[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 116 (Friday, July 2, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE 
                     TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT

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                               speech of

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 3, 2021

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to bring attention to the 
workforce development challenges brought about by our nation's 
transition to electric vehicles in our public fleets.
  I urge support for my amendment to the surface transportation bill, 
amendment No. 51 as designated in the House Resolution and considered 
in en bloc democratic amendment No. 1.
  The electric vehicles of tomorrow present an important opportunity 
for our nation. But this transition must be fair for the workers who 
have long labored to maintain our fleet of diesel-powered vehicles.
  The federal government must take a leadership role in helping our 
transit agencies prepare their workers to maintain an entirely new 
system of hardware.
  To that end, I have introduced an amendment that expresses a sense of 
Congress that the Department of Transportation should create a 
workforce development strategy that prepares for an electric, hydrogen, 
advanced biofuel, and hybrid vehicle future. I urge support for its 
inclusion in the INVEST Act.
  It is critical that while we invest in a greener future, we also 
provide opportunities for our mechanics and other transit and public 
fleet maintenance employees who work hard to keep American strong and 
moving forward.

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