Today, Rep. Henry Cuellar announced the House passage of H.R. 2641, the 2008 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which calls for the promotion of energy independence and the reduction of global warming. With the passage of the bill, the House is taking action to lessen the dependence on foreign oil and cut greenhouse emissions.

The bill invests $3 billion - $1 billion more than President Bush’s request – to research global warming and to work on new technologies and renewable energy to slow it down. In addition, it also includes a 50 percent increase over the President’s request in energy efficiency and renewable energy. The bill calls for research and development of alternative fuels, such as corn based and cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel.

“It is imperative to me that my constituents have secure, healthy environments to live in, and addressing our energy crisis is one of them,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Working in Congress to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens of Texas remains one of my top priorities.”

The bill calls for investing in long-term research for developing the next generation of scientific breakthroughs, supporting 3,500 additional researchers and allowing almost all of the science facilities to continue operating at maximum capacity.  It also focuses attention on the need to improve U.S. waterways and flood protection.

“We need to sustain the coastal and inland navigation infrastructure critical to the U.S. economy and at the same time, we need to close the gaps in flood protection,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I commend my colleagues in the House in passing this bill and I encourage our Senate counterparts to preserve these important provisions as the bill moves through Congress.”

Nearly 80 percent – or $25.243 billion - of the bill’s $31.6 billion will be used for Energy Department programs; $5.584 billion will be sent to the Army Corps of Engineers; and $1.073 billion will be allocated for the Department of the Interior.

The bill is still pending Senate action, full Congressional approval, and the President’s signature. President Bush has threatened to veto this appropriations measure.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.
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