Dear Neighbor,
Happy New Year! Congress convened in Washington this week for the first time in 2020. And that gives me the opportunity to accomplish one of my new year’s resolutions for 2020—sending this new weekly update. Many of you have told me you would like to hear from me a little more frequently about the work we are doing here, so my resolution this year is to send an update at the end of each week.
It was a busy first week in Washington.
This week, I became the Chair of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy. The subcommittee has oversight of all matters relating to energy research, development, and demonstration projects, including Department of Energy labs; nuclear, solar, renewable energy, and fossil energy research and development; pipeline research; and much more. I look forward to leading the committee’s vital work to support our nation’s energy needs in this new role.
In the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Subcommittee on Water Resources held a hearing with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. I asked questions about the progress and timeline for critical projects in our area—the Flood Risk Management Project, including the Buffalo Bayou Study including the Addicks and Barker Reservoirs as well as the project to widen the Houston Ship Channel. It is critical to make sure we keep these projects at the top of the priority list, and I received assurances that they are on track.
I’m pleased that my bill to help protect our firefighters, first responders, and communities from PFAS exposure passed the House Friday morning as a part of the PFAS Action Act, a comprehensive bill that addresses PFAS contamination across the country. My legislation, which I filed after the ITC fire, directs the Environmental Protection Agency to issue guidance on the use of PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam. Our firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line to protect us. We must do everything we can to protect them.
You may have heard that the House voted on a War Powers resolution this week. Like many of you who have called our office recently, I am deeply concerned about the current confrontation with Iran and the risks to our service members and Americans abroad. As you know, this Congress has been asked to answer some of the most serious questions that can come before it at any time. I voted in favor of this resolution because it is essential to honor the brave men and women serving our country in our military by ensuring that we fulfill our own duty to the Constitution when it comes to a declaration of war. Whether to declare war is a question the Constitution of the United States reserves for the Congress of the United States. And for good reason. The question of whether to send our sons and daughters, and our neighbors’ sons and daughters, to war is to be answered by the representatives of the people. This resolution does not prevent Congress from authorizing force against Iran in the future. It does not prevent the President, as Commander-in-Chief, from acting in self-defense or from defending and supporting partners and allies.
One of the things I look forward to most each week is getting the chance to visit with constituents who are in D.C. This week, I had several helpful meetings in the office and also the chance to speak with many of our neighbors as the keynote speaker at the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America’s 2020 planning meeting.
As always, I look forward to hearing from you about your concerns and priorities. I am honored and proud to represent you and Texas’ Seventh Congressional District.
Best wishes,
Lizzie
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