[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 10 (Thursday, January 12, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H223-H225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       UNLEASHING AMERICAN ENERGY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 9, 2023, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) is recognized 
for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.
  Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the time to address the 
House.
  Isn't it outstanding, Madam Speaker, to see the people's House open, 
once again, to the public, have the public in our galleries, and see 
the Capitol open to our families.
  That is a big change after the years of the pandemic and our Chamber 
being closed from the citizens and families who send us here to 
Washington. So that is a great way to have seen this House under 
Republican majority leadership open the week.
  As we close this first week under Republican leadership back in the 
majority on this House floor, it is also good to see my colleagues on 
the other side of the aisle put a premium on talking about 
bipartisanship.
  I particularly like my friend from Ohio (Mr. Landsman) and Mr. 
Sorensen of Illinois, two new freshman Members on the House floor for 
the first time this week as fully sworn Members of Congress talking 
about their priorities as newly elected Democrats and seeking 
bipartisanship on this side of the aisle.
  This week the House has taken two important steps regarding our 
strategic competition with the Chinese Communist Party, the CCP, and, 
Madam Speaker, those steps on this House floor were overwhelmingly 
bipartisan.
  First, we created a Select Committee on the Strategic Competition 
Between the United States and the CCP, which is our vision of an 
integrated, open, and free world where people can celebrate their 
religion, people can travel, and people can trade. That strategic 
competition presses the Western values of Europe and the United States 
with the more narrow and authoritarian view of the Chinese Communist 
Party.
  Secondly, we prevented oil being released from our Strategic 
Petroleum Reserve and that being sold to Communist China. Today over 
320 Members of this body agreed with that by voting ``yes'' on H.R. 22.
  The Strategic Petroleum Reserve has played an important role in U.S. 
energy and national security policy for four decades. It was created in 
response to the Arab oil embargo in the early 1970s which resulted in 
the tripling of oil prices at the time.

                              {time}  1145

  Since that time, the SPR has remained a backstop for the United 
States in case of oil supply disruption.
  Madam Speaker, those on the other side of the aisle talked about 
America becoming the largest exporting nation in the world and that 
somehow that is a bad thing and that we freed our ability to export oil 
and gas outside the U.S., as if that were a bad thing. It is not.
  They are two completely different issues. The Strategic Petroleum 
Reserve is there for an emergency affecting the United States, our 
citizens, our households, our industry, principally in case of a Gulf 
hurricane or a disruption in a pipeline, or in some other aspect of oil 
and gas disruption from war or an accident somewhere in the world. It 
is not meant to be supplying oil, per se, to everybody besides the 
United States.
  Just over the last year, President Biden has released 180 million 
barrels of our Strategic Petroleum Reserve, bringing it down to a 1985 
level, a four-decade low. This is not smart economic policy or energy 
policy in this country.
  In fact, Madam Speaker, over 1 million barrels went to a Chinese-
affiliated company. At the same time, China is reportedly holding its 
own crude oil reserves of 900 million barrels.
  Anyone with realistic knowledge and expectations in and around the 
debate about climate change or energy policy knows that this 
administration's energy policies have hurt American families and put 
our economy at risk while at the same time weakening the globe's 
interest in fighting climate change.
  President Biden's failed policies to shut down the Keystone XL 
pipeline, deny permits, discourage new drilling, discourage new 
pipeline construction, and, through his bank and securities 
environmental, social, and governance policies, so-called ESG policies, 
that, too, has discouraged badly needed capital investment to go to our 
energy industry and has weakened American global leadership and our 
strategic benefit, as referenced by my friends on the other side of the 
aisle, of energy independence. President Biden has weakened our energy 
independence.
  Instead, the Biden administration has doubled down, even tripled 
down, on these bad policies that have not only raised costs on every 
American but do nothing in the long run to impact climate.
  While President Biden's nanny-state regulators this week considered 
outlawing your gas stove in your home or in your kitchen or your 
restaurant, Republicans on this House floor began their first step at 
unleashing an all-of-the-above energy strategy.
  We have to let that sink in, that a Federal regulator actually 
considered a serious policy proposal of banning you from having a gas 
stove in your home or in your restaurant. I mean, everyone in America 
was shaking their heads this week with the preposterous nature of that 
new idea from the Biden administration.
  Republicans believe in an all-of-the-above strategy, which benefits 
America and benefits the globe, and we must continue to invest in 
energy development in order to make it through a full global 
transition.
  First, we have to keep investing in natural gas. We have natural gas 
fields across our Nation from the West Coast to the East Coast, in the 
heart of Pennsylvania, and, of course, in the heart of New York State, 
where New York State's Democratic leadership refuses to let that be 
brought online, let that be developed, benefiting the New York tax 
base, New York workers, and New York consumers.
  That gas field just in Pennsylvania and New York alone, Madam 
Speaker, some believe it is larger and more lucrative than the largest 
gas field that we know of in Qatar in the Persian Gulf. Yet, we will 
never see a pipeline from Pennsylvania to East Coast ports under this 
administration and possibly under any other future Democratic 
leadership.
  If the war in Ukraine showed Europe and the world anything--
anything--it is that Russia cannot be trusted any longer, if they were 
ever, to be a reliable source to Europe for their energy consumption 
needs.
  The United States stands ready to export more liquefied natural gas 
to Europe, but the pipelines and other infrastructure don't fully exist 
in this country in order to have that impact

[[Page H224]]

to help our allies and partners in Europe and Asia in the short run. We 
need to make that investment.
  Second, I have a solution for Democrats that should meet all of their 
objectives for world energy reliance and consistent with their climate 
objectives. It is clean; it is renewable; and we can export it to 
developing nations: nuclear energy.
  International financial institutions, like the European Bank for 
Reconstruction and Development, will not, or are very reluctant, to 
finance any nuclear power expansion in Europe, yet the countries of 
Central Europe are demanding it. They want that energy diversity. They 
want an all-of-the-above energy strategy.
  Yet, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, in which 
the United States is a shareholder, turns a blind eye to clean, 
renewable, dependable nuclear energy. The EBRD insists on financing 
green energy projects to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars 
yet ignores this commonsense, all-of-the-above strategy.
  Today's reactor designs are not the plants of yesteryear. They are 
not the plants of lore at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania or 
Chernobyl. They are safe and reliable.
  For many, the top concern has been what we do with nuclear waste. 
Research in recent years has significantly advanced, and today, we have 
the ability to recycle nuclear waste components to produce even more 
abundant energy. Nuclear power plants in France have the ability to do 
this, but we don't currently do it here in the U.S.
  Recently, I visited Entergy's Nuclear One facility in Russellville, 
Arkansas, and saw the nuclear waste byproducts that could be repurposed 
for future energy needs.
  Further, I learned that the process to lengthen the life of an 
existing nuclear plant here in the United States, much less build a new 
one, is an immense tangle of regulatory red tape that takes years to 
navigate and millions of dollars of out-of-pocket fees. We in Congress 
can do a better job streamlining that kind of review.

  When America leads in research and development, that knowledge and 
the resulting benefits are exported around the world. We can only 
export that success if we have the successful policies in place to spur 
that development.
  We cannot expect the developing nations in Africa, Southeast Asia, or 
here in the Western Hemisphere to power their growing cities and their 
growing-in-wealth populations by wind and solar alone principally 
because the issues with storage deficiencies and production of energy 
from renewables efficiencies that remain, while improving, in the years 
ahead. Solely depending on that is unrealistic.
  When America does not have the will to export this kind of R&D, those 
countries will turn to bad economic actors like China and Russia.
  Energy policy is a long-term investment in the needs of not only our 
future but around the globe. Our globe needs 100 million barrels 
equivalent per day to power our homes and our economies.
  As more and more countries develop and their people grow in wealth 
and prosperity, their energy needs will rise, Madam Speaker, not 
shrink.
  We cannot wait and have nothing to offer, and we certainly don't want 
to impose California's energy policies on the world and expect a good 
outcome. We should be investing in all of our energy options.
  That is why House Republicans in the weeks ahead, just as we started 
out here in our first week, will be bringing policies to this House 
floor to unleash an all-of-an-above energy strategy--oil, natural gas, 
nuclear, and, of course, renewables like wind and solar. They all play 
a part.
  The mistakes of our policies today under this President mean we don't 
have the energy capacity and dependability that we need not only today 
but tomorrow. This unleashing policy by House Republicans not only puts 
America first, but it puts families across the globe first--first in 
opportunity, first in food and fuel security, and first in prosperity.


           Appreciating the Public Service of Anushree Jumde

  Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Anushree Jumde, a 
cherished member of my district staff.
  Recently, Anushree joined Attorney General Tim Griffin's team as the 
director of the Office of Community Relations.
  Anushree, who is lovingly known around our district as A.J., came to 
Arkansas from India at age 11. She is a proud alum of the University of 
Central Arkansas, where she graduated in 2011, and she earned her 
graduate degree at the Bush School at Texas A&M.
  A.J.'s public service began shortly thereafter, when she joined my 
predecessor, then-Representative Tim Griffin, in the office 
representing the Second Congressional District. She served as an intern 
and later as the district representative while working for Tim.
  When I was elected to Congress in 2014 and took the oath in 2015, 
A.J. joined my team as a district representative and later became my 
trusted district director.
  Anushree deeply cares for all the constituents in my district, and 
now in her role for the Attorney General, she deeply cares for all the 
citizens of Arkansas. If someone needed a passport with 5 hours' notice 
or help with a visa, she worked tirelessly to make that happen for 
central Arkansans.
  Throughout my time in Congress, Anushree has continuously been 
dedicated to serving the people of central Arkansas.
  I thank Anushree for her decade of service, and I look forward to the 
work that she will continue to do for our great State.


   Highlighting the Mission of the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. 
                               Commission

  Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the mission of the 
Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission.
  For 30 years, the commission has led in community outreach and 
education. The commission is ably led by its executive director, DuShun 
Scarbrough.
  A division of the Arkansas Department of Education, the MLK Jr. 
Commission seeks to promote and preserve the life and legacy of Dr. 
King throughout the Natural State.
  The commission's outreach projects of promoting education and 
appreciation for history and encouragement of our youth to engage in 
positive leadership development and roles within their communities has 
been outstanding.
  I am proud to have been involved with the commission over the years 
and watch it evolve into one of the most active in our entire country. 
The work of our commission has been praised by Dr. King's daughter, Dr. 
Bernice King.
  On the upcoming Martin Luther King Day, I am honored to celebrate the 
milestone of the commission's 30th anniversary and look forward to 
continuing to watch its impact on our youth and our communities for 
years to come.


                 Commemorating the Life of Hank Browne

  Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I come to the House floor today to 
commemorate the life of a good friend and great leader in our State, 
Hank Browne, who passed away last month at the age of 82.
  Mr. Browne was born in Oklahoma before moving to Arkansas in his 
youth, where he graduated from high school in Perryville in 1956. After 
4 years of service in the Navy, he received a management degree from 
Little Rock University, now the UA Little Rock.
  In 1975, Hank Browne founded Freight Sales Furniture in North Little 
Rock, which is now known around the region, Arkansas and beyond, as 
Hank's Fine Furniture.
  In addition to leading and expanding Hank's for over two decades, Mr. 
Browne was an active member of our community. A passionate outdoorsman 
and conservationist, Hank was a valued and dedicated member of the 
board of directors at the Nature Conservancy in Arkansas.
  The impact of Hank Browne on our community will not be forgotten, and 
I thank him for his years of philanthropy in our State and business 
leadership. My prayers are with his wife, Cathy, and his children.

                              {time}  1200


      Recognizing Nicholas Covington, Logan Simon, and Wade Simon

  Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize three welding 
students from St. Joseph's High School in Conway, Arkansas.
  Last month, Nicholas Covington, Logan Simon, and Wade Simon were 
selected out of 150 welding students to represent the Conway Area 
Career Center in SkillsUSA, a State competition held in Hot Springs.

[[Page H225]]

  SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry 
leaders working together across the country to make sure that we have a 
fully skilled workforce.
  The winning team at the statewide competition will receive full 
scholarships to the welding program at the University of Arkansas 
Community College at Morrilton and could have the opportunity to 
participate in both national and world welding competitions.
  I congratulate these students for their accomplishment, and I look 
forward to seeing the results from the SkillsUSA competition.


                       Congratulating Mary Smith

  Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mary Smith for 
her two decades of service to the people of Conway.
  Last month, Mayor Bart Castleberry of Conway and the Conway City 
Council recognized Ms. Smith's 19 years as an alderwoman.
  Ms. Smith's compassion, insight, and wisdom were greatly appreciated 
by those around her. She is a beloved member of the Conway community.
  I wish her all the best in her next endeavors, and I thank Mary for 
her years of service to the city of Conway.


                  Recognizing the Museum of Discovery

  Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Museum of 
Discovery for winning the 2022 Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Award for 
Resilience.
  This award, presented by the Association of Science and Technology 
Centers, recognizes organizations that have overcome significant and 
specific adversarial impacts on their museums, yet were able to use 
that hardship to promote their mission and actually grow their 
potential. This award is touted as the science museum equivalent of an 
Oscar.
  The Little Rock-based Museum of Discovery and their exceptional staff 
received this award for how they rebounded from a 6-month facility 
closure due to flooding caused from a burst pipe in the terrible winter 
storm in February 2021.
  The museum used this time to repair and extend their virtual 
operating capabilities, build on what they had started during the 
COVID-19 pandemic, and through this tactical shift, they were able to 
deliver an immersive and deeply educational virtual experience to 
thousands during this period of repair.
  I am proud to honor the Museum of Discovery for their dedication and 
hard work after a disaster that made them stronger and better for all 
that they educate in science and technology.


                      Congratulating Paul Browning

  Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Paul Browning, 
the assistant fire chief of the city of Morrilton, Arkansas.
  Paul recently announced his retirement after 3 decades of service 
with the Morrilton department.
  Just before his departure, Paul was given the opportunity to present 
the department's newest captain with his captain's badge. The 
recipient? His son, Joseph Browning, who had been with the department 
15 years.
  Paul presented Joseph with his original captain's badge as a token of 
his promotion.
  Madam Speaker, I congratulate Joseph on his promotion and 
congratulate Paul on his retirement. I thank them both for their 
dedication and service to the community of Morrilton.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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