time and urge my colleagues to support the bill. The speaker pro tempore all time is yielded back. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 446. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and, without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from michigan seek recognition . Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i again move that the house suspend the rules and pass now h. R. 447. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar number 114. H. R. 447. A bill to extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a Hydroelectric Project. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from michigan, mr. Upton, and the gentlelady from colorado, ms. Degette, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i would again ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material in the record on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i now yield myself as much time as i might consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Upton thank you, mr. Speaker. So this bill authorizes the federal Energy Regulatory commerk, ferc, upon request to extend by six years the time period during which construction must commence on the flannagan dam and reservoir hydrologic project located in dickinson county, virginia. Additionally ferc may reinstate the construction license if it has expired. The bill again passed under suspension in the last congress, the 114th, and i would hope that we can do the same today on a bipartisan way in a bipartisan way. Mr. Speaker, i would reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time is reserved. The gentlelady from colorado. Ms. Degette i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Degette i again rise in support of legislation by mr. Griffith, h. R. 447, why extend the deadline for commencement of construction of the flannagan Hydroelectric Project to be located at the dam on the russell fork river in dickinson county, virginia. The licensee for the flannagan Hydroelectric Project did not commence construction by the already extended deadline in january, 2016. Legislation is now required for the project to move forward. The bill would authorize ferc to extend for up to three consecutive years by the day with which the licensee is required to commence construction. During the last congress, the full house of representatives passed similar legislation by a voice vote. I once again hope my colleagues will help me in supporting passage of h. R. 447. Lets get this one built too. And i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady reserves the balance of her time. The gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i would yield as much time as he might consume to the gentleman from virginia, a member of the energy and Commerce Committee, mr. Griffith. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from virginia is recognized for as much time as he may consume. Mr. Griffith thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today . Support of h. R. 447 i rise oday in support of h. R. 447. Extensive coordination between the hydroproject developer and the army corps and the current difficulties in obtaining a power Purchase Agreement have necessitated this construction start date extension. This legislation passed the house last congress unanimously and was up included in last Congress House comprehensive energy bill. It is my hope that this legislation will once again receive overwhelming support in this chamber and i appreciate the support of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from colorado. Ms. Degette i yield back. The speaker pro tempore yields back her time. The gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i yield balk as well. The speaker pro tempore the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 447. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and, without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from michigan seek recognition . Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i now move that the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 627. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar number 115. H. R. 627. A bill to amend the Energy Policy and conservation act to provide for dissemination of information regarding available federal programs relating to Energy Efficiency projects for schools and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from michigan, mr. Upton, and the gentlelady from colorado, ms. Degette, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i would ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials in the record on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i would now yield myself such time as i might consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Upton thank you again, mr. Speaker. This bill, h. R. 627, is an important bill that would help the nations schools make use of existing federal programs to actually reduce their energy use. There currently are a number of programs that help schools undertake projects that improve Energy Efficiency. Unfortunately School Districts dont always have the knowhow to navigate the complexities of the federal system and take full advantage of these programs. So the bill creates a simple onestopshop to get all the needed information and help School Districts participate more fully in these programs. The bottom line the nations schools will in fact reduce their energy costs. As it is, energy use in america in k12 schools totals 6 billion every year. And reducing this figure can certainly save taxpayer dollars or free up funds that schools can use on things other than energy bills. This bill, h. R. 627, has no cost. Since it merely sets up a system under which existing school Energy Efficiency programs can work better. Similar bill was passed under suspension of the rules at the end of the last congress and i would hope that we can do it today, the beginning of this congress, so that the senate can follow suit and get this to the president s desk. Mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentlelady from colorado. Ms. Degette thank you very much, mr. Speaker. I yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Degette mr. Speaker, i want to voice my strong support for h. R. 627, mr. Cartwrights streamlining Energy Efficiency for schools act. Thanks great bill that would provide a coordinated structure for our nations schools to help them better navigate available federal programs and financing options. Across the country k 1247b School Districts spend literally billions of dollars on their energy bills each year, while an estimated 14 million American Children attend deteriorating public schools. By upgrading these systems, we can increase efficiency and focus School Funding to achieve better educational outcomes. The legislation passed the house previously with broad boich support. And i urge bipartisan support. And i urge everybody to support it. Without objection, i will yield such time as he may consume to mr. Cart riot, the author cartwright, the author. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Cartwright thank you, mr. Speaker. Id like to thank the lee , chairman upton, for ike to thank the leadership, chairman upton, for bringing this up today. I thank the entire energy and Commerce Committee which once again voted unanimously in committee in favor of this bill. A bill that has passed the house twice under suspension in each of the past two congresses. But both times it passed during the time days of the congress and the senate did not have a chance to take the bill up. Im glad the house is considering it now and plenty of time for the senate to consider it and act. Id like to also thank congressman peter welch of vermont for his leadership on the bill. Its no secret hes one of the great champions in the house on the issue of Energy Efficiency and its been my pleasure to work with him. Mr. Speaker, so many schools across the country are in need of upgrades and improvements to their facilities. In its most recent 2017 infrastructure report card, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the condition of our nations schools a grade of dplus. As School Administrators undertake badly needed improvements, they have an opportunity substantially to improve their facilities Energy Efficiency, producing benefits for both the environment and the economy. And reducing their energy bills. Schools can put the savings to use on other educational priorities. According to the e. P. A. And the department of energy, k12 School Districts nationwide spend approximately 8 billion on their energy bills every year. Second only to personnel costs, exceeding the cost of textbook and supplies , an estimated 2 billion of that cost could be saved by improving Energy Efficiency, an amount that could pay for, for example, 40 million tax books textbooks. Energy expenses are one of the few costs that can be reduced while at the same time improving classroom instruction. In fact, High Performance can lower er costs by 30 . There are numerous initiatives already available to schools to help them become more energy efficient, but these programs are spread across the federal government, making it challenging, time consuming, and costly for schools to identify and take full advantage of these programs. In addition, schools can use several different general purpose programs for Energy Efficiency projects if they know how to locate and apply for them. Introduced in the senate as s. 383 by senator collins this bipartisan streamlining Energy Efficiency for school act aims to provide a coordinating structure for busy School Administrators to help them better navigate available federal programs and financing options. This legislation does not spend an additional dime and keeps the Decision Making authority with the states, the school boards, and local officials. This bill establishes a clearinghouse to the office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, which will disseminate information on federal programs and financing mechanisms that may be used to develop Energy Efficiency, distribute generation and Energy Retrofitting projects for schools. The bill also directs the office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to coordinate with federal agencies and develop an outreach effort to streamline communications and promote available federal programs. Such outreach may include a single website where School Officials can learn more about the relevant programs. Overburdened School Administrators should not have to spend hours and hours waiting wading through the federal bureaucracy as they look for ways to improve Energy Efficiency. This commonsense legislation will ensure that schools can more easily take advantage of existing energy efficientsy programs efficiency programs. T. S. A. Strategic and cost saving investment it is a strategic and cost saving investment to relieve pressure felt by School Districts across the country, supported by overburdened homeowners, whime bringing us closer while bringing us closer to Energy Security in america. And urge my colleagues to pass this bill. I yield the balance of my time spoifment the gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i would urge my colleagues to support this great bipartisan bill and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentlelady from colorado. Ms. Degette i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill,. R. 627. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. Opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and, without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from michigan seek recognition . Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i would move that the house now suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 951. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar number 116. H. R. 951. A bill to extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a Hydroelectric Project. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from michigan, mr. Upton, and the gentlelady from colorado, ms. Degette, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton thank you, mr. Speaker. I would again ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials in the record on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i now yield myself such time as i might consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Upton thank you again, mr. Speaker. This bill, h. R. 951, introduced by ms. Foxx of North Carolina, the distinguished chair of the education and work force committee, authorizes the federal Energy Regulatory commission, ferc, to extend up to six years the time period during which construction must commence on the w. Kerr scott hydropower project located on theat kin river in wilkes county, North Carolina. Additionally, ferc may reinstate the construction license if it is expired, similar bill was passed under suspension in the last congress and i hope we can pass it again today. Urging the senate to take this legislation up. Mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentlelady from colorado. Ms. Degette mr. Speaker, i yield ms. Degette mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Degette the legislation before us, sponsored by the gentlelady from North Carolina, would authorize ferc to extend for six years the date by which the licensee for the w. Kerr scott hydropower play project is required to commence construction. This is necessary because the projects licensee was not able to commence construction by the already extended deadline of july 17, 2016. Similar legislation, authored by ms. Foxx, passed the house during the 114th congress by a vote of 4063. I hope my colleagues will support this bill, and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time is reserved. The gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton i yield as much time as she might consume to the gentlelady from North Carolina, ms. Foxx. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from North Carolina is recognized for as much time as he might consume. Ms. Foxx thank you, mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague from michigan, mr. Upton. I rise in support of h. R. 951, a bill i authored to extend the licensing of the wilkesboro dro. Company at w. Kerr scott dam. The it has exhausted coordination with the u. S. Army corps of engineers and there has been delays. As the wilkesboro hide Hydroelectric Company supplies with statutory mandates and requirements for our federal regulators, the shot clock for action on breaking ground dwindles. As is often happened with these projects, thraze in the review process and according nation efforts precluded the start of construction. I ask my colleagues to support a new authorization for this project, along with the other projects the house is considering today. Furthermore, i applaud representative Mcmorris Rodgers and the house energy and Commerce Committee for working on comprehensive reform legislation to address the statutory framework and ferc processes pertaining to these projects. Im a proud supporter of our nations reunusual energy resources. Congress must optimize the clean, renewable hydropower play potential by bringing permitting certainly sernt to the process. Given the demand for electricity, my state Needs Congress to explore every opportunity to meet our energy demands, provide for job growth and sustain our environment. As chair of the education and work force committee, i will work tirelessly to work with the other committees in the house and the Trump Administration to achieve this. I thank chairman walden, majority leader mccarthy, former chairman upton for bringing this important legislation to the floor and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from colorado. The gentlelady yields back her time. The gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, this is important legislation. I hope we can pass it again this afternoon. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 951. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from michigan seek recognize snigs mr. Upton so, mr. Speaker, i had i would now ask that the house suspend the rules and par h. R. 1109. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 1109, a bill to amend section 203 of the federal power act. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from michigan, mr. Upton, and the gentlelady from colorado, ms. Degette, will each control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Upton thank you, again, mr. Speaker. This bill, h. R. 11 09 h. R. 1109 is again a bipartisan bill. It was reported by unanimous consent from the energy and Commerce Committee. It amends the federal power act with respect to mergers or consolidations by a public utility. Any merger or consolidation of a merger whose value exceeds 10 million must first be authorized by the federal Energy Regulatory commission. In addition, ferc is required to promulgate a rule within 180 days of mandates any public utility seeking to merge or consolidate to notify ferc within 30 days of transaction consummation. If the value of such merger or consolidation exceeds 1 million but in fact is less than 10 million. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time is vembd. The gentlelady from colorado. Ms. Degette thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Degette i want to rise in support of h. R. 1109 which would add a 10 million tresh hold which would trigger ferc review for a merger or consolidation. This is a significant change to current law as established by the Energy Policy act of 2005. Obviously ferc should not have to rely on trade publication or word of mouth to know that merger or consolidation activity involving public utility is occurring. This bill, as reported by the energy and Commerce Committee, includes language requiring ferc to undertake a rulemaking to develop a short, simple notification process for transactions above the 1 million mark that fall below the new 10 million threshold. This addresses a problem in that ferc lacked a standardized way to acquire the information necessary to know these below threshold transactions from occurring. Without that knowledge, it would be too easy for someone looking to evade the new 10 million threshold to break their transaction into smaller pieces and thereby escape review. I want to commend the gentleman and the gentlewoman from michigan for their work to address this matter. I think this is sensible legislation that reduces the burden on industry and on the government while ensuring the public good is fully protected. I urge the passage of this legislation and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time is reserved. The gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton i yield to the author of the legislation, mr. Walberg from michigan. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from michigan is recognized for such time as he may consume. Mr. Walberg thank you, mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague and friend from michigan and chairman of the Energy Subcommittee as well as the Ranking Member of the subcommittee for this opportunity. I also want to thank start off by thanking the energy and commerce staff on both sides of the aisle for their time and work on this issue. Additionally, id like also to thank my colleague, debbie dingle, for being an original coresponse dindell, for being an original cosponsor of. R. 1 109 and helping advancing this bipartisan rule. The federal Energy Regulatory Commission Takes the togs that approval from the position that approval from the commission is necessary for all mergers and acquisitions no matter how small or insignificant the value of the facilities involved even down to zero. Fercs interpretation has led to trivial paperwork that bogs down the commission and creates unnecessary red tape for american businesses, ultimately increasing utility bills for the consumer. H. R. 1109 will help reduce excessive paperwork, burdens and bring down Energy Prices for american families. This bipartisan solution unties fercs hands and allows the commission to ensure American Consumers are getting the most affordable and reliable electricity possible in a commonsense sort of way. With that, mr. Speaker, i urge my colleagues to support h. R. 1109, and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from colorado. Ms. Degette mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back her time. The gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i, too, yield back the balance of my time and urge my colleagues to support this Bipartisan Legislation. The speaker pro tempore the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 1109. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from michigan seek recognize snigs mr. Upton the speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from michigan seek recognition . Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i ask that the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 2122. The clerk h. R. 2122, a bill to reinstate and extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a Hydroelectric Project involving Jennings Randolph dam. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from michigan, mr. Upton, and the gentlelady from colorado, ms. Degette, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton thank you, again, mr. Speaker. Id ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and xtend their remarks and insert extraneous materials in the record on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Upton and mr. Speaker, id yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Mr. Upton thank you, again, mr. Speaker. So this bill, h. R. 2122, was introduced by mr. Mckinley from west virginia, and it authorizes the federal Energy Regulatory commission, ferc, upon request to extend by six years the time period during which construction must commence on the Jennings Randolph Hydroelectric Project, which is located on the north branch of the Potomac River in garrett county, maryland, and mineral county, west virginia. Ferc may reinstate the construction license if it has expired. Similar bill passed under suspension in the 114th congress, so i hope we can pass it again today. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has reserved. The gentlelady from colorado. Ms. Degette mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Degette i rise in support of h. R. 2122, a bill to extend for deadline for commencement a Hydroelectric Project involving the Jennings Randolph dam responserd by my energy and Commerce Committee mr. Mckinley. In march, 2012, ferc licensed the construction of a hydroelectric facility at the army corps Jennings Randolph dam located on the Potomac River in maryland and west virginia. The project was not able to commence construction by the already extended deadline of april, 2016. The bill would authorize ferc to extend for six years the date by which the licensee is required to commence construction. Ferc has no objections to this legislation, and similar legislation passed the house by a 4182 vote during the 114th congress. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting h. R. 2122, and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time is reserved. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i have no further speakers so i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from colorado yield its back her yields back her time. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 2122. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from michigan seek recognition . Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i move the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 2274. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar number 117. H. R. 2274, a bill to amend the federal power act to provide for extended periods relating to preliminary permits and commencement of construction and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from michigan, mr. Upton, and the gentlelady from colorado, ms. Degette, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton thank you, again, mr. Speaker. Id ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials in the record on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Upton and i would also ask, mr. Speaker, to yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Upton thank you, mr. Speaker. This bill, h. R. 2274, was introduced by the gentleman from california, mr. Peters, and it passed by unanimous consent by the energy and Commerce Committee. The bill, h. R. 2274, amends the federal power act to allow the federal Energy Regulatory commission, ferc, to extend periods relating to preliminary permits and commencement of construction of Hydroelectric Projects. This bill is a commonsense bill, bipartisan. I would hope all members would join me in supporting it, and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the time is reserved. The gentlelady from colorado. Ms. Degette thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Degette mr. Speaker, i rise in support of h. R. 2274, the hydropower play permit extension, or hype act. Im pleased that the house is considering this legislation which was recently introduced by my colleague, mr. Peters of the committee, to provide the federal Energy Regulatory commission with the authority to grant longer periods for preliminary and construction period of times and associated extensions under sections 5 and 13 of the federal power act. Right now, as weve seen from the debating of these six bills today, this is something that can only be done by an act of congress on a casebycase basis. As much as weve all enjoyed debating these extensions of time today, its clear that it would be more efficient and it also save more time in congress if these extensions could be done directly by ferc. I commend mr. Peters. I hope all of my colleagues will join me in supporting this bill, and im now pleased to yield to the author of the bill, mr. Peters, such time as he may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california is recognized for such time as he may consume. Mr. Peters thank you, mr. Speaker. Hydropower play provides a eady base load hydropower provides a steady base load. It reduces harmful emissions that pollute our water. This bill would cut red tape for Hydropower Construction permits. The act gives already approved hydropower projects allows ferc a fouryear extension during the initial permit. As the gentlelady from colorado, right now this takes an act of congress to extend construction permits for hydropower projects even though theyve gone through rigorous environmental regulatory process. Moving forward, the ultimate solution to unlocking hydropower is to streamline the regulatory process and its my hope we can continue to have bipartisan, bipartisan conversations how to get them moving, how to get them approved more quickly while meeting high standards. I want to thank chairman walden, Ranking Member pallone Ranking Member rush for advancing this bill through the committee and the floor. I urge my colleagues to support the bill and yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, id urge my colleagues to vote for this bill and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back his time. Ms. Degette i do the same, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 2274. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from michigan seek reck mission . Mr. Upton i move recognition . Mr. Upton i move that the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 2292. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 2292, a bill to extend the project of the federal Energy Regulatory commission involving the cannonsville dam. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from michigan, mr. Upton and the gentlelady from colorado, ms. Degette, will each control 20 minutes. Mr. Upton i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Upton this bill h. R. 2292 is introduced by mr. Faso from new york and the bill authorized the federal Energy Regulatory commission, ferc, upon request, to extend by eight years the time period during which construction must commence on the cannonsville Hydroelectric Project located in the west branch of the Delaware River in upstate new york. The city of new york was granted a construction license for the cannonsville Hydroelectric Project on may 13, 014. Additionally, ferc may reinstate the construction license if its expire the bill was reported by unanimous consent from the energy and Commerce Committee and i support its passage on the floor today. Thank you, mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlelady from colorado. Ms. Degette i yield myself such time as i may consume sproism the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Degette i rise in support of h. R. 2292, a bill to extend the commitment for a Hydroelectric Project involving the cannonsville dam. Ferc licensed the construction at the Cannonsville Reservoir located on the west branch they have Delaware River in delaware county, new york. The licensee for this project was not able to commence construction by the deadline of may, 2016 fpble the additional reviews and repairs to the dam which are necessary to begin construction of the Hydroelectric Project were de will delay construction commencement beyond the expiration day of the twoyear license and the extension ferc is authorized to grant. The bill would therefore authorize ferc to extend up to eight years the date by which the licensee is required to commence construction. Similar legislation passed the house in the 114th congress by a vote of 4172. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the bill and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time is reserved. The gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton i yield to the gentleman from new york such time heas may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time as he may consume. Mr. Fay sew i rise to ex mr. Faso i rise to express support for my bill to extend the deadline for the Hydroelectric Project in delaware county, new york. Once completed, the cannonsville Hydroelectric Project will generate over 42,000 mega watt hers of electricity each year, enough to avoid the emission of 22,000 tons of greenhouse gases. Think the sprodget in jeopardy due to time lag. Current regulations allow olicensee two years to begin construction once the license has been issue the ferc may extend the deadline for an additional two years but this may only be done once. If construction hasnt been done on the project by the expiration of the second extension, the commission will terminate the license, risking all the hard work and planning put into the go i introduce this legislation to further extend the deadline for construction at the slight because the second extension will expire shortly and the work is not done. We can we can ensure the safe i have to downstream communities and have a clean, Renewable Energy project on this new york cityowned facility. I would like to thank mr. Upton, the chairman of the subcommittee and ms. Degette, the Ranking Member of the subcommittee, and also the members from new york city, including ms. Est mr. Espaillat, ms. Clarke, mr. Engel, mr. Tonko, mr. Con dan donovan, mrs. Maloney. By bringing together people from across the empire state we ensure a variety of constituent concerns have been met. I urge my colleagues to support h. R. 2292 so we can further protect public Water Supplies for new york city and help strengthen and modernize our Nations Energy infrastructure. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from colorado. Ms. Degette i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back. The gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton i yield back the balance of my time and urge my colleagues to vote for the bill. The speaker pro tempore the question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 2292. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative the gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton i request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore those favoring a vote by the yeas and nays will rise. A sufficient number having risen this eyeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause of rule 20 further pr seedings on the question will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman seek recognition . Mr. Upton i move that the house suspend the rules as pass the bill h. R. 245. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar number 120, h. R. 2457, a bill to extend the deadline for commencement of construction of certain Hydroelectric Projects. The speaker pro tempore does the gentleman bring up the bill as amended . Mr. Upton yes, i do. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from michigan, mr. Upton, and the gentlelady from colorado, ms. Degette, each will control 20 minutes. Mr. Upton i ask that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remark and insert extraneous material in the record on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Upton i yield myself such time as i might consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Upton i rise in support of h. R. 2457 as amened this bill was introduced by mr. Johnson from louisiana, reported by unanimous consent from the energy and Commerce Committee. The bill h. R. 2457 authorized the federal Regulatory Energy commission, ferc, to extend the time period during which a licensee is required to commence the construction of Commission Project numbers 12756, 12757, and 12758 for you were for up to three con sec ty twoyear periods. I would encourage all members to join me in support and support passage of this bill as amended. Thank you, mr. Speaker, i reserve reserve the balance of my time. The speaker this gentlelady from colorado. Ms. Degette i yield myself such time as i man co as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. The get this is the last bill in our bills we are considering today, i hope mr. Peters bill will help us not to have to do in the future. The j. Bennet johnston waterway hydropower extension act of 2017 was introduced by representative johnson. It will extend the period during which the license yes must commence the project. Additionally, the legislation defers the obligation on the license yes to pay annual charges required under section 10e until the project actually commences construction. Finally the legislation allowers in prospective reinstate ofment the license should the license expire prior to the legislations date of enactment. I have to add a few words to what mr. Peters said earlier. Shoik so important, its such an mportant Renewable Energy sloik hydroelectric is so important, its such an important Renewable Energy. We need to get more hydropow for the our energy portfolio. I hope my colleagues will favorably consider this legislation. I reserve my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton i echo the words from my good friend from colorado, hide row is an important renewable source, one that high trow is an important renewable hydro is an important Renewable Energy source across the country. Mr. Speaker, i urge my colleagues to support the bill and would yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from colorado. Ms. Degette i yield back as well. The speaker pro tempore the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 2457 as amened. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair 2 3 being in the affirmative, the gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton i would again request the yeas an nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. Those favoring a votey the yeas and nays will rise. A sufficient number vs risen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Further proceedings on this question will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from michigan seek recognition . Mr. Upton i move that the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 338. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 338, a bill to promote a 21st Century Energy and manufacturing work force. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from michigan, mr. Upton and the gentlelady from colorado, ms. Degette, each will control 20 minutes. Mr. Upton i ask that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Upton thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, i am also pleased that we are considering this legislation, h. R. 338, a bill to ro mote a 21st to promote a 21st century manufacturing work force introduced by my friend and great colleague, mr. Rush of illinois and mr. Hudson of North Carolina. This bipartisan bill takes steps to help make training for Energy Manufacturing Jobs Available to women and minorities as well as veterans. By way of background, the bill was nasmsly approved by the house last congress with a voice vote. It was also included in the energy bill conference negotiations. But unfortunately, even though the bill received overwhelmingly overwhelming support in the house and senate, it didnt make it to the president s desk before time ran out. The u. S. Has undergone an Energy Renaissance driven by newly discovered resources, technological innovation and a skilled work force. Millions and millions of new jobs have been created and many more are opening up but weve got to continue to invest in our workers noffered to in order to maintain Global Leadership and maximize the economic potential of our energy abundance. This bill h. R. 338 takes important steps in the right direction by requiring that the department of energy modernize and improve coordination among the numerous Work Force Development programs and activities that span the departments programs, offices, labs, and technology centers. The bipartisan bill places an emphasis on maximizing the departments existing resources and increasing the diversity of our energy and manufacturing work force by increasing opportunities for women, minority, and veterans. It also promotes tuns for workers which would provide welcome relief to workers discouraged by sharp downturns in the coal industry. Mr. Speaker, this legislation before us today is a Good Government bill. Its going to increase benefits for American Workers, i would encourage my colleagues to join me again in support and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time is reserved this egentlelady from colorado. Ms. Degette im pleased were considering this bill sponsored by my friend, colleague, and ranking mobe they have Energy Subcommittee of commrge and commerce, mr. Rush. Im going to yield him such time as he may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time as he may consume. Mr. Rush thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, i must begin by commending chairman walton, chairman upton, Ranking Member pallone, my friend and colleague from the great state of colorado , congresswoman degette, the Committee Staff and all who worked with my office to bring this, the 21st Century Work Force legislation to the house floor today. I must also i must also publicly acknowledge the leadership of my colleague, mr. Hudson of North Carolina, and his staff who played an instrumental and very Important Role in helping us felt to this point. Mr. Speaker, this 21st Century Work Force bill represents hope, represents opportunity for many of our fellow citizens who feel as though they have been left out of the american dream. Mr. Speaker, this work force bill also provides an example of how congress should function and work on behalf of the american people. This legislation enjoys the overwhelming support of members of congress who represent various constituencies, from diverse regions of our nation and who come with different and varying political persuasion. However, mr. Speaker, we were able to put aside our political differences, our regional differences, our cultural differences and focus our efforts on bringing forward a jobs bill that will benefit all communities and help lift up the American Economy for all its people. Mr. Speaker, this bill directs the secretary of energy to prioritize the training of unrepresented groups, including minorities, women and veterans as well as displaced and unemployed energy and manufacturing workers. This bill directs the secretary of energy to take into full recognition the hurt and the pain of the white middle class, White Working Class, the africanamerican the black working class in order to increase the number of candidates trained to work in thats ted fields brought to bear in this renaissance in our nation. This bill will strengthen and fully engage the department of energy programs, National Laboratories in order to carry out the departments Work Force Development initiatives. This legislation will help to develop a Skilled Labor force, train to work in a wide array of sections, including renewables, Energy Efficiency, il and gas, coal, nuclear, utility, pipeline, alternative fuels as well as energy centives advanced manufacturing industry. Mr. Speaker, as we know it, the energy and Manufacturing Industries are two of the most critical and Fastest Growing sections, both domestically as well as internationally. The potential of these two industries can help bolster the American Economy. And is also vital to the growing number of people seeking middleclass status, seeking not just a change of lifestyle but seeking more money. They are satisfied with their lifestyle. Hey just need more income. Its important, mr. Speaker, that we equip our citizens with the skills needed to meet this tap g demand so we can into these tremendous opportunities, and this bill, mr. Speaker, will help accomplish that goal. Mr. Speaker, this 21st Century Work Force legislation addresses an issue that is neither partisan nor bipartisan but rather it is nonpartisan. Its a nonpartisan issue that benefits communities, benefits industry and benefits the overall American Economy. This bill brings together government agencies, including the national labs, the energy and manufacturing industry, unions, schools, Community Colleges and universities, among others, and promotes cooperation and collaboration to ensure we are tapping into a wealth of underutilized talent and training and preparing workers for the energy and manufacturing jobs of the present and also of the future. Mr. Speaker, one of the challenges that many of my constituents and constituents all across the land have brought to my attention pertaining to individuals participating in Training Programs that in many cases dont even lead to finding a job. With that in mind, mr. Speaker, this bill will help industry, schools, and Community Work force organizations to identify candidates for enrollment to training and to apprenticeship programs. The objective would to ensure that the skills learned are immediately transferable to goodpaying jobs, goodpaying careers within the energy and manufacturing sectors. Regionally, nationally and indeed internationally. Mr. Speaker, this bill is important because it matches up e needs of industry with a willing and able work force, and in the process, helps start new cycles of hope and opportunity for groups who have in many cases been overlooked and underserved. The White Working Class and the black working class and the brown working class. This legislation can help to open new pathways to jobs, careers and entrepreneur opportunities for women, minorities, our veterans and all the different working classes that comprise the American Work force while also helping to move our overall economy forward. Mr. Speaker, at a time when africanamerican and latino unemployment rates are too high, when coal miners throughout the rust belt and beyond are finding themselves without work, when too many female heads of households cannot find adequate employment to take care of their family, when veterans returning from defending our country still cannot find a job, its a travesty, mr. Speaker, a travesty that eager employers still cannot locate the trained workers that they so desperately need. Mr. Is common sense, speaker, and this is a commonsense jobs bill that will help match up trained, qualified candidates with goodpaying jobs and careers at will help lift up communities, strengthen the energy and Manufacturing Industries and bolster the tire American Economy as a whole. With the focus on not only underserved communities, such as minorities, women and veterans, but also displaced and unemployed coal miners and other outofwork energy workers, i can assure you, mr. Speaker, that when this legislation ultimately becomes law, it will go a long way in helping, not only communities look like the one i represent on the south side of chicago, but look like communities all across the nation, including the communities in west virginia, in kentucky and indiana and in new mexico, all across this country, every community and every district throughout this nation. Mr. Speaker, i want to thank you ms. Degette reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back his time. The gentlelady reserves. The gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton i yield to the gentleman from North Carolina as much time as he may consume, mr. Hudson. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from North Carolina is recognized for as much time as he may consume. Mr. Hudson thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise to ask my colleagues to support h. R. 338, a bipartisan jobs bill, to promote a 21st Century Energy and manufacturing work force. By and large, we all share the same goals of creating more jobs and building a healthy economy, but as weve seen too often in washington, progress can get caught up in partisan gridlock. Im focused on cutting through the partisan championship and the noise and finding Commonsense Solutions to the problems our country faces. H. R. 338 is a prime example of that. Much like the bipartisan work force, innovation and opportunity act that i was honored to help get signed into law several years ago, h. R. 338 strengthens job Training Programs, specifically in the energy and Manufacturing Industries, to invest in our work force. This legislation will help connect individuals with job Training Programs while also making current programs more efficient. And it takes important steps to increase opportunities for women, veterans and minorities. As i traveled across my district, ive seen firsthand just how effective local, highskilled job Training Programs can be. In one area, a Community College partnered with a. L. Brown high school on a Welding Program that will open doors for so many students. At sandhills Community College, the advanced manufacturing programs are the critical training grounds for highskilled manufacturing workers. And at fayetteville tech, they get the skills they need to find meaningful employment outside the armed forces. I want to thank chairman upton, chairman walden and Ranking Member pallone for their support. I want to thank Ranking Member bobby rush for his leadership and for working with me in a bipartisan manner for a cause thats important to all of us. That is to help people get back to work. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and to continue to stay focused on americas priorities, jobs and the economy. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from colorado. Ms. Degette mr. Speaker, my home state of colorado has an economy strongly based in the energy industry, and, of course, my district, which is primarily an urban district, has many, many workers who could be working in this industry. And so i want to commend both of these gentlemen for sponsoring this legislation. Its a good bill. We need to get it across the finish line. Hopefully because were doing it early in this congress we can get that done. Please vote yes, and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back her time. The gentleman from michigan. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, i just want to say as i watched these two gentlemen, mr. Rush and mr. Hudson, work together, something our committee does a lot on lots of different issues from oversight to health and telecommunications, mr. Rush, you have had an outstanding career. Your district is close to mine. You and i have been in each others districts quite a bit over the last number of years. This bill is a legacy to you. You have cared with real passion about energy jobs and making sure that we have the expertise, the technical training, knowing we want to compete with the rest of the world and i commend you, again, for working with mr. Hudson, a Brilliant Star on our side of the aisle, to get this bill done. We look to the president signing it into law, looking forward to having the senate move similar Bipartisan Legislation so we can get the job done. Thats what its all about. I want to thank you for your tireless commitment to get this issue done, and, mr. Speaker, with that i yield back the balance of my time. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, again. Thank you. The speaker pro tempore the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 338. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Pursuant to clause 12a of rule 1, the chair declares the house in recess until approximately retired Brigadier General call woy on the threat of Climate Change on national security. If you go back to older field manuals, theres one from the 1980s that says weather and terrain is the most significant fighting. When they are in change, the military is concerned about that. So the military has long had an interest in dealing with things like this and forecasting what might happen. Wisconsin congressman Jim Sensenbrenner at a town hall. Why those who have a single payer [applause] remember i said in the beginning of the meeting and that is that interruptions, you know, are not going to be tolerated. Ok, would you please sit down, sir. Ms. Lipski has the floor. Would you please sit down. Sit down or go out in the hallway. Thank you for leaving. Maine senator angus king on the on a hearing on the foreign Intelligence Surveillance act. Why are you not answering these questions . Is there an invocation by the president of the United States of executive privilege. Not that im aware of. Then why are you not answering. I feel its not appropriate. What you feel isnt relevant. And ann wagner on changes to the doddfrank acked. Today we leased a report titled, was the cop on the beat . This is regarding the cfpbs wholly inadequate role in investigating the weals fargo fraudulent account scandal. We have received numerous records from both wells fargo and the o. C. C. And others that indicate that the cfpb was asleep at the wheel. Cspan programs are available at cspan. Org, on our home page and by searching the video library. The Supreme Court decided four cases today. Unwed mothers and fathers may not be treated differently whether their children can be granted citizenship. Justice ruth bader beginsburg said the gender line drawn is incompatible with laws. You can watch that. If you click on Supreme Court youll find that and other cases we covered this term. Attorney general Jeff Sessions will be on capitol hill tomorrow. Members of the Senate Intelligence committee will ask about his contacts with russian officials in the 2016 election campaign. This will be the first time hes testified before Congress Since he was confirmed as attorney general in february. That will be live tomorrow at 8 30 eastern on c span 3, streamed at cspan. Org and you can listen to it on the free cspan radio app. Press Secretary Sean Spicer was asked about testimony at todays white house briefing. First a briefing by the labor secretary
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