Democrat to vote for major GOP energy bill meant as response to Biden agenda
Breanne Deppisch
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Democratic Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (TX) said that he will vote for the Republican energy bill this week, saying it would help ensure reliable domestic energy production and reform the federal permitting process.
“In order to fully realize the benefits of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, remain competitive on the world stage, and ensure the American people have access to safer roads and bridges and reliable and affordable energy, we must improve federal environmental review and permitting processes,” Gonzalez told the Washington Examiner in a statement Wednesday.
HERE’S WHAT’S IN HR 1, THE GOP LEGISLATION TO COUNTER BIDEN’S ENERGY AGENDA
“While this package is far from perfect, it is a step forward,” he added. “I am hopeful that we can work in a bipartisan and bicameral way to make progress on this issue and deliver for our constituents.”
H.R. 1, or the Lower Energy Costs Act, combines major priorities and efforts advanced by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the House Natural Resources and Transportation Committee, and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. It is slated for a full House vote Thursday.
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The bill would undo aspects of the major climate legislation passed by Democrats and signed by President Joe Biden last year. Gonzalez voted for that legislation.
The White House said Monday that Biden would veto H.R. 1, describing it in a statement as a “thinly veiled license to pollute.”