The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“IN SUPPORT OF THE VETERAN HIGH ALTITUDE AND SUICIDE RESEARCH ACT” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H4720 on Sept. 23, 2020.
The Department oversees energy policies and is involved in how the US handles nuclear programs. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department's misguided energy regulations have caused large losses to consumers for decades.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN SUPPORT OF THE VETERAN HIGH ALTITUDE AND SUICIDE RESEARCH ACT
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Utah
(Mr. McAdams) for 5 minutes.
Mr. McADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the VA High Altitude and Suicide Research Act. I introduced this bipartisan bill to combat a very serious threat to our veteran population.
After serving and protecting our country, our veterans return home only to face new threats. Studies show that veteran suicide is one-and-
a-half times higher than nonveteran suicides.
We must do everything we can to understand why our Nation's heroes are taking their own lives, and we must do more to prevent more tragic deaths.
In talking with suicide prevention experts in my home State of Utah, I am told that we need to better understand the possible connection between high altitude and suicide. That is what my bill does.
The VA High Altitude and Suicide Research Act compels the VA to study the link between veteran suicide and high altitude. It also requires the VA to establish effective treatment plans that respond to the threats and to save lives.
As a nation, we have a responsibility to prevent future tragedies and provide these servicemembers with the care that they so desperately deserve.
I thank the House for taking up this important legislation, and I urge adoption.
Support for a Sustainable, Clean Energy Economy
Mr. McADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of two of my bills included in the Clean Economy and Jobs Innovation Act. This legislative package takes bold and important steps toward a sustainable, clean energy economy. It is not only good for our health and for our environment, but it is good for our economy.
I am particularly pleased to see my legislation included in the package, the Solar Energy Research and Development Act. This bill authorizes solar energy research, development, and deployment within the Department of Energy.
Utah is a national leader in solar technology and is projected to produce over 1,000 megawatts of solar power in the next 5 years. My bill addresses the very serious threat of climate change, while supporting clean energy jobs.
I am also pleased to see my air quality bill included. The Background Ozone Research Study Act directs the EPA and the National Academies of Science to study the sources of background ozone pollution and to provide actionable steps for cleaning our air.
Mr. Speaker, this bill supports our clean energy economy and addresses our very serious need to address the climate crisis.
In Support of the FAITH in Congress Act
Mr. McADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the FAITH in Congress Act. This bipartisan legislation, introduced by my colleague Stephanie Murphy, seeks to restore trust and faith in Congress as an institution.
As I travel throughout my district and talk with Utahns, there is a common theme that I hear from people of all political walks. That is that our political system is broken, and we need to change the way Washington does business. So this bill takes commonsense, concrete steps to restore that faith through five central pillars:
No automatic pay increases for Members of Congress, which I have fought against since I was first sworn in;
No budget, no pay;
No first-class Member travel at taxpayer expense;
A lifetime ban on lobbying by former Members of Congress; and
Prioritizing bipartisan bills over partisan bills.
That is it. Five simple steps that we should all be able to rally behind.
Mr. Speaker, this is common sense, and I urge the House to take up and pass this legislation without delay.
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