Press Releases
The Republican Recap: Week of October 23, 2023
Washington,
October 26, 2023
Here’s a recap of what Republicans achieved on the House Floor this week:
Enhancing America’s Energy and National Security ✅ After his crackdown on American energy resulted in skyrocketing gas prices for American families ahead of the midterm elections last year, Biden sold 180 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to temporarily lower gas prices, draining our emergency energy supply to its lowest level since the 1980s and putting our national security at risk for a political band-aid. According to the Biden’s Department of Energy, the U.S. trading subsidiary of China’s state refining company UNIPEC bought around 2 million barrels of SPR oil in 2022 – meaning that as Biden sold our emergency stockpile, China built up theirs. House Republicans passed a bill that prohibits selling SPR oil to any entity under the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or that intends to export to China, shores up energy security by providing more than $200 million for critical mineral production, gets rid of the Biden Administration’s overreaching WOTUS rule, and cuts Biden’s woke agenda from America’s bill by prohibiting funds to promote critical race theory or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024, introduced by Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, provides FY2024 appropriations for the Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, and several independent agencies to enhance our energy security, invest in our national defense, and bolster our economic competitiveness. “I applaud my colleagues for passing the FY24 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill. This is a historic bill that invests in modernizing our nuclear deterrent, prioritizes America’s energy security by revitalizing domestic uranium enrichment capabilities, funds upgrades to water infrastructure projects nationwide, and keeps the United States the world leader in scientific research and discovery. House Republicans committed the American People to pass individual spending bills that cut wasteful and inflationary spending while investing in America, and my energy and water bill fulfills that promise. It’s time for the Senate to follow the House’s lead and pass their appropriations bills to responsibly fund our government,” said Rep. Chuck Fleischmann. What Members Said: Rep. Mike Simpson highlighted how H.R. 4394 contains critical funding for nuclear energy research, fueling new reactors, and cybersecurity.  Rep. Tony Gonzales emphasized how H.R. 4394 boosts our economy, invests in American energy, and bolsters our national security.  Rep. Mike Collins pointed to how H.R. 4394 gets rid of Biden's overreaching WOTUS rule, cuts billions in woke spending, and supports our nuclear stockpile.
 Standing United With Israel Against Hamas ✅ On October 7, the Iran-backed terrorist organization Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing over 1,400 people and taking hundreds more hostage – making it the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. In addition to the tragic death of Israelis, at least 32 Americans were killed in the attacks, and an unknown number are being held hostage. Hamas’s horrific slaughter of innocent civilians – including women, children, the elderly, tourists, and even babies and Holocaust survivors – is not only a heinous attempt at genocide of the Jewish people, but an attack on democratic values. There is no excuse for these abhorrent acts, and Israel must root out and destroy the monsters who committed them. The United States will continue to support one of our strongest allies, Israel, against Hamas and other Iranian proxy terrorist organizations who wish to see the fall of both our nations and put an end to the freedom and self-determination we stand for. An enemy of Israel is an enemy of the United States. Rep. Michael McCaul’s legislation, H.Res. 771, expresses Congress’ support of Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists. “I am proud that our bipartisan resolution was the first piece of legislation to be considered under Speaker Mike Johnson and overwhelmingly passed the House yesterday. The United States firmly stands with our ally Israel in condemning the heinous attack carried out by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists. The world is on fire right now and as tensions in the region continue to rise, we must re-affirm our enduring support to our friend Israel in the face of terrorist threats,” said Rep. Michael McCaul. What Members Said: “I want to thank Chairman McCaul and Ranking Member Meeks for coming together on this critical, important piece of legislation – this first piece of legislation under Speaker Mike Johnson to stand with our friend, Israel, as they're under attack from Hamas and other terrorist organizations. Let's not forget what has happened, because there are reports that Iran and other terrorist organizations worked with Hamas for not only months, but possibly up to and over a year, planning these vicious attacks that now result in war and death of so many people – not just Israelis, [but] Americans, hostages, so many injured, thousands more. This is horrific. This is an opportunity for people all around the world to stand with Israel's right to defend themselves,” said Majority Leader Steve Scalise. “So I applaud my colleagues again: 425 co-sponsors on this piece of legislation shows that even in a divided Congress, we can come together when it's time to support our strongest ally in the region when they are under attack. We strongly stand with Israel.” “We all know that Hamas’ heinous and unprovoked attacks on innocent Israelis are barbaric. It is our responsibility as members of Congress to stand united with Israel. And let me be clear, Israel has a fundamental right to defend herself and her people during this conflict, during this war,” said Rep. David Kustoff. “From both sides of the aisle, our members' support for the only democracy in the Middle East is absolutely ironclad. And this resolution demonstrates our unwavering commitment to Israel and our relationship. It's important for our nation and the rest of the world to hear this strong support and commitment from the United States House of Representatives.”
Rep. Carol Miller stressed how America will always stand with Israel.
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