Fletcher speaks mostly on energy and grid reliability bills and on public health measures addressing the overdose crisis, and she frequently frames bipartisan committee work as a selling point, crediting colleagues from both parties by name. She often uses significant floor time on procedural motions and closes by restating support rather than adding argument, and she frequently asserts a conclusion without giving a reason—for example, calling a bill important or a program one that works without explaining why, or urging support ‘for the reasons’ other members gave earlier. She also often moves past the bill at hand to a broader point, notably arguing in most overdose-related debates that enforcement alone will not end the epidemic and that treatment, prevention, and harm reduction are needed, while criticizing the Trump administration’s cuts to substance use funding. She tends to support claims with concrete figures where she does argue, as with EPA health-benefit estimates and electricity demand projections, and she avoids emotionally loaded or personal language.Written by AI from their statements. Updated .
Average grade
A–
The average grade of 18 analysed statements. 1 more was analysed but was too short to grade.
87 / 100 over 18 statements
Signal79 / 100
Relevance94 / 100
Reasoning91 / 100
RespectNot scored yet
Clarity93 / 100
Averaged over the 18 of 19 statements graded so far.
In their own words
Loses points more than most for
Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.2.2 times as often as most members.What the tags mean →×2.2
“I want the House to pass this bill. It keeps funding a program that works to cut pollution from diesel engines.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act reauthorizes a long-standing bipartisan program to cut pollution from diesel engines, and it is a great example of a program that works. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of it, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act reauthorizes a long-standing bipartisan program to cut pollution from diesel engines, and it is a great example of a program that works. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of it, and I yield back the balance of my time.
“I want the House to pass this bill. It keeps funding an EPA program that helps replace or upgrade dirty diesel engines. Every dollar spent on this program creates thirty dollars in health benefits by cleaning up the air.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2140, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, reauthorizes a longstanding bipartisan program to cut pollution from diesel engines. Through the program, the Environmental Protection Agency administers grants and loans to States and projects that help replace and retrofit diesel engines across the country that emit dangerous air pollutants, like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, to improve air quality and public health. The program is one of the most cost-effective tools to improve air quality and public health in local communities, delivering at least $30 in public health benefits for every Federal dollar spent. EPA estimates that the DERA projects helped generate over $8 billion in health benefits during the first decade of the program. It is a prime example of a program that works, creating jobs, improving the health of our communities, saving Americans money, and protecting the environment. That is why the Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously reported H.R. 2140 earlier this year. I thank Representative Matsui for her leadership on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui).”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2140, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, reauthorizes a longstanding bipartisan program to cut pollution from diesel engines. Through the program, the Environmental Protection Agency administers grants and loans to States and projects that help replace and retrofit diesel engines across the country that emit dangerous air pollutants, like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, to improve air quality and public health. The program is one of the most cost-effective tools to improve air quality and public health in local communities, delivering at least $30 in public health benefits for every Federal dollar spent. EPA estimates that the DERA projects helped generate over $8 billion in health benefits during the first decade of the program. It is a prime example of a program that works, creating jobs, improving the health of our communities, saving Americans money, and protecting the environment. That is why the Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously reported H.R. 2140 earlier this year. I thank Representative Matsui for her leadership on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui).
“I want the House to pass this bill. It is a good and sensible step forward for battery recycling.”
“Mr. Speaker, the BRACE Act is a reasonable and meaningful step forward on battery recycling. I urge my colleagues to support it and vote in favor of it. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, the BRACE Act is a reasonable and meaningful step forward on battery recycling. I urge my colleagues to support it and vote in favor of it. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
“I want the House to pass this bill. It makes it easier to recycle batteries in the United States and keeps important minerals here. It also requires clear safety rules to prevent fires and protect our health.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 9615, the BRACE Act, will help us increase the domestic recycling of batteries while keeping critical minerals found in those batteries in the United States for future use. This bill is a compromise and a win-win for the environment and our economic supply chain. First and foremost, this bill will require the Environmental Protection Agency to develop, finally, a regulatory framework specifically for lithium-ion battery recycling that addresses safety concerns while protecting public health and the environment. EPA has promised battery recyclers a lithium-ion battery rule for years, and the BRACE Act will finally get it done. The new rule will consider new safety measures for battery recycling, which is critically important as many landfills and recyclers have been forced to address the fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries without any guidance from EPA on how to manage these risks. The rule also requires EPA to take into consideration any impacts on health and the environment. This is because we know that many of the substances found within these batteries are hazardous and should be managed properly. The bill creates parity between facilities that temporarily store lithium-ion batteries before recycling and facilities that store battery waste onsite. It also maintains and, in some cases, establishes stronger regulatory guidelines for safety at these facilities. The BRACE Act offers a meaningful path forward on lithium-ion battery recycling. It ensures we keep critical mineral components in our domestic supply chain, all while protecting health and safety. To be clear, the BRACE Act is a bipartisan compromise. While the text does not include everything either side might have wanted, there was significant bipartisan work done to reach this agreement. I commend my colleagues for their efforts, as this bill unanimously advanced out of the Energy and Commerce Committee. I believe the BRACE Act is a reasonable and meaningful step forward on battery recycling, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 9615, the BRACE Act, will help us increase the domestic recycling of batteries while keeping critical minerals found in those batteries in the United States for future use. This bill is a compromise and a win-win for the environment and our economic supply chain. First and foremost, this bill will require the Environmental Protection Agency to develop, finally, a regulatory framework specifically for lithium-ion battery recycling that addresses safety concerns while protecting public health and the environment. EPA has promised battery recyclers a lithium-ion battery rule for years, and the BRACE Act will finally get it done. The new rule will consider new safety measures for battery recycling, which is critically important as many landfills and recyclers have been forced to address the fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries without any guidance from EPA on how to manage these risks. The rule also requires EPA to take into consideration any impacts on health and the environment. This is because we know that many of the substances found within these batteries are hazardous and should be managed properly. The bill creates parity between facilities that temporarily store lithium-ion batteries before recycling and facilities that store battery waste onsite. It also maintains and, in some cases, establishes stronger regulatory guidelines for safety at these facilities. The BRACE Act offers a meaningful path forward on lithium-ion battery recycling. It ensures we keep critical mineral components in our domestic supply chain, all while protecting health and safety. To be clear, the BRACE Act is a bipartisan compromise. While the text does not include everything either side might have wanted, there was significant bipartisan work done to reach this agreement. I commend my colleagues for their efforts, as this bill unanimously advanced out of the Energy and Commerce Committee. I believe the BRACE Act is a reasonable and meaningful step forward on battery recycling, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
“I want the House to pass this bill. It directs the government to create a plan to recycle important minerals from old electronics and other trash. The United States buys too many of these minerals from other countries like China, and recycling them here will protect our supply chains.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 9617, the CHARM Act, bipartisan legislation led by our committee’s Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Tonko and Chairman Palmer. Critical minerals are a vital component of many modern technologies, from our cell phones to clean energy technologies like solar panels and electric vehicles. As the world continues to invest in these technologies, the demand for these minerals will only increase. However, the United States is heavily reliant on imports for many critical materials, leaving us exposed to geopolitical supply chain risks. China currently possesses a stranglehold on much of the critical mineral supply chain and has already demonstrated a willingness to leverage this dominance by restricting exports to the United States and other countries. This poses serious economic and energy security risks. Critical mineral recovery offers a resourceful solution to this problem. Looking at discarded materials like e-waste and other end-of- life products promotes resource efficiency, boosts resiliency, helps alleviate supply chain pressures, and reduces the need to mine new minerals. This bipartisan bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out a national critical mineral recovery strategy to coordinate Federal efforts to recover critical minerals from discarded materials, tapping into an important domestic feedstock that is easily overlooked. This strategy can help our Nation collect the information to bolster our domestic critical mineral supply chains. It will build on EPA’s ongoing efforts under the bipartisan infrastructure law, without compromising the environment or public health. For too long, we have allowed valuable critical minerals to go to landfills, never to be recovered. This must change if we want to remain globally competitive and reduce our dependence on foreign sources for critical minerals. While there is much more work to do to scale our domestic recycling and recovery efforts, this is an important and commonsense step forward. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 9617, the CHARM Act, bipartisan legislation led by our committee’s Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Tonko and Chairman Palmer. Critical minerals are a vital component of many modern technologies, from our cell phones to clean energy technologies like solar panels and electric vehicles. As the world continues to invest in these technologies, the demand for these minerals will only increase. However, the United States is heavily reliant on imports for many critical materials, leaving us exposed to geopolitical supply chain risks. China currently possesses a stranglehold on much of the critical mineral supply chain and has already demonstrated a willingness to leverage this dominance by restricting exports to the United States and other countries. This poses serious economic and energy security risks. Critical mineral recovery offers a resourceful solution to this problem. Looking at discarded materials like e-waste and other end-of- life products promotes resource efficiency, boosts resiliency, helps alleviate supply chain pressures, and reduces the need to mine new minerals. This bipartisan bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out a national critical mineral recovery strategy to coordinate Federal efforts to recover critical minerals from discarded materials, tapping into an important domestic feedstock that is easily overlooked. This strategy can help our Nation collect the information to bolster our domestic critical mineral supply chains. It will build on EPA’s ongoing efforts under the bipartisan infrastructure law, without compromising the environment or public health. For too long, we have allowed valuable critical minerals to go to landfills, never to be recovered. This must change if we want to remain globally competitive and reduce our dependence on foreign sources for critical minerals. While there is much more work to do to scale our domestic recycling and recovery efforts, this is an important and commonsense step forward. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
“I want the House to pass this bill. It stops people from making fake pills with illegal chemicals. We need to do this to fight the fentanyl crisis, along with funding addiction treatment.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we have noted, this legislation addresses supply chains that turn illicit chemicals into counterfeit pills, and it is a critical part of fighting back against the fentanyl crisis. We must do this and more, restoring funding, restoring programs, and ensuring access to treatment. For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes’’ on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, as we have noted, this legislation addresses supply chains that turn illicit chemicals into counterfeit pills, and it is a critical part of fighting back against the fentanyl crisis. We must do this and more, restoring funding, restoring programs, and ensuring access to treatment. For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes’’ on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
“I support this bill because it cracks down on the equipment and supply chains used to make fake fentanyl pills. But police work alone will not save lives. We also need addiction treatment and tools like test strips and naloxone. The Trump administration is cutting funding for treatment and overdose prevention, and that needs to stop.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8005. This legislation addresses the supply chains that turn illicit chemicals into counterfeit pills by targeting the equipment, importation, and production behind the fentanyl crisis. Over the past several years, we have worked together in a strong, bipartisan way to make real progress in combating the overdose crisis. However, it is important to recognize that an enforcement-only strategy is not the answer. This legislation prioritizes enforcement, and enforcement alone ultimately does not save lives. The good news is that we know what does: expanding access to treatment for opioid use disorder and harm-reduction interventions like fentanyl test strips and naloxone. That is why the Trump administration’s actions to slash substance use treatment funding is so alarming. It could threaten the real progress that we have made. The Trump administration has dismantled the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA, the agency responsible for addressing the overdose crisis, and it has kept hundreds of millions of dollars in addiction and overdose prevention funding. If we truly want to protect our community, we need to work together to increase access to treatment and stop these attacks from this administration. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8005. This legislation addresses the supply chains that turn illicit chemicals into counterfeit pills by targeting the equipment, importation, and production behind the fentanyl crisis. Over the past several years, we have worked together in a strong, bipartisan way to make real progress in combating the overdose crisis. However, it is important to recognize that an enforcement-only strategy is not the answer. This legislation prioritizes enforcement, and enforcement alone ultimately does not save lives. The good news is that we know what does: expanding access to treatment for opioid use disorder and harm-reduction interventions like fentanyl test strips and naloxone. That is why the Trump administration’s actions to slash substance use treatment funding is so alarming. It could threaten the real progress that we have made. The Trump administration has dismantled the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA, the agency responsible for addressing the overdose crisis, and it has kept hundreds of millions of dollars in addiction and overdose prevention funding. If we truly want to protect our community, we need to work together to increase access to treatment and stop these attacks from this administration. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
“I want the House to pass this bill. It tells health officials to study how emergency rooms test overdose patients for fentanyl.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of H.R. 2004, Tyler’s Law. This legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study the use of fentanyl testing in hospital emergency departments for patients experiencing an overdose. As we heard so eloquently from Chairman Guthrie, I, too, thank Tyler’s mom for her tireless advocacy and to thank Representative Lieu for his leadership on this legislation and my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee for working to bring the bill to the floor today. I encourage all my colleagues to vote ``yes,’’ and I reserve the balance of my time.”
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of H.R. 2004, Tyler’s Law. This legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study the use of fentanyl testing in hospital emergency departments for patients experiencing an overdose. As we heard so eloquently from Chairman Guthrie, I, too, thank Tyler’s mom for her tireless advocacy and to thank Representative Lieu for his leadership on this legislation and my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee for working to bring the bill to the floor today. I encourage all my colleagues to vote ``yes,’’ and I reserve the balance of my time.
“I want my colleagues to vote for this bill. We also need to pass more laws that help people get drug prevention, treatment, and recovery services.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes’’ on this bill and to work on additional legislation that will expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery to combat this epidemic. I yield back the balance of my time.”
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes’’ on this bill and to work on additional legislation that will expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery to combat this epidemic. I yield back the balance of my time.
“I want the House to pass this bill. Drug dealers mix xylazine with fentanyl, and it causes deadly overdoses. This bill makes illegal xylazine harder to sell, but still lets veterinarians use it safely on animals. We also need more funding for addiction treatment and prevention to fully stop these deaths.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of H.R. 1266. This legislation classifies xylazine as a schedule III controlled substance while including provisions to preserve access for veterinarians, livestock producers, and researchers. Over the last decade, xylazine has been increasingly found in the illicit drug supply as a low-cost cutting agent intended to strengthen street drugs. Because of its use in veterinary medicine, drug traffickers realized that they could buy powdered xylazine, and it has become the most common drug mixed with fentanyl. This potent drug combination poses severe health and safety risks, and there has been a dramatic increase in overdoses involving xylazine. Xylazine remains an important prescription sedative that facilitates the safe handling and treatment of many animal species. For example, it is important for use in cattle, as there is no practical alternative for sedation. This legislation protects the legitimate use of xylazine for veterinary medicine and fights the spread of illicit xylazine among humans, but scheduling alone will not get us out of the overdose epidemic. We need investment in harm reduction, prevention, and treatment services to reduce overdose deaths across the Nation. We need a comprehensive, evidence-based public health approach to address this crisis. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes’’ on this bill and to work with me on legislation that will expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of H.R. 1266. This legislation classifies xylazine as a schedule III controlled substance while including provisions to preserve access for veterinarians, livestock producers, and researchers. Over the last decade, xylazine has been increasingly found in the illicit drug supply as a low-cost cutting agent intended to strengthen street drugs. Because of its use in veterinary medicine, drug traffickers realized that they could buy powdered xylazine, and it has become the most common drug mixed with fentanyl. This potent drug combination poses severe health and safety risks, and there has been a dramatic increase in overdoses involving xylazine. Xylazine remains an important prescription sedative that facilitates the safe handling and treatment of many animal species. For example, it is important for use in cattle, as there is no practical alternative for sedation. This legislation protects the legitimate use of xylazine for veterinary medicine and fights the spread of illicit xylazine among humans, but scheduling alone will not get us out of the overdose epidemic. We need investment in harm reduction, prevention, and treatment services to reduce overdose deaths across the Nation. We need a comprehensive, evidence-based public health approach to address this crisis. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes’’ on this bill and to work with me on legislation that will expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
“I will vote for this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. It funds important research to fight diseases spread by bugs like ticks and mosquitoes.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing. Mr. Speaker, as I stated previously, I believe that this is an important bill that will expand access and make sure that we are funding important research and developments in our vector-borne disease infrastructure. For those reasons, I will be voting ``yes’’ on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing. Mr. Speaker, as I stated previously, I believe that this is an important bill that will expand access and make sure that we are funding important research and developments in our vector-borne disease infrastructure. For those reasons, I will be voting ``yes’’ on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
“I want the House to pass this bill. Diseases spread by ticks, like Lyme disease, are increasing across the country. This bill funds research, improves testing, and helps states track and fight these illnesses.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2398, the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act. This legislation strengthens the infrastructure and research needed to improve our response to illnesses spread by ticks and other vectors. Tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, have been reported in all 50 States and Washington, D.C., and continue to increase. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that almost half a million people are treated for Lyme disease every year. That is more than double compared to two decades ago. This bill expands research, improves testing, and coordinates vector- borne disease efforts across the Federal Government. It also reauthorizes funding for Regional Centers of Excellence for surveillance, prevention, and response to vector-borne diseases, and reauthorizes grants to State health departments to support their vector-borne disease infrastructure. With tick and vector-borne disease increasing in the United States, I encourage all of my colleagues to honor the legacy of Senator Kay Hagan, who died from complications of a virus caused by a tick bite, by voting ``yes’’ on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2398, the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act. This legislation strengthens the infrastructure and research needed to improve our response to illnesses spread by ticks and other vectors. Tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, have been reported in all 50 States and Washington, D.C., and continue to increase. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that almost half a million people are treated for Lyme disease every year. That is more than double compared to two decades ago. This bill expands research, improves testing, and coordinates vector- borne disease efforts across the Federal Government. It also reauthorizes funding for Regional Centers of Excellence for surveillance, prevention, and response to vector-borne diseases, and reauthorizes grants to State health departments to support their vector-borne disease infrastructure. With tick and vector-borne disease increasing in the United States, I encourage all of my colleagues to honor the legacy of Senator Kay Hagan, who died from complications of a virus caused by a tick bite, by voting ``yes’’ on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
“I want the House to pass this bill to keep AM radio in all new cars. I agree with the reasons my colleagues gave.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close. Mr. Speaker, as I stated earlier and for the reasons Chairman Guthrie and Mrs. Dingell stated, I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 979, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close. Mr. Speaker, as I stated earlier and for the reasons Chairman Guthrie and Mrs. Dingell stated, I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 979, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.
“I want the House to pass this bill. It requires car makers to include AM radios in all new passenger vehicles. Millions of Americans listen to AM radio, and it is a key way people get emergency alerts during disasters.”
“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 979, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, bipartisan legislation that Ranking Member Pallone introduced with Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Bilirakis of Florida. As Chairman Guthrie just noted, tens of millions of Americans listen to AM radio every day. Americans tune in to listen to the news, sports, weather, and more, often while driving. AM radio also plays a critical role during emergencies. AM stations are an important distribution for emergency alerts, and there is a network of AM broadcast stations specifically designed to withstand major weather events and other disasters. These stations act as primary entry points for the Nation’s Emergency Alert System, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency invests millions of dollars every year to keep those AM stations ready to broadcast in emergencies. Given how important AM radio is, especially in times of emergency, we cannot risk removing it from our vehicles, which multiple automakers have done. This bill, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, recognizes the essential role of AM radio and ensures that consumers will continue to have AM radio available in their vehicles. It directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule that requires vehicle manufacturers to install equipment to receive AM radio signals in all new passenger cars made or sold in the United States. The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act will preserve access to critical information provided over AM radio during times of emergency, as well as access to the stations Americans know and love during times of safety. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 979, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, bipartisan legislation that Ranking Member Pallone introduced with Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Bilirakis of Florida. As Chairman Guthrie just noted, tens of millions of Americans listen to AM radio every day. Americans tune in to listen to the news, sports, weather, and more, often while driving. AM radio also plays a critical role during emergencies. AM stations are an important distribution for emergency alerts, and there is a network of AM broadcast stations specifically designed to withstand major weather events and other disasters. These stations act as primary entry points for the Nation’s Emergency Alert System, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency invests millions of dollars every year to keep those AM stations ready to broadcast in emergencies. Given how important AM radio is, especially in times of emergency, we cannot risk removing it from our vehicles, which multiple automakers have done. This bill, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, recognizes the essential role of AM radio and ensures that consumers will continue to have AM radio available in their vehicles. It directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule that requires vehicle manufacturers to install equipment to receive AM radio signals in all new passenger cars made or sold in the United States. The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act will preserve access to critical information provided over AM radio during times of emergency, as well as access to the stations Americans know and love during times of safety. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.
“I want the House to pass this bill. Music brings Americans together, and I will vote yes.”
“Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, I think this is an important bill. I appreciate the representation. I think there is probably nothing that we have seen more in the last few weeks that has united Americans in every corner of the country, on both sides of the aisle and everywhere in between, than our appreciation and love for Dolly Parton. Madam Speaker, I am proud to support this bill. I look forward to voting in favor of it, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, I think this is an important bill. I appreciate the representation. I think there is probably nothing that we have seen more in the last few weeks that has united Americans in every corner of the country, on both sides of the aisle and everywhere in between, than our appreciation and love for Dolly Parton. Madam Speaker, I am proud to support this bill. I look forward to voting in favor of it, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
“I want the House to pass this bill. It directs the government to promote travel to American music festivals and concert venues. Music tourism brings in visitors, supports local businesses, and creates jobs.”
“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise to speak in support of S. 195, the American Music Tourism Act of 2025. Americans are fortunate to have a rich musical heritage. Across the country, there are countless venues where gifted musicians perform, attracting millions of people from around the country and around the world. Visitors come to see an artist they love or for the chance to stand where a famous musician got their start. No matter how far they have traveled, these tourists are spending money and enhancing our local economies by supporting jobs and artists. I am pleased to support the American Music Tourism Act of 2025. This bill charges the National Travel and Tourism office with promoting domestic and international travel and tourism to U.S. music venues. Promoting tourism to music venues will directly benefit local economies. When tourists travel for music events, they drive an increase in hospitality spending in local communities. This bill will enhance the economic benefits venues bring to our local economies by creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and championing our music industry. I thank Representative Barragan for her leadership on this legislation, and I encourage my colleagues to support it. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise to speak in support of S. 195, the American Music Tourism Act of 2025. Americans are fortunate to have a rich musical heritage. Across the country, there are countless venues where gifted musicians perform, attracting millions of people from around the country and around the world. Visitors come to see an artist they love or for the chance to stand where a famous musician got their start. No matter how far they have traveled, these tourists are spending money and enhancing our local economies by supporting jobs and artists. I am pleased to support the American Music Tourism Act of 2025. This bill charges the National Travel and Tourism office with promoting domestic and international travel and tourism to U.S. music venues. Promoting tourism to music venues will directly benefit local economies. When tourists travel for music events, they drive an increase in hospitality spending in local communities. This bill will enhance the economic benefits venues bring to our local economies by creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and championing our music industry. I thank Representative Barragan for her leadership on this legislation, and I encourage my colleagues to support it. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
“I want the House to pass this bill. Data centers for AI use a lot of electricity, which strains our power grid. But AI can also help us find weak spots in the grid and connect new power plants faster. This bill tells federal energy agencies to study how AI can make the grid more reliable and report back to Congress.”
“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Like many of my colleagues and constituents, I am concerned about the impacts that data centers fuelling AI technologies are having on the affordability and reliability of our Nation’s power grid, absent guardrails from Congress. Those concerns are only growing. However, AI can also be deployed to help mitigate some of the stress on our grid by making it easier to model a complex grid to see where reliability issues may emerge in the future or by cutting down on the length of time that grid operators take to review a power plant’s application to connect to the power grid. H.R. 9339 is a straightforward, bipartisan bill. It requires the Department of Energy, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation to study how to use artificial intelligence and other computing tools to enhance grid reliability and to report those findings back to Congress. Nothing in this bill means that I or my colleagues will pause our efforts to put commonsense guardrails on data centers to protect American families, but we want to make sure we can get the most out of these technologies at the same time to better protect our grid in an era where the risk of blackouts is rising. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Like many of my colleagues and constituents, I am concerned about the impacts that data centers fuelling AI technologies are having on the affordability and reliability of our Nation’s power grid, absent guardrails from Congress. Those concerns are only growing. However, AI can also be deployed to help mitigate some of the stress on our grid by making it easier to model a complex grid to see where reliability issues may emerge in the future or by cutting down on the length of time that grid operators take to review a power plant’s application to connect to the power grid. H.R. 9339 is a straightforward, bipartisan bill. It requires the Department of Energy, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation to study how to use artificial intelligence and other computing tools to enhance grid reliability and to report those findings back to Congress. Nothing in this bill means that I or my colleagues will pause our efforts to put commonsense guardrails on data centers to protect American families, but we want to make sure we can get the most out of these technologies at the same time to better protect our grid in an era where the risk of blackouts is rising. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
“I want the House to pass this bill. Demand for power is growing fast because of data centers, but we do not know how much power they will actually need. If companies guess wrong, electric bills will go up or power outages will increase. This bill helps the federal government and states work together to make better predictions.”
“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, one of the most frustrating aspects of the explosion of artificial intelligence-driven demand for electricity is that we actually have no idea how large it will be. We know the demand for power is soaring, but estimates vary all over the place. One study from this February estimated that by the end of the decade, data centers would consume anywhere between 9 and 17 percent of all American electricity. Both of those numbers are enormous, but the gap between them is enormous, too. We simply need to get smarter about our demand forecasts. This isn’t an academic point. Demand projections for the future impact electricity prices today. Utilities across the Nation are investing in infrastructure and putting steel in the ground today based on the best available estimates of what demand for electricity will look like 3 to 5 years from now. If they are wrong because the estimates are too high, there is no refund. Families across the Nation will be stuck holding the bag. If they are wrong because the estimates are too low, then our grid gets less reliable, and the risk of blackouts increases. It is a lose-lose situation. H.R. 9332, the Load Forecasting Enhancement Act, helps fix this problem by requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, to create joint boards with State regulators to figure out best practices for predicting electricity demand. The bill requires State regulators to push for their utilities to use those best practices. It is a smart solution that gets every relevant party to the table. I commend my colleague, Representative Menendez, for co-leading this bill. I will note that all of these efforts become more difficult if data centers continue issuing NDAs that prevent utilities from comparing notes to see if they are getting requests from the same data center. We need guardrails on data center development to ensure transparency for communities and regulators. This bill doesn’t entirely fix the problem, but it represents an important first step. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, one of the most frustrating aspects of the explosion of artificial intelligence-driven demand for electricity is that we actually have no idea how large it will be. We know the demand for power is soaring, but estimates vary all over the place. One study from this February estimated that by the end of the decade, data centers would consume anywhere between 9 and 17 percent of all American electricity. Both of those numbers are enormous, but the gap between them is enormous, too. We simply need to get smarter about our demand forecasts. This isn’t an academic point. Demand projections for the future impact electricity prices today. Utilities across the Nation are investing in infrastructure and putting steel in the ground today based on the best available estimates of what demand for electricity will look like 3 to 5 years from now. If they are wrong because the estimates are too high, there is no refund. Families across the Nation will be stuck holding the bag. If they are wrong because the estimates are too low, then our grid gets less reliable, and the risk of blackouts increases. It is a lose-lose situation. H.R. 9332, the Load Forecasting Enhancement Act, helps fix this problem by requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, to create joint boards with State regulators to figure out best practices for predicting electricity demand. The bill requires State regulators to push for their utilities to use those best practices. It is a smart solution that gets every relevant party to the table. I commend my colleague, Representative Menendez, for co-leading this bill. I will note that all of these efforts become more difficult if data centers continue issuing NDAs that prevent utilities from comparing notes to see if they are getting requests from the same data center. We need guardrails on data center development to ensure transparency for communities and regulators. This bill doesn’t entirely fix the problem, but it represents an important first step. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
“I want the House to pass this bill. Our electric grid needs to carry more power so electricity stays reliable and affordable. This bill requires power companies to use better, modern wires that carry more electricity on existing lines. It is the cheapest and fastest way to grow our power grid.”
“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, Democrats have argued for years that growing our power grid is crucial. A grid that is too small, too dumb, and too rigid only serves to make power unreliable and increase American families’ power bills. A grid that is larger, smarter, and more flexible is what we need, especially if we hope to withstand a wave of data-center-driven demand for power. While it is critical that we give grid operators new tools to build new power lines, the cheapest and quickest way to expand our grid is to get more of what we currently have. For decades, utilities have largely used the same conductors and power lines, but it doesn’t have to be that way. New advanced conductors can often carry much more power through the same transmission line than traditional conductors. H.R. 6633, the High-Capacity Grid Act would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, to issue a rule requiring utilities to use the best available class of transmission conductors. I want to note two important things. First, the bill focuses on the best-available class of conductors, not a single technology. The goal here is not to favor a single company or a single technology, but to give FERC and the Department of Energy the flexibility to designate what constitutes the best-available class of conductors. Second, the bill relies on FERC to maintain a balance, to ensure that utilities have the ability to use other conductors when they really need to, and to ensure that the exceptions do not become the rule. This bill is only a small part of a much larger conversation we need to have about how to expand our power grid. Unfortunately, Republicans and the Trump administration have been reluctant to engage in serious conversations on what we can do to build a grid for the 21st century. I think that is a shame, and there should be more transmission bills on the floor along with this one today. We should be considering Energy Subcommittee Ranking Member Castor’s bill to speed up the process that generators use to connect to the power grid. This bill certainly won’t solve the problem by itself, but it does represent an important first step. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, Democrats have argued for years that growing our power grid is crucial. A grid that is too small, too dumb, and too rigid only serves to make power unreliable and increase American families’ power bills. A grid that is larger, smarter, and more flexible is what we need, especially if we hope to withstand a wave of data-center-driven demand for power. While it is critical that we give grid operators new tools to build new power lines, the cheapest and quickest way to expand our grid is to get more of what we currently have. For decades, utilities have largely used the same conductors and power lines, but it doesn’t have to be that way. New advanced conductors can often carry much more power through the same transmission line than traditional conductors. H.R. 6633, the High-Capacity Grid Act would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, to issue a rule requiring utilities to use the best available class of transmission conductors. I want to note two important things. First, the bill focuses on the best-available class of conductors, not a single technology. The goal here is not to favor a single company or a single technology, but to give FERC and the Department of Energy the flexibility to designate what constitutes the best-available class of conductors. Second, the bill relies on FERC to maintain a balance, to ensure that utilities have the ability to use other conductors when they really need to, and to ensure that the exceptions do not become the rule. This bill is only a small part of a much larger conversation we need to have about how to expand our power grid. Unfortunately, Republicans and the Trump administration have been reluctant to engage in serious conversations on what we can do to build a grid for the 21st century. I think that is a shame, and there should be more transmission bills on the floor along with this one today. We should be considering Energy Subcommittee Ranking Member Castor’s bill to speed up the process that generators use to connect to the power grid. This bill certainly won’t solve the problem by itself, but it does represent an important first step. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
