Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019

Floor Speech

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Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, as the designee of Mr. Pallone, pursuant to House Resolution 1129, I offer amendments en bloc.

I rise today to urge my colleagues to support my amendment to increase vehicle technology R&D as we consider this significant investment in a clean energy future for battery technology, cybersecurity, the connected car, our sustainability future, and countless jobs.

Michigan has been a global leader in vehicle technology since we created the industry over a century ago. Our autoworkers are the best in the world. Our manufacturers are the best in the world. But we need to make sure that we continue to have a level playing field to compete.

The U.S. must continue to lead by making the investments just as other nations are doing. Now is not the time to cede our leadership. Now is the time to claim it.

Advances in electrification and connectivity will make vehicles safer, more efficient, and more affordable for consumers and their families. We owe it to our American workers to make sure that this next generation of vehicles is made right here in the United States of America.

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Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, surely, when we pass this legislation, we will be sending a host of new directives over to the Secretary of Energy to continue to win and advance our future.

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Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, I remain somewhat baffled and surprised by the remarks of my colleague, particularly as, just in the last decade, China has spent nearly $60 billion to create a thriving electric vehicle industry, and that is, in part, what we are committing to do here today.

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Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers. I am prepared to close.

Mr. Speaker, I recognize the bipartisan nature of the original bill that passed through the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee with the leadership of our great chairwoman, Eddie Bernice Johnson, and our ranking member, Mr. Lucas.

I also recognize today that we are taking a vote for our future. We are taking a vote for our innovation agenda. We are talking about the research and development efforts of this Nation. We are talking about a clean economy.

Today, as we engaged in debate, we got a glimpse of where this vote might come down.

Mr. Speaker, let it be reminded to all that this House majority is the majority that is working for the people and their future and their jobs, for a clean economy. We are taking the necessary steps to get it done.

So, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to remember and to be reminded about where it will come down today with this vote. I urge them to vote ``yes.'' I urge them to vote for our future. I urge them to vote for our innovation capabilities from the United States of America.

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Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

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