Granger on Interior and Environment FY22 Full Committee Markup

Jul 1, 2021
Statements

First, I want to recognize Chairwoman Pingree and Ranking Member Joyce for their work on putting this Interior and Environment bill together.

As a result of their efforts, this bill addresses priorities of Members on both sides of the aisle and does many good things for the conservation of our natural resources.

Even though the bill funds many shared priorities, I have concerns about our path forward.

The bill eliminates several long-standing, common-sense provisions that have had bipartisan support for many years.

Instead, the bill includes controversial provisions that would limit domestic energy, timber, and mineral production. 

I am also concerned about the level of spending proposed.  Numerous agencies in this bill would receive double-digit percentage increases.

The Environmental Protection Agency is one example, and it is funded at an unprecedented level.   

At a time when our nation’s spending is at an all-time high, we must find ways to rein in spending while addressing our nation’s most pressing needs.

If we want to avoid a continuing resolution, we must resolve our policy differences and reach a bipartisan agreement on spending.

In closing, I would like to thank all of the subcommittee members and the staff for their hard work on this bill, specifically our Minority clerk, Kristin Clarkson, and the Majority clerk, Rita Culp.

I look forward to debating this bill and urge my colleagues to consider the amendments our side will offer.