(Washington, DC) – Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 5120, the Safe, Accountable, Fair, and Environmentally Responsible (SAFER) Pipelines Act of 2019 in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure:

“Ensuring that our nation’s pipeline network operates in a safe manner should be a priority for every member of Congress. In past years, when Congress has voted to reauthorize the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, it has passed with near universal support.

“There are critical issues that Congress should be addressing through this process, including updating pipeline safety standards and developing modern regulations for liquified natural gas facilities.

“This bill is of great importance in our district, and I have been working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put forward a bipartisan bill addressing our pipeline safety needs. Unfortunately, that process was negatively impacted by administrative actions.

“As a result, I voted no on the final bill in the hope that we can further revise it. I am glad that the committee unanimously adopted two amendments I offered, both of which improved the bill by revising its sections on a technology pilot program and inspection.

“I look forward to continuing to work with members on both sides of the aisle to improve the bill so that we can get legislation to the President’s desk for signature.”