thank the chairman and ranking member and staff for their work. i urge passage of the bill. and i yield back. the chair: the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. the gentlelady from new york is recognized. mrs. lowey: i yield five minutes to the gentlelady from florida, the ranking member of the military construction, veteran affairs subcommittee, ms. wasserman schultz. . ms. wasserman schultz: thank you. i recognize former chairman dent for his hard work on the bill. i want to recognize chairman carter for taking up the reins on this bill. not in an easy, care-free situation, to come in after a bill has been completely written and then have to manage it. but i'm confident, given the track record that i've seen chairman carter have, that it's going to be be a absolute pleasure to work with him -- that it's going to be an

absolute pleasure to work with him as it has been. as you know the milcon v.a. bill has a strong reputation for common ground and bipartisanship. chairman dent set a cooperative e e and was inclusiv throughout the processe throughout the process before his retirement. the milcon portion of the bill is up by $241 million over last year's enacted level. in my opinion, the f.y. 2019 request adequately provides funding for both components. one item that i want to point out in the milcon portion of the bill is new funding for enhancing security and safety. the bill includes $150 million for enhancing much-needed force protection and safety concerns at military installations. too often we had situations where these projects were deferred for big-ticket items and then never made it into the request. so the department of veterans affairs, title 2, is $3.9 billion over for a 5% increase above the f.y. 2018 enacted level. mr. chairman, i'm also pleased the bill rejects the administration's proposal to

combine the medical services and community care accounts into one enormous account which was a bipartisan agreement. maintaining the old structure of two accounts offers us the most transparency for the committee to both monitor and control spending in these two areas. mr. chairman, while the military construction-veterans affairs division makes many important investments, it does fall far short in both the choice and community care programs. the majority has acknowledged this fact because included in the rule was a self-executing amendment that added $1.1 billion to the community care account, to address a discretionary shortfall caused by the v.a. mission act, which the democrats have repeatedly, since the introduction and passage of the mission act, warned the majority about. even with this additional $1.1 billion, the bill face to address the $1 -- fails to address the $1.6 billion short fall in care due to increased requirements. and it does nothing to address

the long-term stability of the veterans community care program, which c.b.o. now estimates that it will need an additional $1 billion for f.y. 2019 and at 2020 $47 billion from f.y. to f.y. 2023. this future shortfall, make no mistake, you can take this to the bank, if we don't deal with this, will ultimately face the v.a. to begin cannibalizing other critical v.a. priorities. mr. chairman, ranking member lowey submitted an amendment to the rules committee that would have addressed this issue, as did mr. walz in the v.a. authorizing process. that would have preserved the bipartisan budget act deal and prevented cuts to v.a. programs. it also would have held nondefense discretionary caps for v.a. negotiate under the bipartisan budget act harmless, when funding for the veterans choice program is transfered from mandatory to discretionary accounts. another concern i have is that despite calls to return to regular order as many of my

colleagues have discussed here today, we are instead taking up completely unnecessarily, because we have plenty of time to do this, three bills at once. this year especially the process should have been better. the bipartisan budget agreement, enacted in february, provided us leaf from unworkable discretion -- relief from unworkable discretionary caps by giving this committee a top line number for f.y. 2018 and 2019, yet here we are doing another minibus. this is extremely disappointing and nowhere close to regular order. if we want to return to regular order, we to know the full 302-b picture at the beginning of this process, not five bills in to when we have marked up over 1/3 of the bills that we consider every year. we have to return to considering bills one at a time and under an open process that allows each member of this body to have reasonable input. mr. chairman, we cannot continue to govern in this fashion. we must stop listening to the most extreme voices, because it

is clear that passing any appropriations bill at the end of the day is -- that will be signed into law, is going to require a bipartisan majority of both houses, which this bill, this minibus will not get, in my stums. as a result of this irresponsible posture, i'm incredibly disappointed that i will be voting against the mini bus and look forward to working -- minibus and look forward to working toward an appropriations process that both parties have worked on together and can support. thank you, i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentlelady reserves with 7 1/2 minutes remaining. the gentleman from new jersey is recognized with 14 minutes remaining. mr. frelinghuysen: mr. chairman, i'm pleased to yield three minutes to mr. fleischmann of tennessee, a valuable member of the energy and water committee. the chair: the gentleman is recognized for three minutes. flisheflishe thank you, mr. speaker -- mr. fleischmann: thank you, mr. speaker. i rise to speak in support of h.r. 5895. but before i do that, i want to thank chairman frelinghuysen for his tremendous hard work and efforts and also the ranking member, mrs. lowey, for her hard

work on this bill as well. this resolution combines the appropriation bills for energy and water development, military construction and veterans' affairs, and legislative branch. as the vice chair of the energy and water subcommittee, i'm especially proud to support this bill. which reflects the hard work of the subcommittee members and staff under the leadership of chairman simpson and ranking member kaptur. this bill provides robust funding for the national nuclear security administration to maintain the safety and readiness of our nation's nuclear weapons stockpile. addresses aging infrastructure in our weapons complex facilities, and supports current and future missions of our great nuclear navy. another issue that is near and dear to me is nuclear cleanup. as both y-12 and the oakland national laboratory have significant ongoing cleanup

missions. as the chairman of the nuclear cleanup caucus, i know that addressing the legacy of the cold war in communities around the nation is a vital federal commitment. this bill provides the department of energy's office of environmental management with the funding it needs to continue to delive live up to this commitment -- to live up to this commitment. i'm also pleased with the strong support for this bill, for the department of energy's office of science. notably, this bill supports continued investment in the area of supercomputing, and supports the department of energy's goal deploy a first-in-the-world exoscale supercomputer. much of that critical research will take place at oakfield natural -- oak ridge national laboratory. it enables novel scientific research into fundamental nature of matter that can be formed nowhere else in the world.

funding in this bill provides critical infrastructure for our waterways, which is essential to our economy. mr. speaker, i will close by reiterating my full, strong support for this bill, and encouraging all of my colleagues to support this bill. and support the incredibly important national priorities that it funds. mr. speaker, i yield back. the chair: the gentlelady reserves the balance of her time. the gentlelady from new york is recognized -- the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. the gentlelady from new york is recognized. mrs. lowey: mr. chairman, i'm very pleased to yield three minutes to the gentleman from maryland, the democratic whip, mr. hoyer. the chair: the gentleman is ecognized for three minutes. mr. hoyer: i thank the ranking member, mrs. lowey, for yielding. i rise twice -- i rise twice today in sadness. as a member of the appropriations committee, albeit on leave, i have great respect or this committee. but i rise to express my concern

with this minute jbus legislation. -- minius -- minibus legislation. republicans brought it to the floor on a closed process and without agreement on funding levels. doing so, of course, schutz down debate -- shuts down debate, limits opportunity for members to amend an appropriation bill, and sets the house once again to shortchange important domestic priorities like health care and education. his minibus, and let me say to my friends on the minority side and gularly and strongly somewhat sant moaniously attacked putting bills together, not considering them one at a time, have now repaired to this bus system.

and they're putting america under the bus. and they're putting regular order under the bus. and they're putting the ability to consider bills under the bus. this minibus includes problematic cuts to funding for renewable energy programs, changes to gun safety rules, and weakening of environmental protections. so if you're for milcon, and you're for the leg bill, you ought to vote for the stuff you don't like. that's what this process does to all of us. i'm also particularly concerned with the title funding the legislative bill. and most people won't talk about this. but, yes, i'm known as a person of this institution. and i'm proud of it. i'm also proud as a leader that i have fought for members for over two decades as a leader. as many of my colleagues are

aware, but few americans might be, the people's representatives have been asked to do more and more each year with fewer and fewer resources. the members' representational allowance exists in order to ensure that members and their staff can serve their districts and constituents in the most effective and responsible way possible. for example, my office and all of yours uses its resources to help veterans navigate the v.a. system. help seniors collect their social security benefits. and to advocate for our district's critical -- districts' critical military and civilian installations. sadly, mr. speaker, the m.r.a. is often considered the low-hanging fruit. of discretionary cuts. a political messaging freebie. one additional minute? that has no constituency to

advocate on its behalf. as a result, the m.r.a. today has shrunk to 85% of what it was eight years ago. meanwhile, the population of the united states has grown by 19 million people. less service for our people. that's why i wrote the appropriations committee and asked the m.r.a. be funded at least at 2010 levels, eight years ago. i'm disappointed that was not done. at the same time, and members, hear this, because most of you won't say it, because you're afraid that somehow your constituents will make you pay the price, we have once again frozen the cost of living adjustment, as the costs go up in washington, d.c. i don't ask for a raise for members, but i do ask that they be kept at the same level. we ought to stop all this hair-shirting in this body. and treat members with the

respect that they deserve. the chair: the gentleman's time has expired. mr. hoyer: mr. speaker, i will vote against this bill. i will vote against this bill because it is bad process and bad product. and lets the american people down. and i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentlelady reserves the balance of her time. the gentleman from new jersey is recognized. mr. frelinghuysen: mr. chairman, i'm pleased to yield two minutes to sheriff john rutherford from florida, a new member of the house appropriations committee. the chair: the gentleman is recognized for two minutes. mr. rutherford: thank you, mr. chairman. i want to thank you for your leadership on this bill, with scores of amendments through committee. and thank you for all of that. mr. speaker, i rise today in strong support of h.r. 5895, the energy, water, legislative branch and military construction and veterans affairs appropriations act for fiscal year 2019. this bill makes key investments in water resources infrastructure, and coastal flood protections, increases funding for veterans' self-care and benefits, bolsters our

military assets, and increases funding for the capital police by $29 million. of great importance to my district, mr. speaker, in northeast florida, is the milcon appropriation which includes $111 million for two much-needed facilities for the training and pport of the littoral combat cruiseship. these if a civics will ensure that the l.c.s. crews are efficiently and adequately trained as we continue to rebuild our fleet and deploy these ships in the future. again, i am grateful to the former chairman, dent, chairman carter, the committee staff, and my colleagues for their hard work on this passage -- on this package. and i urge its passage, mr. speaker. i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. the gentlelady from new york is recognized. the gentlelady reserves. the gentleman from new jersey is recognized. mr. frelinghuysen: mr. chairman, i'm pleased to yield three

minutes to the gentleman from washington state, mr. newhouse. the chair: the gentleman is recognized for three minutes. mr. newhouse: thank you, mr. speaker. thank you, mr. chairman. for yielding. i want to thank you and, as well as chairman simpson, for their hard work on this package of bills. i'd like to rise in support of h.r. 5895, which includes the fiscal year 2019 energy and water development appropriations bill. you know, of all the funding bills i work on with my colleagues on the appropriations committee, the energy and water legislation is one of the most important for my district of central washington. from supporting the cleanup efforts at the hanford nuclear site, to the research conducted at the pacific northwest national laboratory, to aiding the vitally important water projects managed and developed by both the army corps of engineers as well as the bureau of reclamation, this bill is

composed of important resources for central washington. regarding hanford, i'm proud this bill restores more than 200 million dollars from the president's request for the richland office to continue providing for continued safe and effective cleanup operations on site. i'm also pleased with the restoration of more than 40 million to the office of river protection to continue important work on the 56 million gallons of radioactive nuclear waste that is stored at the site. i remain steadfast in my commitment to holding the federal government accountable to its moral and legal obligation to the cleanup of the hanford site, and this bill does precisely that. so thank you. i'm also encouraged by this legislation's demonstrated commitment to moving forward with yucca mountain. as the lead geological repository for legacy waste and spent nuclear fuel as well as the continued commitment to support science, including

robust funding for the basic energy science's cybersecurity and the national nuclear security administration. these programs are important for the groundbreaking work conducted to tackle some of the most challenging problems in energy, the environment, and in national security. finally, this legislation includes a provision that i authored to stop the dangerous anti-science forced spill order currently in effect on the eight lower columbia river dam which began in early august -- excuse me -- april of this year. just a week ago, mr. speaker, we received news from the army corps that fish managers are having to take measures to manage the effects of this reckless spill order. high flow rates are causing fish to stall in their migration upstream with only 00 to 400 chinook passing in

may. after, after the corps reduced the spill rate by 20% a week ago, the daily passage rose to 2,689 fish. this demonstrates the strain of the spill order is placing on our endangered species. while some of my colleagues refuse to acknowledge its unambiguous scientific data and claim to support endangered fish species with their word -- the chair: the gentleman's time has expired. mr. frelinghuysen: i yield another 15 seconds. the chair: the gentleman is recognized for 15 seconds. mr. newhouse: thank you, mr. chairman. they refuse to support -- claim to support the endangered species with their words but not with their actions. i'm proud to have advocated for the inclusion of this language to stop this misguided spill to help save our fish and save our dams and i urge a yes vote on h.r. 5895. thank you, mr. speaker. the chair: the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from new jersey is recognized. mr. frelinghuysen: mr. speaker, i wish to yield two minutes to the chairman of the agriculture

subcommittee on appropriations, if i may, mr. aderholt, and then i'll be certainly yielding to mr. valadao. mr. aderholt, two minutes. the chair: the gentleman is recognized for two minutes. mr. aderholt: thank you, mr. speaker. mr. chairman, thank you. of course, i rise today in support of this first package of f.j. 2019 appropriations bills. this combined bill that we're talking about today is the start of the process, and it's a good example of the house doing its job. we had a lot of hearings and we've had a lot of meetings with owe mferings officials over the last -- administration officials over the last several months and we talked about their budget and how they justified it and now we're moving through the process. the appropriations subcommittee has now taken -- committee has now taken action. we have marked these bills before us through the subcommittee. we passed them out of the committee. the house has taken action with

this legislative package that we will pass tomorrow. and now it's the senate's turn. mr. speaker, let me point out that the senate has passed just two appropriation bills through subcommittee and full committee and had four votes in the senate since 2012. just two stand-alone bills in six years. and mr. speaker, certainly i think this is a real problem. the house is doing its job and it's time for the senate to do theirs. and they may have to stay in session during the month of august to get their work done. the president's promised that he will not sign another 12-bill package omnibus bill. we're doing our part here to ensure the process moves forward, and we have the bills to conference with the senate once they are completed. i urge my colleagues to support e three-bill package and i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman reserves. the gentlelady reserves.

the gentleman from new jersey is recognized. mr. frelinghuysen: i am now pleased to yield two minutes to mr. valadao from california, great member of the appropriations committee. the chair: the gentleman is recognized for two minutes. mr. valadao: thank you, mr. chairman. mr. speaker, as a member of the committee of jurisdiction, i am proud to rise in strong support of the 2019 military construction-veterans' affairs appropriations bill. our service members made sacrifices for our nation and we are indebted to the brave men and women who have served. providing access to benefits from education, medical care is a small yet important symbol of gratitude for their service. the bill before us today improves the management of the v.a. facilities across the nation and rebuilds our facilities such as one in california's 21st district, the district i have the honor of representing. most importantly, the legislation ensures the veterans get the care they deserve. in fact, i am proud to say this historic piece of legislation provides the v.a. with more financial resources than any

other previous year. resources desperately needed in order to ensure our veterans receive the services and treatment they have earned and truly deserve. in rural areas like california's central valley where unemployment is high and primary options are limited, health care options are unfortunately inadequate. this is especially true for our nation's veterans living in rural america. however, this passage delivers targeted results-oriented solutions to increase access to health care for three million veterans living in rural communities across the nation. on top of that, more than 450,000 veterans from coast to coast are waiting to be compensated for medical claims they have submitted to the v.a., and this is simply unacceptable. but as a result of this legislation, we can cut through that backlog and provide our veterans with the financial relief they desperately need. mr. speaker, i stand here today representing the 22,000 veterans a lot call california's 21st congressional district home. they have sacrificed so much for us, and it's past time we

repay the favor. i yield back. the chair: the gentlelady reserves. the gentleman from new jersey is recognized. mr. frelinghuysen: mr. chairman, i'm pleased to yield four minutes to mr. simpson, representative john kurt cisof utah for purpose of their colloquy. the chair: the gentleman is recognized for four minutes. mr. simpson: i yield to mr. curtis for the purpose of a olloquy. the chair: the gentleman is recognized for three minutes. you have three minutes remaining. mr. curtis: i rise in support of increased funding for the project in the underlying legislation that will fund the site cleanup of $42 million, an increase of approximately $4 million over last year's funding. located just across the street from arc national park, they are taking the largest uranium relocation in the united

states. once the cleanup is complete, this valuable real estate can be used for a wide variety of economic and other uses in the area. i appreciate the leadership of chairman simpson on this issue as well as his support of other programs that are important to the western -- west within his subcommittee. i urge my colleagues to support umpra for the moab project. mr. simpson: i appreciate my colleague's support of the cleanup activities. the bill provides $52 million at d.o.e. nondefense small sites. $71 million above the budget request. funding for the site is available at $42 million. we would be pleased to work with the gentleman from utah on expediting cleanup of the site and appreciate his support for the underlying legislation. mr. curtis: i'd like to thank chairman simpson for his support of the moab cleanup. i look forward to continuing to work on this issue as well as other issues that can benefit our constituents and the american people. again, i urge my colleagues to

vote in support of this bill and yield the balance of my time. mr. simpson: i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman reserves. the gentlelady from new york is recognized. mrs. lowey: mr. chairman, i yield myself the balance of my time to close. the chair: the gentlelady is recognized. mrs. lowey: i urge all of my colleagues to vote no on this bill which guts critical investments in clean energy, the clean water protection will not raw deal help american families. from early childhood education, b training, to security, the sanctity of our elections, i vote no and yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentlelady yields back. the gentleman is recognized for 1 1/2 minutes. mr. frelinghuysen: mr. chairman, i am pleased to urge

my members to vote for the three-bill package. i know members of the majority and minority have worked hard on these bills. i think it's important we deliver this package for the american people and i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman yields back. all time for general debate has expired. pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of text of rules committee print 115-71 shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be considered for an original bill for purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule and shall be considered as read. are there any points of order against the bill? for what purpose does the gentleman from mississippi seek recognition? >> mr. chairman, i raise a point of order against the following provision contained in h.r. 5895 because it violates clause 2 of house rule 21. this provision is on page 66, line 14, through page 66, line 20, and relates to the tom

lantos human rights commission. under clause 2-a-1 of rule 21, an appropriation may not be reported in a general appropriation bill for an expend turd not previously authorized by law. mr. harper: mr. chairman, the committee on house administration is responsible for providing funding for house committees other than for the committee on house administration. sections 5 and 7 of h.res. 1451 of the commission's enabling resolution, which is carried forward through h.res. 5, make clear the commission is not authorized to receive a direct appropriation. the commission's enabling resolutions spessfies the role of committee on foreign affairs in providing staff and resources for the commission as well as funding for the commission. in fact, consistent with h.res. 1451 at the request of the committee on foreign affairs, the committee on house administration adopted committee resolution 115-9

earlier this year authorizing $200,000 from the committee's reserve fund to provide for support for commission personnel. in summary, mr. chairman, there is no authorization for the commission to receive a direct appropriation of funds, and i reiterate my point of order and i ask for a ruling of the chair. the chair: does any other member wish to be heard on the point of order? if not the chair will rule. the provision proposes an item of appropriation for the tom lantos human rights commission. under clause 2-a of rule 21, such an item of appropriation must be specifically authorized by law. the burden of establishing the authorization in the law rests in the instance with the committee or another proponent of the provision. find this burden has not been carried, the point of order is sustained, and the provision is tricken from the bill.

no further amendments of the bill, as amended shall be in order except those printed in art b part b of house report 771. each further amendment printed in part b of the report shall be considered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered by a member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by a a proponent and an opponent. may be withdrawn by the proponent any time and shall not be subject to amendment except as provided by section 4 of house resolution 918 and shall not be subject for demand division of the question. it is now in order to consider amendment number 1 printed in 771. b of house report 115- for what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition? mr. collins: mr. chairman, i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: the clerk will designate the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 1 printed in part b of house

report 115-711 offered by mr. collins of new york. the chair: pursuant to house resolution 918, the gentleman from new york, mr. collins, and a member opposed, each will control five minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from new york. mr. collins: thank you, mr. chair. the amendment will increase the army corps of engineers investigations account by $1.2 million. increased funding under this account will allow additional studies that were previously authorized in the water resources development act to be completed by the army corps. . one example is the great lakes resiliency study. this study was authorized in 1986 and although it is a priority, the army corps has not been funded. this study pulls together federal, state, local and private resources to create a strategy to preserve and protect the shore lines of the great lakes -- shorelines of the great lakes. last year my constituents in western new york felt the devastating impact of high lake levels. we saw the worst flooding we have seen in decades.

along lake ontario. the flooding destroyed homes and wrecked havoc on businesses along the shore line -- shoreline. this study will create a comprehensive strategy to protect these communities so they do not suffer again. i look forward to working with my colleagues in congress, as well as the army corps, to ensure that studies like the great lakes coastal resiliency study receive funding. i urge support of my amendment and reserve the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman reserves the balance of his ime. for what purpose does the gentleman from idaho rise? >> claim time in opposition to the amendment, although i am not opposed to the amendment. the chair: the gentleman is recognized. >> i understand the study of is great importance to my colleague from new york, as well as other members from the great lakes region. the underlying bill includes funding and authority for new studies, including a multipurpose study like the great lakes study. mr. simpson: i'd also remind my colleagues that the amendment increases the funding level of

an account. it does not direct funding to any particular activity. for that reason and because the amendment does not constitute a major shift in funding between accounts, i would not oppose the amendment and i would yield to my friend from ohio, ms. kaptur, if she has any comments to make. the chair: the gentlewoman is recognized. ms. kaptur: thank you so very much. mr. chairman, i rise in strong support of my fellow great lakes colleague's amendment and thank him for raising the issue. i think the great lakes have finally arrived. at the u.s. army corps of engineers. and as the gentleman knows, and as i've made clear to the corps, our great lakes members and myself are very supportive of the proposal for a great lakes coastal resiliency study. the study will take an inclusive view of how to make our coast line more resilient, with an eye toward using more sustainable, green, or natural infrastructure to reduce runoff, mitigate erosion and protect property. this will ultimately save money as the corps looks to fulfill its mission in the face of changing environmental hazards. i have to say, over my many

years of service, we finally have at the corps not just civil engineers, we have environmental engineers. and we raised a new generation of americans who understand the relationship between structures and the environment. it is a new day at the corps and nobody welcomes it more than this member. so i want to thank the gentleman for offering this amendment and i urge my colleagues to support it. thank you, and i yield back. mr. simpson: i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman from new york is recognized. mr. collins: i yield back. the chair: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. the question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from new york. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. he amendment is agreed to. it is now in order to consider amendment number 2 printed in part b of house report 115-711. for what purpose does the

gentleman from louisiana seek recognition? mr. abraham: i have an amendment at the desk, mr. speaker. the chair: the clerk will designate the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 2 printed in part b of house report 115-711 offered by mr. abraham of louisiana. the chair: pursuant to house resolution 918, the gentleman from louisiana, mr. abraham, and a member opposed each will control five minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from louisiana. mr. abraham: thank you, mr. speaker. my amendment would increase the corps of engineers' construction account to help address the $96 billion backlog in construction projects across the country. my amendment would also -- offset this increase by reducing the department of energy's developmental administration and bringing it closer in line with the president's budget request. our water infrastructure is aging and deteriorating and the corps of engineers has failed to keep up with these projects across the country. because of the growing bureaucratic mores a that delays construction and leads to wasteful cost overruns. while the corps needs reforms to

expedite project delivery, we in congress should also prioritize spending and provide more resources to water infrastructure. projects in louisiana would greatly benefit from increased construction and operation and maintenance funding, especially projects like the j. bennett johnson waterway, the black river's navigational project, and the madison parish and lake providence ports. these projects are critical for the economy in the mississippi delta. i commend chairman simpson for his leadership in increasing water infrastructure funding, since he has been chairman of the energy and water. this bill provides significant increases in the additional funding pots for both construction and operation and maintenance. this additional funding will increase the opportunities for worthy projects to compete for limited dollars. although i intend to withdraw my amendment, congress should continue to provide more funding to projects across the country that improve commerce, grow the economy, and that protect home

and businesses from -- homes and businesses from flooding. harvey: to work with chairman simp -- i hope to work with chairman sitchson and his committee to address the issue -- simpson and his committee to address the issue moving forward. with, that -- with that, i reserve the balance of my time. mr. simpson: i claim time in opposition. the chair: without objection, the gentleman is recognized. mr. simpson: when the appropriations committee develops its bills, it takes into consideration the requests and priorities of members of the house. funding levels in the underlying bill reflect those requests, including those requests from the gentleman from louisiana. specifically funding above the budget request for construction of navigation projects totals $625 million and, an increase of $176 million above fiscal year 2018, with this additional funding level. additional funding for operations and maintenance of inland navigation projects is at $50 million and increase -- an increase of $20 million above last year's additional funding levels. while we can't specify funding for any particular project, we

have worked hard to ensure that significant funds for which projects not in the budget request can compete. i would be happy to continue working with my colleague from louisiana to ensure significant funding for the critical water resources infrastructure work of the corps of engineers and i thank him for his willingness to withdraw the amendment. and i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. the gentleman from louisiana is recognized. mr. abraham: i thank the chairman for his commitment to work with me on this issue and i withdraw my amendment and yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. he amendment is withdrawn. it is now in order to consider amendment number 3 printed in art b of house report 115-711. for what purpose does the gentleman from massachusetts seek recognition? mr. keating: mr. chairman, i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: the clerk will designate the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 3 printed in part b of house report 115 -- 115-711 offered by mr. keating of massachusetts. the chair: pursuant to house

resolution 918, the gentleman from massachusetts, mr. keating, and a member opposed each will control five minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from massachusetts. mr. keating: thank you, mr. chairman. this amendment would direct the army corps to consider the historic and nationally significant dredging projects as the corps may find in making its funding decisions. in my area, this amendment would provide much-needed support for the completion of the plymouth harbor dredging project in time for the celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the mayflewer landing in plymouth and province town, massachusetts. the year 2020 will be a momentous year for our country, as we commemorate the 400th anniversary of the settlement at plymouth by the pilgrims, the vital contributions of indian tribes and the significant events that followed, including the signing of the may flower compact, the 50 -- mayflower compact, the 50-year peace

treaty, and, of course, the first thanksgiving. for my entire time in congress i've worked closely with my constituents to prepare for this commemoration, plymouth 400. the plymouth harbor dredging project has always been at the heart of these preparations. the dredging project is required ahead of the return to plymouth, of the fully restored may flower two, a full-scale -- mayflower two, a full-scale replica of the ship that brought the pilgrims to cape cod in 1620. the mayflower two cannot return to her home in plymouth harbor unless much-needed dridge -- dredging work is completed. we also anticipate a maritime salute to mark the return of the mayflower two as part of the commemoration and the flotilla will need safe passage into the harbor. furthermore, an uptick in marine traffic is also expected as americans and visitors from around the world travel to plymouth to participate in the 2020 celebration. it's therefore critical for

navigational safety concerns that this dredging occur. this amendment will help ensure that one of the final pieces of 2020 commemoration is completed and in place. we anticipate an exceedingly memorable year for the people of our community, for visitors across the country, and for a significant number of international visitors as well. i look forward to the completion of this project ahead of the commemoration, which also, it's important to note, will bring in significant added revenue and jobs. so i thank you, mr. chairman, and i urge my colleagues to support this amendment. i reserve the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. for what purpose does the gentleman from idaho seek recognition? mr. simpson: claim time in opposition although i am not opposed to the amendment. the chair: without objection. mr. simpson: i can understand my colleague's interest in this issue and i agree there are certain circumstances where the corps should consider more than just commercial tonnage using a waterway, when collecting -- when allocating funding. in fact, the report accompanying

the bill directs the corps to consider several criteria other than just ton odge. since the amendment does not -- tonnage. since the amendment does not upset the balance of priorities within the bill, for this direct funds to any particular project or activity, i will not oppose the amendment. and i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. the gentleman from massachusetts is recognized. mr. keating: thank you, mr. chairman. i thank the chairman, thank the staff for their cooperation, and i also invite them to come to plymouth in 2020 and enjoy what will be an amazing international celebration and a celebration of the beginning of our country as well. with that, mr. chairman, i yield back. the chair: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. the question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from massachusetts. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. he amendment is agreed to. it is now in order to consider amendment number 4 printed in part b of house report 115-711.

for what purpose does the gentleman from virginia seek recognition? mr. beyer: mr. chairman, i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: the clerk will designate the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 4 printed in part b of house report 115-711 offered by mr. beyer of virginia. the chair: pursuant too to house resolution 918, the gentleman from virginia, mr. beyer, and a member opposed each will control five minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from virginia. mr. beyer: thank you, mr. chairman. mr. chairman this amendment seeks to preserve our -- mr. chairman, this amendment seeks to preserve our current clean water act protections occur over our rivers, streams and wetlands. our nation's rivers and wetlands provide values no other ecosystem can. water quality improvements, flood appreciation, shoreline erosion control, and natural products for our use at no cost. this seeks to undermine protections of streams and wetlands and the critical balance between protecting these waters and the day to day operations of the are of our nation's farmers, ranchers and foresters.

under current law, farmers, ranchers and foresters can carry out their normal operations in a body, without requiring a clean water permit. what this means is farmers can continue to plow their fields, including potential wet areas that have been farmed for decades, plant their seeds, harvest their crops without ever having to obtain approval under the clean water act. any normal farming, ranching or forestry exemption is going to include minor limitations. for example, farmer cannot use the current exemption to convert his farmland to a residential development without obtaining a permit. and a rancher can't use this exemption to plow under a wetland to expand his grazing lands. and forestry operations can't use this exemption to change the course of a local stream to improve drainage on their growing lands. in short, the way the clean water act currently operates is to allow normal ranching, farming and forestry operations to continue without a permit, unless the activity either changes or converts the use of a

water body to a new purpose or impairs the historic flow or reach of a wetland. if the planned activity triggers any of these limitations, current law would require that activity to obtain a permit. section 107 of this bill in he is weens provide an absolute clean water act exemption for impacts to any streams or wetlands that happen to be on agricultural ranching or forestry lands. mr. chairman, this is a fundamental change to the clean water act and it's one where the impacts have never been explored. this amendment would be a significant departure from almost 40 years of implementation of the clean water act by democrats and republicans, by eliminating the existing provision requiring exemptions apply only to normal, as in established, ongoing farming practices. mr. chairman, we should not be using an appropriations bill to change federal policy relating to the protection of our nation's rivers and streams. to the best of my knowledge, no hearings or investigations on this provision have ever been held. and if congress is interested in overturning almost 40 years of

clean water act precedent, regular order would require hearings before the house committee on transportation and infrastructure, and approval by that committee before consideration on the floor. this rider is bad policy for our environment, bad policy for the protection of human health, and bad policy for the protection of public safety. i urge support for my amendment and i reserve the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? >> i rise in opposition to this amendment. the chair: without objection, the gentleman voids. . -- is recognized. >> i rise today in strong opposition to this amendment. this amendment would allow the regulatory overreach that has been happening to the ag community through the misuse of the clean water act. mr. lamalfa: the recapture provision of the clean water act was never meant to allow and to swallow up the original intent of the agricultural exemptions. clear ag exemptions in the law. that's what's been happening and this amendment passes, it will only get worse. the ag industry's already one of the most overregulated in the

country, there's little clarity for farmers and ranchers about what those regulations are and how they apply to their operations. . this amendment provides additional uncertainty. it was never the intent of the clean water act to punish farmers from conducting normal farming operations such as plowing or doing stock pond maintenance. yet, that is what is happening. without conducting these activities, farmers and ranchers will not be able to grow the food of the nation. there is a different between plowing the corner of your own field. these exemptions were constructed to address

enforcement under the clean water act has chipped away at the rights of landowners to utilize their own property. so this hasn't been happening for 40 years. it was never the original intent. this is a fairly recent expansion of the interpretation of the law. indeed, it's ridiculous that a farmer has to worry about being slapped with a fine. some cases millions of dollars. this has occurred. for simply conducting normal farming activities on their land where there's clear exemptions for agriculture. in my own district, in northern california, there have already been lawsuits against residents for farming without federal permission. cases like these across the country have cost farmers millions of dollars in legal damages and they risk running farmers out of business. if this amendment is not defeated, these damages to the farm community will only grow. it's not a situation you want to put upon an industry that is already in many cases in financial crisis. farmers and ranchers deserve our support. they deserve the ability to be able to make decision to manage their land whether they are in a crop this year or not and not have the federal government to say if it's been idle that's an abandonment. market conditions can affect what a farmers' condition will

be. having an aggressive enforcement that is exempt in the clean water act so we don't need additional red tape. we don't need these threats. mr. speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from virginia is recognized. mr. beyer: thank you, mr. chairman. i find myself confused by the comments my distinguished . iend from california this law has been applied under democratic and republican presidents and administrations. the law was very clear that any normal farming use, forestry, or agriculture or ranching is exempt already. it's only a wholesale shift from what the farm was originally exempt was intended for that will require a clean water act permit. if they develop houses or a subdivision, they need a clean water act permit. there is nothing that says you need a clean water permit to plow, to plant, to use the land as it's always been used.

and my fear is there -- i don't know specific instances where there has been an overinterpretation of the existing law but section 107 would basically throw out the entire baby in order to fix an overinterpretation problem by one or two agents at the department of agriculture. one says everything is accepted under the clean water act if it's agriculture, forestry or ranching on that land. so with that, mr. chairman, i reserve the balance. the chair: the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from california is recognized. mr. lamalfa: thank you, mr. speaker. i'd invite my friend, mr. beyer, to talk to the farmers and ranchers that are being hit by this. new interpretations, aggressive interpretations coming out of the divisions of northern california to see what is happening to them for simply applying farming techniques to their land. so i would like to yield time to chairman simpson here. the chair: the gentleman from idaho is is recognized. mr. simpson: i appreciate the

gentleman for yielding. yes, it's true, this was written in 1977. the law stayed the same since 1977. that doesn't mean that the interpretation of the law by agencies has been the same since then. and that interpretation has changed over time. and in recent years the corps and e.p.a. have changed the implementation of these provisions to significantly reduce the application of the statutory exemptions. this language in the underlying bill is intended to get us back to the original intent of the law. that's all it's meant to do. is to get back to the original intent of the law. if the gentleman is correct and they are interpreting the law the same as they have for 40 years, then this wouldn't be necessary. but the fact is that's not the case. they have been changing the way they implement this law. this is meant to get us back to the original intent. therefore, i must oppose the amendment that would strike this language. and i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman from california is recognized. mr. lamalfa: how much time do i have remaining, mr. chair? the chair: five seconds. mr. lamalfa: i'll reserve. the chair: the gentleman

reserves. the gentleman from virginia is recognized. mr. beyer: mr. speaker, i want to say in closing, while i respect the concern about an overinterpretation of,isting law, it's been on the law for 40 years. it throws out the entire exemption process and makes everything illegal. and with that i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman yields back. the gentleman from california is recognized. mr. lamalfa: well, again, mr. speaker, it has been a much more aggressive interpretation of the exemptions under the clean water act that were clearly made by congress to allow a normal farming activity, the normal crops rotation you would use. indeed, if these activities were applied even more aggressively, normal year-to-year crops could find themselves unable to be planted because of plowing or disking or land plaining, things that are considered normal in the millions of acres we have in northern crar that are under -- california that are under agriculture. this goes above the law to impose these requirements and they certainly expand the

jurisdiction of the clean water act well beyond what congress had ever intended 40-plus years ago. so i strongly oppose this amendment and urge my colleagues to vote no and i'll yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman yields back. the question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from virginia. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, the noes have it. he amendment is not agreed to. it's now in order to consider amendment number 5 printed in part b of house report 115-711. for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? mr. ruiz: mr. chair, i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: the clerk will designate the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 5 printed in part b of house report 115-771 offered by mr. ruiz of california. the chair: pursuant to house resolution 918, the gentleman

from california, mr. ruiz, and a member opposed, each will control five minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from california. to uiz: thank you, i rise offer this amendment to provide $2 million within the water and related resources account toward projects with a public health benefit like in my district in california. the bureau of reclamation is implemented with managing, restoring our nation's waters to support the interests of the american people and there are few interests more important than protecting the public health. to demonstrate projects that support the public health are so important, i want to talk about the saltin sea, the largest inland body of water located in riverside and imperial, it drew thousands of tourists, birdwatchers, water sports enthusiasts. having grown up i have memories

going fishing with my father, picnicing with my family. however, for decades, deteriorating water have made the lake bed a public health danger to the residents in the surrounding area. and if we do not take decisive action now, the sea will harm the public's health and cities all across southern california. you see, as the city dries and the water reseeds, it will have wind blown contaminants containing arsenic and pesticides. these are small particulate matters, small enough to go straight into your lungs into your bloodstream. this shows the number of increase in asthma attacks, decrease development of lung function in school aged children, increase the risk of cardiac disease, mortality in adults. in fact, children in this underserved area already have the highest pediatric asthma

hospitalization rate in the entire state of california. so adding this insult, adding this exposure is going to be devastating for the surrounding pediatric population. as an emergency medicine doctor, i care deeply about the health of our communities and have seen firsthand the effects of poor air quality in these underserved communities. so the public health danger to families and children from this area is very, very real and must be addressed at all levels of government, local, state, federal, and through public-private partnerships and we are making progress. i also appreciate the committee's strong support of the memorandum of understanding that i helped broker between the department of interior and the state of california to support the state's mitigation plan. by including report language in the underlying bill. in addition, funding for the bureau of reclamation supports projects across the western united states that protect public health. for example, in congressman calvert's district, the bureau of reclamation helped mitigate

public health concerns and lake uality issues at esnore. it has associated public health concerns. however, a collaboration between the city of lake elsnore, municipal water district, riverside county and the bureau of reclamation came together to address these challenges. together, they built levees to contain the lake, establish a supply of recycled water to help maintain water levels and installed aerators to prevent fish dieoffs by keeping oxygen levels high so it can work. the lake now supports many local businesses and has a flourishing tourism industry. most importantly, the water is now safer for residents to enjoy all the benefits the lake has to offer, including swimming and water sports. so there are countless other examples of bureau of reclamation restoration projects helping to protect public health. that's why i urge my colleagues to support my amendment and provide an additional $2

million to these type of projects. that's why if we know this can work in other areas with pending public health crisis, it can and will work in my district with the salten sea if they are so fortunate to receive some grant moneys and work in a collaborative way like lake elsnore. the public health must be put above partisan politics. i reserve the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman reserves. for what purpose does the gentleman from idaho seek recognition? mr. simpson: claim time in opposition to the amendment although i am not opposed to it. i understand the gentleman seeks to show support for funding such as projects important to his district and his constituents. i would note the underlying bill includes a total of $379 million above the budget request for various types of projects that may have public health benefits. since the amendment does not upset the balance of priorities within the bill nor direct funds to any particular project or activity i would not oppose the amendment. and i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman yields back. the gentleman from california is recognized.

mr. ruiz: yes, i want to thank the chairman for not opposing and i also want to thank the ranking member for giving me the time and allowing all of this to proceed. and on behalf of those children with pediatric asthma, on behalf of our seniors with copd, doctors that have worked on the emergency department, on their behalf for so long, i truly, truly want to bring this awareness to everybody here that this is a pending public health nightmare catastrophe that if we do nothing will cost p to $9 billion to address the effects the public health and economic effects this will do. it will save money in the back end and help our pediatric and senior population so i thank you both for listening, understanding and proceeding with this amendment. thank you very much. i yield back my time. the chair: the gentleman yields back. the question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from california. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, the ayes it. he amendment is agreed to.

it's now in order to consider amendment number 6 printed in part b of house report 115-711. for what purpose does the gentlewoman from new mexico seek recognition? ms. lujan grisham: i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: the clerk will designate the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 6 printed in part b of house report 115-711 offered by ms. michelle lujan grisham -- mrs. michelle lujan grisham of new mexico. the chair: pursuant to house resolution 918, the gentlewoman from new mexico, ms. lujan grisham, and a member oppose, will each control five minutes. -- member opposed, will each control five minutes. the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from new mexico. ms. lujan grisham: 99% of new mexico is under drought conditions, including over 60% of the state that is suffering from extreme drought or worse.

it is so dry that more than half the state is at significant risk for dangerous and destructive wildfires and long stretches of the rio grande riverbed are already dry as a bone. and as i speak, there are wildfires raging across the state, including a massive fire in ute park, which is threatening multiple communities and hundreds of buildings. on top of that, last winter's mountain snowpack was the second lowest on record, creating significant issues for new mexico's agriculture industry. farmers are leaving fields unplanted and ranchers are downsizing their herds. many farmers and ranchers, including families who have worked their land for generations, are worried they will not have the water to grow their crops or the hay to feed their livestock in the months and years ahead. extreme drought is the new normal in large parts of the american southwest and we have to develop innovative

technologies and management practices to both preserve the water resources we have and increase access to previously unusable water. my amendment intends to prioritize $15 billion for the bureau of reclamations water research program. it's critical we make new investments to develop innovative methods to recycle, reuse and purify water for agricultural, environmental and residential uses this also supports the brackish groundwater national facility n research in new mexico that develops more efficient ways to desal nate and purify water this facility bringsing to researchers from federal agent circumstances universities, private companies and state and local governments to work clab rah tyly on sustainability using billions of previously untapped brackish

water in new mexico. mr. chairman if we don't develop innovative water management strategies to do more with less, we won't have the watter we need to plant our fields, feed our livestock or grow new mexico's economy. i urge my colleagues to support my amendment and i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentlelady yields back. for what purpose does the gentleman from idaho seek reck anything? mr. simpson: i rise in opposition though i'm not opposed to the amendment. the chair: the gentleman is recognized. mr. simpson: i understand the gentlewoman wants to show research water important to her district. it does not upset the glance of the bill and i do not oppose. i yield back. the chair: the question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from new mexico. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. the amendment is agreed to. it is now in order to consider

amendment number 7 printed in part b of house report 115-711. for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? mr. desaulnier: i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: the clerk will kezzig nate the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 7 printed in house report 115-711, offered by mr. desaulnier of california. the chair: the gentleman from california and a member opposed each will control five minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from california. mr. desaulnier: this amendment seeks a modest amount of funding for the repair and maintenance of equipment in fish screen program. fish screenings are -- screens are an parent port of the san joaquin delta that help protect fish. these fish screens prevent fish from being drawn into various locations in the bay delta watershed where our water supply takes in water. fish screens in the delta are particularly important for protecting multiple species

listed or threatened as endangered under the endangered species act. include sag mono, steelhead and delta smelt. fish screen opponent components operate under water and are constantly exposed to stress and damage that wears them down and makes them less effective without proper upkeep, debris, sediment, and changes in temperature can create gaps or holes in the screening material and damage cleaning mechanism. while i appreciate that it's in the report, the appropriations committee has recognized the need for continued support of the fish screen program overall, it is important that we include money specifically for the maintenance and repair of existing equipment. our commonsense amendment helps us to do that and i urge my colleagues to support it. with that, i reserve the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman reserves. for what purpose does the gentleman from idaho seek recognition? mr. simpson: i claim time in opposition though i'm not

opposed. i understand the gentleman seeks to support screen projects important to his district this account is one where we historically have given the administration, republican or democrat, great flexibility in allocating funds. if there's widespread interest in reducing that flexibility we should look at funding levels within the program not just adjustmenting -- adjusting funding levels in one act tivel ty. because the amendment does not address funds to a particular i do not oppose. mr. desaulnier: i appreciate that. i yield back. the chair: the question is on the amendment of the gentleman from california. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. the amendment is agreed to. the chair understands that amendment number 8 will not be offered. it is now in order to consider amendment number 9 pribted in part b of house report 115-711

for what purpose does the gentleman from tennessee seek recognition? mr. cohen: mr. chairman, i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: the clerk will designate the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 9 printed in part b of house report 115-711, offered by mr. cohen of tennessee. the chair: pursuant to house resolution 918, the gentleman from tennessee, mr. cohen, and a member opposed each will control five minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from tennessee. mr. cohen: thank you, sir. i yield myself such time aze may consume. i rise today to offer an amendment to increase funding for the energy efficiency and renewable energy account by $2 million specifically for use in the super truck 2 program. the super truck program was started dibithe department of energy under president obama. and former secretary of energy steven tchu to improve freight and heavy duty vehicle efficiency. they report the success of the super truck 2 program, these funds will help super truck 2

continue to improve the fuel efficiency and freight efficient soif heavy duty class 8 long haul and regional haul vehicles, save manager fuel while idling, something i saw in a field demonstration, it's amazing how they turn off and hold at intersections with lights etc. or engineering high efficiency hvac technologies and more this amendment to increase funding for super truck 2 program will allow the department of energy o better achieve its frashte efficiency goal and the amendment is offset by a decrease in the account. i thank ranking member kaptur and chairman simpson for their work on this bill. i urge my colleagues to vote yes on the amendment and i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman yields back. does any member claim time in opposition? the question is on the amendment

offered by the gentleman from tennessee. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. he amendment is agreed to. it is now in order to consider amendment number 10 printed in part b of house report 115-711. for what purpose does the gentleman from massachusetts seek recognition? >> i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: the clerk will designate the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 10 printed in part b of house report 115-711, offered by mr. keating of massachusetts. the chair: pursuant to house resolution 918, the gentleman from massachusetts, mr. keating, and a member opposed each will control five minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman if massachusetts. mr. keating: thank you, mr. chairman. my amendment seeks to provide adequate resources to the marine and hydroconnectic -- kinetic energy resource. renewable power offers exciting and important security opportunities for our energy

future here in the united states. my amendment would allocate resources to support these efforts, including the development of pilot project plans, development of prototype turbines and associated undersea cables as well as environmental impact assessments. in my district there's important research already under way in marine and hydrokinetic energies to tap the power of ocean wave, tides, and currents to generate electricity. for example, the marine energy renewable collaborative in new england created the first permanent tidal power testing station in the united states. this state of the art testing station is collecting new and valuable data every day on tidal power. companies like merko and marion mass are also pursuing this cutting edge science in this emerging field of energy production. southeastern massachusetts is a leader in the maritime economy and the research and

technologies being developed currently will enhance our energy security for the future and we must make these investments today to ensure our security, health, and economic competitiveness going forward. the power supplied by these marine and hydrokinetic technologies is clean, it's predictable, and it's domestic. these technologies are environmentally friendly and they don't rely on important -- on the importation of energy from foreign sources. they give us more flexibility to keep our energy prices low for families and businesses. cheaper energy means keeping businesses operating costs low so they can invest in more employees anden their products an research. supporting research in these technologies also means investigating the potential positive and negative effects that they might hold. we need to learn more about how they might affect water quality,

our cultural and historic sites, our electromagnetic devices, and stocks, fish, fish marine habitats and large mammals. this is an important program for my region and for the country. with that, i thank my colleagues and i will say, this is so technologically advanced, this is a real tongue twister as i've gone through this whole thing. but don't let that dissuade anyone going forward. this is the future, this is where economic growth is already occurring in our region and we should do everything in our power to help the go this power. i reserve the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman reserves. for what purpose does the gentleman from idaho rise? mr. simpson: i claim time in opposition. i appreciate my colleague's passion for research and development in the water power office. he's a strong advocate in his state for this, the research in this important work. although i could not support the

amendment i'd appreciate it if the gentleman would withdraw it and work together as we move toward conference to discuss efficient funding for the water power office. with that, i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman yields back. the gentleman from massachusetts is recognized. mr. keating: thank you, mr. chairman. i'd like to thank chairman simpson for that opportunity to work together. i think we can work together going forward in the short-term perhaps as this goes to conference, we can look at working together in the long term and really investigating the importance of this new energy and this energy that can be developed here in the united states so cleanly. so with that to look forward to, i ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment. the chair: the amendment is withdrawn. it is now in order to consider amendment number 11 printed in part b of house report 115-711. for what purpose does the gentleman from oregon seek -- gentlewoman from oregon seek recognition? >> i have aen amendment at the

desk. the chair: the clerk will designate the amendment. the clerk: amendment offered by ms. bonamici of oregon. the chair: pursuant to house resolution 918 the yomsfr oregon, ms. been meche and a member opposed each will control five minutes. ms. bonamici: i rise today to offer a bipartisan amendment to increase investments in research and development to support marine energy, hydropower and pump storage. i first want to thank chairman simpson and ranking member kaptur for their leadership in supporting the water power technologies office. robust funding for the department of energy's water power technologies office will support investment in innovative hydropower, marine, and hydrokinetic technologies. this bipartisan amendment would increase funding for the office of energy and efficiency in renewable energy by $10 million for water power and decrease funding for departmental administrative spending to

result in no additional cost. harnessing energy from waves, currents and tides is an exciting frontier in the he re-newble energy sector. oregon state university, the university of washington, and the university of alaska-fairbanks are partnering to support marine renewable energy development an the pacific marine energy center. the center relies on federal investments from the department of energy to establish the nation's fully energetic, on grid wave test fag silty off the oregon coast. this will test wave energy converters that capture the energy of opings waves, currents, tides and in-river resources and turn it into electricity. hydropower has tremendous potential to become a major source of electricity for the united states and the world, but other countries are ahead of us here. we must continue to develop clean and sustainable energy

sources and that means supporting new solutions like marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy. we should be doing more to harness the power of water to meet our nation's clean energy needs, create good-paying jobs and spur economic growth in our community. thank you again to the chairman and ranking member for their work on this issue and also thank you to representatives perry and pingree for their bipartisan leadership on water power. mr. chairman, i reserve the balance of my time. the chair: the gentlelady reserves. for what purpose does the gentleman rise? mr. simpson: i claim time in opposition to the amendment. the chair: the gentleman is recognized, without objection. mr. simpson: similar to the previous amendment, i appreciate my colleague's passion for this important research and development work done in the water power office. they are each strong advocates and i recognize their leadership in the -- in their states for this important work and although i could not support this amendment, i would again make the offer that if the gentlelady

is willing to withdraw the amendment i would work with her and others to make sure that we have sufficient funding for the water and power office when we go to conference. i would yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman yields back. the gentlelady is recognized. ms. been meche: thank you, mr. chairman. i appreciate the offer to work together on this important issue with a lot of prols for additional renewable energy jobs. mr. chairman, we do need to be making stronger investments in clean and sustainable energy sources like water power and with that offer to work together i withdraw this amendment but do hope that we will work together going forward to increase funding for this very important program. with that, i yield back. the chair: the amendment is withdrawn. . it's now in order to consider amendment number 12 printed in part b of house report 115-711. for what purpose does the gentlewoman from connecticut seek recognition? ms. esty: mr. chair, i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: the clerk will designate the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 12

printed in part b of house eport 115-711 offered by ms. esty of connecticut. the chair: pursuant to house resolution 918, the gentlewoman from connecticut, ms. esty, and a member opposed, will each control five minutes. the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from connecticut. ms. esty: thank you, mr. chair. i rise in support of my amendment which would protect millions of good-paying manufacturing jobs across the country, including in my home state of connecticut. my amendment would restore $15 million to the advanced manufacturing office in the fiscal year 2019. the department of energy's advanced manufacturing office is the only technology development office within the federal government that's dedicated to enhancing american manufacturing competitiveness. unfortunately, the appropriations bill before us here today cuts funding to the advanced manufacturing office by $45 million from the f.y. 2018 enacted levels.

that is a mistake. one of the vital programs funded through the advanced manufacturing office is the industrial assessment center program. industrial assessment centers are located across the united states and provide companies with the tools they need to promote energy efficiency. a couple of years ago, i visited foreign plastics, a plastics molding company in waterbury, connecticut. foreign plastics had recently partnered with our assessment center to carry out an audit of foreign plastics energy costs and energy efficiency. that audit showed the small company ways it could save energy, reduce waste and see cost savings. in fact, the audit helped foreign plastics develop more energy efficient processes which resulted in a cost savings of nearly $25,000 the very next year. for small and medium-sized this one, ke

budgets are real. they carry out systems and equipment upgrades. and expand their facilities. we know much of america's innovation comes from these sort of small and medium-sized companies that the advanced manufacturing office is designed to help. these companies are not able to afford high price consultants or systems analysts but benefit greatly from the analyses that the industrial assessment centers offer. these helps support american competitiveness, ensures that taxpayer dollars support smaller manufacturers that are the backbone of so many of our communities. i urge support of my amendment and reserve the balance of my time. the chair: the gentlelady reserves. for what purpose does the gentleman from idaho seek recognition? mr. simpson: claim time in opposition to the amendment. the chair: without objection. mr. simpson: mr. chairman, i appreciate my colleague's advocacy for the amendment.

the advanced manufacturing office performs research and development to improve the product tift and energy efficiency of u.s. manufacturing. this is important work, and i recognize my colleague's leadership in highlighting the office. while i could not support using the nuclear waste disposal account as an offset for the original amendment, i appreciate my colleague's willingness or would appreciate her willingness to offer and withdraw this amendment and i look forward to working with my colleague as we move forward towards conference to discuss sufficient funsing for the advanced manufacturing office and i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman yields back. the gentlelady from connecticut is recognized. ms. esty: i appreciate the chair. i recognize their support for the advanced manufacturing office and i look forward to working with both of you in the future to increase funding for these important programs for the fiscal year 2019. therefore, i respectfully asking unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment to restore $15 million to the advanced manufacturing office in fiscal year 2019.

thank you and i reserve the balance of my time -- and i give back the balance of my time. the chair: the amendment is withdrawn. it's now in order to consider amendment number 13 printed in part b of house report 115-711. for what purpose does the gentlewoman from massachusetts seek recognition? ms. tsongas: mr. chair, i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: the clerk will designate the amendment. the clerk: eamnment 13 printed in part b of house report 115-711 offered by ms. tsongas of massachusetts. the chair: pursuant to house resolution 918, the gentlewoman from massachusetts, ms. tsongas, and a member opposed, each will control five minutes. the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from massachusetts. ms. tsongas: thank you, mr. chair. my amendment increases funding by $5 million for the department of energy's office of energy efficiency and renewable energy for the purposes of off-shore wind job training grants. the amendment is paid for by using an equal offset from the department of administration accounts. according to the national renewable laboratory, our

nation's off-shore wind energy potential is nearly double our total electricity need. it is also an energy resource available to nearly every coastline in the country, including the great lakes. off-shore wind is broadly recognized as our nation's next great energy resource, one that has the potential to create tens of thousands of new jobs in manufacturing, logistics, engineering, construction, and long-term operations and maintenance of these projects. this potential has been acknowledged by the trump administration. secretary of the interior ryan zinke recently spoke at an off-shore wind energy conference and said that off-shore wind has more growth potential than any other energy resource. in fact, he also punished an op-ed in "the boston globe" in april, underscoring the importance of off-shore wind to the trump administration's all-of-the-above energy strategy and announced two new

proposed sales in massachusetts for commercial wind development. as he said in the op-ed, and we have it printed right here, quote, the trump administration supports an all-of-the-above american energy policy, and wind energy is an important part of the energy mix. just like the pioneers who drilled our nation's first off-shore wells in the 1890's, those men and women who construct wind turbines in american waters in the years to come will continue to set our nation toward clean energy dominance, unquote. to realize the full potential of our nation's off-shore wind resources, we must make sure that a cadre of american workers are fully trained and ready to pave the way for growth and innovation in this rapidly growing industry. this amendment makes a modest investment towards this goal by specifically appropriating $5 million for off-shore wind job training grants at the department of energy. work force development and

education is one of several focus areas at the wind energy technologies office. grants funded by this amendment would help develop curricula, apprenticeships, health and safety certification programs, and other activities that help workers transition to the off-shore wind industry. the trump administration recently announced similar work force training grants for solar through d.o.e.'s solar energy technologies office, and we should be doing the same for off-shore wind work force development through d.o.e.'s wind energy technologies office. i urge my colleagues to support american energy jobs by voting yes on this amendment and i reserve the balance of my time. the chair: the gentlelady reserves. for what purpose does the gentleman from idaho seek rick anything? mr. simpson: -- the chair: the gentlelady reserves. for what purpose does the gentleman from idaho seek recognition? mr. simpson: claim time in opposition. this is higher than the budget request.

$53 million higher than the budget request. research and development in the wind office was targeted to support our nation's wind touch ian testing, infrastructure -- turbine testing, infrastructure. this is a strategic focus to lay the foundation for innovations that can be picked up by industry at a later stage. while i support research and development on wind energy and recognize my colleague's advocacy for these activities, this straze too far from the bill's -- strays too far from the bill's strategic priorities. i urge members to oppose the amendment. i reserve the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman are the serves. the gentlelady from massachusetts is recognized. ms. tsongas: this is a modest investment in our nation's work force and therefore worthy of increased funding devoted to this purpose. we can't just be investing in energy technologies. we need to be investing in our people who will bring these technologies out of the lab and into our homes and businesses. off-shore wind has the potential to create tens of

thousands of jobs and make the united states a global industry leader. so even with this amendment, as you said, -- as you referenced some increases, but even with this amendment, funding for the wind energy technologies office is still below last year's level. and with that i wish to yield one minute to ranking member kaptur. the chair: the gentlelady is recognized for one minute. ms. kaptur: i rise to strongly support congresswoman tsongas' amendment. in our country today, there are 12 wind projects in various stages of development spanning 10 states off the east, west, and texas coast, and, of course, in the great lakes as well. these off-shore projects alone represent over 5,000 megawatts of potential off-shore development. we don't have a kilo watt to waste. these projects can create thousands of manufacturing, construction, and supply chain jobs across our country, and drive billions of dollars you have local economic investment. we know we will need workers to do these clean energy jobs.

i can guarantee you those towers are very high. so i definitely support funding for training activities in this regard. for the future, the department of energy already has work force training grants for solar, and therefore, i would very much wish to carry over that effort as well to the wind power office. so i congratulate the gentlelady for offering this important amendment, and i urge my colleagues to support the amendment. i yield back my remaining time to the gentlelady. the chair: the gentlelady from massachusetts has 15 seconds remaining. ms. tsongas: i would like to yield -- half a minute to my colleague from massachusetts, mr. keating. the chair: the gentleman from massachusetts is recognized for 15 seconds. mr. keating: there are people in our country that are looking for jobs. we also have people in our country where our country and those jobs are looking for people. so this matches up that.

research and development is important. but without people to be trained, to go forward, it won't come to any avail in our country. so it's important for our region. it's important for our country. i have no more time to yield back. mr. simpson: i would yield the gentleman an additional minute if he wishes. the chair: the gentleman is recognized for one minute. mr. keating: thank you. i thank chairman simpson for yielding this time. this gives me a brief time to tell what's -- how it's important in my region as well. and how real it is in our region as well. in my district a major off-shore wind project just got the green light to build an 800 megawatt wind farm 15 miles south of martha's vineyard, and it's going to bring with it hundreds and hundreds of new high-quality job opportunities in southeastern massachusetts. this requires skilled labor, and the amendment would try to connect those workers with these skills and the training they need to take advantage of

these opportunities to these new jobs. this is something that has to be done ahead of time in our country. one of the biggest weaknesses we do have, i think, economically is we have to prepare for the jobs that are here, that we don't have people for, and the jobs that will grow, we don't have enough people for. so it's an opportunity to do this. i thank the chairman, again, for yielding that time. i thank the leadership of the gentlelady from massachusetts, ms. tsongas, and i yield back. the chair: the gentleman's time has expired. the gentleman from idaho is recognized. simpson sumps i appreciate the gentleman and the gentlewoman's -- mr. simpson: i appreciate the gentleman and the gentlewoman's passion for this. i have to oppose this but look forward to try to address this in the future as we move forward. i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman yields back. the question is on the amendment offered by the gentlelady from massachusetts. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, the noes have it. the amendment is not agreed to. ms. seungas: mr. chair, i request a record --

ms. tsongas: mr. chair, i request a recorded vote. the chair: pursuant to clause 6 of rule 18, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from massachusetts will be postponed. it's it is now in order to consider amendment number 14 printed in part b of house report 115-711. for what purpose does the gentleman seek recognition? mr. soto: i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: the clerk will designate the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 14 printed in house report 115-711, offered by mr. soto of florida. the chair: the gentleman from florida, mr. soto, and a member opposed each will control five minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from florida. mr. soto: thank you, mr. chairman. my amendment would increase funding for cyber security, energy security, and emergency response program by $1 million and decrease the departmental administration fund within the

department of energy by an equal amount. the new office of cyber security, energy security, and emergency response addresses the emerging threats of tomorrow while protecting the reliable low of energy to america's broad population today by improving energy infrastructure security and supporting the department of energy's national security mission. being prepared and ready to respond quickly and effectively to all hazards is crucial. we need to make sure we can improve the ability of energy sector stake holders to prevent, prepare for, and respond to threats, hazards, natural disaster and other supply disruptions. additionally in today's highly interconnected world, reliable energy delivery requires cyber resilient energy delivery systems. this amendment would increase funds to profaux cus on preparedness and response activities to natural and

manmade threats, ensuring a stronger, more prosperous and secure future for the nation. i urge my colleagues to support my ealt and reserve the balance of my time. the chair: for what purpose does does anyone claim time in opposition to the amendment? the gentleman from florida is recognized. mr. soto: i thank the chairman for his support and urge my colleagues to support the amendment. i yield back. the chair: the question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from florida. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the nonche chair the ayes have it. he amendment is agreed to. it is now in order to consider amendment number 15 printed in part b of house report 115-711. for what purpose does the gentleman from florida seek recognition? >> i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: the clerk will report the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 15 printed in part b of house report 115-711, offered by mr.

soto of florida. the chair: pursuant to house resolution 918, the gentleman from florida, mr. soto, and a member opposed each will control five minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from florida. mr. soto: my amendment would increase funting for the electric delivery programly $1 million and decrease the departmental administrative fund in the department of energy by an equal amount this is intended to increase funding for the new electric delivery programs activities to sert -- accelerate discovery and innovation in electrical distribution technologies and create next generation devices, software, tool, and techniques to help modernize the electric grid. additionally i'd like to thank this -- take this opportunity to thank the committee for they work in advancing high power capacity batteries and grid restoration efforts from puerto rico. first i thank the committee for the inclusion of language discussing the benefits of high power, high capacity batteries. these could prove energy

resilient in the face of extreme weather disasters. these technologies could have prevented hardships in last hurricane season and increase red license on yen rators in emergencies. in florida, hurricane maria caused a prolonged power outage in assisted living facilities that cost lives this could have been prevented and this amendment assists in that. second, i thank the committee for the report lang wang that supports the department's involvement in grid restoration efforts in puerto rico. their continued effort and support provides technical assistance as puerto rico works to rebuild its energy infrastructure and is esen torble long-term recovery. again, my amendment would increase funding for the electric delivery system, program d delivery system program, which would advance the nation's grid reliability and resiliency and urge my colleagues to support the amendment and reserve my time. whoip -- the chair: the gentleman reserves who claims time in opposition? the gentleman is recognized. mr. soto: i thank the chairman

for his support and i yield back. the chair: the question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from florida. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. the ayes have it. the amendment is agreed to. it is now in order to consider amendment number 16 printed in 177. b of house report 115- for what purpose does the gentleman seek recognition? mr. weber: i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: the clerk will report the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 16 offered by mr. weber of texas. the chair: the gentleman from texas, mr. weber, and a member opposed each will control five minutes. i want to thank the gentleman from idaho representative mike simpson, chairman of the house energy and water development appropriations subcommittee, for bringing a proscience bill to the floor that supports nuclear energy innovation.

i strongly support division a of this legislation and appreciate the chairman's work on this bill. over the past four year the science committee championed legislation to provide the tools needed to develop advanced nuclear reactor technology in these united states. my bill, nuclear energy innovation capabilities act, passed the house three times last congress an most relently -- recently was included in the department of energy resources legislation act that passed the house in january of last year. a key part of this legislation authorizes d.o.e. to construct a research reactor. this reactor or versatile neutron source is critical for the design of materials an nuclear fuels. access to fast neutrons currently only available for civilian resnerge russia is crucial for private sector development in next generation materials and fuels needed for advanced nuclear reactor technology.

the versatile neutron sort will also enable the nuclear regulatory commission to verify data on new fuels, materials and designs more efficiently, expediting regulatory approval for advanced nuclear reactors. earlier the house passed a second bill from within the d.o.e. office of nuclear energy. my bill, the nuclear energy research infrastructure act, included $100 million for this flodget fiscal year 2019. while i'm pleased to see the report for this legislation direct $65 million in funding for facility we must move forward on construction for the versatile neutron source as quickly as possible. my amendment is intended to increase funding within the office to match the house-passed authorization. modeling and simulation can accelerate r&d but nuclear energy research must be validate through the a physical source like a research reactor.

building this open access user facility in the d.o.e. national lab system will facile tit nuclear research in the united states which otherwise simply will not take place. we cannot afford to lose the ability to develop innovative right here atlogy home. that provides for prioritizing the research and infrastructure that keeps america safe while keeping us globally competitive. i'm prepared to withdraw my amendment and continue working with the chairman to pass the house-passed authorization levels in conference if i can get assurance from him. and i'll reserve the balance of my time. the chair: for what purpose does the gentleman from idaho seek recognition? without objection. mr. simpson: i thank my colleague for his amendment and for his willingness to withdraw it and further authorize the strong support for the by i recognize the house-passed authorization for the versatile knew trot -- neutron source is a

priority for the science committee and also for me. i look forward to working with the gentleman to make sure there's sufficient funding in the final legislation. i yield back. the chair: the gentleman is recognized. plell weber: i request unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment and yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the amendment is withdrawn. it is now in order to consider amendment number 17 printed in house report 115-177. for what purpose does the gentlewoman rise? ms. esty: i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: the clerk will report the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 17 print in part b of house report 115-711. ms. esty: thank you, mr. chairman. mr. chairman, i rise in support of support of my amendment to increase funding to the office

of fossil energies program to support solid oxide fuel cell for power generation and i want to thank my colleague from connecticut, mr. larson, for working on this amendment with me. countries around the world are already prioritizing the go their fuel cell industries. in order for the united states to remain competitive in this global economy we must support the research and development of new and innovative energy technologies. including fuel cells. robust federal funding of technologies that are not yet commercially viable like solid oxide fuel cells allows the united states to remain on the forefront of cleaner energy technologies and will help grow jobs across the country to meet the entire world's demand for cleaner, cheaper energy. in my home state of connecticut, danbury and rgy, a

toring n us -- torington based company, has become a lead for the delivering clean, affordable fuel cell solutions. researches at fuel cell are developing new applications for solid oxide fuel cell technology and making great advances in the field of stationary fuel cells. the department of energy program that our amendment increases funding for supports jobs in connecticut at fuel cell energy, fuel cell energy's connecticut vendor and the university of connecticut which receives fund through the fuel cell subcontractors and at innovative companies an institutions across this country. mr. chairman, this amendment is a win-win for our economy. new innovation in fuel cell technology promotes cleaner, more sustainable energy and creates more than jobs. i urge my colleagues to support funding for the office of fossil energies program to support solid oxide fuel cell research

technology and i reserve the balance of my time. the chair: the gentlelady reserves. who claims time in opposition? the gentlelady from connecticut is recognized. ms. esty: i want to thank the members for their support and yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from connecticut. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair the ayes have it. the amendment is agreed to. it is now in or order to consider amendment number 18 printed in part b of house report 115-711. for what purpose does the gentleman seek recognition? mr. beyer: i have an amendment at the amendment. the chair: the clerk will dedsig nate the amendment. the clerk: ealt number 18 printed in part b of house report 115-711, offered by mr. beyer of virginia. the chair: the gentleman from virginia, mr. beyer and a member opposed each will control five minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from virginia.

r. beyer: the beyer-eshoo-esty amendment restores funding to arpa-e to the f.y. 2018 enacted level aproved by this congress earlier this year. arpa-e was created to replicate the successful darpa model by incentivizing research in game-changing technologies to meet our future energy needs. despite the huge payoff the private sector does not and cannot invest in in -- in this high-risk, high-reward research. arpa-e has shown success advancing solutions that neither the public or private sector has been willing or able to support in the past. since 2009, they've attracted more than $2.6 billion in private sector follow on funding. this amendment does not cut fossil fuel research. the fossil fuel r&d will receive

-- still receives more than last year, 50% more than president trump's f.y. 2019 request level. i urge my colleagues to support the amendment to make arpa-e whole. it's a smart bet on america's proven ability to turn creative ideas into market-creating, job-growing business. i reserve. the chair: the gentleman eserves. for what purpose does the gentleman from west virginia seek recognition? >> i rise in opposition and claim my time. the chair: the gentleman is recognized. >> i yield two minutes to the gentleman from west virginia. the chair: the gentleman is ecognized for two minutes. >> i rise in opposition to this amendment. here's the reality. america and the entire world will be relying on fossil energy for years to come. the energy information agency estimates that in 2040, fossil energy will still make up 78% of the energy use in the world.

so let's look at two examples of what america stands to lose if this amendment is adopted. mr. mckinley: the fossil r&d program has put america on the cusp of producing zero carbon emissions using the unique cycle. the innovate i net power plant in texas was funded by d.o.e. and its research. it's amazing what they were doing, using co-2 to spin the turbine instead of as an emission. to this end, congress should not be -- should be putting more money into this program research, not reducing it. secondly the fossil r&d program has had tremendous success at extracting rare earth elements from coal and mine drayageage. currently china controls over 90% of the world's rare earth elements. these minerals are critical to in national defense and use hybrid vehicles, wind turbines,

and portable electronics. by adopting this amendment we'd put the environment at risk and lose the potential key supply of rare earth minerals. fossil fuels will be around for the foreseeable future. we should be utilizing them in the cleanest, most efficient manner through research and all of that requires more research at the federal level. the house is soundly defeated a similar amendment in the past and i urge my colleagues to do so as well. i yield back to my colleague. . >> there's virtually nothing my friend from west virginia said that i disagree with except the idea we are taking money from fossil fuel research that's not up. this is a stepup from last year. mr. beyer: with that, mr. chair, i yield three minutes to the distinguished woman from california, ms. eshoo.

the chair: the gentlewoman is recognized for three minutes. ms. eshoo: mr. chairman, i rise in strong support of this amendment. the beyer-eshoo,esty amendment, which this would make it equal to the fiscal year 2018 level agreed to by congress earlier this year for arpa-e which is the advanced research projects agency for energy. arpa-e is housed within the department of energy, and it invests in emerging clean energy technologies to make our country more energy secure, reduce costs, and increase energy efficiency. so it's smart. that's what mearge america has been none for and we want to re-- that's what american has been known for and we want to retain that. this specializes in high risk, high reward technologies that

in many instances are too risky for the private sector but have enormous potential to change how we produce and consume energy. arpa-e is doing for energy development what the n.i.h. does for medical research. it provides early stage support for new moon shot ideas that have the potential to transform the everyday lives of -- every day lives of americans and our economy. arpa-e is the product of 2006 innovation agenda and was modeled after the highly acclaimed darpa, created 60 years ago in the department of defense. it is credited with launching some of the most successful technologies of our time, including g.p.s. and the internet. arpa-e was created by congress in 2007 with bipartisan support. it was signed into law by a republican president and it's been a resounding success.

in its 10-year history, the agency has funded projects that created 771 new companies, attracted over 20.$2.6 billion in private sector funding, led to the creation of 245 new patents, and fostered over 1,700 peer-reviewed articles to further understand the energy of our ecosystem. so, mr. chairman, the united states i think is really at an important crossroads in our history. we will decide whether our country is going to continue to lead the world in innovation. foreign competitors, such as china, are surging investments in r&d and threaten to overtake our country in that area. we must continue our basic investments to ensure we remain the most innovative and successful economy in the world , and this amendment helps to

advance this. this has been bipartisan, overwhelmingly successful for our country. why would we turn the pages back? so for all these reasons and more, i urge my colleagues to support this amendment. i yield back. the chair: the gentlelady's time has expired. the gentleman from west virginia is recognized. ms. jenkins: thank you, mr. speaker. fossil energy helped america -- make america the great nation today. west virginia helped forge the steel that built skyscrapers and won world wars. the d.o.e. fossil energy account helps our nation, our nation develop the next generation of fossil technologies. if we don't develop it, other nations will. america must continue its energy dominance and independence and fossil fuels must play a critical role in our energy strategy. the fossil energy account invests in research and development for coal, oil and

natural gas which produces, as you heard, more than 60% of our electricity. this work is paying off. we're seeing breakthroughs in coal use for energy production as well as carbon captured and storage technology. these breakthroughs mean that west virginia and the united states does not need to rely on unfriendly nations for energy anymore. within five years, the united states will become the largest producer in the world of crude oil, bigger than russia or saudi arabia. investing in fossil energy programs will fuel the next generation of innovation and do so responseably. cutting this -- responsibly. cutting this funding will set america back. we have reliable domestic energy resources and abandoning this research will put our energy future in severe

jeopardy. president trump, thank you. president trump just last week took action to strengthen our nation's coal-fired power plants to protect our national security and grid reliability. cutting this funding is irresponsible and jeopardizes our energy independence. therefore, i urge members to vote against this amendment, which would impose significant cuts to r&d funding for fossil energy technology. i yield back. the chair: the gentleman yields back. for what purpose does the gentlelady from ohio seek recognition? ms. kaptur: i rise as the designee of ranking member lowey to strike the last word. the chair: the gentlelady is recognized. ms. kaptur: if one looks at the fine print in our bill, the account actually for fossil is increased by over $50 million over the current year. that's a pretty healthy increase. so we're not really cutting

nything in that bill if we take the funds that you're offering here and fossil will still see a $30 million increase over this year. so it isn't being cut to the bones or anything like that. in fact, we're adding flesh to the bones of the fossil accounts. but i think it's important to buyer-esty-eshoo proposal in this amendment because we are -- beyer-esty-eshoo proposal in this amendment. nobody knows what arpa-e is. it's not just the moon shot, it's the mars shot. it's the highest level of energy research we do. when i saw members of massachusetts down on the floor earlier, i thought to myself, when i saw the russian tanker come in last year with natural gas because parts of the east coast couldn't heat their homes in the wintertime, i got to tell you, i'm worried. every american should be worried. we should be developing energy

on many fronts, and all-of-the-above strategy is what this country should be doing. we shouldn'ting peeling away funds for the high -- we shouldn't be peeling away funds for the highest level of research we do in our nation. truly, arpa-e helps us become a global leader. it's transformational in what it does. it is a model for others to imitate. it is smart. it is agile. it is fast-acting. it's nonbureaucratic. it's bowled. qualities both -- it's bold. qualities both republicans and democrats like. the chamber of commerce said arpa-e is the blueprint for smart investment to boost global competitiveness. i can remember the time when america was not running its way to energy independence. it was in fact completely dependent on imported sources of energy. arpa-e has been nothing short of remarkable. 136 projects have attracted over $2.6 billion in private

sector follow-on funding. i repeat, private sector. while i do support fossil, and ohio is a state right now where we have a lot of coal. we have a lot of natural gas. we even have some oil being brought up within natural gas. i support all that but we know one thing about that, it's finite. it's not going to be there for future generations. arpa-e leads us into a new future, and this amendment moves us in the proper direction. so i want to implement my colleagues. -- and so i want to compliment my colleagues. i want my colleagues to support this amendment. i yield back. the chair: the gentlelady yields back. the gentleman from virginia is recognized. mr. beyer: mr. chairman, i would simply add, we are not cutting the fossil energy research and development, which we believe in. this is a plus-up from last year. $50 million more than what president trump requested. what we're trying to do is appropriate arpa-e, what was an ecked -- enacted by this

congress. rpa-e does not disclued fossil fuel research. the chair: the gentleman's time has expired. the question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from virginia. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, the noes have it. the amendment is not agreed to. mr. beyer: mr. chair, i respectfully ask for a recorded vote. the chair: pursuant to clause 6 of rule 18, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from virginia will be postponed. it's now in order to consider amendment number 19 printed in part b of house report 115-711. for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition? mr. smith: mr. chairman, i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: the clerk will designate the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 19 printed in part b of house report 115-711 offered by mr. smith of texas. the chair: pursuant to house resolution 918, the gentleman from texas, mr. smith, and a member opposed, each will control five minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from texas. mr. smith: thank you, mr. chairman. i offer an amendment to h.r.

5895, the energy and water development and related agencies appropriations act of 2019. i first want to thank the gentleman from idaho, congressman mike simpson, the chairman of the house energy and water development appropriations subcommittee, for working with us to develop a strong, pro-science appropriations bill. i strongly support division a of this legislation and appreciate the chairman's initiative in basic science research. this amendment provides for critical facility upgrades and construction of basic research infrastructure that are within the core mission of the department of energy and will lead to scientific discoveries that will maintain u.s. leadership in innovation and technology. in february, the house unanimously passed three bipartisan house science committee research infrastructure bills. h.r. 4376, the department of energy research infrastructure act. h.r. 4377, it's accelerating american leadership in science act. and h.r. 4378, the nuclear

energy research infrastructure act. these bills authorized full funding for upgrades and construction of several high-priority user facilities at d.o.e. national labs. his amendment provides for 76.8 million dollars from within funds within the office of science to meet the house passed levels for four of the infrastructure projects included in these bills. including the linac coherent light source high energy upgrade, the proton power upgrade to the spallation neutron source, and the construction of the spallation knew strong source second target station and the facility for rare isotope beams. science could lead to a revolutionary energy source. specifically, provides $50 million from within the funds appropriated to the office of science for the direct u.s. commitment for fiscal year 2019

to the construction of the international thermo nuclear experimental reactor,. while i am pleased division a of this legislation provides $50 million for hardware and other contributions, cash contributions are not designated in the bill. my amendment is intended to address this issue and fully fund the u.s. commitment in fiscal year 2019. i want to also draw attention to another shared priority with the chairman, reinstating the low-dose radiation project at d.o.e. this is essential to understanding the health impact of low doses of radiation. there is a broad consensus ithin the radiobiology community that more research is necessary to make better informed decisions regarding low-dose radiation. earlier this year, the house passed h.r. 4675, the low dose

radiation research act, which authorizes $20 million in fiscal year 2019, funding for this critical research. i hope we can work together to provide this funding for low-dose radiation research. i again thank chairman simpson for his long standing support of basic research and investments in d.o.e.'s best in the world science facilities. and i greatly appreciate the effort that the chairman has made to prioritize fundamental science in our long standing partnership to responsibly fund d.o.e. i am prepared to withdraw my amendment and to continue working with the chairman to advance the house-passed authorization levels for these important projects in conference. the chair: the gentleman reserve? mr. smith: i reserve. mr. simpson: i claim time in opposition. i thank the chairman for the authorizing and strong support.