Congressional Record, House, December 9, 2020 — RIVER Act and Tribal Power Act

Summary

Page H7068 of the House section of the Congressional Record for December 9, 2020, in interleaved columns, from debate on hydropower legislation. Bill text amends Energy Policy Act provisions on hydroelectric efficiency improvement and extends fiscal years through 2036, and a speaker supports H.R. 3361 to reauthorize Department of Energy programs, saying hydropower provides ancillary services including emergency black-start capability. A departing Member says more people in West Virginia will die from opioids than from COVID this year and thanks the Speaker, and another statement praises colleagues' varied backgrounds, which are their views.

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“Congressional Record, House, December 9, 2020 — RIVER Act and Tribal Power Act.” Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-12-09-crec-2020-12-09-pt1-pgh7068-75ebc7fba3/, SHA-256 983db0cf38e7c3c43acc5c195c766f0c5b19c50fd0cfc6b6d1cc808864c63e4f.

Full text

H7068 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 9, 2020
(2) in subsection (e)(2), by striking ‘‘section In addition to affordable and renew- People have to understand that in
29(d)(2)(B)’’ and inserting ‘‘section able energy, hydropower also provides West Virginia more people are going to
45K(d)(2)(B)’’; ancillary services to stabilize the elec- die from opioids than from COVID this
(3) in subsection (f), by striking ‘‘20’’ and
tric grid, to provide storage, to main- year. This is still a problem, but
inserting ‘‘32’’; and
(4) in subsection (g), by striking ‘‘each of tain emergency black-start capability. thanks to you, we are moving in the
the fiscal years 2006 through 2015’’ and in- I am proud to support H.R. 3361, right direction.
serting ‘‘each of fiscal years 2019 through which would reauthorize these really I can’t express enough how much you
2036’’. important Department of Energy pro- have meant to me in my career and my
(b) HYDROELECTRIC EFFICIENCY IMPROVE- grams and will ensure access to renew- confidence. The people’s House has
MENT.—Section 243(c) of the Energy Policy able, carbon-free, affordable hydro- been in good hands under you, and I
Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15882(c)) is amended by power for years to come. very much appreciate your service. God
striking ‘‘each of the fiscal years 2006 Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to bless all of you as you continue in your
through 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘each of fiscal join me in voting ‘‘yes’’ on H.R. 3361,
years 2019 through 2036’’. retirement.
and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I have
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I have
ant to the rule, the gentleman from no additional speakers, and I reserve
no speakers on this side, and I reserve the balance of my time.
New Jersey (Mr. PALLONE) and the gen- the balance of my time.
tleman from Oregon (Mr. WALDEN) each Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield
Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 myself such time as I may consume.
will control 20 minutes. minutes to the gentleman from West
The Chair recognizes the gentleman Mr. Speaker, to my friend from West
Virginia (Mr. MCKINLEY), an engineer Virginia, it has been a great honor. It
from New Jersey. by trade, a terrific legislator, an im- has been an honor and great privilege
GENERAL LEAVE portant member of our committee, and to serve with you, and I have always
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the sponsor of this legislation. appreciated your leadership, your great
unanimous consent that all Members Mr. MCKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I insights, your keen intellect as we
may have 5 legislative days in which to thank the gentleman for yielding. have addressed these issues, especially
revise and extend their remarks and in- Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R.
on this issue of opioids. I don’t think
clude extraneous material on H.R. 3361. 3361, the RIVER Act, and thank Chair-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there there was a more passionate player on
man TONKO and Congressman LOEBSACK
objection to the request of the gen- the committee, a more engaged and in-
for working with us in a bipartisan way
tleman from New Jersey? formed member of the committee on
on this important legislation.
There was no objection. This RIVER Act reauthorizes key hy- this matter than you.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield And the citizens of West Virginia
dropower production and efficiency in-
myself such time as I may consume. and, indeed, the citizens of all Amer-
centives through 2036. Boosting hydro-
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support ica, Mr. Speaker, have a lot to say
power production will ensure that
of H.R. 3361, the Reliable Investment in thank you to Mr. MCKINLEY for and
Americans have access to affordable,
Vital Energy Reauthorization Act, or others in this body certainly, for the
clean energy.
the RIVER Act. This bipartisan bill As Congresswoman CATHY MCMORRIS legislation we passed into law.
was introduced by Representatives We know there is more work to do,
RODGERS has previously noted on nu-
MCKINLEY, TONKO, and LOEBSACK. and while I may be leaving, I know Mr.
merous occasions, only 3 percent of
Hydropower is a vital part of our MCKINLEY is only going to double down
America’s 91,000 dams generate elec-
clean energy portfolio, and the RIVER on that effort going forward.
tricity because in part it takes 10 years
Act reauthorizes important hydro- Mr. Speaker, this is good legislation
to get a permit to develop new hydro-
electric production incentives estab- that Mr. MCKINLEY and Mr. TONKO
power projects.
lished in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. have brought before us. I urge passage
This bill will help streamline and de-
The RIVER Act extends incentives of this bill, and I yield back the bal-
velop utilizing existing infrastructure
that provide payments to owners or op- ance of my time.
and overcome barriers to future
erators of hydroelectric facilities that Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would
projects.
are added to existing dams or conduits. I urge my colleagues to support the also urge support for this bill, and I
Additionally, it reauthorizes efficiency RIVER Act. yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I ask a point of personal The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
improvement payments for improving
privilege to address my esteemed question is on the motion offered by
facility efficiency.
I support this legislation, Mr. Speak- chairman. the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr.
er. I thank my colleagues for their Mr. Speaker, I say to my ranking PALLONE) that the House suspend the
hard work on the bill, and I reserve the member and my former chairman, col- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3361.
league, since I came here 10 years ago, The question was taken; and (two-
balance of my time.
Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield coming from the business sector nearly thirds being in the affirmative) the
myself such time as I may consume. 50 years in private practice in the busi- rules were suspended and the bill was
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. ness of engineering, I have been so im- passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on
3361. This is the Reliable Investment in pressed with the leadership we have
the table.
Vital Energy Reauthorization Act. had in Energy and Commerce. It wasn’t
This legislation was introduced by what I was expecting. You and FRED, f
my colleagues on the Energy and Com- and even to some extent my friend, TRIBAL POWER ACT
merce Committee, Mr. MCKINLEY and FRANK, to some extent—FRANK, don’t Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move
Mr. TONKO, to reauthorize the Hydro- get carried away here. to suspend the rules and pass the bill
electric Production Incentive and hy- I have seen you taking on some dif- (H.R. 5541) to amend the Energy Policy
dropower efficiency improvement pro- ficult issues and using humor, your ap- Act of 1992 to reauthorize programs to
grams at the Department of Energy. proach, you have been able to work assist consenting Indian Tribes in
This legislation went through regular through some difficult situations com- meeting energy education, planning,
order, and it passed the full committee, ing up with solutions. So you are going and management needs, and for other
Energy and Commerce, by a voice vote. to be missed. You and Mylene have purposes, as amended.
H.R. 3361 would authorize payments earned the break. But I think of all the The Clerk read the title of the bill.
to support the development of hydro- legislation. The text of the bill is as follows:
power production at existing dams and You have been in my house. You have H.R. 5541

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conduits. Literally, Mr. Speaker, there come to West Virginia—‘‘West by God
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
are thousands of existing dams in the Virginia’’—and I do appreciate what resentatives of the United States of America in
United States that can support hydro- you have done for us, what you have Congress assembled,
power production while avoiding the done on the opioid epidemic. It is still SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
costs and environmental effects associ- ravaging West Virginia and across this This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Tribal Power
ated with building new dams. country. Act’’.

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December 9, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7069
SEC. 2. INDIAN ENERGY. (5) the potential of distributed energy re- This is an important bipartisan bill
(a) DEFINITION OF INDIAN LAND.—Section sources to provide electricity to households re- that deserves to become law. I urge my
2601(2) of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (25 siding in Tribal communities or on Indian land; colleagues to join me in supporting
U.S.C. 3501(2)) is amended— (6) the potential for tribally-owned electric
utilities or electric utility assets to participate in
passage, and I reserve the balance of
(1) in subparagraph (B)(iii), by striking
or benefit from regional electricity markets; my time.
‘‘and’’;
(7) a description of the barriers to providing HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘land.’’
access to electric service to households residing COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES,
and inserting ‘‘land;’’; and
in Tribal communities or on Indian land; and Washington, DC, December 7, 2020.
(3) by adding at the end the following sub-
(8) recommendations to improve access to and Hon. FRANK PALLONE Jr.,
paragraphs:
reliability of electric service for households re- Chair, Committee on Energy and Commerce,
‘‘(D) any land located in a census tract in
siding in Tribal communities or on Indian land. House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
which the majority of residents are Natives (as DEAR CHAIR PALLONE: In recognition of the
defined in section 3(b) of the Alaska Native (d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) TRIBAL MEMBER.—The term ‘‘Tribal mem- goal of expediting consideration of H.R. 5541,
Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602(b))); and the ‘‘Tribal Power Act,’’ the Committee on
ber’’ means a person who is an enrolled member
‘‘(E) any land located in a census tract in Natural Resources agrees to waive formal
of a federally recognized Tribe or village.
which the majority of residents are persons who (2) TRIBAL COMMUNITY.—The term ‘‘Tribal consideration of the bill as to provisions that
are enrolled members of a federally recognized community’’ means a community in a United fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the
Tribe or village.’’. States census tract in which the majority of resi- Committee on Natural Resources.
(b) REDUCTION OF COST SHARE.—Section dents are persons who are enrolled members of The Committee on Natural Resources
2602(b)(5) of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (25 a federally recognized Tribe or village. takes this action with the mutual under-
U.S.C. 3502(b)(5)) is amended by adding at the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- standing that, in doing so, we do not waive
end the following subparagraphs: any jurisdiction over the subject matter con-
‘‘(D) The Secretary of Energy may reduce any
ant to the rule, the gentleman from tained in this or similar legislation, and that
applicable cost share required of an Indian New Jersey (Mr. PALLONE) and the gen- the Committee will be appropriately con-
tribe, intertribal organization, or tribal energy tleman from Oregon (Mr. WALDEN) each sulted and involved as the bill or similar leg-
development organization in order to receive a will control 20 minutes. islation moves forward so that we may ad-
grant under this subsection to not less than 10 The Chair recognizes the gentleman dress any remaining issues within our juris-
percent if the Indian tribe, intertribal organiza- from New Jersey. diction. Our Committee also reserves the
tion, or tribal energy development organization right to seek appointment of conferees to
GENERAL LEAVE
meets criteria developed by the Secretary of En- any House-Senate conference involving this
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask or similar legislation.
ergy, including financial need.
‘‘(E) Section 988 of the Energy Policy Act of unanimous consent that all Members Thank you for agreeing to include our ex-
2005 (42 U.S.C. 16352) shall not apply to assist- may have 5 legislative days in which to change of letters in the Congressional
ance provided under this subsection.’’. revise and extend their remarks and in- Record. I appreciate your cooperation re-
(c) AUTHORIZATION.—Section 2602(b)(7) of the clude extraneous material on H.R. 5541. garding this legislation and look forward to
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there continuing to work with you as this measure
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C. 3502(b)(7))
moves through the legislative process.
is amended by striking ‘‘$20,000,000 for each of objection to the request of the gen- Sincerely,
fiscal years 2006 through 2016’’ and inserting tleman from New Jersey? RAÚL M. GRIJALVA,
‘‘$30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through There was no objection. Chair,
2025’’. Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield House Natural Resources Committee.
SEC. 3. REPORT ON ELECTRICITY ACCESS AND myself such time as I may consume.
RELIABILITY.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
(a) ASSESSMENT.—The Secretary of Energy COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE,
of H.R. 5541, the Tribal Power Act. This
shall conduct an assessment of the status of ac- Washington, DC, December 8, 2020.
cess to electricity by households residing in is a bipartisan bill that was introduced
by Representative O’HALLERAN from Hon. RAÚL M. GRIJALVA,
Tribal communities or on Indian land, and the Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources,
reliability of electric service available to house- Arizona and Representative MULLIN Washington, DC.
holds residing in Tribal communities or on In- from Oklahoma, both members of the DEAR CHAIRMAN GRIJALVA: Thank you for
dian land, as compared to the status of access to Energy and Commerce Committee. consulting with the Committee on Energy
and reliability of electricity within neighboring This important legislation addresses and Commerce and agreeing to discharge
States or within the State in which Indian land some of the urgent energy needs of H.R. 5541, the Tribal Power Act, from further
is located. Tribal communities by improving ac- consideration, so that the bill may proceed
(b) CONSULTATION.—The Secretary of Energy expeditiously to the House floor.
shall consult with Indian Tribes, Tribal organi-
cess to energy sources that are afford- I agree that your forgoing further action
zations, the North American Electricity Reli- able and reliable. on this measure does not in any way dimin-
ability Corporation, and the Federal Energy H.R. 5541 reauthorizes the Depart- ish or alter the jurisdiction of your com-
Regulatory Commission in the development and ment of Energy’s Office of Indian En- mittee or prejudice its jurisdictional prerog-
conduct of the assessment under subsection (a). ergy and reauthorizes programs to as- atives on this measure or similar legislation
Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations shall sist Indian Tribes in meeting energy in the future. I would support your effort to
have the opportunity to review and make rec- education, planning, and management seek appointment of an appropriate number
ommendations regarding the development of the of conferees from your committee to any
needs.
assessment and the findings of the assessment, House-Senate conference on this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, we must work with I will ensure our letters on H.R. 5541 are
prior to the submission of the report under sub-
section (c).
Tribal Governments to ensure the entered into the Congressional Record dur-
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 18 months after members of Tribal Nations have access ing floor consideration of the bill. I appre-
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary to affordable, reliable energy. We have ciate your cooperation regarding this legis-
of Energy shall submit to the Committee on En- made some strong bipartisan strides on lation and look forward to continuing to
ergy and Commerce of the House of Representa- these matters during this Congress, in- work together as this measure moves
tives and the Committee on Energy and Natural through the legislative process.
cluding this bill before us today.
Resources of the Senate a report on the results Sincerely,
As we prepare for the upcoming Con- FRANK PALLONE, Jr.,
of the assessment conducted under subsection gress, I am committed to working with
(a), which shall include— Chairman.
the Energy and Commerce Sub- Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield
(1) a description of generation, transmission,
and distribution assets available to provide elec- committee Chairman RUSH and my col- myself such time as I may consume.
tricity to households residing in Tribal commu- leagues on both sides of the aisle to do I rise in support of H.R. 5541, the
nities or on Indian land; even more to help Native American Tribal Power Act.
(2) a survey of the retail and wholesale prices communities on these matters in the This legislation was introduced by
of electricity available to households residing in 117th Congress. my colleagues on the Energy and Com-
Tribal communities or on Indian land; I thank the sponsors of this bill for merce Committee, Representatives
(3) a description of participation of Tribal their continued work and leadership on O’HALLERAN and MULLIN, and it does

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members in the electric utility workforce, includ- Tribal issues. I also thank House Nat- strengthen the Department of Energy’s
ing the workforce for construction and mainte-
ural Resources Committee Chairman Tribal Energy Program, which is really
nance of renewable energy resources and dis-
tributed energy resources; GRIJALVA, a champion of Native Amer- important to do. This bill went
(4) the percentage of households residing in ican priorities, for his support which through regular order in the com-
Tribal communities or on Indian land that do was crucial to bringing this bill to the mittee and passed out of the full com-
not have access to electricity; floor today. mittee by a voice vote.

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H7070 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 9, 2020
H.R. 5541 updates and reauthorizes and someone I have enjoyed being able As we do around here, we all battle it
programs at the Department of Energy to follow. out on issues. We come up here to fight
to provide funding and technical assist- Since my time in Congress, you have for the things that are important to
ance to Tribal Governments and orga- been a friend and a mentor, one that I our districts, important to the country
nizations so that they can carry out can always count on to give the right from our perspective, and then you find
projects that would expand access to advice—not necessarily something I al- people along the way you befriend who
energy and provide jobs and economic ways wanted to hear, but the right ad- have that same perspective, and Mr.
development on Indian lands. vice. And, as I said before, that is the WALDEN has been one of those. I have
b 1315 character of a good leader. learned a lot from him.
So, for your 22 years of service, and We have really, I think, achieved so
American Indian and Alaska Native as someone who only got to serve with many things on the Energy and Com-
communities continue to struggle with you for 8 of those years, it has been a merce Committee, and especially dur-
energy affordability and access in great honor, and you will be missed. ing his time as chairman.
many cases. Households on some Tribal Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I have I just want to mention a few of those
lands also have higher rates of unem- no additional speakers, but I do want areas where he has made this a better
ployment and lower incomes, meaning to say that I never thought that Mr. country, because we can all talk about
it may not be feasible to increase elec- MULLIN had a bad attitude. the things that we want to do when we
tricity rates to energize homes that are Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of come up here and you would like to
not currently connected to the electric my time. work with others, but then to be able
grid. As a result, communities often Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank to look back and see real, tangible
rely on relatively expensive diesel the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. achievements that make this a better
microgrids and generators to power MULLIN), my friend, for his very gen- country, it really does pay tribute that
homes and businesses. erous, over-the-top words. We have had your time here was well spent. And for
H.R. 5541 would help improve energy a great working relationship. He is a Mr. WALDEN, it surely was, and, you
security and affordability on Indian fierce fighter for the causes he believes know, maybe none more obvious than
lands by reauthorizing important gov- in and has been a terrific legislator and what we just saw yesterday.
ernment programs, and it would re- will continue to blossom and grow on President Trump had a summit to
move some barriers to providing access the Energy and Commerce Committee, talk about the rollout of a vaccine for
to electric service and recommends I have no doubt. The country will be COVID–19, a vaccine that came through
ways to improve energy education, better served. Indian Country has few work that we did in this Congress and
planning, and management. stronger voices than his, and none the CARES Act to give money to the
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to stronger on the Energy and Commerce administration so that they could
join me in supporting H.R. 5541, and I Committee, I would say. focus on finding a vaccine, but then it
reserve the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he takes the ability, the tools.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I have may consume to the gentleman from The FDA is the gold standard in the
no additional speakers on this side, and Louisiana (Mr. SCALISE), my good world. The FDA has had problems over
I reserve the balance of my time. friend, the distinguished Republican the years, and this committee, the En-
Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 whip of the House and an incredibly ergy and Commerce Committee, has
minutes to the gentleman from Okla- important member of the Energy and had to come together to address some
homa (Mr. MULLIN). It is a great honor Commerce Committee who always of those problems so that FDA can con-
and privilege to recognize Mr. MULLIN, came prepared, always did great work, tinue to be the gold standard that not
a Tribal member, an incredibly impor- and always presented us with his brick only ensures that the trials go through
tant member of our committee who has phone. the proper process, because you don’t
given great voice to people who need Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, I want to want a drug to come to market that
help, and a cosponsor of this legisla- first thank my friend, the gentleman has adverse consequences, but you also
tion. from Oklahoma (Mr. MULLIN), for don’t want government to get in the
Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, today I bringing this legislation, the Tribal way and slow down the ability for a
rise in support of H.R. 5541, the Tribal Power Act. It is an important piece of drug that will save lives to go through
Power Act. legislation to help those Tribal com- years and years of bureaucracy, and
As the only Native American that munities. He does, as the gentleman that had been going on.
serves on the Energy and Commerce from Oregon (Mr. WALDEN) said, pro- When we were able to pass the bill to
Committee and one who has lived in In- vide great leadership for Tribal issues, modernize FDA approval of drugs a few
dian Country my entire life, this bill is and this is surely one I am sure we will years ago when Mr. WALDEN was chair-
extremely important to Tribes. It can work with. man, some of those reforms actually
strategically help us receive capital Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of are what got us to the brink of an
that we need to become energy effi- the Energy and Commerce Committee, FDA-approved vaccine for COVID–19,
cient and enhance our energy infra- Mr. PALLONE, for bringing this as well. and that will save millions of lives in
structure. Now, with my time, Mr. Speaker, and America and around the world. You
I have long been a supporter of the you may want to cut it short if this have seen people like the 90-year-old
economic benefits American energy turns into a roast, my friend from Or- woman in Great Britain who is the
brings to our communities. As sov- egon is, as Mr. MULLIN said, departing first person to get the vaccine. That is
ereign nations, Tribes should have the at the end of this Congress. from the work of what we did here at
ability to choose and deploy this kind I am not sure why you would want to the FDA.
of energy and the best kind of energy leave after 22 years in Congress, but FDA is on the verge of approving
that works for them. I am proud to be you have surely earned the right. that vaccine in America, and it will
a colead in this very important issue. I got to know Mr. WALDEN when I was also, in addition to saving lives, allow
Now, with the remainder of my time, a freshman coming onto the Energy us to reopen our economy fully, and I
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a sec- and Commerce Committee back in 2009 think that is another objective we all
ond and recognize our good leader and in my first year in Congress. have.
a friend that we are going to lose here When you look at the dais now, it has That doesn’t happen by accident. It
in Chairman WALDEN. surely changed a lot, but back in those happened because of leadership.
Our committee is better because of days, I would offer, of my own good Again, without your leadership in re-

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your leadership. Anybody who can put will, to make coffee for Mr. WALDEN. forming the FDA, we may be waiting
up with my attitude and my great per- He was one of those senior members of years, not months, to get that vaccine
sonality and still stay calm and effec- the committee—probably more of a to market.
tively lead our committee, I just want junior member, but I was the most jun- We had the SUPPORT Act to address
to tell you that shows a good leader. It ior member. But we actually developed the opioid crisis in this country. Every
shows somebody I would love to follow a really good friendship. community in America had been

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December 9, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7071
touched by the opioid crisis, and Con- Mr. Speaker, I inquire how much I think when we listen to each other,
gress had to take action. Again, work- time I have remaining. when we are challenged in our views
ing, Republicans and Democrats to- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- and our ideas by each other, we end up
gether, under your leadership as chair- tleman from Oregon has 91⁄2 minutes re- with a better product for the American
man, we did just that, and there are maining. people, Mr. Speaker.
millions of lives that are saved because Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Certainly, Dr. BUCSHON has been a
of that work. such time as he may consume to the forceful figure in trying to get to bet-
The FCC modernization and reau- gentleman from Indiana (Mr. BUCSHON), ter healthcare policy outcomes. I have
thorization, which typically happens, whom we are glad to have back on the greatly valued his counsel and his lead-
but when it was done in 2018, it was floor and looking well. ership, and I know incredible things
named after Ray Baum, who was the Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I thank await him in the next Congress and in
staffer who ran the Energy and Com- the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. WAL- the years thereafter, where I hope he
merce Committee. I believe you all DEN) for yielding me the time. will continue to serve with great dis-
served together in the legislature. Un- Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and a tinction, honor, and ability.
fortunately, we lost him, and to name privilege to call GREG WALDEN a col- Mr. Speaker, I don’t think I have
that important piece of legislation league and friend. His time as chair- anybody else on our side at this time,
after Ray Baum, I know, was not only man of the House Energy and Com- so I encourage passage of the legisla-
important to keep the FCC going, but merce Committee is another chapter of tion, the Tribal Power Act, and I yield
also to pay tribute to someone who accomplishment and success in the back the balance of my time.
came up here to do good public service committee’s storied history. Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I urge
for the country and did. As chairman, GREG approached every support for the legislation and I yield
Finally, the reauthorization was to issue before the committee with his back the balance of my time.
free up spectrum. This has been a chal- eye on achieving results for the Amer- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
lenge for years as we worked to get ican people. That is why we are here. question is on the motion offered by
more spectrum, which has improved He strove to reach across the political the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr.
everybody’s lives, to get to a 5G net- divide, because he understood, and still PALLONE) that the House suspend the
work. does, our work on behalf of the Amer- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5541, as
That work was done, and the leader- ican people is far too important to al- amended.
ship of Chairman WALDEN to get that ways be derailed by needless partisan- The question was taken; and (two-
done when even the scorekeepers here ship. Of course, we will have our squab- thirds being in the affirmative) the
said it wouldn’t really produce any- bles back and forth, but at the end of rules were suspended and the bill, as
thing for the country, well, billions and the day, it is about the American peo- amended, was passed.
billions of dollars later that this coun- ple, and GREG understands that. A motion to reconsider was laid on
try has to pay down our debt came out From the SUPPORT for Patients and the table.
of that legislation, as well as spectrum Communities Act to RAY BAUM’S Act, f
to allow us to get to a 5G network, as well as too numerous bills signed TIMELY REVIEW OF
spectrum to allow us to build up more into law to even list here, GREG’s lead- INFRASTRUCTURE ACT
rural broadband. ership of the Energy and Commerce
All of the things that improve peo- Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move
Committee produced important legisla-
ple’s quality of life happened because to suspend the rules and pass the bill
tion that is, today, making a difference
of the leadership of Chairman WALDEN, (H.R. 1426) to amend the Department of
in the lives of the American people.
during your time as chairman of the Energy Organization Act to address in-
Mr. Speaker, I want to personally
committee. You have earned the oppor- sufficient compensation of employees
thank GREG for taking the time to
tunity to go and enjoy the next phase and other personnel of the Federal En-
bring me in and ask for my profes-
of your life. ergy Regulatory Commission, and for
sional medical diagnosis of many
But while you will be missed here, other purposes.
major healthcare-related issues or The Clerk read the title of the bill.
you leave a great legacy where you can other pieces of legislation before the The text of the bill is as follows:
point to the things you have done that committee. H.R. 1426
make America a greater country, and I know at times we doctors can tell Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
for that, I thank you. I know all of us you things you don’t want to hear—and resentatives of the United States of America in
join in in applauding your time here in quit laughing—but GREG always lis- Congress assembled,
this great institution. tened intently and worked with me to SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I re- help find a cure, so to speak, or a rem- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Timely Re-
serve the balance of my time. edy, and for that, I will always be ap- view of Infrastructure Act’’.
Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield preciative. SEC. 2. ADDRESSING INSUFFICIENT COMPENSA-
myself such time as I may consume. GREG, your wisdom, charisma, and TION OF EMPLOYEES AND OTHER
Mr. Speaker, I thank my dear friend PERSONNEL OF THE FEDERAL EN-
unflappable leadership will be greatly ERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION.
and colleague from the Energy and missed in the 117th Congress. (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 401 of the Depart-
Commerce Committee and the whip, I wish you and Mylene the best as ment of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C.
the Republican whip of the House, for you both begin this new chapter of 7171) is amended by adding at the end the fol-
his overly generous comments, his fine your lives, and I look forward to con- lowing:
leadership, and the fun we have had on tinuing to call you friend. ‘‘(k) ADDRESSING INSUFFICIENT COMPENSA-
the Energy and Commerce Committee. TION OF EMPLOYEES AND OTHER PERSONNEL OF
We do have a lot of fun there on both b 1330 THE COMMISSION.—
sides of the aisle, and then we do wres- Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I con- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, if the Chairman pub-
tle and tumble and we work things out, tinue to reserve the balance of my licly certifies that compensation for a cat-
too. time. egory of employees or other personnel of the
But Mr. SCALISE has always been a Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Commission is insufficient to retain or at-
real warrior on the committee, an in- myself such time as I may consume. tract employees and other personnel to allow
credible fighter for what he believes in, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my the Commission to carry out the functions of
an effective legislator, a terrific friend and colleague, the good doctor the Commission in a timely, efficient, and
spokesperson. He has fallen down a lit- from Indiana. We are so blessed in this effective manner, the Chairman may fix the

ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
tle bit, though, I must stipulate, in institution to have people with such in- compensation for the category of employees
or other personnel without regard to chapter
that he has failed to get me coffee in credible backgrounds, intellect, capa-
51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5,
recent years. He has been otherwise bility, and just the overall human ex- United States Code, or any other civil serv-
consumed with other duties, and that perience that they can bring to help us ice law.
will be noted in the historical record, I be better legislators and develop better ‘‘(2) CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.—A cer-
am sure. policy. tification issued under paragraph (1) shall—

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