Energy Weatherization Assistance Program

Floor Speech

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Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, our neighbors and low-income households pay three times more as a share of their income on energy bills than those in higher income strata.

The fiscal year 2020 Energy and Water appropriations bill marks an important step to reduce that energy burden for America's most vulnerable people by increasing investments in the Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program.

This program helps families make their home healthier and safer. It promotes energy efficiency and reduces utility bills, which means more money in the pockets of these families for healthcare, groceries, and other basic expenses.

For each dollar the American people invest in the weatherization program, we see an estimated $4.50 in energy and nonenergy benefits. This additional funding will ensure that even more families are able to experience the benefits of the program.

The Energy and Water bill also recognizes America's need for clean energy innovation by significantly increasing funding for essential DOE research programs, including the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the State Energy Program and ARPA-E.

The work done by DOE and State energy offices is absolutely critical to accelerate our Nation's transition to a clean energy economy. This bill recognizes the need for the United States to continue to be the global leader in clean energy innovation, technology development, and deployment.

I thank and express my gratitude to Chairwomen Lowey and Kaptur for their leadership on these issues.

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