[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 5]
[House]
[Pages 7075-7084]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  2017


                             General Leave

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and to include extraneous material on H.R. 5055 and that I may include 
tabular material on the same.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Rodney Davis of Illinois). Is there 
objection to the request of the gentleman from Idaho?
  There was no objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 743 and rule 
XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of the Whole House 
on the state of the Union for the consideration of the bill, H.R. 5055.
  The Chair appoints the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) to 
preside over the Committee of the Whole.

                              {time}  1720


                     In the Committee of the Whole

  Accordingly, the House resolved itself into the Committee of the 
Whole House on the state of the Union for the consideration of the bill 
(H.R. 5055) making appropriations for energy and water development and 
related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017, and for 
other purposes, with Ms. Ros-Lehtinen in the chair.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The CHAIR. Pursuant to the rule, the bill is considered read the 
first time.
  The gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Simpson) and the gentlewoman from Ohio 
(Ms. Kaptur) each will control 30 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Idaho.
  Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  It is my distinct honor to bring this fiscal year 2017 Energy and 
Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act before you 
today.
  Before I go into the details, I would like to recognize the hard work 
of Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Lowey on this bill and in the 
appropriations process in our trying to get back to regular order.
  I would also like to thank my ranking member, Ms. Kaptur. I 
appreciate her help and her hard work on this bill. This bill is a 
better bill because of her input on this legislation.
  The bill provides $37.4 billion for the activities of the Department 
of Energy, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, and 
other agencies under our jurisdiction. This is $259 million more than 
last year's funding level and is $168 million above the budget request.
  This is a responsible bill that recognizes the importance of 
investing in this Nation's infrastructure and national defense. As we 
do each year, we work hard to incorporate priorities and perspectives 
from both sides of the aisle.
  The administration's proposal to cut the programs of the Army Corps 
of Engineers by $1.4 billion would have led to economic disruptions at 
our ports and waterways silted in and would have left our communities 
and businesses vulnerable to flooding. Instead, this bill recognizes 
the critical work of the Corps and provides $6.1 billion for those 
activities. This includes $1.8 billion for flood and coastal storm 
damage reduction projects. These projects prevented damages of $14.8 
billion in 2014 alone. Harbor maintenance activities are funded at 
$1.26 billion, the same as last year, and $122 million more than the 
fiscal year 2017 target. The bill makes use of all estimated annual 
revenues from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund.
  The Department of Energy's nuclear weapons program is funded at $9.3 
billion, which is $438 million more than last year. This increase will 
support full funding for the stockpile life extension programs. It also 
includes an additional $106 million above the request to address the 
growing backlog of deferred maintenance and $30 million above the 
request to upgrade the security infrastructure where nuclear weapons 
material is stored. The recommendation for naval reactors is $1.4 
billion, an increase of $45 million, and includes full funding for the 
Ohio-class replacement submarine.
  A national energy policy can only be successful if it maintains 
stability while investing in a secure, independent, and prosperous 
energy future. This bill makes balanced investments in a true all-of-
the-above energy strategy. This bill also takes a strong stand against 
the regulatory overreach and extreme application of laws that have been 
the hallmark of this administration.
  The bill opposes the administration's actions with regard to the 
Clean Water Act and includes three provisions that prohibit changes to 
the definition of ``fill material,'' the definition of ``waters of the 
United States,'' and the permit requirement for certain agricultural 
activities.
  The bill also includes several provisions to ensure that the Bureau 
of Reclamation maximizes water deliveries in California to help 
alleviate the drought while sustaining senior water rights and 
maintaining environmental protections.
  This is a strong bill that will advance our national security 
interests and our economy, and I urge everyone to support it.
  I reserve the balance of my time.

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[[Page 7079]]



[[Page 7080]]


  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I want to thank Chairman Simpson for his bipartisan approach in 
preparing this bill. I also thank Chairman Hal Rogers and Ranking 
Member Nita Lowey for their efforts throughout.
  To our dedicated staff--Donna Shahbaz and Taunja Berquam, the 
Republican and Democratic clerks, as well as the rest of the committee 
staff: Matt Anderson, Angie Giancarlo, Loraine Heckenberg, and Perry 
Yates--their countless long hours, late nights, weekends, and 
thoughtful insight are so critical to helping America prepare this 
legislation.
  This bill funds transformative programs that unlock America's full 
economic potential, critical water resource projects, navigation and 
port operability, and breakthrough science advancements that are 
necessary for America's strategic and competitive posture. This bill 
undergirds our national defense through superior weapons, naval reactor 
research, and nonproliferation activities--all priorities that unite 
rather than divide us.
  Chairman Simpson worked hard to incorporate the interests of Members 
from both parties. As a result, the bill's funding reflects priorities 
from both sides of the aisle. The chairman's efforts resulted in a bill 
which, with respect to funding levels, is reasonable; although, the 
trade-offs are not ideal.
  The bill provides an increase of $259 million over the 2016 levels. 
It allows for stronger investments in the Army Corps of Engineers for 
critical projects in the Everglades and Great Lakes as well as 
additional funding to address flooding in areas like Houston. Notably, 
for the people of northern Ohio, the bill meets the need to comply with 
State law prior to the open lake disposal of dredged materials. The 
bill also provides robust funding for many areas at the Department of 
Energy.
  It is sad, however, that the majority would jeopardize this good 
start by adding in ill-suited ideological or non-germane riders on the 
Clean Water Act, guns on Army Corps' lands, National Ocean Policy, and 
the California drought. I should not have to remind our majority 
colleagues that similar provisions imperiled the passage of this bill 
in the past. In fiscal year 2016, nearly all of the Democratic Members 
of the House voted against this bill with far fewer poison pill riders. 
The administration is on record with veto threats over nearly identical 
language. As such, I cannot support this bill in its current form.
  Every year, this important bill sets the path for America's energy 
future, and I am happy to note that, more than ever before, America's 
course is set toward the true north of energy independence. In 2015, 
America produced 91 percent of the total energy consumed. This 
represents the 10th consecutive year of declining net energy imports. 
This translates into freedom.
  Significant strides toward America's energy security should be 
applauded, but we must not lose our momentum by resting on our laurels. 
To finally free ourselves from our energy dependence, as well as to 
drastically cut dangerous carbon emissions, we must strongly support 
the Department of Energy's efforts to embrace the future.
  I am disappointed by the $248 million cut, therefore, to the Office 
of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, which is leading the charge 
into the new energy economy against stiff global competition from 
Europe and Asia. The solar energy account, in particular, yields 
serious benefits, with the solar industry projected to add 9.5 
gigawatts of new energy this year--more than any other source. I am 
proud that my own district is active in this energy revolution, with 
First Solar, founded in Toledo, Ohio, the Nation's current leading 
solar company.
  Wind energy is also expanding in northern Ohio, where the Great Lakes 
have the capacity to become the Saudi Arabia of wind, especially Lake 
Erie. Cleveland is poised to install the first national offshore wind 
turbines in a freshwater environment, and that is appropriate, given it 
was Cleveland where the first electric wind turbine was invented a 
century ago.
  I would like to reiterate my concerns over the controversial riders 
that threaten not only the ultimate enactment of this bill but also our 
most precious resource--water. These provisions' inclusion does a 
disservice in our work, particularly given the serious water challenges 
many parts of our country face.
  While I have concerns with the measure before us, I would like to 
express my deep appreciation for the chairman's hard work with us on so 
many issues. The gentleman from Idaho has ensured that the Energy and 
Water Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee continues its 
tradition of bipartisanship, and he has been a gentleman throughout, as 
always.
  Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1730

  Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), the chairman of the full 
committee that does a great job with this appropriations process.
  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Chair, I rise today to support this 
legislation that invests $37.4 billion in bipartisan priorities: our 
national security, critical infrastructure, and American energy 
independence. In total, this is a $259 million increase above current 
levels for these programs. This increase is directed almost entirely to 
our nuclear national security. With ever-changing threats that span the 
globe, it is imperative that our Nation stays at the very pinnacle of 
preparedness. This funding will help ensure that our stockpile is 
modern, secure, and ready to face any nuclear threat that may arise.
  Another priority in the bill is the infrastructure that helps our 
economy prosper. This includes robust funding for the Army Corps of 
Engineers, a total of $6.1 billion, which is $100 million above last 
year's levels, and $1.5 billion above the President's request. This 
funding will go to activities that have a direct impact on public 
safety, that improve commerce and the movement of American products, 
and that support economic growth and job creation.
  Lastly, Madam Chair, this bill advances an all-of-the-above energy 
strategy that will help the Nation move ever closer to our goal of 
energy independence. By investing in fossil fuels, nuclear, and other 
energy sources, we can help keep consumer energy prices affordable and 
make greater use of our domestic resources. This includes congressional 
efforts to support the Yucca Mountain nuclear repository for future 
use.
  In order to make these targeted investments, the bill cuts back in 
other lower priority areas. Renewable energy programs, which have 
received significant investments in recent years, were cut by $248 
million from current levels.
  The bill also prohibits tax dollars from being used for a harmful 
regulatory agenda that hampers our economy. This includes prohibiting 
funds for the Army Corps of Engineers to make any changes to Federal 
jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act, protecting American farmers and 
ranchers and other job creators. The bill also protects coal and other 
mining operations from onerous efforts to change the definition of 
``fill material'' and ``discharge of fill material.''
  In sum, this bill is an investment in the growth of our American 
economy, supporting functioning and safe water resources and continued 
strides toward energy independence.
  I thank and congratulate Subcommittee Chairman Simpson, Ranking 
Member Kaptur, and the other members of the subcommittee for their hard 
work on bringing this bill forward. I feel completely safe and 
comfortable in the work when Chairman Simpson is doing the bossing.
  I also want to acknowledge the dedicated staff that helped bring this 
bill before the House today.
  I urge my colleagues to help promote a more secure and more 
prosperous future for our Nation and vote ``aye'' on the bill.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Chair, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
New York (Mrs. Lowey).
  Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, before I begin, I would like to thank 
Chairman

[[Page 7081]]

Simpson, Ranking Member Kaptur, and Chairman Rogers for their work on 
the bill.
  The energy and water bill is the second bill we will consider on the 
floor this year. Over and over again, the majority has promised a 
return to regular order. Well, without a budget resolution and a full 
slate of 302(b) suballocations, this promise has clearly not been kept.
  The fiscal year 2017 Energy and Water Development bill would allocate 
$37.4 billion in discretionary funding, $260 million above the fiscal 
year 2016 level and $168 million above the administration's request. 
While this allocation is an improvement, the majority's continued 
dysfunction jeopardizes Congress' ability to meet the significant 
challenges we face, including many in the bill before us.
  For instance, the bill does not adequately invest in infrastructure 
development. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates the 
United States must invest $3.6 trillion in our infrastructure to ensure 
public health and safety, and yet the Army Corps of Engineers is funded 
at $6.089 billion, which is billions of dollars short of what we need 
to meet our infrastructure needs.
  Additionally, this bill does not adequately fund programs to combat 
climate change. To truly tackle the challenges posed by climate change, 
the Federal Government must prioritize investments in research. Yet the 
energy efficiency and renewable energy account would be reduced to 
$1.825 billion, a cut of $248 million, and $1.07 billion below the 
President's request. The Republican majority will continue to bury 
their heads in the sand and dismiss the science and consequences of 
climate change instead of taking action to save our planet.
  However, the most concerning aspect of this bill is the inclusion of 
misguided and dangerous policy riders. An annual appropriations bill is 
not the place to amend or significantly change the Clean Water Act or 
restrict gun laws. These controversial riders, year after year, imperil 
the appropriations process.
  Yet this year's energy and water bill would impede an effective and 
timely response to the continuing drought in California, permanently 
prohibit the Corps from changing the definition of ``fill material,'' 
which is an interest of mountaintop mining companies, permanently 
prohibit the Army Corps of Engineers from clarifying the definition of 
navigable waters, expand the area in which guns can be carried on Corps 
of Engineers lands, and prevent implementation of the national ocean 
policy. Neither Democrats in Congress nor President Obama will agree to 
poison pill riders that harm our environment or public health.
  Unfortunately, this bill fails to address our Nation's infrastructure 
needs, invest in job creation, and take appropriate action to combat 
climate change.
  Given inadequate funding levels and the presence of harmful riders, I 
urge my colleagues to oppose the bill.
  Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman 
from New Jersey (Mr. Lance).
  Mr. LANCE. Madam Chair, I rise today in strong support of this energy 
and water appropriations measure. The measure finally provides the 
critical funding to complete the Rahway River basin flood risk 
management feasibility study in New Jersey that will create a lasting 
solution to protect the communities of Cranford, Kenilworth, Maplewood, 
Millburn, Rahway, Springfield, Union, and the surrounding areas from 
severe flooding.
  For years, these municipalities have pursued this project on its 
great merits, and I am proud to have been the champion of these 
municipalities on the Federal level. This is a critical role for 
Federal representatives effectively helping municipal, county, and 
State officials navigate the Federal Government and ensure efficient 
services to the areas they represent. These municipalities have 
experienced severe flooding from the Rahway River, and they deserve the 
completion of the study and the implementation of a plan that will 
protect life and property.
  I thank the Mayors' Council and local leaders for continuing to 
advocate on behalf of their communities. I deeply thank Chairman 
Simpson and the Appropriations Committee for their thoughtful 
consideration of the study and their leadership during this process.
  I urge a ``yes'' vote on the measure.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Honda), a very hardworking member of our subcommittee.
  Mr. HONDA. Madam Chairwoman, I thank Chairman Simpson and Ranking 
Member Kaptur for their hard work on this bill. It is an honor to serve 
with them on the subcommittee.
  This bill contains many positive things that I support, like funding 
for the Army Corps of Engineers' construction account and programs that 
provide the Corps with critical oceans and weather data.
  It also includes strong funding for energy storage technologies as 
well as provisions that support increasing access to solar and 
renewable energy and promote increasing energy efficiency through smart 
electronics.
  However, there are many cuts that are problematic, particularly those 
to the energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. We have an 
opportunity now to lead the world in innovating the next generation of 
energy technologies, but we are hamstringing our ability to be 
competitive by underfunding critical energy programs
  Furthermore, I oppose the prohibition on the Department of Energy and 
Army Corps participating in marine and coastal planning efforts that 
are components of the National Ocean Policy. This provision is 
misguided and reduces our ability to protect our oceans, Great Lakes, 
and waterways that support our Nation's blue economy.
  Coordinated ocean planning that encourages collaboration between 
stakeholders and Federal agencies will help improve the management of 
our marine resources, and it is unwise to stop those conversations from 
happening.
  Finally, I would also oppose the rider which would prohibit the Army 
Corps from enforcing the ban on firearms at water resources development 
projects. This provision unnecessarily creates an unsafe environment at 
these sites. Corps rangers are not authorized to carry firearms, and 
this provision also strips away the discretion that the Secretary of 
the Army currently has to enforce or revise the policy on a case-by-
case basis.
  Ultimately, appropriations bills are an exercise in setting spending 
priorities, and I disagree with many of the prioritizations that this 
bill makes. I hope we can work together as this bill moves forward to 
develop a bill that will invest in clean energy.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Chair, I just want to inquire how much time remains 
on this side before we move forward.
  The CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Ohio has 19 minutes remaining.
  Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. McCarthy), the distinguished majority leader.
  Mr. McCARTHY. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for the tireless 
work that he has done on these appropriations.
  I want to take a moment to thank another Representative, 
Representative David Valadao. It is rare to find a person so tirelessly 
devoted to his constituents. Every time the House passes legislation to 
address the drought crisis in California, David Valadao is at the 
center of it.
  Like Congressman Valadao, I also represent the people of the Central 
Valley of California. For too long, our constituents have been 
suffering, so I am going to put this as simply as possible. We need 
water.
  California Republicans have tried for years--three Congresses now--to 
get a water bill signed into law to help the people of California. As 
the drought worsened and its reach grew, we tried last year to get 
legislation through the Senate that would help all the States in the 
West facing drought conditions. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats opposed 
the legislation and blocked it.
  So we tried again. We added in provisions from my Republican 
colleagues and provisions supported by our California Senators, ideas 
both sides could

[[Page 7082]]

support. We worked to make this bill as bipartisan as possible and 
focused on good policy. Again, our efforts were blocked.
  But my constituents can't and won't take no for an answer. Water is 
not a luxury. It is a necessity, and we need it now more than ever. And 
it is very clear how we can get more water.
  Now, earlier this year, bureaucrats allowed water from storms to 
flush out into the ocean instead of capturing it for our communities. 
Regulations and bad laws are keeping water from the people who need it. 
We need more pumping, and we need more storage capturing more runoff.

                              {time}  1745

  Too many times our Senate Democratic colleagues have ignored or 
blocked action to help the people of California. So today, the Senate 
can no longer ignore it. They need to come to the table and negotiate 
with us in conference.
  After all, this should not be controversial. We were elected to serve 
our constituents, and our constituents need water.
  My colleagues and I have come back again and again to find an 
agreement because, as El Nino passes and the drought continues, our 
homes, our farms, and our people won't see relief until something is 
done. Now is the moment.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Foster), who is a very hardworking member of the 
Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Science, Space, 
and Technology.
  Mr. FOSTER. Madam Chair, this appropriations bill would underfund the 
Office of Science by $272 million below the President's request for the 
next fiscal year. Investments in the DOE Office of Science have long 
supported American innovation and discovery science.
  It is unwise and, in fact, impossible to ignore the value of our 
national labs. They have helped us answer fundamental questions about 
how our universe works, supported breakthroughs in medicine and 
developments in industry that drive our economy. The Office of Science 
is not only an important investment in our future, it is a valuable 
investment in our economy.
  Our national labs and the major user facilities housed at those labs 
are some of the greatest tools ever created for researchers and 
industry. The direct economic benefit of Argonne and Fermilab in 
Illinois alone is estimated to be more than $1.3 billion annually. The 
indirect benefits of the technologies that they deliver is larger.
  Those who seek to underfund and eliminate Federal programs often say 
that the private sector can do it better, but when it comes to 
fundamental scientific research, that is simply not the case.
  The Office of Science is responsible for building and maintaining 
research facilities which many private companies rely on but are too 
big for any single business or university to develop. These user 
facilities, such as the advanced photon source at Argonne National 
Laboratory, are a critical research tool to academics and industry 
alike. For example, AbbVie, recently won FDA approval for a new 
leukemia drug that was developed because of the groundbreaking 
crystallography research done at Argonne's APS.
  As other world powers are growing and challenging our position as a 
global leader in science and innovation, we cannot afford to let the 
number of American scientists and researchers or the quality of their 
research facilities diminish.
  Madam Chair, we must continue to invest in American innovation and 
fully fund the research and development conducted through the DOE 
Office of Science.
  Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Costa).
  Mr. COSTA. Madam Chair, I want to thank the chairman, Mr. Simpson, 
for yielding me this time.
  This legislation that is before us gives Congress a new opportunity 
to give California an ability in the water provisions that are 
contained within this law that will help relieve the devastating 
drought that has been impacting Californians both in the short term and 
in the long term.
  In the absence of getting a comprehensive water bill passed into 
law--which I have not given up hope for, and my colleagues on both 
sides are still working on a bipartisan basis with Senator Feinstein--I 
hope my colleagues, in the meantime, will join me in supporting the 
provisions in this bill that Congressman Valadao has been able to 
provide that will, in fact, contain relief to the people of California 
whom we represent and who have been most impacted by this drought.
  Between December of last year and May of this year, hundreds of 
thousands of acre-feet went out to the bay, to the ocean, that could 
have been provided for farms and farm communities in the valley, that 
would have helped farmworkers and farmers. Unfortunately, that water 
was lost.
  The Federal Government cannot allow this to happen again. Congress 
must pass this bill so that next year, if we do have the water during 
the rain and snowy seasons between November and April of next year, we 
will be able to capture that water desperately needed instead of 
allowing it to flow out to the ocean.
  Even under the flawed biological opinions, these amendments make 
sense. I commend my colleagues for inserting them here.
  I want to thank the chairman for yielding me this time.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Chair, I rise for a couple reasons. One is to wish 
my noble brother well back home. The other is to yield to the 
gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Kuster) to enter into a colloquy.
  Ms. KUSTER. Madam Chair, I thank Ranking Member Kaptur.
  I rise today to speak about the importance of the funding of the 
Office of Public Participation within the Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission, known fondly to us as the FERC, an office that has never 
been active despite prior authorization.
  With the expansion of natural gas infrastructure in the Northeast and 
across the country, it makes sense that we finally fund the Office of 
Public Participation to better incorporate the voices of average 
citizens in FERC proceedings and provide robust outreach efforts to 
communities and individuals that are impacted by energy projects.
  Considering the broad authority that the FERC has over domestic 
energy markets and its control over the approval of energy 
infrastructure projects, average citizens simply do not have a 
sufficient public interest presence on the national level. With 27 
States offering an existing consumer advocacy office, it is imperative 
that a similar national office be established within the FERC.
  Constituents in my home State of New Hampshire are all too familiar 
with feeling shut out of the FERC process. The recently withdrawn 
Northeast Energy Direct natural gas pipeline would have impacted 18 
small towns across my district and into the neighboring district.
  Due in large part to the organizing efforts of citizens within these 
small towns, the NED pipeline's application within FERC was withdrawn 
this week, but this reality provides only momentary comfort because we 
all know that the FERC is in serious need of repair.
  I understand that my Republican colleagues have interest in working 
to bring the Office of Public Participation to fruition and in making 
additional structural changes to the FERC. I look forward to working 
closely with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move this 
effort forward.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Chair, I would commit to working with the very able 
gentlewoman from New Hampshire to see what progress we could make on 
this very important issue.
  Mr. SIMPSON. Will the gentlewoman yield?
  Ms. KAPTUR. I yield to the gentleman from Idaho.
  Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Chair, I look forward to working with the 
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), the ranking member, and our 
colleagues on the Committee on Energy and Commerce to see if we can 
find an appropriate path forward on this issue.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

[[Page 7083]]


  Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Gibson).
  Mr. GIBSON. Madam Chair, let me express my gratitude to the chairman 
and the ranking member. I am here today to support the bill and to 
really urge my colleagues to continue to work together so that we can 
make progress on clean and renewable energy and energy efficiencies. I 
offer three points as to why.
  First of all, it is important to us to be an independent nation. 
After four combat tours in Iraq, I am very eager to see us become 
energy independent, and certainly that requires an all-of-the-above 
energy strategy, including the renewable energy sources: solar power, 
wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass. All of these in upstate New York are 
making a significant advance, and I want to see us continue to 
facilitate this.
  We are a country that can do hard things. We have shown that time and 
again. We put a man on the Moon. We stood up to the Communist 
challenge. We did so in part because of research, development, and 
prototyping. The investments we made were so critical to that, and we 
not only won the cold war, but we also got the supercomputer, we got 
the Internet, and we ushered in the information age.
  I think if we make similar investments--and we will have an amendment 
here shortly on ARPA-E. I appreciate what the chairman has done to 
support the program. I think this is very important. It would also 
offer jobs in my district and all throughout New York. This has been 
helpful to jobs.
  Finally, the environment, how important it is. We want to be good 
stewards of our resources. To me, a conservative, you are certainly 
protecting all resources, including natural resources. To me, if 
conservation isn't conservative, well, then, words have no meaning at 
all.
  So renewable energy sources and also the criticality of energy 
efficiencies, a kilowatt-hour saved is a kilowatt-hour produced. I know 
we have made progress. I appreciate the work of the committee. I urge 
us to continue that and double our efforts going forward.
  Finally, I will say that I appreciate what Ms. Kuster mentioned just 
moments ago. This is a bill I look forward to working on with her. I 
think it is a step in the right direction.
  Thank you for your great work, Mr. Chairman.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Chair, did the gentleman yield back his time?
  Mr. HONDA. Yes, I yielded back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Let me just say that this is an important bill. It is an important 
bill for our economy, and it is an important bill for our defense.
  I did want to say that I appreciate the staff and the hard work that 
they have put into this legislation, trying to address the requests of 
many Members. We have had something like--I can't remember the 
numbers--2,300 different requests from Members for this piece of 
legislation, and we were able to address, in at least one form or 
another, about 95 percent of those requests. The staff works very hard 
to make this a bill that all Members can support.
  It has been a pleasure working with the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. 
Kaptur). She is from Ohio. I am from Idaho. We come from different 
States and have different perspectives and different points of view and 
different interests many times, and it is fun to sit in our hearings 
because oftentimes she brings up issues that I would have never thought 
of as we have people before us testifying, and I hope I do the same 
occasionally, too, and all our members do that. That is what really 
makes this process work.
  That is why getting back to regular order and debating bills and 
marking them up and going to conference, as the Speaker and leader and 
minority leader have tried to do here, is so important.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. LEE. Mr. Chair, let me thank the Ranking Member and Chair for 
including language to recognize the importance of workplace diversity 
in the Department of Energy's National Laboratories and directing the 
Department to provide a detailed plan on the recruitment and retention 
with minority-serving institutions, including Historically Black 
Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
  I am also pleased that the bill includes language on Energy-Water 
Nexus initiative that I worked on with our Ranking Member Marcy Kaptur. 
This language encourages the Department of Energy to enter into an 
agreement with the Department of Agriculture at various national labs 
to work on development of affordable and efficient food production 
systems for our most food insecure communities. This is a critical step 
towards addressing food insecurity and poverty.
  Lastly, I'm pleased that the Advanced Light Source program is fully 
funded in this bill at the level of $64.95 million in FY2017. This $2 
million increase over FY 2016 enacted levels will ensure that these 
facilities remain fully operational, including the Advanced Light 
Source and Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab in my 
home district.
  However, I remain deeply concerned regarding the many poison pill 
policy riders and low funding levels included in this spending bill.
  We know that California is experiencing an unprecedented drought 
coupled with the real effects of climate change. The fact that most of 
H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015, 
has shamefully been inserted into this bill is a disgrace. This harmful 
rider fails to adequately address critical elements of California's 
complex water challenges and will only worsen the effects of the 
drought. It would also violate existing laws protecting salmon and 
other endangered fish in California's Bay-Delta estuary.
  I am also concerned regarding the other harmful policy riders that 
would shamefully allow guns on Army Corps of Engineers land and prevent 
implementation of the administration's Clean Water Rule.
  Mr. Chairman, instead of trying to roll back vital environmental 
protections, we need to be proactive about preserving our environment 
for the health and safety of future generations. We need to make more 
investments in clean energy like solar, wind, and geothermal. 
Unfortunately, this bill does not do that.
  I hope that as the process moves forward, these terrible policy 
riders and low allocations are resolved.
  The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Carter of Georgia). All time for general debate 
has expired.
  Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be considered for amendment 
under the 5-minute rule.
  During consideration of the bill for amendment, each amendment shall 
be debatable for 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the 
proponent and an opponent. No pro forma amendment shall be in order 
except that the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on 
Appropriations or their respective designees may offer up to 10 pro 
forma amendments each at any point for the purpose of debate. The chair 
of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority in recognition on the 
basis of whether the Member offering an amendment has caused it to be 
printed in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that 
purpose. Amendments so printed shall be considered read.
  The Clerk will read.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 5055

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the 
     following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the 
     Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for energy and water 
     development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending 
     September 30, 2017, and for other purposes, namely:

                                TITLE I

                       CORPS OF ENGINEERS--CIVIL

                         DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

                       Corps of Engineers--Civil

       The following appropriations shall be expended under the 
     direction of the Secretary of the Army and the supervision of 
     the Chief of Engineers for authorized civil functions of the 
     Department of the Army pertaining to river and harbor, flood 
     and storm damage reduction, shore protection, aquatic 
     ecosystem restoration, and related efforts.

                             investigations

       For expenses necessary where authorized by law for the 
     collection and study of basic information pertaining to river 
     and harbor, flood and storm damage reduction, shore 
     protection, aquatic ecosystem restoration, and related needs; 
     for surveys and detailed

[[Page 7084]]

     studies, and plans and specifications of proposed river and 
     harbor, flood and storm damage reduction, shore protection, 
     and aquatic ecosystem restoration projects, and related 
     efforts prior to construction; for restudy of authorized 
     projects; and for miscellaneous investigations, and, when 
     authorized by law, surveys and detailed studies, and plans 
     and specifications of projects prior to construction, 
     $120,000,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, 
     That the Secretary may initiate up to, but not more than, six 
     new study starts during fiscal year 2017: Provided further, 
     That the new study starts will consist of five studies where 
     the majority of the benefits are derived from navigation 
     transportation savings or from flood and storm damage 
     reduction and one study where the majority of benefits are 
     derived from environmental restoration: Provided further, 
     That the Secretary shall not deviate from the new starts 
     proposed in the work plan, once the plan has been submitted 
     to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of 
     Congress.


                     Amendment Offered by Mr. Gosar

  Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment.
  The Clerk read as follows:

       Page 3, line 5, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(increased by $1,000,000)''.
       Page 50, line 21, after the dollar amount, insert 
     ``(reduced by $1,000,000)''.

  Mr. GOSAR (during the reading). Mr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent 
that the amendment be considered as read.
  The Acting CHAIR. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman 
from Arizona?
  There was no objection.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 743, the gentleman 
from Arizona and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona.
  Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment that will help 
reduce the large backlog of important Army Corps of Engineers' 
projects. This amendment transfers $1 million from the Department of 
Energy's departmental administration budget to the Army Corps of 
Engineers' investigations account to bring it up to fiscal year 2016 
enacted levels.
  The investigations account funds the planning and environmental 
studies required under the law for important Corps projects prior to 
construction.

                              {time}  1800

  There is a backlog of worthwhile Corps projects throughout the 
country that are essential to improving water infrastructure for 
communities, improving ecosystem restoration, providing clean water, 
and expanding much-needed water storage. These projects are especially 
critical to the drought-stricken communities in the West, and many 
other parts of the Nation.
  The committee showed great insight in recognizing that the 
administration's request for the Corps' investigation budget was much 
too low, stating in the committee report: ``Once again, the 
administration's claims to understand the importance of infrastructure 
ring hollow when it comes to water resource infrastructure investments. 
In fact, if enacted, the budget request would represent the lowest 
level of funding for the Civil Works program since fiscal year 2004.''
  At a time of historic drought and major water challenges, we 
shouldn't be reducing investigation dollars that will allow worthwhile 
community projects to move forward.
  The committee has provided significant safeguards in the report to 
ensure that the funds transferred by this amendment will go to planning 
for the most viable projects and ``studies that will enhance the 
Nation's economic development, job growth, and international 
competitiveness; are for projects located in areas that have suffered 
recent natural disasters; or are for projects to address legal 
requirements.''
  Support for this amendment is definitive action we can take to 
directly support timely development of critical water infrastructure 
projects.
  I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I thank the 
distinguished chair and ranking member for their work on this bill.
  Mr. Chairman, I ask for a positive vote on this amendment.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar).
  The amendment was agreed to.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Committee will rise informally.
  The Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Valadao) assumed the chair.

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