Providing For Consideration Of H.R. 2454, American Clean Energy And Security Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

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Mr. WELCH. I thank my colleague.

Madam Speaker, a confident nation acknowledges the challenges it faces. It doesn't ignore them. A confident people, when faced with the challenge, rolls up their sleeves and addresses the problems before them.

Madam Speaker, today, Congress has two questions. The first is will it acknowledge the challenge of global warming that it is real, that it is urgent, and that demands attention now.

And second, will Congress, by this first step of passing this legislation, unleash the power of America to take that step towards American energy independence; to unleash the brilliance of our scientists and engineers to develop alternative and renewable energy; to unleash the competitiveness of our entrepreneurs to bring to market energy-saving devices and to create jobs in America; the frugality and thriftiness of our homeowners and business owners who have buildings to be able to retrofit and make them more energy efficient and save money; the skills of our plumbers, masons, electricians and carpenters to go to work making our buildings more energy independent.

Madam Speaker, every generation faces its challenge, and what we have seen across America is that young people have taken this on, and our question is whether we are going to----

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.

Ms. MATSUI. I yield the gentleman an additional 15 seconds.

Mr. WELCH. The question we face as Congress is simply this: Will we put to
work those young Americans, those scientists, those entrepreneurs, and allow them to make America energy independent?

The questions we face can be solved. We have to give permission and authority for people to act.

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