June 21, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 105 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H5010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                ENERGY WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

  (Mr. TONKO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, our neighbors and low-income households pay 
three times more as a share of their income on energy bills than those 
in higher income strata.
  The fiscal year 2020 Energy and Water appropriations bill marks an 
important step to reduce that energy burden for America's most 
vulnerable people by increasing investments in the Department of Energy 
Weatherization Assistance Program.
  This program helps families make their home healthier and safer. It 
promotes energy efficiency and reduces utility bills, which means more 
money in the pockets of these families for healthcare, groceries, and 
other basic expenses.
  For each dollar the American people invest in the weatherization 
program, we see an estimated $4.50 in energy and nonenergy benefits. 
This additional funding will ensure that even more families are able to 
experience the benefits of the program.
  The Energy and Water bill also recognizes America's need for clean 
energy innovation by significantly increasing funding for essential DOE 
research programs, including the Office of Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy, the State Energy Program and ARPA-E.
  The work done by DOE and State energy offices is absolutely critical 
to accelerate our Nation's transition to a clean energy economy. This 
bill recognizes the need for the United States to continue to be the 
global leader in clean energy innovation, technology development, and 
deployment.
  I thank and express my gratitude to Chairwomen Lowey and Kaptur for 
their leadership on these issues.

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