Press Releases
The Republican Recap: Week of March 18, 2024
Washington,
March 22, 2024
Here’s a recap of what Republicans achieved on the House Floor this week:
Denouncing Biden’s Disastrous Anti-American Energy Policies ✅ Since his first day in office, President Biden has implemented policies to crush American energy production, increasing our reliance on foreign adversaries for energy and raising costs on American families. On day one, President Biden canceled the $8 billion Keystone XL pipeline, which would have transported up to 830,000 barrels of heavy crude oil a day, costing American workers their jobs and threatening our energy security. In January, the Biden Administration announced they would be halting approvals for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, despite previous studies showing that American LNG exports protect global energy security, create American jobs, and reduce emissions. Banning LNG exports will only increase our dependency on China, the biggest climate polluter in the world. That’s why House Republicans passed a bill to stop the Biden Administration’s ban on LNG exports, H.R. 7176, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024. When President Biden started taking political heat for the high gas prices resulting from his anti-American policies, he decided to deplete our Strategic Petroleum Reserve to mask how his far-left climate agenda has raised energy costs for American families – threatening our national security for a political band-aid. To make it worse, he then turned around and sold millions of barrels of our reserves to China. We passed a bill to stop that, as well: H.R. 22, the Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act. These are just a few of President Biden’s disastrous energy policies that American families are paying the price for every day at the gas station, the grocery store, and in utility bills. We produce energy better than anywhere else in the world, and we lower costs, create jobs, and shore up our energy security while we do it – it’s past time to unleash American energy. H. Res. 987, introduced by Rep. Dan Newhouse, denounces the Biden Administration’s disastrous and harmful anti-American energy policies that are raising costs for hardworking Americans, and putting our energy security and the security of our allies at risk. “As Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a third-generation farmer from the Yakima Valley, I hear from people across this country that are literally cutting their grocery expenses to help pay for their energy bills. Everyone from small businesses to single households are strained by this administration’s out-of-touch policies that seem to have no end. I am proud to bring House Resolution 987 forward to denounce these policies for their unnecessary and unprecedented war on American energy. Now is the time for common-sense solutions to the disaster they have led us to. We have a lot of work still ahead of us, but House Republicans are united in getting our country’s energy production and security back on track,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse. What Members Said: “Let's be very clear, Mr. Speaker: President Biden's war on fossil fuels doesn't cover all oil and gas. It only covers American oil and gas. And maybe that's the most perplexing part of his failed policies that angers people,” said Majority Leader Steve Scalise. “If it was about purity and getting rid of oil, then it would be for everybody. He wouldn't have lowered the sanctions against Iran, but he did. And so Iran could go make billions of dollars a month, like Putin’s making, because of Joe Biden's policies. But here in America, you can't get new leases, you're almost impossible to get permits, you can't do LNG exports – because Joe Biden wants to attack American energy. We're sick and tired of it. The American people are sick and tired of it, and it's hurting the people that can least afford it. The lowest-income families are paying the price for this failed policy. It's got to end.” Rep. Jake Ellzey highlighted how the Biden Administration's energy policies have been great news for our adversaries and bad news for the American people.
 Repealing Democrats’ Green Bank Slush Fund ✅ When Democrats passed their massive so-called Inflation Reduction Act, they included a $27 billion “green bank” called the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) intended to allow the EPA to finance clean energy projects by funding individual organizations. In April 2023, the EPA announced that it would distribute GGRF funds to a few selected politically aligned nonprofit organizations and allow them to distribute the funding – outsourcing their duties to unelected Washington bureaucrats. If that wasn’t bad enough, many current EPA political appointees have close ties to these politically aligned organizations and held multiple meetings with them before announcing their grant framework. Simply put, the EPA’s grant distribution framework redesigns a $27 billion program to award billions of dollars to the Biden Administration’s political allies by creating grants specifically for organizations with ties to EPA appointees – building a slush fund for Democrats' political allies with no oversight or accountability to taxpayers. Additionally, some of these funds will inevitably end up in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party, as China controls 60 percent of the production of critical minerals, which are essential to transitioning to ‘clean energy.’ We shouldn’t be making our country more reliant on foreign adversaries for energy at the discretion of organizations politically aligned with the Biden Administration – we should be investing in American energy independence. H.R. 1023, the Cutting Green Corruption and Taxes Act, introduced by Rep. Gary Palmer, repeals the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, preventing unelected bureaucrats from forcing their climate agenda on the American people without any oversight or accountability. “I am proud of the work we accomplished this week to lower energy costs and secure American energy,” said Rep. Gary Palmer. “In the Democrats’ misnamed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the EPA was able to create a $27 billion ‘Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.’ This is nothing more than a slush fund of taxpayer dollars that the Biden administration would use to fund the climate activists and politically aligned groups with no real impact on climate. The Green New Deal Slush Fund is another example of Democrat sponsored misguided spending. To make matters worse, the Democrats’ IRA also implemented a natural gas tax that would impact every aspect of everyday life and further increase energy costs for American families already struggling to make ends meet because of inflationary Democrat policies. I am very grateful for Rep. August Pfluger’s leadership in the effort to repeal this tax and am glad his work is included in this legislation. Thankfully, the House passed my bill to repeal these two costly and misguided energy policies implemented by the Democrats.” What Members Said: “The Biden Administration established a Green New Deal slush fund at the EPA to the tune of $27 billion in taxpayer money. Let me be clear: My constituents in Georgia's 12th district are sick and tired of their hard earned tax dollars contributing to this Administration's radical rush-to-green agenda, especially while prices at the pump remain a top concern for American families. During energy week, House Republicans are passing legislation to stop President Biden's war on American energy, and I emphasize, the Democrats want to end fossil fuel as we know it. H.R. [1023] would rescind the EPA $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and repeal the Administration's disastrous proposed natural gas tax. In doing so, we can reduce the budget deficit, reduce the size and scope of the federal government, and ensure energy costs for Americans do not further escalate,” said Rep. Rick Allen.
The Energy and Commerce Committee emphasized that H.R. 1023 defends our strategic interests from China, protects taxpayers, and promotes responsible government.
Protecting American Energy from Biden Fracking Moratorium ✅ Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a drilling technology used for extracting oil, natural gas, geothermal energy, or water from deep underground – accounting for two-thirds of the natural gas in the United States and half of the nation’s oil, and positioning the U.S. as the world's leading producer of natural gas and oil. Despite the large amount of American energy it produces, fracking is under threat, as President Biden has repeatedly caved to radical environmental activists and made statements about ending fossil fuel production in the United States. Although fracking has been consistently attacked for contaminating groundwater, a study conducted by the EPA under the Obama Administration found that fracking has had no “widespread, systemic impacts on drinking water resources in the United States.” American energy production through fracking leads to lower energy prices for families and workers, boosts economic growth, and improves quality of life for Americans. We must protect American energy production from President Biden’s radical anti-American energy agenda. Rep. Jeff Duncan’s legislation, H.R. 1121, the Protecting American Energy Production Act, prevents President Biden from implementing a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to protect American energy production, and expresses that states have primacy over energy production on state and private land. “I’m proud to have protected America’s ability to harvest our vast natural resources and convert them to power from Joe Biden’s hopes of ‘no more drilling,” said Congressman Jeff Duncan. “H.R. 1121 is a commonsense measure that ensures no President has the unilateral power to shut down fracking. This legislation also makes it clear that no President should have the power to stop any of our domestic energy production—that power should reside with Congress and the States.” “Since day one, Biden has waged war on energy and pushed America to the precipice of an energy crisis. I’m proud of my work in Congress on behalf of all Americans to stop Biden’s work to make us reliant on adversaries for energy and to close reliable energy generation. I’m proud to lead House Republicans in unleashing an all-the-above energy policy that ensures America becomes energy independent.” What Members Said: Rep. Josh Brecheen pointed to how H.R. 1121 prevents any president from unilaterally banning fracking.
Rep. Steve Womack emphasized how hydraulic fracturing postures America as an energy production leader, lowers costs for families, and grows our economy.  Expressing that a Carbon Tax Would Be Detrimental to Americans ✅ In 2023, U.S. energy consumption derived from fossil fuels was around 80 percent. By enacting a carbon tax, the Biden Administration would increase energy prices across the board, including the price of gasoline, electricity, natural gas, and home heating oil. Subsequently, a carbon tax would increase the cost of every good produced in the United States, driving up cost of living, crushing families, and forcing hardworking Americans to pay even more than they already are under President Biden’s failed energy policies at the pump, in their electricity bills, and at the grocery store – hurting lower income families the most. Furthermore, a carbon tax would drive businesses and jobs overseas, where there is no carbon tax burden, hurting our economic growth, encouraging development and innovation abroad, and threatening our position on the world stage by reducing our global competitiveness. Americans are sick and tired of paying the price for President Biden’s energy policy failures – they don’t want to turn around and pay even more because woke bureaucrats decide to implement a carbon tax. We should be encouraging energy innovation and production, not squashing it to the detriment of hardworking Americans and businesses. Rep. Ryan Zinke’s legislation, H. Con. Res. 86, expresses the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would not be in the best interest of the country because it would raise energy prices, crush American families and businesses, and be detrimental to the United States economy. “Nobody produces energy more efficiently or cleaner than right here in the United States,” said Congressman Ryan Zinke. “When I was Secretary we had the biggest production year on record and it was also the best safety year and we lowered emissions. So, the answer is not to punish domestic energy producers or Montana farmers, manufacturers, and consumers, which is exactly what a carbon tax does. The answer is to allow the private sector to continually innovate to make energy more sustainable and efficient while lowering costs and improving safety. There’s no reason Montanans should be paying more because Biden is bowing to eco-green zealots and paying invoices to communists, terrorists and shady businessmen overseas to get what we have here at home.” What Members Said: Rep. Pat Fallon highlighted that a carbon tax would raise prices even more on hardworking Americans.  Rep. Doug LaMalfa emphasized that any carbon tax President Biden implements would hurt every business, every family, and every farmer in America.
Reforming CWA Permitting Processes and Restoring Regulatory Certainty ✅ Unfortunately, the Clean Water Act has been used over the years to hold up permits, preventing critical infrastructure and energy projects from advancing and impeding American energy production. House Republicans passed a package of legislation that includes targeted reforms to bolster and simplify the permitting process for permit seekers and holders, increase regulatory certainty, and provide more clarity for agencies issuing permits. Our legislation streamlines the Nationwide Permit (NWP) process, directs the EPA to propose any changes to water quality criteria for states through a rule, modifies the EPA and the U.S. Corps of Engineers permitting process that regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters, and instructs the EPA and the Corps to issue guidance on the implementation of the 2023 “Waters of the United States.” Additionally, the bill modifies the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program to protect permit holders acting in good faith, make it easier for the EPA to issue general permits, and require the EPA to give written notice two years before a permit expires. By clarifying our permitting process and getting rid of crushing regulations, American manufacturers and industries will be able to better utilize our natural resources, build infrastructure to improve transportation, and unleash American energy to restore our independence. H.R. 7023, the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act, sponsored by Rep. David Rouzer, consists of five bills that reform and restore permitting processes under the Clean Water Act, ensuring they are more consistent and transparent and providing greater regulatory certainty. “I’m proud my legislation to create a predictable and responsible permitting system for American energy and infrastructure development passed the House this week. This bill is much needed to keep projects on time and on budget — all while maintaining our nation's clean water infrastructure. By improving the permitting process under the Clean Water Act, we can provide greater clarity for energy producers, farmers, builders, water utilities, and many others. Just as significant, we can make America energy dominant on the world stage and lower costs for families,” said Rep. David Rouzer. What Members Said: “This bill provides relief to farmers, small businesses and energy producers across the Central Valley and throughout the United States by cutting red tape, streamlining reviews, and providing greater regulatory certainty under the Clean Water Act,” said Rep. John Duarte. “This bill doesn't roll back the Clean Water Act. It codifies decades-old EPA policy to shield permit holders from activist lawsuits as long as they acted in good faith and according to the specific terms of their permit. This type of regulatory certainty and legal protection for period holders is necessary for improving our nation's infrastructure.”
 Click here or on the image above to view Rep. Duarte's remarks.
Rep. Burgess Owens pointed to how H.R. 7023 includes a comprehensive set of reforms to improve the Clean Water Act, which has been bogged down by delays and halted permits for essential energy and infrastructure projects.
Blocking the BLM from Stifling American Energy Production ✅ Since President Biden’s first day in the Oval Office, his Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has fought to hinder American energy production on federal lands through burdensome regulations. In July 2023, President Biden’s BLM proposed a rule to update its regulations on oil and gas leasing – making significant, non-statutory changes to their onshore oil and gas leasing program that would crush production and hurt small businesses. The proposed rule would needlessly increase bonding rates for oil and gas production on federal lands, unfairly burdening small operators that can’t obtain a bond without significant collateral. Additionally, the rule would implement new “preference criteria” for onshore oil and gas leasing, significantly restricting areas available for production even though the BLM already requires operators to reduce their impact on wildlife and resources. The rule also doesn’t allow for leasing in areas that aren’t currently producing, preventing small operators from maintaining their business. The impacts of the BLM’s proposed rule, as well as the new, higher fees and limited flexibility, would significantly impede oil and gas production on federal lands, threatening our energy security and stifling small businesses. It’s time to increase American energy production and restore energy leadership, not stifle production at every turn with ridiculous regulations while Americans and small businesses suffer. H.R. 6009, the Restoring American Energy Dominance Act, introduced by Rep. Lauren Boebert, would block the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed rule entitled “Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process,” that would stifle American energy production on federal lands and burden small businesses, and prevent the BLM from implementing a similar rule in the future. “This ‘Fluid Mineral Leasing Rule’ is further proof that Joe Biden is using every tool in his Administration to dismantle American energy production,” said Rep. Lauren Boebert. “When environmental extremists create rules like this that are grossly restrictive, they can hinder the development and availability of energy resources that are fundamental to human progress and prosperity. It's important to remember that energy is not just another commodity: It's the lifeblood of modern civilization. Any regulation in this domain must be evaluated through the lens of its impact on human life and prosperity. This means considering not just the environmental aspects, but also how these rules affect energy, affordability, reliability, and scalability.” What Members Said: Rep. Nick Langworthy called attention to how H.R. 6009 blocks the Biden Administration's proposed rule that would significantly restrict oil and gas production on federal land.  Rep. Doug Lamborn highlighted how H.R. 6009 restores parity on oil and gas leases to lower American energy costs.
Funding American Interests and Cutting Woke Initiatives ✅ Today, we passed the remaining six appropriations bills to the floor to ensure that American national security interests are protected, while over-funded non-defense programs and wasteful Democrat initiatives are cut. The package includes: Defense; Financial Services and General Government; Homeland Security; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; Legislative Branch; and State-Foreign Operations. H. Res. 1102, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, sponsored by Rep. Kay Granger, reduces wasteful spending, protects pro-life provisions like the Hyde Amendment, funds the highest level of border patrol agents ever, includes the largest pay raise for servicemembers in 20 years, cuts IRS funding and blocks them from targeting Americans for their politics, and stops U.S. contributions to the UNRWA. “House Republicans made a commitment to strategically increase defense spending, make targeted cuts to overfunded non-defense programs, and pull back wasteful spending from previous years. I am proud to say that we have delivered on that promise, and this bill is proof,” said Rep. Kay Granger. “Given that the world is becoming more dangerous, we wanted to send a strong message that we will do everything in our power to protect the American people and defend our interests. This bill funds our highest national security priorities – it invests in a more modern, innovative, and ready fighting force, continues our strong support for our great ally Israel, and provides key border enforcement resources. At the same time, we made cuts to programs that have nothing to do with our national security and pulled back billions from the Administration. With the odds stacked against us, House Republicans have refocused spending on America's interests, at home and abroad.” What Members Said: “Today is zero hour. We're out of time. Today's vote may be the most consequential of your lifetime. Right now our troops around the world are facing multiple threats. Our supremacy on land, sea, air, and space is being challenged, and our allies are under attack. I could go through a long list of vital programs and funding included in this bill: The wins for our troops, the historic funding for innovation and counter drug activities, the focus on countering China. The time is short, and the stakes have never been higher,” said Rep. Ken Calvert.
 Click here or on the image above to view Rep. Calvert's remarks.
Rep. Andy Barr emphasized how H.Res. 1102 strengthens our national defense and funds 22,000 border patrol agents while cutting funding to Biden's army of IRS agents.
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