Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026
Floor Speech
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Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Chair, I thank Ranking Member Kaptur, Chairman Fleischmann, and all the staff for their thoughtful and dedicated efforts in the drafting of this measure.
Recently, I joined constituents in Indiana's Lowell Labor Day parade, in Laborers' Local 81's summer picnic in Valparaiso, and an Ironworkers' picnic and bingo in Crown Point. The issue at the top of everyone's mind is the rising cost of their utility bills.
I choose to serve on Appropriations' Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee because I believe that energy and water will be two of the greatest challenges for our national security and economic stability in the years ahead.
I understand the role of the Indiana State regulators, but I also believe that the Federal Government and this bill have a role to promote the availability of a variety of energy resources in order to drive down costs.
The Department of Energy has a critical role in conducting research in energy innovation, including for wind, solar, and nuclear, and also to ensure that we maximize the efficiency of all of our energy sources, including oil, gas, and coal. More efficient energy production means lower prices.
It is deeply disappointing that this measure follows the administration's lead to abandon the transformational projects like the hydrogen hub in my district. Industry, the USW, the building trades, other labor organizations, along with communities throughout my district, were planning for and relying on massive economic development investments, only to see this project undermined because the Republican majority's tax and investment policy is now: Do not invest in our future but, rather, give more handouts to the privileged, wealthy, and few at the expense of the working class.
Let's be clear. The Federal Government should be building, not blocking projects that strengthen our economy, lower costs, and create American jobs.
Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to reject this legislation and, instead, work in a bipartisan manner to promote long-term economic prosperity in our communities.
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