Energy Emergency Leadership Act
Floor Speech
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Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
It is becoming increasingly obvious that our energy system faces numerous threats, whether it is from skyrocketing demand, climate change, or cyberattacks, and it is undeniable that our systems need support to continue delivering reliable and affordable power for Americans.
H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, sponsored by Representative Lee of Florida and Representative Landsman, is an important bill. It amends the Department of Energy Organization Act.
This bill elevates emergency response and cybersecurity responsibilities to the level of Assistant Secretary at DOE. It effectively ensures that the Director of DOE's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response, or CESER, goes through Senate confirmation.
As the grid becomes increasingly complex and faces a host of new challenges, it is critical that ensuring the security of the grid is managed by top officials. DOE already plays an important role in ensuring rapid response to an energy emergency. The subject matter and sector expertise concentrated at DOE is vital for ensuring that threats to the grid are handled quickly and appropriately.
H.R. 7258 clarifies in statute the emergency response responsibilities that are assigned to an Assistant Secretary. This ensures that there will be a consistent and effective leader and coordinator at DOE.
Finally, I also note that while this bill is focused on the leadership of DOE offices, the reality is the Department's ability to respond to threats depends on its capable career staff. The Trump administration has devastated the Department of Energy's professional staff across the board, and I don't want that to be lost in this discussion about how to enhance its response capabilities.
Nevertheless, I encourage everyone to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
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Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
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