Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014

Floor Speech

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Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment to the fiscal year 2014 Energy and Water appropriations bill to increase funding for the Department of Energy's advanced manufacturing program. My amendment increases funding for the renewable energy, energy reliability, and efficiency account by $245 million to meet the President's budget request for advanced manufacturing.

If we are to remain competitive in the global marketplace, we must fully invest in, develop, and commercialize the emerging technologies that will create high-quality manufacturing jobs in the United States. These investments are crucial to accelerate the advancement of ideas and allow American manufacturers to continue to innovate and compete. By matching the President's request, the Department of Energy will be able to move forward with plans to develop interagency manufacturing innovation institutes that will develop best practices and help manufacturers meet common challenges. These institutes will enable innovation, create a dependable talent pipeline, and improve the overall business climate.

It requires a diverse array of partners if advanced manufacturing is to accelerate and thrive in the United States. A Federal commitment to these emerging and efficient technologies is the catalyst that will help bring educators, workers, and businesses, as well as local and State partners, to the table. Federal investments in advanced manufacturing will help create more jobs, increase our competitiveness, and allow the United States to continue to be a leader in advancing energy-efficient technologies.

I urge my colleagues to support my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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