Transcripts For CSPAN2 House Appropriations Debates 2021 Interior Environment Related Agencies... 20240712

Good morning, i call the meeting of the committee on appropriations to order. Before we begin now house rules require me to remind you that we have set up an email address to which members can send anything they wish to submit in writing at any of our hearings or markups. That email address has been provided to your staff. Our first order of Business Today is consideration of the interior and environment and appropriations bill for fiscal year 2021. I will now recognize miss mccullum to present the bill. Good morning, and thank you, madam chair. I want to thank Ranking Member joyce for his strong collaboration and partnership throughout this entire process. Hes been a great partner from the great lakes and a little geography, being a social studies teacher he borers with the great state of ohio on lake erie and in minnesota we border on lake superior. Id like to thank the subcommittee for all contributions and especially the way in which weve continued our tradition of nonpartisan work to issues that affect Indian Country. And Ranking Member granger to superior women. This is chairwoman loweys last markup and i want to extend my gratitude for the outstanding leadership she is provided on this committee and her help and understanding heritage areas in the full subcommittee work that we do. She has always fought for preserving our nations parks and public lands, strong Environmental Protections to ensure clean air and clean water for generations to come. I wish you all the best in the years ahead and i know we all do. So for fiscal year 2021, the subcommittee is recommending a total of 36. 8 billion dollars in discretionary funding. This is an increase of 100 excuse me of 771 million over last years enacted level. In addition to our regular appropriations, the bill includes 2. 4 billion in fire cap adjusted funds, for suppression operations. This brings the total funding for wildland fire and management to 5. 7 billion dollars. Thank you again, mr. Simpson, for all of your work on this issue. This bill includes an additional 15 billion in emergency designated Infrastructure Investments for the bureau of Indian Education, Indian Health services, the Environmental Protection agency. These investments will increase access to Quality Health care, education, and help to clean up contaminated lands, polluted water and unhealthy air. Additionally, as a result of the impending enactment of the Great American outdoors act, in fiscal year 21, the land and Water Conservation fund will be fully funded 900 million for the first time in 40 years. This bill allocates a distribution of those funds. Once this committee receives the project list from the agencies, which is required by the act, we will reflect the final decisions in the enacted bill. Last year, House Democrats secured significant new investments in Environmental Protection and land conservation. For fiscal year 2021, this bill builds upon the successes and advances the priorities of American Families ensuring that we have clean air and water to protect our childrens health. And protecting our most special places in a dangerous species, and taking meaningful actions to address Climate Change. This bill is a rejection of the dangerous policies and funding cuts proposed by the Trump Administration. Instead, this bill moves us forward by investment in resources, in ways that keep our Community Safe and healthy. This bill invests in the landscape. The covid19 pandemic is affecting our entire nation, but there are pronounced Racial Disparities and its impacts with africanamericans, hispanic latinos, native americans, experiencing higher rates of infection and higher rates of death. Tribal communities are disproportionately feeling the effects of the pandemic whoo while our work to provide relief is ongoing, this bill invests in the health, safety and welfare of Indian Country. This bill provides 3. 5 billion to the Indian Affairs bureau of Indian Education and the office of special trustee and 6. 5 billion to the Indian Health service. As a nation, we have more work to do to assure that we can provide for the health and safety and education of our native american brothers and sisters, but working together on our subcommittee, this bill is another step in the right direction towards upholding federal Government Trust and treaty obligations. This bill also contains 102 million to address the problem of wild horse and burrow population in our lands. And i want to thank the committee for keeping focused on this work. I want to note that this bill contains policy provisions that protect our environment. Now and for future generations. Given the circumstances we find ourselves facing with covid19 and the fact that many of these provisions pass overwhelmingly with support in the house last year, i have included them in this bill. Theres a saying here in congress, we know how this movie ends. Here are provisions included. A provision to block oil and gas drilling off the coast of states like florida, california and maine, which passed on the house floor of about a 252178, a provision to protect the pristine alaska forest which passed the house floor on a vote 243188. And a provision to end the importation of sports hunted elephants and lion trophies, from tanzania, zimbabwe and zambia. This passed on the house floor of 239192. And before i conclude, i would like to address one last issue. Con federal flags and memorials have long been symbols of oppression and discrimination in our nation. In my first year as Ranking Member along with chaer calvert, this bill was brought down on the house floor by a Confederate Flag issue. Now five years later, as chair, i continue to be saddened and at times outraged that we as a nation have not made more progress to address racism and to end the cruel legacy, the cruel legacy of the confederacy. I am committed to do everything i can to help hour country confront and heal this legacy of racial injustice. And thats why in this bill im included language requiring the National Park service to remove all confederates commemorative works. Furthermore, this bill includes language authored by representative jeffries that prohibits for the purchase, for the display of Confederate Flags in our National Parks. With one exception. With one exception, as i said, im a social studies teacher and that exception is in special circumstances where flags are flown to provide historical content. Think of gettysburg. This is not about erasing our history or denigrating anyones heritage, but this is about whether or not were willing to do the hard work needed to confront the truth of our history and to work to right past wrongs. In order to do that, that means ending the use of confederate symbols which continue to be used today to intimidate and to terrorize millions of our fellow americans. I hope every member of this committee, and that this body will join me. And finally, i want to thank the staff both sides of the aisle, including rita, merchant, dana ericsson, donna, and tyler. Rebecca taylor, also, from my personal office for all of their hard work on this legislation and for the work that they do together with the republican staff so we can be here today. I urge members to support this good bill. Im going to say its a great bill. And madam chair, i yield back. [applaus [applause] its clear that your statement was very much appreciated and i want to thank you for your very kind personal remarks for me. Thank you. I would like to recognize the subcommittee Ranking Member, mr. Joyce. Thank you, madam chair and congratulations on reaching another important milestone in the fiscal 2021 cycle for interior, environment and appropriations bill. Before we get started i want to thank you chairwoman lowey on your retirement. We wish you all the best and thank you for your longstanding dedication to this committee and as always i want to thank the Ranking Member miss granger for her leadership. And thank you, chairman mccollum for the judicious way youve held budget addresses for covid19 for this deadly virus something all members. Subcommittee are grateful for no matter which side of the aisle. And you continue to show even if we disagree, we can do so without being disagreeable. Perhaps nowhere do we agree more than conservation and restoration of the great lakes. The great lakes are the largest fresh water system in the world and its crucial that we protect and preserve them to the fullest extent possible. Thats why once again, im grateful for the work youve done in this bill to support the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and its essential to for algae blooms, the asian carp and coastline erosion. Another area we strongly agree, Indian Country, and its a testament to you we we continue our nonpartisan approach for American Indians and alaska natives which constitutes more than one quarter of the bill. Especially this year when covid19 has hit country harder than any other area in the nation. Pass a cochair of the Bipartisan Task force to end Sexual Violence i was pleased to see the recommendation included 3 million to implement the violence against women act in Indian Country and additional 3. 02 Million Dollars to support operation lady Justice Initiative established by the president to address missing and murdered indigenous people, violence against women, Human Trafficking and other violent crimes. Im grateful even in this hyper partisan environment that they find themselves, this Committee Works on behalf of Indian Country. That the bill provides full funding in law of payment of taxes program ap continues to include significant funding for the wildfire suppression and hazardous fuels activities. Given this could be an especially challenging wildland fire year. Theyre protecting communities across the country and preventing did he haevastation seen. And the national air and Space Museum Renovation along with increased funding for the epas world water Technical Assistance grant. And support for the fish and Wildlife Services Wetlands Conservation act grants for service to work with partners to restore wetlands and other habitat. Thank you for making a sin keir effort for the bipartisan priorities and the bill alongside several republican requests, requests that addressed matters back in our home districts regardless of party. However, while i applaud the bipartisan priorities that have been included in the bill, there are several problems that our side will be need to be addressed before this bill becomes law. First and foremost, this bill adds several new controversial policy riders and administrative provisions and report language directive. Its to stop and reduce registry red tape and it still makes positive strides toward new energy development, it takes a step back on conventional energy. Our economy continues to depend on all of the above strategy, and several provisions in the bill undermine our ability to do so. One of the many lessons, we cannot rely on other countries for critical resources. We cannot protect american jobs if we cannot power them. Renewable energy is still not ready to carry a load on its own. There are a number of bipartisan bill languages that we have agreed to in conference the past several years that have fallen out of these drafts. Having these back will be essential to reaching a bipartisan agreement. And the third concern is the proposed funding in the bill. It benefits from off budget emergency funding provided in other bills. Instead of using savings from the passage of the Great American outdoors act, paying down our national debt, this bill reallocates the funds and the bill includes a new title with 15 billion in socalled emergency spending for infrastructure. That does not if i have the federal government to borrow and spend. Its for those policy fundings i cannot support the bill this time in its current form. Im committed to working with you, chairman lowey and Ranking Member granger and members of the committee as we move through the fiscal 2021 process. Im hoping to work across the aisle to help conserve our natures cultural, Natural Resources that we care so deeply about, and now i yield back. Back. [laughte [laughter]. Mr. Cartwright doesnt like my speeches much. Mutual admiration society. Id like to recognize myself for my remarks. I thank you for your work on this bill, as well as staff to review member requests and craft the product before us. House democrats reject the Trump Administrations pandering to the fossil fuel industry at the expense of the environment and our public lands. Instead, we will promote solutions that preserve our landscape, protect endangered species, and help prevent the worst impacts of Climate Change. The fiscal year 2021 interior appropriations bill would fulfill these obligations by investing 9. 37 billion for epa, and an increase of 318 million, including an increase of 13 million for super fund. 3. 2 billion, an increase of 55 million, to the National Parks service and 170 million for both the National Endowment to the arts and the National Endowment for the humanities. Epas Geographic Programs serve to protect the health of the American Public as well as our most important eco systems, which enables both enhanced recreational and business opportunities. When i first came to congress, i promised to clean up the Long Island Sound, im proud to have secured record levels of funding to rehabilitate this Precious Resource in the lower hudson valley. Including 30. 4 million in this bill today for the Long Island Sound regional program. I look forward to moving this bill to the floor of the house of representatives. I urge all members to support it, and i would now like to recognize Ranking Member granger for her opening remarks. Miss granger. Thank you. I would thank chairman mccollum and Ranking Member joyce for the work theyve done on many supporting the bill. This bill has priorities for members on both sides of the aisle and does many things for the preservations for Natural Resources. In addition helps bills across the country with education and safety needs particularly in Indian Country. Even though the bill shares many priorities, there are several policy items that raise concern. The bill eliminates several longstanding common sense provisions that had bipartisan support for many years. Instead the bill adds many now poison bill riders and directives and prevent the administration from reducing registry burden. Additionally, im concerned about spending across all of the fiscal year 2021 Appropriations Bills and in particular the funding levels proposed in this bill. This bill includes 15 billion dollars in new emergency spending, including the infrastructure bill which was pushed through the house last week without republican involvement. I did not support that bill because from years of bipartisan work and infrastructure priorities and i cant support this additional spending today. We must find ways to rein in federal spending while addressing our nations most pressing needs. I hope we can resolve these policy and funding differences. In closing, i want to recognize all the subCommittee Members for their dedication to the important programs in the bill and the staff for their hard work. Thank you, madam chair, and i yield back. Are there any other members wishing to make general comments about the bill . Miss delauro. Miss delauro is recognized. Let me thank chairwoman lowey and chair granger, and mr. Joyce. This is conservation by making strong protection for public land to assure clean care and Drinking Water for all americans. As cochair of the Long Island Sound caucus, i would like to thank the chair for theed 9. 4 million increase to the Long Island Sound Geographic Program which recommends a funding level of 30. 4 Million Dollars. I might add to the Long Island Sound caucus is a bipartisan effort within the congress. A Long Island Sound is a National Treasure whose water covers all of the states and the sound contributes an estimated 31 billion annually to the regional economy for fishing, eco tourism and water dependent businesses. From the bill provides conservation, watershed activities that protect and restore the environmentally and economically vital resources of Long Island Sound and let me also say thank you to the chair for prioritizing additional funding of 12. 9 Million Dollars to address the presence of pfas contamination in our communities. These quote, forever chemicals, are link today a number of Health Effects including the growth and development of children and establish through contaminated Drinking Water and cleanups being done by the Environmental Protection agency. Once again my thanks to all who participated in this bill and i yield back. Are there any other members wishing to make general comments about the bill . Madam chair. Madam chair. Thank you, bravo, youve written a historic bill. The environmental and ecological parts of your bill help us ensure clean air, clean water and while the Ecological Health hangs in the balance from Climate Change. Your bill moves our nation to build a better future. There are too many programs, nonetheless, id like to thank the chair and the Ranking Member for your support at the great lakes and great lakes restoration nash and 335 Million Dollars, critical support tore harmful algae bloom and asian carp control and now the Great Lakes Initiative it poised is support targeted investment for our communities and support the Great Lakes Region blue economy. For too long, the struggles of americas waste and Drinking Water systems have been ignored. In addition to providing funding of 2. 76 billion for the clean water and Drinking Water state Revolving Fund. Chairwoman mccollum and Ranking Member joyce offered a lifeline by including 3. 2 billion for infrastructure assistance. You i would like to applaud your focus on the Green Project Reserve Fund which encourages states to make green and Sustainable Investments at the treatment facilities. The state Revolving Loan fund must be the engine for change across our nation that invest in Green Infrastructure and Energy Efficient upgrades. These investments are the life blood of our future. Chair mccollum, you and your staff have labored tirelessly, along with Ranking Member joyce to craft a bill that will invest in our new fragile country. I yield back and urge support. Miss lee is recognized. Thank you very much. Thank you, chairwoman lowey and Ranking Member granger for your leadership and thank you chairwoman mccollum and mr. Joyce for an incredible bill. First of all, let me just say this. Our constituents are demanding that we dismantle the legacy of slavery, as captured in the confederate monuments and flags throughout the country. These symbols, they celebrate who fought to continue the enslavement of africans brought to america in chains 401 years ago. Im one of those descendents and so, thank you, madam chair, for your commitment and for not giving up on your efforts to accomplish what you have in this bill. We are deeply grateful. Also, i want it thank you for providing the 22 million to preserve the sights and stories of the civil rights movement, 3 million to preserve and memorialize the sites where japanese americans were confined during a shameful, mind you, a shameful episode in our history. It also includes 10 million for competitive grants for historically black colleges and universities under the Historic Preservation fund. They have long been an avenue for our young people to launch themselves into productive careers and forge their identity as leaders. So many of my africanamerican students from california attend historically black colleges and universities. Thank you for that. This is to restore and preserve Historic Buildings on their campus. Preserving these provide us an invaluable link to help connect todays americans with the historien racism, and justice and fight for a more Perfect Union. This committee is for investing in environmental justice. Thank you very much. This bill increases to 9 billion for the epa which is an increase of 318 million. It will improve our nations ability to protect the health of our communities, including low income communities, black and brown communities, our environment, and to ensure clean water for our children and families. Also the bill includes important language on science, technology, engineering and math also known as stem, and the diversity in our smithsonian institutions. This language reinforces the bridges between the smithsonians curriculum and helping to close the achievement gaps for many low income students and students of color. So thank you again for once again helping us to repair so much of the damage of the past. I look forward to working with you as we work to move this bill on the floor and again, im deeply in gratitude once again. Thank you, madam. I commend you for putting together a bill that ensures that were adequately investing in our crumbling infrastructure and Drinking Water. It will ensure floridas everglades, a one of a kind supply the bill includes language that i requested to inhibit the department of the interior from oil and gas leasing or preleasing activities. Safeguarding our marines and systems is a priority. We cannot afford another deepwater horizon and we cannot risk our economies that depend on beaches and coastlines to be remain pristine. And looking at the geological survey, water for bottling. This provision would help us better understand what kinds of harms these companies are causing in places in florida where the water level started to decrease because of distraction for water bottling. Water Bottling Companies pay no more than 100 to extract millions of gallons and this vital water resource is critical. And language encouraging epa through a program, the states and municipalities like Fort Lauderdale who are suffering from cascading sewer failures and the untreatable effluents in our water supply. And the United States Holocaust Memorial museum, this increase expands education on holocaust and Genocide Education which is important to keeping this message alive. Never again. And finally, im pleased the bill had full funding for the water and Conservation Fund and shifted 900 from discretionary to mandatory for oil and gas. And thank you for putting together an excellent bill. I yield back the rest of my time. Mr. Quigley is recognized. Thank you. I, too, want to thank the chairwoman and Ranking Member for work on this bill. A few things of note. I want to thank you so much for the hard work to include language pre moeth the use of native plants and restoration and Land Management activitiesment protecting americas birds from fatal crashes into buildings and waste in National Parks. Finally the report makes clear that in wildlife refuges like the upper mississippi wildlife and fish refuge in my state, the way for power and pipelines must be kept as minimal to avoid surrounding eco systems. And it should be considered extremely carefully and adhere to existing law. This provision like the bill in its entirety strikes the correct phone regarding responsible development and resilient Economic Growth. Once again id like to thank chairman mccollum and Ranking Member for the work on this. Congrats to all of you on support of the bill. Thank you, madam chair. And thank you to the chair and Ranking Members of the committee, the chair in particular for putting together such a good bill and the hard washing staff. I appreciate the tough issues that has to be done in this bill. A lot has been said, but i want to mention other things. Im fortunate to be cochair of the bipartisan arts caucus and wonderful to see for the nea and neh. I know a lot of times money thats targeted or rhetoric put down as something that congress shouldnt be spending money on. This is particularly hard hit during covid19 and i dont think that anybody should be dismissing it. 4. 2 of the dppd in a lot of sectors that we support every single day could not say that about our contribution. It has been devastated as you can imagine because so much of the arts requires us to get together in a room and sitting next to each otherment it stretches from broadway to each of our communities, small towns, Small Community theaters should down and thats the people upfront and out back. So this has taken a very, very hard hit and not clear when it will come together soon. So i really appreciate this funding that goes to many of the arts organizations in all of your communities and i pressure the added flexibility. And i appreciate the investments in Indian Country for indian structure and the Indian Health service, we know there are longstanding disparity and Health Inequities and during covid19 its particularly important to have this funding. And appreciate the research on relationship between the coronavirus and air pollution, yet again something that we see a lot of economic and Community Disparities in the issues and its important that we invest that money now. The bill continues to reverse past cuts to the epa. If theres ever a time we need funding are to the epa. Its today. Whether its clean water, clean air, pfas, many things that haven about mentioned critically important and just last two things i want to say there are extremely important to my home state of maine, use for oil and off shore gas funding for many years and having that language here yet again attempts to reassure us that this will not happen in states like mine where it would be devastating to our fisheries and other critical uses of our off shore and inshore ocean territory. Also, increasing funding are for the National Park service to address the maintenance back loge and new staff is critically important. These are gems and treasures and critical places in maine we could greatly use the funding and need it yesterday so im glad its in there. Once again, i want to thank the staff and the Community Leadership for doing great work on this and look forward for voting for this. I yield back. Thank you, mr. Kilmer is recognized. Thank you, madam chair, before i begin, i want to just take a brief moment to thank you, chair lowey, for your incredible leadership on this committee, and to echo the comments made by my leagues colleagues the last few days. Its said that leadership is not about taking charge, its about taking care of those in your charge. I want to thank you for the care youve shown to this committee and to the pem that we represent. You care about our constituents, care about our communities, our families. Our properties and concerns are your priorities and concerns, too, on bah of my constituents and three constituents in the kilmer family i want to thank you for being a special and impactful leader. So, thank you. Grateful extend gratitude, also, to chair mccollum and Ranking Member joyce and our incredibly dedicated Committee Staff for the work on this bill. I represent a district touched by nearly every agency funded in this pill. My state is home to the National Forest and parks, largest estuary by volume, puget sound. Five wildlife refuges and a brand new heritage area. Every day i see how the investments made in this bill help to grow our rural economies, and uphold our treaties for native americans and protect generations to come. Theres a lot in here, but thank you for including 38 million, for the puget sound. And that will help our regional partners begin to make Real Progress on a coordinated effort to recover the sound. Last year, you were kind enough to travel out to my neck of the woods to meet with local stakeholders, tribal lead, shell fish growers, farmers to see how these investments actually translate into coordinated, onto ground projects that will help to recover not only the health of our sound, but by connick species like salmon and orca. And im grateful that this shares in the recovery of this iconic body of water. Which is key for our region a and, president s short sighted to elimb eliminate this. And finally to permanently fu fund, and address the multibillion dollar maintenance back logs as our National Parks and other public lands. As someone who has worked to make these mandatory, im excited to finally see this to come to fruition. I want to thank my colleague mr. Simpson for his education and leadership on this effort thats gotten us here. As our nation dicontinues to grapple with the effects of the pandemic, countless around our country depend on a healthy Outdoor Recreation economy. Im proud of the values and priorities reflected in this bill in combination with the act. I urge my colleagues to support both. I yield back. Before i turn to the next speaker, im aware that youve had major challenges this year. I appreciate your kind words. I wish you and your Family Good Health and a great year ahead and i thank you. Miss watsoncoleman. Good morning, and thank you, madam chair. I strongly support the ny21 interior environmental bill and i thank the chair, mccollum and jis for their work in this bill. In particular id like to highlight those in addressing the inproportionate that they have on low and income and communities. The bill 37 increase in environmental adjustment programs at epa reflects the subcommittees recognition of how critical it is that we protect immunities with higher levels of environmental harm. While this is still a relatively Small Program in the epas overall budget, this significant increase helps develop programs that i hope we can further expand in future years. Additionally, for years we have underinvested in our nations infrastructure. Resulting in many minority and low income americans being denied basic rights to clean air and water. This bills 13 in Super Fund Cleanup and diesel reduction grant reflect the need to act now on those addressing this crisis. Finally, i want to appreciate the committees continued funding for the semi quinn centenni centennial commission. Ive been working with the commission to make sure the complete story of our nations history is told when we celebrate our 250th anniversary in 2026. And the events of the last couple of months demonstrate just how important it is that we truly understand our past. I look forward to working with the chair and Ranking Members to see if additional funds may be included for the commission when we reach a final conference agreement. And with that, with support for this important bill and thank you, i field back. Ms. Lawrence is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. I want to thank chairman mccollum who has shown tremendous leadership in addressing so many issues in this committee. I am proud to also recognize the voice and the commitment of our of mr. Joyce who has been a fighter for the great lakes. Im thrilled to see the building report has issues important to the great state of michigan like the great lakes. Its some of the most critical eco systems with dangerous contaminants in our schools and communities. Representing a state and a district that has been environmentally devastated, im encouraged to see that the epa will receive a total of 9. 28 billion underfunding ang long delayed improvements to our Water Infrastructure hurts women, children and especially people of color. Among the programs that epa, 2. 7 billion is dedicated for clean water and Drinking Water, state Revolving Funds. A combined total of 189 million is targeted for contaminants in our water such as lead. This bill contains language that will hold the administration responsible for slowing down and lead pipes in our community as part of our lead and copper rule revision. I also want to mention the great lakes, coming from the great lakes state, a 300 Million Dollar allocation for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative allows us to continue to protect and restore this asset. Often we look at the great lakes and not realize how important they are to the survival of our eco system and we must protect them from Invasive Species like the asian carp that are entering our public lands. I dont want to let it go without saying today that the leadership of our chairwoman, miss mccollum, recognize, i want to thank you prohibiting funding to be used by the National Parks to the display the Confederate Flag. I often ask why is there such a movement when were talking Racial Justice in america. When it comes to a continuing sliefry in this country. And destroying our American Flag is the biggest played out. And today i want to put on the record as i serve as chair of the womans congress, im happy to see that the funding is included to protect women on native lands, from protections. I am so happy to see that because as we see the report after report of how the women on our tribal lands are upped siege, that we are stepping up and recognizing that we can make a difference. Again, its serving on this committee, its been one of the most empowering voices that we have, i feel, in congress because it addresses so many issues that are not on the front page of the paper, but its something that its where the work happens and how we take care of our country. Thank you so much and i yield back. Youre recognized. Thank you, madam chair and Ranking Member granger, i want to mank chairwoman mccollum for her hard work, along with my friend, also, mr. Joyce, also, and the staff p on both committees to do the work theyve done for a balanced bill. I wanted to look at what you were able to work with me and my district and the state of texas and other parts. First of all, 25 million for the u. S. Mexico border epa is important to take care of the pollution that we have, the rio grande is one of the rivers thats abouten challenged, has been challenged in the whole u. S. , so thank you for that. New for the work on the brownfield grant program. That is more bunding with the restricting areas. Thank you also for the money and the language on the Environmental Health area and the harmful algae blooms, also, not only in the gulf of mexico, but in other places, also. In particular i want to thank you for the Cultural Education funding and language. The language that directs for the american, latino, Smithsonian Museum and center. This is important, the first european language spoken in the United States was not english, it was spanish. The first european establishment that was established was in st. Augustine, florida. If you look at symbols that we have. The american dollar bill is the spanish symbol. The cowboy comes from spain and other places. I could go on. I want to thank you for the money and language to move forward and hopefully in the near future well talk about an americanlatino Museum Center here. I also want to thank you, also, for improved the representation of the hispanic contributions to the American Society and culture because again, theres so much contributions that we have from the hispanic heritage. So i want to thank you for that and finally thank you for the money on the parking Infrastructure Projects. I know weve still got to keep working on that and i want to thank you for that, madam chair, and Ranking Member and also for the conservation work that you mentioned and the wildlife that you mentioned a few minutes ago. Thank you and with that ill yield back the balance of my time. And mr. Coles, you are recognized. Thank you, id like to thank the chair of the subwhite and my friend the Ranking Member, theyre both friends. With respect to jobs at Indian Country in this bill. How many investments that were made in terms of health care in might of the current covid19 crisis, its extraordinarily in foc focus. I wont be able to support the bill for some of the reasons my friend, the Ranking Member, laid out, but i expect this bill to improve during the legislative process, but the part relating to Indian Country probably get a lot better than it already is. And i know my friends will be fighting hard in conference to preserve the gains that they made and i think that ought to be recognized, so, this is a difficult bill. I had the privilege of sitting on this subwhite for a number of years and its difficult because there are a lot of areas in it that are controversial. Energy issues, environment issues, grazing issues, horse issues, you go through it, but what im very proud of, this committee under democratic and Republican Leadership has over better than a decade now, really back to our good friend and former colleague, mr. Dix, kept the focus on on indian issues, native american issue. Fight the cop it one of the things inside the bill that both unites each party and each said has contributed. And frankly, the house has done better than the senate. And it didnt matter whether its republican dealership. This emerged as a special point of priorities and point of pride and bipartisan cooperation. I just want to commend our distinguished subcommittee chair and commend our Ranking Member for keeping that focus, making those investments and putting the house in a position to with considerable pride to say that its working hard to fulfill obligations. With that, ill yield back. Thank you, and mr. Cartwright is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. Id like to thank chairwoman mccollum and Ranking Member joycement i would like the record to reflect that i thought mr. Joyce gave a fine speech here this morning. [applause]. [laughte [laughter]. The bill that you together, put together, is a bill that invests in Environmental Protection, it takes meaningful actions to address Climate Change and supports tribal communities which have been disproportionately impacted by the covid pandemic and the supplemental appropriation that will provide 10. 2 billion for the clean water and Drinking Water state Revolving Fund programs. These supplemental appropriations would protect our Water Quality, simulate the economy and provide jobs to hard working americans by investing in shovel rode infrastructure provisions we need. And clean up in the Chesapeake Bay, thats a vital resource for the 18 Million People that live in its water shred and the millions that visit that area every year. Many communities, even those hundreds of miles from the chesapeake, have had to implement storm water fees look, too often the burden of these fees falls on those least able to afford it, those who are elderly and on fixed incomes. Those who are already choosing between food and medicine and now have additional monthly expense to deal with. The budget proposed by the administration, by the white house requested only 7. 3 Million Dollars for this Chesapeake Bay program. That would have ultimately caused a spike in those socalled rain taxes. Now, while we didnt have sufficient funds fully to ale alleviate the burdens, the funds, 95 Million Dollars in this bill will help local communities meet their Water Quality targets with fewer fees on struggling families. Finally, im glad we continue to invest in the abandoned mine lands pilot program. The pilot, its a true Success Story of the work of this subcommittee. The program transforms in abandoned mine lands and creates Economic Opportunity and transitions our Coal Communities into a new and brighter future. So i thank the chairwoman for her great leadership on the fiscal year 2021 interior appropriations bill and i yield back. Seeing no other member wishing to make opening remarks, id like to recognize ms. Mccollum to offer a management a managers amendment. Madam chair, as you stated i have an amendment at the desk and i ask that it be considered read. Without objections the reading is. I have a manages amendment and it makes a number of noncontroversial issues pt, a change to the bill. And to the prort report that are of interest to many bipartisan members. Committee and i appreciate the close collaboration working with mr. Joyce. Our staffs worked together to put together this amendment and we are in agreement of it and mr. Joyce, i also want to let you know that i agree that you gave a fine speech, too. [laughter]. And you blush. I urge adoption of the amendment and madam chair with that i yield back. Ranking member joyce is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. I appreciate the opportunity to work with chair mccollum and her staffer and the rest to address noncontroversial and bipartisan improvements to this report. I there for yield back. Are there any other members who wish to be recognized . I ask one minute for ms. Mccollum to close. I hope it goes by voice. The question is on the amendment all those in favor say aye. Aye. Though opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair the a ayes have it and it is adopted. Are there any other amendments . For what person does the member from ohio rise. Madam chair i have an amendment at the desk unanimous concept that the amendment be considered as read. Read. Okay. Madam chair my amendment is simple it seeks to provide the president s requested level of funding for improved oil, gas and coal management by the bureau of Land Management. Its offset by increasing the rescission already proposed in the bill, unobligated balances of 2017 and prior, as i said in my opening our economy depends to depend on the above strategy. We cannot protect americans job if we cannot power them and Renewable Energy is not ready to carry it on its own. And i i applaud chair for 500 billion for renewable, but it shouldnt come at the expense of energy. I yield backments are there any other members wishing to be heard on the amendment. Madam clair. Thank you. Mr. Joyce, i rise in opposition to your amendment and i will do so in a as much of an aagreeable fashion as i can. This amendment increases the departments on shore oil and gas program by 3 million and coal program by 3. 7 Million Dollars. Just consider these facts. In may, 287 leases covering 150,000 acres in the eastern and Central Montana were thrown out because of a flawed analysis. Also in may, 440 leases covering 336,000 acres in wyoming and montana were thrown out for violating a plan. Last year to leases from 2018 covering 900,000 acres in nevada, utah and wyoming were thrown out. The fact is this department is incompetent with environmental reviews you to political pressure to push these leases through is causing massive problems, and this needs to be fixed before we give them more money. And finally given the over all contraction in the oil and gas industry due to covid19 pandemic, the department is not, the department is not wrapping up this program. Again, consider these facts. Oil is currently at less than 40 per barrel in Many Oil Companies will tell you it costs them 55 60 per barrel to break even. The number of active oil and gas wells in the country has dropped precipitously because of the price collapse. Oil and gas permits were down by 69 texas last month, over the same time as last year. And nearly every oil and gas company out there has announced large reductions in energy investments. No one, no one is looking to expand right now so i do want to point out as mr. Joyce says this bill does add money for Onshore Energy felt that any Renewable Energy programs. This increase for investments in solar, geothermal and went is where the expansion is. It is where the expansion is and its where the funding needs to be directed. So i urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment, and i yield back. Are there any other members wishing to be heard on the amendment . If there is no further debate, the member from ohio is recognized on the amendment for one minute to close. Thank you, madam chair. Madam chair, as we speak Market Forces are already driving this nation closer to fully sustainable domestic sources of energy. It is neither right nor necessary for this committee, this congress to be picking winners and losers among thousands of workers and Americas Energy sector. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this amendment, and i yield back. The question is on the amendment offered by the member from ohio here all those in favor say aye. All those opposed say no. The nos have it and the amendment is not adopted. Madam chair, request a roll call vote. A recorded vote has been requested. All those in favor of a recorded vote raise your hand. A sufficient number being in support, a recorded vote is ordered. The clerk will call the roll. [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] members will now have five minutes to record their vote or change their vote. [inaudible conversations] madam chair . The gentleman is recognized. Madam chair, how am i recorded . You are recorded aye. Thank you, madam chair. You are very welcome, sir. [inaudible conversations] on this vote the nays are 19 and the nays are 30. The amendment is not adopted. For what purpose does the member from North Carolina rise . Madam chair, have an amendment at the desk and ask that its reading be dispensed with. The clerk will read the amendment. Madam chair, i ask that the reading be dispensed with. Without objection the reading of the amendment is dispensed with. Thank you, madam chair. I want to begin like virgil everybody else in the room has done this morning, by thanking our chair and Ranking Member for the work on this bill. Its a good bill and it prioritizes things we need in terms of Environmental Stewardship and vital climate research, operations and made of our public lands, and much more. As a member who represents the largest of the preeminent epa lab in this country, i do take particular interest in fra Environmental Protection agency research, and thats the basis for the amendment i rise to offer. The amendment would prohibit the Environmental Protection agency from using any funding to enact or enforce their socalled strengthening transparency and regulatory science rule first promulgated in 2018 and supplemented in march of this year. This role would place new crippling limits on what studies can be utilized when epa crafts new regulations. The rules dangers battered by this evisceration decided scientists and to throw up barriers to regulations that benefit the environment and our Public Health. I think its fair to say that science, scientists and scientific associations across the country oppose this rule. Even the epas own Science Advisory Board opposes the rule. Which shows us that it really comes from the agencies political appointees. The role would be unfeasible to implement and would prevent the inclusion of any studies containing Sensitive Health information, proprietary industry data, and nonproducible studies on human made or natural disasters which of course that data on those things are often nonreproducible. I will not go into great detail about the Scientific Consensus on this rule. Just quote from a couple of letters. The american thoracic society, for example, says the proposed rule seeks to solve a problem that doesnt exist. It instead creates new barriers to the epas use of scientific studies. There are already multiple mechanisms in place that address the reproducibility and the transparency of scientific studies. In a march 18, 2020 letter the American Association for the advancement of science said the epa socalled transparency rule is not about transparency. Its not about strengthening science. Lets call the rule what it is, a deliberative attempt to exclude Scientific Evidence from the policymaking process. I have a similar from the American Chemical Society and others. Madam chair, the epas intended to push forward on this dangerous rule in spite of Massive Public outcry and disagreement from the own Science Advisory Board. For that reason its our job as congress to ensure that they cant use appropriated funds to hamstring the legitimate regulatory process and the evidence from which it legitimately draws. And to endanger rather than to protect our Public Health here we must protect a scientists and scientific information, and ensure that decisions made that affect our environment and Public Health are based on the best available scientific information. Thats the bottom line and its what i urge my colleagues to vote yes on this amendment, and yield back my type. Mr. Joyce is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. I opposed the member which seeks to underwrite administrations efforts to ensure that the regular site underlying epas actions is fully transparent and publicly available in the manner sufficient for independent validation epa takes place to ensure the role protect confidential, proprietary and personal information. The agencies provide ample time for the sites Advisory Board, members of congress and other stakeholders to participate in the warmaking process and wait in how this rule can be a Perfect Agency is committed to addressing asked the outstanding concerns and comments from the recent comment. As possible as it works to finalize the rule. We should let this role go through the standard rulemaking process. I urge a no vote and yield back. Ms. Mccollum is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. I rise in strong support of my colleagues amendment. The administration appears will stop at nothing but comes to weakening Environmental Health protections. Now the trump epa wants to prevent the agencies career experts from using the best available science when writing regulations to limit pollution. Because that will mean weaker rules that will cost polluters less money. Every scientific and medical organization that is look into this proposed rule thinks its a terrible idea, including the American Lung association, the american thoracic association, the National Academies of science, and as mr. Price pointed out, even the epas scientific Advisory Board listed out nine major problems with this rule. This rule would only serve to undermine the celt, and to urge my colleagues to block the epa from finalizing the rule and support the price amendment. I yield back. Ms. Wasserman schultz is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. I rise in support of my distinguished colleagues really intelligent and focus amendment. In another life as a price was a College Professor thats what im not surprised to see that he has offered an amendment to block and epa rule that would shut science and research out of the policymaking process. Washington needs more scientific and empirical input in our policy process, policymaking process, not less. The current administrations were onsite session what happens when you dont heed the lessons of data and research did you end up with bad policy that causes more harm than good. Does and what you remember sharpie gate . Inspector general found noaa officials violated the agencies scientific integrity policy when they evanson marked up hurricane forecast map with a sharpie to please the president. The administration is also discouraged some of its agencies from using the term Climate Change and the present has called it a hoax. The president also with no evidence points to the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in treating covid becky. Some of that has even shown the output. Or we can look at the administration has barreled forward with cursory poorly crafted by mental reviews that have properly considered science for projects like the Dakota Access pipeline or Arctic Refuge oil and gas leasing. Epa has also conducted occur at site is at its own agency. The epa Science Advisory Board has been sidelined and experienced resignations in protests. There are countless more examples. We should all want the government that utilizes the best science and research. Failing to use data in policymaking is again to wirelessly stabbed in the dark and hoping you had something. In a worstcase new elites to the capture of regulatory agencies i industry that sometimes benefit when government fails to properly consider the environmental and Public Health impact of policy. I recommend a yes vote on this really well thought out amendment to make sure the federal Agency Responsible for protecting our era and water is using the best available science. Thank you. I yield back. Mr. Simpson is recognized. I think that charlie picked before talk this amendment let me first how appreciative i am of the chairwoman and recommend before the bill that put together and particularly staff. Theyve done an amazing job of trying to address most concerns of members on both sides of the aisle. I i appreciate the work on this bill. As far as this amendment goes ever since we debated this in 2018 and again in 2019, ive been trying to figure out where i was wrong in opposing this and why the proponents of this were correct. So far i havent been able to figure that out. I havent field to figure out what the proponents of this are so opposed to science, and especially transparency in science which is what this rule is really about is transparency in science. According to cal berkeley a scientific theory is defined as in science and broad natural explanation for a wide range of phenomena, series are concise, clear, systematic, predictive and broadly applicable often integrating and generalizing many hypothesis. There is accepted by the Scientific Community are generally stronger supported by many different lines of evidence. That is exactly what were talking about today. The epa should be basing its policy decisions on sound science and the public needs the confidence in the epa that they are making their decisions based on sound science. All this does is provide transparency so that the public knows the science that is being used by the epa to make its decisions. I dont know why thats controversial. Most scientists publish their findings in the journals that are reviewed. Why should the epa not be able to do that . Why should they not have that same transparency . This proposed rule is consistent with current past federal government initiatives to increase scientific transparency. It is also important to note that under this other agencies use these policies and under this it enters the confidential and personally identifiable information is not disclosed. It guarantees that. Moving forward during this decisionmaking process epa will only rely on science that is publicly available, publicly available. Why should the public not know where the site is coming from . Doing so will give more confidence that the epa is using the best available science and that it is transparent in its decisionmaking process. The current epa proposal also provides for exemption for making information publicly available, would not, as a said would not compromise ivc or confidentiality. I would also note that the comic period received an extension the next request of the democrats comment this closed in may and the majority of comments are in favor of greater transparency. Transparency in science that enable independent validation of scientific conclusions is important to it advantage, advancing epas mission and an advancing science. So after all of this consideration that ive done over the last two years to figure out where everybody was coming from though i think i can think of when i consider why would you be opposed to transparency in science, why would you be opposed to the public being able to see where the science is coming from . The only thing that i can think of and i heard it from some who speak is that its proposed by this administration. It is proposed by this administration, and we must oppose it because it cant be right. There is no logical reason to adopt this amendment. I would urge i will not ask a roll call vote. I have a feeling i would lose 1930. 1930. I was born at night but not last night. I i would urge my colleagues to vote against this think about what you are doing and think about the true intent of this rule is. Get the politics out of it. This is a deliberative body. Partisan politics unfortunately enters into it too often. I yield back. Are there any other members wishing to be heard on the amendment . Judge carter, you may be recognized. [inaudible] did you wish to speak . No man. Sorry about that. Sorry, maam. If there is no further debate the member from North Carolina is a recognized on the amendment for one minute to close. Thank you, madam chair. As i hope this discussion makes clear, the issue here is not transparency or reproducibility, both of which are Standard Features of Scientific Research and are good things. The problem is throwing up and possible standards of transparency and reproducibility that exclude huge swaths of research from being considered for the scientific role making enterprise. And i said earlier the main problematic areas are Sensitive Health information, proprietary industry information, and data from disasters that by definition cannot be reproduced. So the question is, are we going to throw up the standards as a way of excluding crucial evidence and hamstring the regulatory process . Medical data cant always be made completely transparent. Longitude of Public Health studies cant always be reproduced. We need to apply some common sense to this and some balance and understand that the testimony, the universal testimony of the Scientific Community here is fully cognizant of the issues and has come down firmly against this proposed rule. So i urge my colleagues to come firmly down in the same way and accept this amendment. Thank you. The question is on the amendment offered by the member from North Carolina. All those in favor say aye. Those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair the ayes have it and the amendment is adopted. The birthday boy has the next amendment, mr. Newhouse. [laughing] should we send you happy birthday and then move on to your amendment . No. [laughing] happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, mr. Newhouse. Happy birthday to you. They note. [applause] [applause] wow. Now, for what purpose does the member from washington rise . Just to hear a birthday song, thats all. [laughing] thank you, madam chair. I have an amendment at the desk. The clerk read the amendment. Offered by mr. Request, madam chair, to dispense with the reading. Without objection the reading of the amendment is dispensed with. Madam chair, by the way, thank you for recognizing my 35th birthday. I appreciate that very much, and you all sound great this morning. But before i begin i would just like, as others have done, and as you near your come the end of your long, illustrious career, madam chair, i want to add my voice to those recognizing your strong leadership and your fairness in guiding this committee. I think i can say that you have given all of us the opportunity to be our best, and i sincerely thank you for that. I thank you. It means a great deal. Madam chair, Ranking Member granger, members of the committee, the amendment before you would strike five partisan provisions that would hamper this nations efforts to strengthen our energy independence. I believe they have no place in this interior appropriations bill. The first is regarding bureau of Land Management leasing in and water which is the Arctic National wildlife refuge. This is an issue and war this is not new to the committee nor new to the peoples house. In addition to grading creatins in alaska and across the nation, opening this miniscule area to Oil Exploration and powers the United States to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil and expand our Domestic Energy supply. While i expect the subcommittee chair may tie this an argument about the historic tax cuts passed by congressional republicans, we really should point out is the importance of this region to securing our Nations Energy independence. Under this administrations laser focused for the first time in nearly 70 years we became a net exporter of oil and we should build upon this development and not do things to undercut it. My amendments trikes and other provision that harms the great state of alaska which by the way is represented by the esteemed dean of the house, mr. Young, who is a fierce advocate both for American Energy dominance and for the people of alaska and their precious natural wildlife and a private. Including the National Force and the temple industry. This bill seeks to continue the clinton era roadless rule which prevents the multiple use mandate for federal forest lands. My amendment would strip this unnecessary writer from blocking healthy Forest Management in the tongass National Forest. My amendments also removes the unfair and misguided moratorium on even the potential for mineral befuddlement in northeastern minnesota. This provision prevents the United States from securing its own Mineral Resources and hands over control of our supply chains to dangers foreign actors like china and russia. It the price Minnesota School districts of billions of dollars in mining royalties come all while blocking jobs and Economic Growth in our region desperately in need of them. Representative stopper has been a steadfast champion for the people of the iron range and his advocacy alongside that of representative emmer rightly prioritizes the livelihoods of the people of northeastern minnesota. Not ideological partisans who reside elsewhere. Appropriations riders like this unfairly removed even the possibility of fair consideration for potential projects ability to meet or even exceed the robust standards and the Environmental Protections already in place. House republicans are leading the charge to combat the distressing for dependency our nation currently faces on critical and rare minerals, and i stand with my colleagues on the commitment to American Resource Development because, and lets be clear about this. Mining is already taking place in this very watershed. But, unfortunately, its taking place just north of the border. Our canadian friends recognize mining can be done responsibly, and we should, too. Another provision in this bill prohibits the epa from replacing the obama administrations job killing methane which was a regulatory blow to the American Energy sector and unnecessarily harmed Economic Growth. Duplicative and costly mandates like this help america back from energy dominance. We must recognize the fact that methane emissions have decreased while production has increased over the same time. In fact, it is due to innovation and Technology Improvements in the oil and gas industry that the u. S. Has been a world leader in Emission Reductions over the past five years. We should ensure science and facts inform these decisions, and not politics. The last rider my amendment strikes, madam chair, affects something taking place in my own state. Unfortunately, some states Like Washington are currently abusing the section four oh one certification process under the clean water act to block the progress of federally permitted energy projects. The politicization of this law jeopardizes clear guidelines for the time a review of Infrastructure Projects while also harming economic and job growth. Several of our colleagues, including representative cheney from wyoming and gene forte from montana have rightly worked to hold this abuse and advocate for the resource rich power river basin which is currently being locked from accessing International Markets through ports in my home state. I believe this is wrong, and as epa works to finalize equivocation of this important law, the Appropriations Committee should not be legislating the agencies decisionmaking. Madam chair, as a proud member of the congressional western caucus and also a proud republican who supports strengthening our nations alloftheabove energy strategy, i offer this amendment to strike these partisan riders. They have no place being a part of this appropriations bill. I would ask that lets get back to the bipartisan tradition of this committee and agreed to remove these riders today so that we can focus on the important duty of appropriating rather than politicizing these important facets of our Nations Energy independence effort. With that, madam chair, i yield back the balance of my time. Thank you. Ms. Mccollum. Thank you, madam chair. I writes in strong opposition to this amendment that strikes provisions, revisions many as point i were overwhelmingly supported by members from both sides of the aisle on the house floor in last years bill. We are still the same congress we were last year, the same members for the most part except with some exceptions are still here. We know how the vote will turn out. And now with the circumstances we find her cells with covid19, i decided to put them in the bill we find ourselves. As a submit of these provisions overwhelmingly on the floor and they were supported by members on both sides of the aisle. First, i would like to speak to the bipartisan language which presents prevents the epa to roll back on pollution control measure on oil and gas leases meant to prevent gas leaks. These lakes are major source of Carbon Pollution rolling back this rule actually makes bad financial sense, to because a lot of natural gas leaks, the more Natural Gas Companies will have to sell. Second, the bill includes a provision blocking the implementation that the epas plan to get state authority to protect water under the clean water act. Governors, governors from both parties all across the country have denounced epas effort to undermine their ability to protect the rivers, there lakes and streams and other bodies of water within their states. Fourth, excuse me, third, the bill contains a provision that simply asked the administration to raise the money promised compiling gas sales in the arctic wildlife refuge. Well, they use that oil and gas sale to balance their tax bill. And so for three years they have told us they will raise 1 billion. This bill simply says okay, raise the 1 billion. How is that objectionable . The bill includes a provision to protect the tongass Wild National the tongass National Forest from Rural Development that would make the impact wildlife, fishing and recreation and the water. I will speak to the rainy river watershed. It is most unfortunate that the gentleman thinks that i should not have an opinion on a National Wildlife refuge or a National Park or a National Wilderness area. My objection and work has been to protect a National Wilderness area. The gentleman points out that some members in minnesota oppose this. Overwhelming majority of minnesotans, the overwhelming majority of minnesotans support the actions that i am taking. The gentleman implies that i dont support mining. We have a rich history of taconite mining which at one time creates great pollution, and i support taconite mining. The gentleman points out that in canada they do sulfide copper or money which is a redone by the way in such freshwater in the United States here. Canada faced itself with a huge, disastrous consequence of acres and acres of pristine forest and of fish in water being destroyed with the sulfur copper spill. So canadians are rethinking how this mining should move forward. Finally i would say that yesterday in the agriculture community, i held up a 60 page redacted report. When i first became involved in this issue after the Trump Administration, i asked mr. Zinke, and asked mr. Perdue if they would let the study go through, the twoyear study to see if we could even safely mine, safely mine in this pristine waters, water so pure you can put a cup in an safe to drink from it while you are canoeing. 20 months, 24 month study, they abruptly stopped the study. And the response we have had back is congress to see what the taxpayers paid for has been 60 pages of redacted report. If it is so safe to mine, why not share the report . Share the report. That is all i have been asking for. Share the report. Share your findings. Why stop the study . 20 months into 24 months and then boom, boom, boom, one after another and not one piece of Scientific Research shared with this congress. I am told no, you cannot see it. We are told no, you cannot see it. This region of the country needs to be protected from this type of mining. Just as the Trump Administration protected the same types of treasures, even smaller, in montana and in washington state. As you can see i stand strongly behind my decision to provide these provisions in the bill, and i urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. And with that, madam chair, i yield back. Mr. Joyce is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. And while i may take issue with the gentleman is alleged 35th birthday, i do do strong support his amendment to [inaudible] it concerns me mic. Calm, calm. That concerns me that these and other riders which can to our Nations Energy independence by limiting conventional energy and other natural Resource Development are added to the bill when several longstanding bipartisan provisions have fallen out. One of the most important lessons we learn from the covid19 pandemic is that we cannot sit back to rely on foreign nations to survive the resource on which we depend the most. Lets continue to aggressively pursue and all the above approach that utilizes all of our domestic Natural Resources including coal, oil, minerals, timber, natural gas and wind. Therefore i strong support the gentleman its a memo to strike his controversial riders and look for to working with my colleagues on a final bill that promotes and prioritizes not cantors u. S. Production of energy and Natural Resources. Thank you, madam chair. I yield back. Mr. Quigley is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. I would join the subcommittee chairwoman in opposition to this amendment. One of the provisions in the bill that this amendment seeks to strip would end millions of dollars of taxpayer subsidies to the Timber Industry and alaska and stop the damage to the tongass National Forest, a treasured part of our unique national heritage. The tongass attracts hundreds of sportsmen from around the world and is home to diverse ecosystems and numerous alaska native communities. And its one of those important natural carbon sinks on the planet playing a Critical Role in slowing manmade Climate Change. But by some estimates, taxes subsidies for logging in tongass costs taxpayers 31. 6 million per year and yield 1. 7 billion in return. A loss of nearly 30 million per year and hope alone would be enough reason for my friends across the aisle to oppose the continuation of this wasteful policy, a provision of this amendment seeks to remove would save taxpayers money and protect our Natural Resources. For that reason i heard a no vote in yield back. Ms. Granger is recognized. To join support the gentleman and mimic to strike his controversial riders gentleman a minute. They violate the spirit of by a person budget agreement that was signed into law last august. The language carried in the bill would undermine Americas Energy independence and would bar access to the very Natural Resources that build and fuel our great nation. The coronavirus pandemic has taught us an important lesson, depends on other countries for vital resources poses a threat to the stability and functioning of the United States. Therefore i urge my colleagues to support this amendment to strike his controversial riders and ensure continued American Energy independence. Thank you, madam chair. I yield back. Mr. Coal is recognized. Thank you, madam chair. Before i make my recs i would make a suggestion you might consider the committee to adopt the banner birthday song as the official birthday song. As a reference on republican side know, its so much quicker and to the point, so dan, this is your birthday song, it doesnt last too long, hey. Now, isnt that better . I just think we should in the spirit of bipartisanship memorialize our former speaker into that. Seriously though, i do support my friends and mimic other want to talk a little bit why in more general terms may be in the discussion normally goes. I really think, a reticent nor guess statement out about and a represents a big oil and gas district and the very proud of both. I also represent a district that probably surpasses the district in this august gathering in terms of wind power. Over 40 of electricity in oklahoma [inaudible] [inaudible] the amendment offered by the member from washington, all those in favor say aye. Those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair the nos have it and the amendment is not adopted. Madam chair, i i would ask r a recorded vote. All those in favor of a recorded vote . Recorded vote has been requested. A sufficient number being in support of a recorded vote is ordered. The clerk will call the roll. [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] on this note the yeas are 19. The nays are 30. The amendment is not adopted. Is there any further amendment or discussion . Seeing darren, i recognize the gentlewoman from ohio for a motion, and ask for your support for this bill. Madam chair, i moved to remove the act of 2021 to the house. Equation is on the motion. All those in favor say aye. Those opposed no. In the opinion of the chair the ayes have it. Oh, okay. A recorded vote has been requested. All those in favor of a recorded vote raise your hand. A sufficient number being in support, a recorded vote is ordered. The court will call the roll. [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] does any member wish to record their vote for change their vote . The clerk will tally. On this vote the ayes are 30, the nos are 19. The motion is agreed to. I ask unanimous consent that the staff be permitted to make technical and changes to the bill and report just approved. Seeing no objection, so ordered. Madam chair, ask [inaudible] we are taking a brief break so that they can come up, get organized and we can move ahead as efficiently as we can. So that we can go on, whether its home or wherever you are going. Lets move on. Thank you. Congratulations. Good work. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] the house Appropriations Committee taking a break now. Te interior and environment and legislative branch. This is a live coverage on cspan2. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations]. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] the house Appropriations Committee taking a break working on 2021 spending for the permit of the interior and environment and legislative branch. This is live coverage on cspan2. [inaudible conversations] do you think our Marketing Department [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] participation and hard work of our subCommittee Members and get ideas we received from many sources with outside experts acting, the bill provides increased funding to support staff and other resources Congress Needs to do its well for capacity in the legislative branch to address high priority needs and information technology. The bill provides 25 million increase for the nra, covers staff, District Office space and other necessities. I also believe this funding is sufficient to address our new normal as members moved to higher tech means of interacting with constituents. This works out to an average of 56, 000 per member office. This creates a new house Modernization Initiative account, provide to down payment of 2 million to start the process of modernizing house. This funding is necessary to bring the house into the 21stcentury. This bill provides increases to the main analytical agencies in the legislative branch to continue building their capacity including the congressional budget office, Congressional Research service and gorn now that ive mentioned all the other parts of the bill that i know there is broad consensus on i want to address some items that require a conversation. I included language in the bill to permit people employment authorization under the daca program to work for congress and other legislative Branch Agencies. Dreamers are americans and should be able to serve their country and this body. I included it because it is the right thing to do and welcome these members to the National Community to seek employment with congress in the Branch Agencies. Blocking the cost of living adjustment for members, with everything going on in the country this is necessary. I would like to point out this will be the twelfth Consecutive Year no costofliving adjustment has been provided with the average trend in washington dc at 2,300. Every federal judge from the District Court to the Supreme Court is compensated at a much higher rate than members of congress. We have to have a real discussion on this issue or we will have a congress where only millionaires can afford to serve. Finally the bill includes longoverdue language directing the architects to remove in the us capital, in the Confederate Army for government. There were stages of four White Supremacists including roger taney. I hope this action will begin a larger conversation. We need to have about other statues in the capital representing figures who oppress various minority groups. There may be portraits throughout the capital complex that need to be reevaluated too. This is part of a Larger National debate other appropriations subcommittees to make a statement now on something we can control. The removal of statues that many find offensive. Sure all welcome. Before i yield back i want to recognize staff for all the hard work and time they put into this bill under difficult circumstances. The majority staff committee, i would like to thank matt washington doing his first cycle is the clerk alleged branch and sue qantas and regional jenkins from my personal staff. I would like to thank michelle rhyneshuttle in her first cycle is minority kirk clerk and the Ranking Members staff. I want to thank chairman lowy for her three decades of service to this country. Over these three decades you have been an effective committed legislator and leader on this committee and this congress. I cant wait until we are back in our committee room, you can take your rightful place among the titans of this committee. I ask for your support of this bill. I yield back. I would like to recognize the subcommittee member. Thank you, chairman ryan, for including several initiatives in the bill that are important to me and my republican colleagues. The recommendations in 2021 legislative bill provides 4. 9 billion excluding senate items which historically are left of senate to determine. This is 207 million above fiscal year 2020 n 297 million below the budget requests. As most of congress the house and the nation had to rapidly adjust to the way it does business due to covid19. Due to the collaboration of leadership committees and the operation around the capital we have had to become more flexible and reliant on technology. This bill offers support that will allow the house to maximize its effectiveness for the use of technology while maintaining decorum, increasing transparency excuse me. Allowing the chamber to function in new and uncertain circumstances. This bill supports accessibility for visitors and staff with different words that they called disabilities. It provides opportunity to address the need for capitol hill staff members, interns and Public Visitors by seeking recommendations from the office of the question congressional account Ability Services for technological assistant devices. The library of congress received Adequate Funding for the functions it provides. In addition the library received funding necessary for Major Construction projects that will have a resounding impact on the 1. 7 million visitors who walk through their doors annually and satisfying its overall collection capacity needs for the next two decades. This bill also supports the cortical mission of the Capital Police as they continue to achieve their mission with distinction and respond to an everchanging threat environment ensuring safety to visitors, members, and staff on the capital complex. We thank them for their service to members, staff and the visiting American Public. While this bill has taken care of important initiatives to support the legislative branch, it is silent on funding to continue response to the coronavirus over the coming fiscal year. This is the peoples house, the American People expect we safely continue our work to help citizens and businesses survive this pandemic. To do this we must ensure the safety of the men and women who work, the sooner we get safety rates the sooner the capital doors can open to the American Public and it is my hope this happens in the near future. The 5 increase in this bill that this bill enjoys is only able to happen because of the emergency funding that was used in other bills that free up space within the budget caps to spend more in this and other bills so there is an increase in spending in this bill but we havent built in the necessary safety precautions we all know we will need into the fall, that concerns me. I hope we can work through this and other controversial issues as we move forward in this legislative process. Talking about other pictures, the portraits around the capital, it will be great, if we return to our rooms and see all the portraits and former chairman, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, it will be nice to have a true declaration in the appropriations room with a chairwoman. [applause] let me say thank you to chairman ryan anaff, thank you, i yield back. Thank you for your kind words i would now like to recognize myself for opening remarks. I thank chairman ryan and Ranking Member butler for their work on this bill as well as staff for their efforts to review member requests and craft the product before us. Fiscal year 2021 legislative Branch Appropriations bill makes key investments in our workforce from funding for house Modernization Initiatives to increased resources for diversity and inclusion efforts. To more fully represent and meet the needs of the communities we serve. As our nation weathersby covid19 pandemic, we must ensure members of congress can effectively work on behalf of their constituents and legislative branch employees can perform their duties safely. Fiscal year 2021 legislative Branch Appropriations bill would do so by providing 640 million for the representational allowance, a 4 increase above the 2020 levels providing offices with the ability to meet rising costs and ensure a safe environment for staff. 631. 3 million to the architect of the capital, 31. 8 million above 2020 levels, 2 million for modernization efforts in the house and increase to 500,000 for the office of diversity and inclusion. The capital and its grounds should be a place where all americans feel welcome to work and visit. Toward that end this bill would protect the rights of deeds of the aca recipients who work in the legislative branch. It also includes Strong Language removing statues and imagery that on divisive figures involved in the confederacy or otherwise have unambiguous records of rl the of the house of representatives and urge all members to support it. I would like to recognize Ranking Member granger for her opening remarks. Thank you for the work you have done to address Critical Issues that address congress. This bill recognizes the important bipartisan work of the House Select Committee on modernization and take steps to make congress more effective, efficient, and transparent on behalf of the American People. It funds priorities of the architect of the capitals aging infrastructure and promote the safety and health of employees and visitors. The men and women of Capital Police demonstrate the highest standard of professionalism in this bill recognizes their service and sacrifice by ensuring they have the resources they need to keep the complex safe. Thank you for supporting the bill in its current form, 11 months ago the bipartisan budget agreement set the top line spending levels for fiscal year 2021, the consensus at the time was bills would not contain policy writers, this violates the spirit of that agreement. Total cost of this bill increases by 5 and there are new riders by the authorizing committees. I hope you come together on these issues as the process moves forward. I think some Committee Members for working on the bill and minority staff. To make general comments about the bill. I want to thank chairman ryan and Ranking Member butler for this important bill and extend thanks to chairwoman lowey. I want to touch on 3 aspects of this important bill. Emerging as a more important locus for legislative diplomacy starting with the emerging Democratic Leaders in the former soviet space. No question we can do a lot more legislative branch to learn to be effective in parliamentary study and this moves america down that road. I am also pleased with nationa and outreach programs for the agricultural training and Education Initiative especially in urban challenge communities that are food short, such potential for advancement. For paycheck fairness, and the diversity and Compensation Study completed in 2019 the first of its kind, staff participation was 51 plus this bill requests the cao to reimplement the study for larger sample size and better understand pay disparities that exist across the house of representatives. I appreciate chairman ryans hard work for diligently working to incorporate these priorities. I yield back and ask support. Mister cole. Thank you very much. The subcommittee and Ranking Member, thank you for the hard work and help us manage the capital campus. It is a very important job. As they continue their work and legislation moves forward. Im concerned about the plans to rebalance the book and manuscript preservation work. The librarys budget request calls for limitation of the mask simplification program. That is the first, the full committee has heard about plans to eliminate this program. Have a former member of this subcommittee and former chairman, my view is the program has been a Success Story for 20 years. Even the library acknowledges it has 2,500,000 books remain with half 1 million books of critical importance to the library selections. Half 1 million books required two to three years, the library said they would like to move these books to cold storage. Im concerned the cold storage costs more via certification. The library didnt ask for funds to move the books to cold storage. I am concerned that cold storage does not provide the same level of safekeeping for these critically important books. My opinion the library provided the Committee Study data that does not support the conclusion that it is time to move away from either cost or certification basis. Into politics, my son was the chief archivist of the chickasaw nation for five years. It is something i care about, preserving the original document is important. We have a National Archive for a reason. We can preserve everything, the constitution of the United States, declaration of independence. We know there is Intrinsic Value in the original document. I certainly dont know how allowing the library itself which is a record of wanting to move this way to conduct a study is a good idea. Dont have a problem with the study, lets not have people who decided what they want to do when they study whether the decision is correct. Dont oppose the review of the program and we fully fund the decertification program and conduct a truly independent study going forward. Take a hard look at this, dont pretend to be the biggest expert in the world, when you see us moving to preserve original documents, shuffling, often to storage. They have to go through a lot of 100 plusyearold records that were just put off into storage. Even in the best kinds of storage, preservation is something we are to keep first and foremost, the subcommittee chairman, i certainly trust you to make the right judgment in the end. I yield back my time. Can i respond real quick . I appreciate your comments. We have had an ongoing conversation with the libraries and appreciate your input and this is an ongoing conversation you will be part of. Enough going on to participate in one more meeting. I would like as a point of personal privilege just to suggest to all my good friends, all my wonderful colleagues, one 23456 eight people who requested time. It would be very nice if you could all be brief. Since we are concluding our time, many are moving on to airports and other forms of transportation, thank you, miss lee. Thank you very much. Let me thank our chairman and Ranking Member for your tremendous leadership on this committee. Im pleased to support the Branch Appropriations and i want to say a couple points. It is crucial to view our Funding Priorities through the added length of Racial Justice and work to ensure all of our appropriations bill this year and beyond meet this moment and work towards dismantling racism. I am deeply grateful that this bill includes language to remove confederate statues and busts including those who have perpetuated racism from the United States capital. This is an issue that myself and chairman thompson have been working on for several years. We must recognize and confront the horror of the institution of slavery and those who fought to preserve it. These painful symbols of support for continuation of slavery, treason and racism have no place in our country and in our statues in the capital and should not be enshrined and glorified in the United States capital. Thank you for 1. 5 million for the office of divers and inclusion. As a former staffer to congressman ron dylan, one of only a handful of black women staffers on the hill at the time. I know personally how important the value of her presentation and diversity is on the hill and the necessity to remove the barriers and establish policies for inclusion. Finally let me say i am pleased this includes language permitting the legislative branch to allow Daca Recipients and dreamers to expand further opportunities and cultivate a talented workforce of Congressional Staffers. Thank you, mister chairman and Ranking Member. Miss wasserman schultz. Thank you. I will be brief and thank chairman ryan and Ranking Member butler for your leadership on a bill that invests in a strong legislative branch. The bill before us will enable us to better serve our constituents. As former chair of the legislative branch somebody i can tell you the bill holds a special place in my heart. I want to associate myself with the remarks of my former partner in crime when i did chair the committee, mister cole, about the certification committee. If you could get me into that as well, preserving the documents is critically important. In the future we dont just want digitization programs. It was not intended to shift over completely to the way we preserve documents. That is incredibly important that we have the actual documents in perpetuity. The bill under consideration will ensure members of congress and their staff can perform our jobs safely, i am glad to see there are efforts in the bill to ensure that. It dedicates Additional Resources cortical for diversity, inclusion and modernization. It is past time the halls of congress function like the communities we represent. The bill maintains funding to pay interns which makes congress more diverse place that is more acceptable by those in communities across america. I am proud the bill includes language permitting congress and other legislative Branch Agencies to employ dreamers. I experience this difficulty firsthand a few years ago when i had an equal young woman who was a dreamer, and in turn in my office in an open position on my staff and we could not hire her. I shudder to think of the opportunities missed by so many promising young people. We should not be preventing them from hiring dreamers, people who are lawfully in this country, to work for the greatest legislative body in the world. The bill provides an increase of 34. 3 million to the gao. Yesterday in our discussion, we saw how important the gao is to congresss work, to make sure Government Programs are working effectively and responsibly to use gao effectively with the finishing of the cdc, we continue to use it in so many ways and they are an important oversight watchdog. Im glad the bill includes the architect of the capitol to remove statues or busts from the us capital that represent figures who participated in the Confederate Army or government and statues of individuals with an ambiguous records of racial they have no place in the greatest legislative institution in the world. I look forward to seeing this bill come to the floor and working with my colleagues to improve it. I yield back. Mister roethlisberger is recognized. First thing, thank you for your leadership, thank you for what you did on this bill. I want to point out the progress weve done in the cybersecurity and increase those efforts for professional development. I would like to raise one concern regarding us Capital Police, asked about this as well. On march 20th the department suspended the collective Bargaining Agreement and the response to covid19. The collective Bargaining Agreement has 41 separate articles governing everything from scheduling, health, safety, to discipline. None of the officers you see every day taking this complex in our representative democracy, voted and paid for. I understand we are in extreme circumstances with covid19 but in the capital region, washington dc, virginia and maryland, the us park police, metropolitan police, Arlington Police are all dealing with covid19 and are operating under their existing collectiveBargaining Agreement. Us Capital Police is the outlier. Congress is back in business. These officers are going to have their collectivebargaining, we need answers from the department. I yield back. Mister fortenberry is next. I am proud to work here. Our Capitol Grounds are living museum, display our heritage and extraordinarily demonstrate our working democracy and showcase the beauty of our national a vision, in lovely botanical gardens, library of congress. I was hoping chair ryan and Ranking Member butler if you care to give us a more expansive update on the Visitor Experience that is unfolding in the library which will enhance their ability to receive more guests in a more meaningful way without disturbing the architecture of the building. Appreciate the opportunity. This is one of the projects we have going on. We have been releasing 10 million a year, this includes another 10 million, that will be 30 million. We are expecting another tranche from us in next years bill which is 40 million and a commitment of 20 million from the private sector which ten has been given from david rubenstein. We are trying to make this a Publicprivate Partnership so it is moving forward. We are excited about it and i think it will be a real gem for the library. What is the timeline for completion . We are working on fat. These are complicated, the money being released a little bit at a time. A firmed up answer on that. I yield back. Mister killer is recognized. I want to thank chairman ryan and Ranking Member butler for their leadership and staff on this. Ensuring that the house is equipped to uphold its article 1 responsibilities and act as a coequal branch of government is essential and i appreciate your work on behalf of this institution. I would like to thank you for including the initiatives of the select committee on modernization of congress. Working with vice chair tom graves and extraordinary partners including mister newhouse and the guiding principle to make Congress Work better for the American People, our committees unanimously passed 45 recommendations to improve the way Congress Works. In march passed legislation implemented 30 of those recommendations. Im happy that the Appropriations Committee supports the work weve done so far. This establishes a house Modernization Initiative account to carry out recommendations for the select committee to modernize house operations. By creating this new account the Appropriations Committee is taking a bold step forward and investing in the future of this institution. The things we are trying to fix took a long time to break and the solutions are rarely simple or cheap. I commend the committee and the chairman for recognizing that modernization is on ongoing process. Symbol includes funding for transition activities for new members and staff. The select Committee Recommended bringing the house in line with the senate and providing new members with funds to hire a staffer, bring post election transition period. This investment will go a long way toward helping new members navigate the transition process. The bill increases funding for the cio and help the office implemented the select committees efficiency initiatives like a 1stop shop, Human Resources for Congressional Staff and baseline technology, that will save money for taxpayers to display function better. The bill raises the repayment program. The select committee spent a lot of time for retention and benefits matter a lot especially if the institution is unable to match privatesector salaries and grateful to see the committee supports. The subcommittee look at how the internship pipeline leads to jobs on the hill. The problem is a lot of people cant afford to work for free and work on crucial job opportunities. The funding internship opens up opportunities for a more diverse pool of candidates. This increases funding for the office of diversity and inclusion which the select Committee Recommended making permanent. On behalf of the committee, thank you for your leadership and the great work, for the work you did on this bill, the Modernization Initiative including this bill could go a long way toward making Congress Work better. The gentleman yield for ten seconds which i think you and congressman graves, youve done an amazing job putting together a comprehensive list of all aspects of congress, the American People want the institution to function in an effective way. Youve given us ways to build on this, appreciate it. Thank you, madam chair. I want to associate myself with mister cole and ms. Wasserman shultz and their comments, preserving original documents are very important and we need to make sure we do everything we can and i agree with their comments and anyway i can be of help with that. Will gentleman yield . I want to clarify a conversations are ongoing and we welcome input, not that we are not going to be preserving the original documents. We are not going to get them all digitized and check the original. It is just how they get done is the ongoing conversation. I know again theres a lot of study being done so i know its not a done deal and anytime you change, weve done a good job the last 30 years, we have this preservation process so anyway i can be helpful on that i will try to be of assistance. Thanks so much. Mister clark is recognized. Thank you, madam chair one. I want to thank chairman ryan and Ranking Member butler for all the work youve done to produce a bill that moves our Institution Forward and i want to take a moment to say how grateful i am for the work and friendship of our chairwoman, anita lowey, she leaves a legacy of Inclusive Leadership but she always demonstrated in shaping appropriation bills to reflect our shared values. This bill is a good example of that. It not only provides the needs, but the agencies under its jurisdiction, but it meets the Inflection Point on our march for Racial Justice and equality. This is reflected in the provision to diversify our interns, increase the lifetime of student loan repayment, increase the availability of genderneutral restrooms and include dreamers in our congressional workforce. I am particularly proud this bill takes a long overdue step of removing the statues of those who tried to tear down our country in defense of slavery from our nations capital. This bill will increase the transparency and diverse city for the Capital Police. This marked the beginning, not the end of efforts to respond to this moment in our nations history. I urge my colleagues to support it and i yield back. Thank you for your kind words. Miss rosa delauro is recognized. I want to thank chairman ryan and Ranking Member butler. This bill moves our nation forward as it reflects on values going forward. I am in support of the bill and provisions to remove certain statutes in the us capital and permit the legislative Branch Agencies to employ dreamers, faces turmoil and reckoning. It is part of the healing to help america meet its ideals, a more Perfect Union and that means venerating those who fought for equality and not venerating those who fought against it. The country is made stronger, enriched by dreamers, residents of the United States brought to the country as children, dreamers followed the rule, gone through an application process and during this pandemic, 200,000 are serving the nation and its community is essential workers, healthcare workers, farm workers playing a Critical Role to keep our country safe. We would be enriched by having them with us and i yield back. Miss lawrence. The cochair of the womens caucus, we have historic number of women in the house of representatives and the senate. This committees is recognized 100 Year Anniversary of women achieving the right to vote in the us perfectly aligned with the diverse composition of the 100 sixtieth congress, the committee recognizes the centennial of the passage, it encourages the library of congress to continue to raise awareness of this anniversary to exhibit. Thank the committee for increasing the recommendation, increasing female representation through the house curator to create a list of ten notable female historic figures not already on display. And look at ten former current members of congress for trailblazing records, to reflect the diversity of this country. I yield back. Seeing no other members wishing to make remarks i would like to recognize mister ryan who offers a managers amendment. I rise to offer managers amendment, ask unanimous consent. This amendment has been agreed to on both sides, the first report language edition addresses diversity, the language direct cao to start tracking Demographic Data so we know where we need to improve, the second report language edition addresses an internal allowance for committees. There are allowances for members and leadership offices but not for committees. It requests for cao and office of diversity and inclusion, the study providing committees with an allowance will lead to more diverse city among committee interns. The third new edition is from our friend in wisconsin with regard to the library of congress, encourages the library to digitize a portion of its rare books and special collections especially with focus on magic, the Harry Houdini collection. He was also a magician i when you are chairman you learn a lot about the members of congress. Good to know the only magician is aaron rogers in wisconsin, congressman poe can. Congress will be consulted before the library of Congress Award the contract to an outside Expert Organization to recommend future collection, Preservation Strategies which several members commented on in their remarks. The minority has no issues with these additions and i urge support of the amendment. The question is on the amendment. Excuse me. I will make it brief, thank you. Appreciate the opportunity to have worked with chairman ryan and his team to address the noncontroversial bipartisan improvements to this bill and i support the amendment and urge its adoption and i yield back. I recognize mister ryan for one minute to close. We have a lot of members that want to get home and catch a plane. All those in favor say aye. Opposed, say no. Those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair the eyes have it in the amendment is adopted. Are there any further amendments . Seeing none i recognize the gentlewoman from ohio for a motion and ask for support of this bill. I moved to report the legislative Branch Appropriations act 2021 to the house. All those in favor say aye. Those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair the eyes have it. Is that it . The report of the vote has been requested. All those in favor of a recorded vote raise your hands. I guess we got it. The clerk will call the roll. [rollcall vote] [rollcall vote] [rollcall vote [rollcall vote] [rollcall vote] [rollcall vote] [rollcall vote] [rollcall vote]] does the presenting member wish to record the voting chamber . [rollcall vote] [rollcall vote] does any member wish to record the vote or change their vote . The clerk will tally. Safe travel, my friend. Thanks. Safe travel. [inaudible conversations] on this vote, the eyes are 30, nos or 13, the motion is agreed to. I ask unanimous consent that the staff be permitted to make technical and conforming changes to the bill and report, seeing no objections so ordered. Without objection, the committee stands adjourned. Thank you. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] reach out to your elected officials with cspans congressional directory which contains Contact Information to stay in touch with members of congress, federal agencies and state governors, order your copy online today, cspanor. Org. Tonight a special edition of booktv with a focus on history. Starting at 8 00 eastern, katherine sharp provides an industry of the female Service Pilots who were in the air force during world war ii. Eric photo looks at the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth amendments added to the constitution during the reconstruction era. Heather Cox Richardson argue southern social, political and economic ideologies prevailed in the American West following the civil war. Enjoyed booktv tonight and over the weekend on cspan2. His watch booktv this summer. Saturday evening at 8 00 pm eastern settle in and watch several hours of your favorite authors