[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 85 (Thursday, June 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

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                           HON. NIKI TSONGAS

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2012

  Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes on the day of June 1, 2012, 
because I was unavoidably detained at a family funeral. Had I been 
present, I would have voted against amendments to the FY 2013 Energy 
and Water Development Appropriations Act that sought to reduce funding 
for renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. I would have 
instead supported amendments that support and expand renewable energy 
and energy efficiency programs, and also increase funding for 
weatherization assistance and state energy programs.
  Finally, I would have voted for an amendment to strike language 
undermining Clean Water Act protections for streams, wetlands, and 
other waterways. The underlying bill strikes protections that help 
safeguard drinking water sources from pollution, protect lives and 
property from flooding, and ensures the viability of economically 
beneficial fish and wildlife habitat.

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