Providing for Consideration of H.R. 6049, Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

I thank the gentleman from New York for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule and the underlying legislation. This bill is a good example of Congress taking action to address the needs of America's businesses and consumers.

Mr. Speaker, our economy is in a downturn. More and more Americans are feeling insecure about their future, and they are looking to this Congress for relief. The tax extenders package that is before us today will help millions of working families cope with everyday expenses of life from tuition to the cost of caring for their children. It will also move our Nation forward to meet the many energy challenges we face.

Investing in renewable resources is the best long-term strategy to reduce dependence on foreign oil and lower energy costs. Clean energy is also a major economic engine that will power the economy of the future.

In my hometown of Sacramento, clean energy investments made years ago are now sustaining over 90 local businesses, from solar and wind companies, to cellulosic fuel and green building enterprises. Clean energy has changed my district's business climate forever. Sacramento's clean energy economy can be replicated across this country, but Congress needs to provide the right incentives to make this vision a successful reality. This bill will help current and future generations live in a country with a healthier economy, a cleaner environment, and a more sustainable policy.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying legislation.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source