Kaptur statement at subcommittee markup of 2016 Energy & Water Appropriations bill

Thank you Chairman Simpson and all the Members of our subcommittee, especially those who joined us this year—Ms. Herrera Beutler, Mr. Valadao, Mr. Honda, and Ms. Roybal-Allard.  We also welcome Ms. Granger, the newest member of our Subcommittee.

This bill funds incredibly important programs that can unlock America’s full economic potential, including:

• Investments in energy technology to advance a cleaner energy future that grows America’s domestic capabilities and reduces the insidious political and economic effects of energy sector trade deficits

• Investments in water infrastructure to keep our ports open for business, to mitigate floods, and to help our country adapt to the challenges of both water scarcity in our drought-stricken West and water insecurity due to toxic runoff in fresh-water rich regions like the Great Lakes

• Cleaning up our nuclear legacy to minimize the burden passed onto future generations, deterring the threats of nuclear proliferation, and responsibly maintaining our own weapons program

To be sure, this bill could be stronger, programs could be more fully funded, and the bill also includes some unnecessary and controversial policy riders.

But ultimately, I appreciate the work of Chairman Simpson and the staff, who worked well under difficult circumstances.  In particular, I would like to acknowledge Donna Shahbaz.  This is her first markup as the Clerk of Energy and Water, working under tremendous time pressure and she displayed grace the entire time.  I also want to thank Taunja Berquam, our Democratic staff member, for her continued dedication and diligence.