Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act of 2025

Floor Speech

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Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Ezell for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act.

TVA is a congressionally chartered American public power company that provides electricity to over 10 million people in Tennessee and six surrounding States.

Despite TVA's significant role in our daily lives, it holds most of its meetings behind closed doors. I believe Americans are sick and tired of these dadgum backroom dealings, Mr. Speaker.

The TVA Transparency Act requires all board meetings to be held in public and for TVA to provide at least 7 days' notice so that people know when and where the meetings occur.

This bill provides greater accountability to the American people while retaining reasonable FOIA--for those who don't understand what ``FOIA'' is, that is the Freedom of Information Act--and Sunset Act protections.

I have always advocated for more transparency at TVA, first in the State legislature, then as a mayor, and now as a Congressman.

I thank my good friend, Representative Cohen, who I don't see in here today, for his continued support. Steve and I were in the Tennessee General Assembly together. We raised the speed limit in Tennessee. We brought Isaac Hayes to the floor of the Tennessee State Senate. The gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen) is the first person who ever fed me lobster, oddly enough. He has been a great friend, and he also called my momma when my daddy died. I am very close to Steve. Even though our political allegiances are about as far apart as they can get, he is still my good friend.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this bipartisan bill and restore public trust in TVA.

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