[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 56 (Tuesday, March 28, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H1468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 AMERICAN NEEDS MORE ENERGY PRODUCTION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Garcia) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this week, House Republicans are 
moving forward with the polluters over people act.
  The polluters over people act does nothing to lower energy costs for 
everyday American families and will increase our deficit by $2.4 
billion. Let me repeat that. It will increase the deficit by $2.4 
billion.
  This bill will eliminate bedrock environmental protections, 
safeguarding public health, and keeping our air and water clean, 
leaving Americans with higher energy costs.
  Instead of tackling climate change, extreme MAGA Republicans are 
focused on undoing our historic clean energy plan, which has already 
created 100,000 jobs.
  We need more energy production across the board.
  Oil and gas workers in my district know that energy jobs can mean a 
real shot at the American Dream for working families. We shouldn't have 
to choose between dirty air and polluted water to meet the energy needs 
of the future.
  I see the consequences of pollution within my own district in Houston 
as we rank eighth in the country for the highest ozone levels.
  Neighbors in and around my district face respiratory problems, heart 
disease, and other health issues caused by exposure to air pollution 
and smog.
  Constituents in my nearby neighborhoods suffer the most, often living 
in the shadows of these polluting industries.
  Houston is not alone. Across the country, we see the impacts of 
pollution on public health. We have a responsibility to reduce 
pollution. Clean air is a public health issue. We need to do more to 
help our communities.
  That is why I am fighting for strong, robust funding for clean air 
programs and air monitoring in my district.
  Instead of keeping our families and communities safe, House 
Republicans are making it easier for big companies to pollute without 
consequences.
  While House Republicans play games and raise the deficit, House 
Democrats will do everything to continue to put people over politics--
not polluters--every day to meet the real needs of the American people 
because everyone deserves a good job with benefits and a shot at the 
American Dream without giving up their right to breathe clean air.
  It is our duty and responsibility to protect our God-given right to 
clean air for ourselves and for our future generations.
  We cannot afford to wait any longer.

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