|
|---|
|
Amendment No. 3 Offered by Mr. Self Speakers: Congressman Keith Self & Congressman David Valadao Publication: Congressional Record Date: 11 July 2024 Subjects: American Government  , Electric Vehicles
|
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 3 printed in House Report 118-578.
Mr. SELF. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the following:
Sec. __. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to operate an electric vehicle charging station in any of the Capitol Buildings (as defined in section 5101 of title 40, United States Code) or on the United States Capitol Grounds (as described in section 5102 of title 40, United States Code).
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1341, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Self) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
Mr. SELF. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer my amendment to the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill that will prohibit electric vehicle charging on the U.S. Capitol Grounds.
Imagine how ridiculous it would sound if we told the American people that Members of Congress and their staff could get unlimited gasoline for their cars for just $27 a month.
It would be outrageous. Nonetheless, that is what is happening inside the Capitol parking garages, but only for electric vehicles.
For $27 a month, Members and their D.C. staffers are plugging in their Teslas and Priuses, draining my constituents' tax dollars who are paying full price for their gasoline back at home. This is especially egregious in light of the fact that huge subsidies for EV purchases already exist.
The bottom line is this: It is a free market. The Federal Government should not be picking winners and losers. If you choose to purchase an electric vehicle with all of those subsidies, then you should pay for it and be prepared for higher costs. Americans should not be subsidizing the vehicle choices of D.C. elites.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from California is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Chairman, I oppose this amendment as written.
The amendment would prohibit the use of all Architect of the Capitol electric vehicles and equipment, which are used for facility and ground maintenance activities.
For example, the Capitol Visitor Center's electric shuttles provide transportation to those needing mobility assistance while they are visiting the Capitol. Over the past year, Visitor Services provided over 33,000 shuttle rides for the elderly and disabled constituents and visitors to the campus.
These electric vehicles, currently in good working condition, would need to be replaced which would require a significant initial outlay of funds and would cause exposure to engine exhaust and noise for the equipment that would then have to be used indoor and in the buildings that we work in.
In addition to AOC operations, this would also adversely affect Members and House staff who pay to use the power from receptacles in the House garages.
Due to these adverse impacts, I oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SELF. Mr. Chair, I would like to remind the gentleman that those who drive gas-powered vehicles into work every day do not get reimbursed for their commute.
Why is it acceptable, why is it correct, and why is it seemingly prudent to reimburse someone for the energy to commute here every day given the subsidies?
Not only the purchase of their vehicle, but the energy to run that vehicle on a daily basis.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Chairman, again, I think it is important to remind folks at home watching that these are all-electric vehicles in the building. So for the 33,000 people who required shuttle assistance to get around the Capitol, elderly and disabled people who needed assistance to visit their building that their tax dollars are paying for, there are a lot of services.
As the amendment is written currently, I have to oppose the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SELF. Mr. Chair, this is a simple, commonsense amendment. Politicians should not get a free pass on the ridiculously high energy prices under the Biden administration. I choose to stand with my constituents.
This amendment also reduces the cost of Federal spending within our branch of government and makes us more accountable to the constituents we represent.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Self).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.
Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Texas will be postponed.