Randy Weber

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this is amazing to me, quite frankly. I served 4 years in the Texas legislature, and we were busy with catalytic scrubbers on all the industry that we had making sure that Texans had clean energy. We care about the environment. We care about people's health. We care about the future. We care about the economy. It is a little bit curious to me to hear our friends across the aisle say that we don't care about any of that stuff. In Texas, we have a saying, Mr. Speaker: It just ain't so. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her remarks, and I want to highlight one line she said: American technology and innovation has allowed us to reduce emissions more than any other country since 2005. That is important. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from North Dakota (Mrs. Fedorchak).

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Balderson).

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S.J. Res. 31, a resolution that pushes back on yet another outrageous overreach by the Biden-Harris EPA which spent the last 4 years tying the hands of America's energy producers and undermining our position as a global energy leader. The latest example is this joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act. This commonsense resolution, led by my good friend, Senator Curtis of Utah, and carried in the House by my good friend, Representative Fedorchak, along with support from Representatives Balderson and Allen, pushes back on a deeply flawed EPA rule that is yet another blow to American energy producers and manufacturers, as well as small businesses. What does this rule do? This rule shackles businesses with burdensome red tape under what is called the ``once in, always in'' policy. That means once a facility is deemed a major source of emissions, even if it invests heavily in modern equipment and successfully lowers its emissions, it is still locked into that stricter classification forever, period. They are not given credit for cleaning up their act. There are no incentives given to improve. There is just more bureaucracy. Mr. Speaker, let's be clear. This rule is anti-innovation, anti- investment, and anti-American. Mr. Speaker, repealing this misguided rule would do what we should have done all along: encourage facilities to reduce emissions by giving them a path to reclassify as area sources once they meet that threshold. That is not only good for industry, it is good for our environment. It is a true win-win, Mr. Speaker. Now, here is some background. Under section 112 of the Clean Air Act, facilities that emit over 10 tons of a single hazardous pollutant, or 25 tons of a combination, are considered major sources and hit with the strictest regulations and nonstop monitoring. What about those below that threshold? They are area sources with more reasonable requirements. However, the ``once in, always in'' rule, cooked up during the Clinton administration, locked companies into major source status forever, even if they had dramatically reduced their emissions. That is just plain wrong. Thankfully, in 2020, the Trump administration corrected this nonsense. They rightly said that the Clean Air Act doesn't prohibit facilities from reclassifying if and when they reduce emissions below the legal threshold. Do you know what, Mr. Speaker? That rule actually worked. It encouraged improvements, and businesses responded. Under the Biden-Harris rule, companies have absolutely no incentive to decrease their emissions. We should encourage industries, Mr. Speaker, to lower their emissions and allow them the possibility of reclassifying as an area source if they can successfully reduce their emissions. U.S. emissions have already decreased over the past two decades, even as our energy production has hit record highs. That is not government regulation, that is American innovation. American industry relied on the Trump rule to make progress in reducing emissions. Yet, under this new EPA rule, companies that did the right thing under the Trump-era guidance, those that cut emissions, are actually being punished. That is not environmentalism; that is government overreach plain and simple. Let me be clear, Mr. Speaker. This resolution does not strip the EPA of its authority to regulate air pollutants. It doesn't. It simply returns us to the commonsense, pro-growth, pro-clean-air policy of the Trump administration. If a business steps up and reduces its emissions, it ought to be rewarded, not handcuffed. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to stand with the American worker, stand with American innovation, and vote ``yes'' on S.J. Res. 31. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on the legislation and to insert extraneous material in the Record on S.J. Res. 31.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Pursuant to House Resolution 426, I call up the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 31) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to ``Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act'', and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this Sunday, May 18, marks 7 years since the heartbreaking and evil tragedy struck the town of Santa Fe, Texas. Mr. Speaker, it has been 7 years since 10 innocent lives were stolen in a senseless act of violence that shook our community to its very core. Lives were cut short. Families changed forever. I will never forget getting that phone call. I remember walking the school halls a week after the shooting and seeing the pain etched on the faces of the parents, the students, and the first responders. I attended the funerals. I wept with the families. Those were our kids. These were our teachers. These were our neighbors. Yet, Mr. Speaker, in the face of that darkness, something else stood out: the unshakeable spirit of Santa Fe, Texas. That Texas town showed the world what it means to be strong, what it means to come together, and what it means to rise above any occasion. Santa Fe is resilient, Mr. Speaker. Santa Fe is faithful, and Santa Fe is still standing. May we never forget the lives we lost, and may we always honor them by standing for life, for truth, and for the communities that we are blessed to represent. God bless Santa Fe. God bless Texas, and may God continue to bless these United States of America.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, quite frankly, I can't even believe that our friends across the aisle are complaining. I guess that seems to be their habit, their modus operandi these days. Madam Speaker, House Republicans are fighting tooth and nail to undo the damage President Biden's radical agenda--maybe that is why they are complaining, come to think about it--inflicted on our economy, our freedoms, and the American way of life. It is just that simple. This week, we are moving to overturn yet another reckless regulation this time targeting the very backbone of our supply chain: American truckers. Under Biden--I call him ``O'biden'' because I think he is Obama's third term--we had a shortage of truckers, Madam Speaker. This was Washington bureaucrats trying to do California's dirty work. Don't our bureaucrats here have enough work to do on their own? This is a direct hit on our truckers. I know. I ran a small trucking business for a short time. This is a direct hit on our small businesses and anyone who relies on affordable, reliable transportation, which, quite frankly, is just about every American. Let's be real: This isn't about cleaner air. Never was. Never gonna be. It is about control. It is about forcing a one-size-fits-all green agenda on the rest of the country--I might say the unsuspecting country--regardless of what it costs working families, what it costs farmers, job creators, and, yes, truckers. They just don't care. This CRA sends a clear message, Madam Speaker: Republicans stand with the men and women who keep America running. We stand with Americans for common sense. I couldn't be more proud to be here with my colleague for this bill. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. In the words of the truckers: Let's slam the brakes on this nonsense and put America back in the driver's seat.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor a true Texan whose life reflected the very best our great State had to offer. John Lee Sullivan, a fifth-generation Galveston Island resident, went home to be with our Lord on December 24, 2024. John's contributions to Texas were immeasurable. He served veterans through the General Land Office and Veterans Land Board. He launched successful ventures in real estate and poured his heart into the Sullivan Land and Cattle Company, caring deeply for the land and the livestock. John also served his community with passion, sitting on the Galveston City Council, serving as mayor pro tem, and contributing to organizations like the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. His leadership and his faith have left a lasting mark. May God bless his family, including his beloved wife of 53 years, Cindy, and may his legacy continue to shine and be a beacon for Galveston.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a dedicated public servant from Brazoria County, Judge Ogden Bass, who was called home to be with our Lord on November 23, 2024, at the young age of 90. I had the privilege of knowing Judge Bass over the years, and his commitment to our community was absolutely unwavering. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He dedicated his career to the pursuit of justice, serving as Brazoria County District Attorney, Texas Assistant Attorney General, and presiding for three terms over the 300th District Court of Brazoria County. Judge Bass was not only known for just his wisdom and fairness in the courtroom but also for his deep compassion. He made himself available to the people he served. He would often arrive at the courthouse at 6 a.m. in the morning and be there until 5 p.m. so that any resident who needed the opportunity to be heard had that opportunity. If you needed help, Judge Bass was there. May God bless his family, especially his beloved bride of 70 years, Nan Gayle. May the judge's legacy of integrity, service, and justice continue to guide Brazoria County for generations to come. Honoring John Lee Sullivan

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the outstanding service of my dear friend, one Commissioner Donald ``Dude'' Payne, who has dedicated the last 24 years of his life to Brazoria County with an absolutely unmatched spirit of service as well as leadership. Over these many years, Commissioner Payne has been a steadfast champion for the people of Brazoria County. He has tirelessly worked to meet the needs of our community, always treating everyone he encountered with dignity and respect. Whether it was assisting families in times of crises, whether it was spearheading critical infrastructure projects, or just simply supporting the growth of our local economy, Dude Payne never missed a beat, Madam Speaker. His hard work and selfless dedication have been the cornerstones of his service. Dude set a gold standard for public service, one defined by integrity, compassion, as well as humility. His love for Brazoria County and its people shines brightly in everything he has done. As he enters this next chapter of life, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of Brazoria County and beyond. I thank Dude for his unwavering commitment to our beloved county. Blessings to him, his wonderful wife, Deborah, his children, his grandchildren, and, yes, great-grandchildren. We know he will be just as impactful in retirement as he was in public service. His leadership will leave a giant hole to fill in Brazoria County. I congratulate my friend on a well-earned retirement. May God bless him richly. Honoring Judge Ogden Bass

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize an extraordinary leader, a dedicated public servant, and a pillar of our community--Dr. Warren Nichols, who is retiring after years of transformative leadership as President of College of the Mainland. Since taking the helm at College of the Mainland in 2017, Dr. Nichols has done what strong leaders do, he's rolled up his sleeves, put students first, and delivered results. A first-generation college student and former police officer from Arlington, Texas, Dr. Nichols embodies the American dream. He climbed the ladder of higher education through grit, service, and vision. From law enforcement to leadership, he's remained focused on helping others rise, too. Under his tenure, College of the Mainland has seen historic growth-- not just in enrollment, but in opportunity. He led COM to become the first college in Texas to fully implement a corequisite program, helping underprepared students complete their English and math requirements faster and more effectively. That's results-driven education, and that's exactly what we need more of in this country. Dr. Nichols also championed the Guided Pathways to Success initiative, ensuring students stay on track toward meaningful goals-- associate degrees, workforce certificates, and transfers to four-year universities. That's the kind of strategic, student-focused thinking that sets College of the Mainland apart. But it doesn't stop there. Dr. Nichols successfully led not one, but two major bond referendums, totaling over $400 million--no small feat after previous attempts had failed for years. That funding has revitalized the COM campus, resulting in state-of-the-art facilities like the STEAM and Allied Health Building, the Industrial Careers Building, and many more. These aren't just buildings--these are launch pads for future welders, nurses, engineers, and entrepreneurs. He's also been laser-focused on workforce development--a cornerstone of economic freedom and American prosperity. By strengthening partnerships with local industry, Dr. Nichols has created pathways for students to graduate with skills that matter, jobs that pay well, and futures they can count on. Before his time at COM, Dr. Nichols served as Vice Chancellor of Community Colleges for the Tennessee Board of Regents and President of Volunteer State Community College. Whether in Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, or beyond, his impact has always been the same--profound and lasting. He's also given generously of his time to the Texas City community, serving on the Rotary Club and as Past Chair of the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce. It's no surprise he was honored with the Rising Star Award, because his leadership has truly been a guiding light. Dr. Nichols' legacy at College of the Mainland will endure for generations. He has built more than buildings--he has built lives, futures, and opportunity for thousands of Texans. On behalf of the people of Texas' 14th Congressional District and this great Nation--we say: job well done, Dr. Nichols. We wish him a well-earned retirement, and thank him for proving that with vision and values, anything is possible. God bless Dr. Nichols, and God bless Texas.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am going to make it short and sweet. I urge everybody to vote for H.J. Res. 24. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is interesting for me to hear my colleagues across the aisle as an owner of an air-conditioning company that dealt with not just air-conditioning but convenience stores that had walk-in coolers, furnaces, and air-conditioners. I get that they speak from inexperience. I will give them that. What they don't realize is that when something like this is mandated, first of all, those businesses usually operate on a very, very thin margin. It could be 1.5 to 2, maybe sometimes almost 3 percent profit, which I know from experience. When something like this has to be done, even a small walk-in cooler--let's just pick some figures. Let's say it costs $5,000 to $6,000, but the plumbing, electrical, carpentry, permits, and everything costs $10,000 to $12,000. Now, they have a choice. They are either going to pass that on to their consumers in higher food prices, or they are going to continue to pay an extra $10 or $20 a month in electricity. That is what is going to happen that they don't realize, that what they are wanting to do is mandate that businesses have to increase their expenses at the expense of the consumers because they are the ones that are going to pay for that. I have watched this for a long time. I realize that they speak from inexperience. I will leave it at that, Mr. Speaker, for the time being, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from North Dakota (Mrs. Fedorchak).

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am not quite sure how to respond to that. I don't know if some of our colleagues have been drinking this early or not. That notwithstanding, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Oklahoma (Mrs. Bice).

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, on December 23, 2024, as American households and businesses were in the process of preparing for the holidays, the Biden-Harris Department of Energy finalized burdensome and unnecessary energy efficiency standards for walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers. These products are staples--they are necessary--in businesses and restaurants across the country, and they play an essential role in providing consumers with safe and fresh food as well as drinks. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, the Biden-Harris administration's final rule jeopardizes those very same small and independent retailers' ability to serve the communities that rely on them. This final rule will force stores like small grocers and convenience stores to incur significant major up-front costs for new equipment. I know because I operated an air-conditioning business for 35 years. They will incur significant, major up-front costs on equipment while reckoning with associated operational disruptions and supply chain challenges. The Biden-Harris DOE itself estimated that the cost of these standards, which were last updated just a handful of years ago, to be almost $1 billion, with a b. However, the real cost, Mr. Speaker, is likely much higher, as DOE ignored other costs businesses will be forced to absorb. An example of added costs is any structural changes needed to accommodate a new walk- in cooler or freezer in order to comply with their final rule. Unfortunately, this final rule will disproportionately affect rural communities and small businesses. In many areas across the country, Mr. Speaker, including in my district in Texas, there are communities with limited food and drink retail options. It is not uncommon for a convenience store to bridge that gap in providing food to American families. These same small businesses, which are often owned and operated by a single family or an individual, cannot afford the new equipment mandated by these unreasonable standards. In fact, 90 percent of food and drink retailers are categorized as small businesses and operate with a 1 to 3 percent margin. That is how slim their margin is. The result will be significant costs being passed down to consumers and, in the worst case scenario, the shuttering of businesses, those mom-and-pop businesses that we all like. They may be shuttered, prevented from providing essential services to the very communities that they grew up in. Thankfully, Mr. Speaker, the House is considering H.J. Res. 24, introduced by the gentlewoman from Oklahoma (Mrs. Bice) to repeal this disastrous final rule. Over the last 4 years, small businesses have endured supply chain challenges, an inflationary environment, and regulatory uncertainty, just to name a few. Congress has the opportunity today to chart a new path for the small and independent retailers and grocers that feed American families by repealing this final rule. I thank the gentlewoman from Oklahoma for her leadership on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.J. Res. 24. Once again, I am going to urge all my colleagues' support. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.J. Res. 24.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 242, I call up the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 24) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to ``Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers'', and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is interesting to hear made-up stories on the other side of the aisle, the once upon a time stories, if you will. Nonetheless, in the eleventh hour, Joe Biden, or more accurately, his handlers, pushed through yet another overreaching regulation that forces the Federal Government into Americans' homes, dictating what appliances Americans can use or cannot use. News flash: This is America. The government has absolutely no business making these decisions for hardworking families. Consumers, not Washington bureaucrats, should decide what works best for their homes and for their families. Yet, thanks to Biden's mandate on his way out the door, I might add, American families are now looking at a whopping $235 million in additional costs every single year. That is real money coming out of real pockets of real Americans, all to appease the radical Green New Deal agenda. Today that ends. House Republicans are taking action to stop this Federal overreach. H.J. Res. 20, introduced by my colleague, Gary Palmer, sends a clear message: We reject the Biden administration's radical energy mandates. This resolution expresses congressional disapproval of the Department of Energy's rule that effectively bans certain natural gas water heaters which burdens families with higher costs while stripping them of consumer choice. House Republicans will continue fighting to protect American families from Washington's overregulation and ensure that those same hardworking Americans, not government bureaucrats, decide what appliances belong in their homes. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 20 and stand for consumer choice, affordability, and freedom.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a new day in America. Once again, House Republicans are standing up for hardworking Texans and Americans by rolling back another harmful rule pushed through by the Obiden administration. Mr. Speaker, I call him ``Obiden'' because I think he is Obama's third term. This latest scheme slaps new taxes on our energy producers, the very folks who keep our gas prices low and our economy running strong. We are not going to sit back and let the Obiden administration strangle our energy industry with unnecessary costs. It is absolutely time to strike down this destructive natural gas tax and protect America's energy independence. Now, my friends on the other side of the aisle want to claim that President Biden--I will use his name--his natural gas tax won't hurt producers who are ``in compliance.'' I have a news flash for you. That is a bait and switch, Mr. Speaker. Under the current waste emissions charge regulation, the so-called regulatory compliance exemption only applies if methane emission regulations are in place in every applicable State. Here is the catch: Many States haven't adopted these regulations, which means producers can't even comply with these rules that don't exist. In other words, the ``exemption'' isn't really an exemption at all. It is just another backdoor tax designed to squeeze the very industry that keeps America powered. This isn't just bureaucratic red tape, Mr. Speaker. It is a direct attack on Texas jobs, Texas families, and energy producers that fuel our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support my colleagues in striking down this burdensome tax and standing up for the hardworking men and women of the Lone Star State and our great Nation.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember a man who exemplified the American spirit--Thomas Nelson Perry, a dedicated veteran, successful businessman, and steadfast community leader. On January 24, 2025, Thomas went home to be with the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of service, integrity, and devotion to his family and country. From an early age, he demonstrated a commitment to service, joining the Air Force Reserves while still in high school before enlisting in the United States Army. Rising to the rank of staff sergeant, he served as an instructor at the Army Signal Corps School in Fort Gordon, Georgia, and played a role in history by monitoring the Soviet Union's launch of the first-ever satellite, Sputnik. After his military service, Thomas applied his technical expertise as an electrician before transitioning to sales, where his talent and tenacity led him to secure a historic contract with NASA while working for Smith Corona. He later built a successful decades-long career with Monsanto, serving as a sales manager in the Astroturf and Fome-cor divisions. It was during this time that he met his beloved wife, Mary Lou, with whom he built a life full of love, adventure, and family. Together, they welcomed their son, Brandon, while living in Atlanta before retiring to Galveston. Thomas's retirement years were no less impressive. An avid sailor, he explored the Gulf of America aboard his beloved vessels, the Gloria Del Mar and later the MV Mary Louise. Even as age made sailing more difficult, his commitment to service never wavered. He dedicated his time to charitable work with Lighthouse Charity Cooking Texas, served his community with pride, and remained actively engaged in local Republican politics, always bringing his sharp wit, deep patriotism, and unwavering sense of justice to the causes he held dear. Later in life, Thomas moved back to Atlanta to be near his grandson, John, cherishing the time spent watching him grow and sharing in his love of sports. His legacy of faith, family, and service will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him. May God bless the Perry family during this time of mourning. We honor the life of Thomas Nelson Perry--his dedication to his country, his commitment to his community, and his enduring love for his family. His impact will not be forgotten, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from North Dakota. Like my preceding colleague just said, she is great on the Committee on energy. She is an energy busybody. She is moving and shaking for being brand new. I thank her for the opportunity to speak today. Mr. Speaker, I will tell everyone that being on the Energy and Commerce Committee has been the delight of my life. It means a lot to America. When I speak to groups, Mr. Speaker, whether they are school-aged kids or whether they are college or whether they are industry or whatever it might be, I tell people that the things that make America great are the things that America makes. How do we do that? We do that with a reliable, affordable, dependable source of energy, Mr. Speaker. We do that with grid reliability, a critical issue that affects every single American. Our Nation's economy, our security, and our very way of life depend on energy that is stable, affordable, and, yes, resilient. Today, our system is under threat. When we talk about grid reliability, we have to start with the facts. Right now fossil fuels, natural gas, coal, and even petroleum supply 60 percent of our electricity. Natural gas alone provides 40 percent and up. It keeps the lights on in homes. It keeps the lights on in businesses and factories all across America. Did I mention, Mr. Speaker, that the things that make America great are the things that America makes? Add in nuclear power at nearly 19 percent, and it is clear that these are the backbone of our energy system economically, politically, and militarily. Yet, despite this reliability, these proven sources are under attack by radical policies that push unreliable energy at the expense of energy that actually works. Mr. Speaker, that is changing now. The Trump administration has made it clear. We are going to put American energy first. We are increasing domestic production, cutting unnecessary regulations, and ensuring that our power grids remain strong and resilient. That means expanding natural gas. That means investing in nuclear energy. That means making sure we have the very infrastructure to keep energy flowing to American homes and businesses. Did I mention, Mr. Speaker, that the things that make America great are the things that America makes? Yet, here is what is happening. The premature shutdown of our most reliable energy sources--coal, natural gas, and nuclear--put our entire grid at risk. The Nation's largest grid operator, PJM, which serves much of the eastern U.S., warns that up to 30 percent of its power generation could retire by 2030. Meanwhile, demand is expected to rise 40 percent by 2039. I am not good at math, Mr. Speaker. I don't think that adds up. We cannot take away reliable generation and then just simply pretend we don't face an energy crisis. That is pie in the sky. Thankfully, President Trump understands this and is working to ensure we do not face a future of rolling blackouts and energy shortages. He probably understands, Mr. Speaker, that the things that make America great are the things that America makes. If the United States is serious about remaining a leader in energy and technology, we must embrace energy expansion. That means building more pipelines. Pipelines are the safest and most efficient way to transport energy. Yet they are being blocked by overregulations and bad policy, and that is why the Trump administration is committed to cutting the red tape, getting pipelines built, and making sure American energy can move freely to where it is needed so that the things that make America great can continue to be made. Let me be clear, Mr. Speaker. Modernizing our grid does not mean pushing expensive and unreliable energy mandates on taxpayers. Americans should not be forced to foot the bill for an agenda that actually weakens our power supply. What we need is a balanced, commonsense approach that prioritizes affordability, reliability, stability, and security. With the Trump administration back in office, Mr. Speaker, we now have leadership that values energy independence, as well as economic growth. This Congress, on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I look forward to advancing real solutions to hardening our energy grid, to protect it from cyberattacks, to protect it from supply chain disruptions, and to protect it from natural disasters. Mr. Speaker, America needs a grid that works when we need it. That means standing up for natural gas. That means investing in nuclear. That means protecting our pipelines. That means rejecting reckless policies that put politics ahead of not only reliability but reality. The things that make America great are the things that America makes. President Trump, thanks to his leadership, is on the right path to securing a future based on that premise, and I thank the gentlewoman from North Dakota for holding this Special Order.