MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration, U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, led Democratic immigration leaders in challenging the constitutional basis of President Trump’s sham “invasion” proclamation, which the President has argued would allow his Administration to circumvent domestic immigration law.

In a letter to the President, the legislators begin by putting this proclamation in context of Trump’s broader, radical immigration initiatives, writing: “Since you came into office, you have attempted to expand the scope of presidential power beyond that which is permitted by the United States Constitution and applicable federal laws. This Proclamation is no different.”

The legislators continue by characterizing the President’s desperate attempts to use emergency authorities as a pretext to avoid complying with immigration laws passed by Congress, writing: “These statements, and your Proclamation, appear to be a part of a larger attempt to invoke any available authority—including extraordinary wartime, public health, and counterterrorism authorities—to circumvent domestic immigration laws and the U.S. Constitution, without factual or legal basis. For example, experts have found no connection between increased migration and crime, and studies have shown that for the past 150 years, immigrants have been convicted of crimes at a far lower rate than U.S.-born citizens. Prior attempts by your previous Administration to apply Title 42 authorities to migrants had no basis in public health. Similarly, there is no factual basis for the statements in your Proclamation.”

The legislators then analyze the President’s incorrect interpretation of the term “invasion,” which is contradicted by long precedent from previous executives involving Presidents Roosevelt, Polk, and Lincoln, writing: “As a legal matter, migration is not an invasion.’ As courts have consistently held, an ‘invasion’ under the Constitution requires ‘armed hostility from another political entity, such as another state or foreign country that is intending to overthrow the [] government.’ Courts’ requirement of an armed attack is consistent with how the term ‘invasion’ is used throughout the Constitution, alongside language like ‘insurrection’ and ‘rebellion.’ Proclaiming a rhetorical ‘invasion’ would degrade protections throughout the Constitution—lowering the bar for suspending the writ of habeas corpus and even expanding the circumstances in which states may ‘engage in War’ without the approval of the federal government. Under our constitutional design, these exceptional powers are reserved for times of armed conflict; they are not available to respond to migration or other non-military matters.”

The legislators then refute the President’s incorrect statement that he can suspend or disregard the laws Congress passed, writing: “[T]he idea that the president has broad inherent power over immigration that allows him to override duly-enacted laws is unfounded and damaging. Congress, not the president, has the authority to make laws, including our immigration laws. And as the courts have long recognized, Congress has created a ‘comprehensive scheme governing all aspects of immigration and naturalization.’ The president has no authority to abandon or rewrite this comprehensive scheme; to the contrary, the president’s constitutional role is to take care that our immigration laws are faithfully executed.”

The legislators conclude with a call to rescind his sham proclamation and instead work toward bipartisan immigration reform in Congress, writing: “The United States is not being invaded, it is not at war with migrants, and you must uphold our duly-enacted immigration laws. We have full faith that the courts will stand firm in the face of your attacks on the separation of powers. We call on you to rescind your Proclamation and work with Congress to pass much-needed, overdue bipartisan immigration reform that respects immigrants’ dignity and the rule of law.”

Click here for a PDF copy of the letter to President Trump.

Issues: Immigration

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Congresswomen Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Debbie Dingell (MI-06) introduced the Pay Federal Workers and Servicemembers Act to allow states to make unemployment benefits available to unpaid federal workers and servicemembers who, despite a government shutdown, are required to show up to work without receiving a paycheck.  

The government runs out of funding on March 14, 2025. Currently, federal workers, which include over a million servicemembers, who are deemed essential and continue to report to work are prohibited from collecting unemployment benefits. The Pay Federal Workers and Servicemembers Act permanently allows unpaid federal workers to become eligible for unemployment benefits, bringing them into parity with furloughed workers.

“During a government shutdown, hundreds of thousands of federal employees are required to work without a paycheck. This includes service members, law enforcement, and public safety officers. Bills still need to be paid and groceries still need to be put on the table no matter how long a shutdown lasts. These essential public servants shouldn’t pay the price for Congress’ inability to do its job. This legislation will make sure that federal workers and service members aren’t used as political pawns,” said DelBene.

“Public servants and servicemembers are working tirelessly to keep us safe, and they shouldn’t be treated as political pawns,” said Dingell. “For many of these essential federal workers, even one missed paycheck can be financially catastrophic. Food, gas, childcare, healthcare, and mortgage payments don’t stop when the government is shut down, and asking our federal workforce to bear the brunt of these costs while they aren’t getting paychecks is simply not right. In the event the government shuts down, we must extend unemployment benefits to the hard-working men and women who keep our lives running smoothly and our country safe.”  

The Pay Federal Workers and Servicemembers Act is cosponsored by Representatives Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), and Terri Sewell (AL-07).  

Text of the bill may be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

DelBene, Beyer Blast Republicans’ Hidden Tariff Provision

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), and Dan Newhouse (WA-04) reintroduced the National Landslide Preparedness Reauthorization Act. This bipartisan legislation will help save lives, protect communities and property, and improve natural disaster emergency preparedness by targeting key gaps in science and mapping critical landslide hazards. 

Following the 2014 Oso tragedy, DelBene shepherded the passage of the National Landslide Preparedness Act which funded critical programs that protect lives and communities from landslide risks. Reauthorizing this funding would help communities plan for and respond to natural hazards, update the nation’s topographical maps, and better inform public safety, national security, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, and natural resources management through 2028.

“Washington knows too well the devastating effects of landslides and communities across the country also see the severe impacts of natural disasters. We must provide safeguards to prevent future tragedies and mitigate risks when possible. This legislation will help ensure our communities are better prepared and able to employ the best science and technology to prevent, plan, and respond to natural disasters,” said DelBene.

“Our communities felt the devastating impact of landslides firsthand when the SR 530 Landslide claimed 43 lives, making it the deadliest in U.S. history,” said Schrier. “This bill will make crucial investments to further our understanding of landslides, improve our preparation for these natural disasters, and ultimately safeguard our communities.” 

“Landslides are dangerous and damaging, so we need the tools to protect life, property, and our local economies. Recently, Southwest Washington experienced several landslides which affect local small businesses, transportation, and recreation and require significant resources to overcome,” said Gluesenkamp Perez. “Our bipartisan legislation will extend commonsense, proactive measures to keep our communities prepared and identify landslide-prone areas before it’s too late.”

“Washington state is no stranger to landslides and the devastation they bring. To better prepare for these natural disasters, we need the best science and technology that ensures our communities are able to prevent and respond when the time comes. This legislation is a step in the right direction towards saving lives and protecting our local communities from the unpredictable threats of landslides,” said Newhouse.

The bill would reauthorize key pieces of the National Landslide Preparedness Act:

• Expanded early warning systems. The law expanded existing early warning systems for post-wildfire landslides in recently burned areas across the United States. It also required procedures to be developed for federal monitoring of stormwater drainage in areas with a high risk of landslides, in coordination with state, local, and tribal governments.
• Federal program focused specifically on landslide hazards. The law established a National Landslides Hazard Reduction program through the U.S. Geological Survey, which is identifying risks and hazards from landslides to protect at-risk communities and improve communication and emergency preparedness.
• New maps to help communities prepare for landslide risk. The law directed the USGS to implement a 3D Elevation Program to increase data collection and landslide threat identification across the country. Enhanced elevation data, such as LIDAR, is critical for numerous reasons—to help communities plan for and respond to natural hazards; to update the nation’s topographical maps; and to inform a myriad of uses including public safety, national security, planning, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, and natural resource management.
• Landslide-related grant programs. The law authorized new programs to provide funding to state, territorial, local, and tribal governments for landslide research, mapping, assessment, and data collection.
• Committees that focus on landslide risks. The law established an advisory committee on landslides and creates an interagency committee to coordinate better landslide responses from the multiple government agencies with jurisdiction.

The National Landslide Preparedness Reauthorization Act is cosponsored by Representatives Adam Smith (WA-09), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Emily Randall (WA-06), and Rick Larsen (WA-02).

A copy of the bill can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) have reintroduced the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, which extends a 30 percent investment tax credit (ITC) to U.S. hydroelectric projects aimed at improving power production, delivering environmental benefits, or removing outdated dam infrastructure, lasting through 2031.

“Washington is a leader in harnessing hydropower to provide reliable and affordable clean energy. This legislation builds on that progress by creating new incentives to improve dam safety, protect fish habitats, and enhance grid resilience. These changes will help Washington families save on energy costs while advancing our commitment to a cleaner future,” said DelBene.

“The ability to harness the power of moving water has paid tremendous dividends for Nebraska’s economy and many other regions of the country,” said Smith, “To meet growing energy demands for the future, we must capitalize on the benefit of sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy sources like hydroelectricity. This legislation will promote development of hydropower and appropriate stewardship of our water resources. I thank my colleagues for joining me to reintroduce this important bill.”

“Hydropower is a powerful bridge between America’s energy past and its clean energy future. This bipartisan bill ensures we maximize its potential—investing in modern infrastructure, strengthening grid security, and restoring vital waterways. By pairing innovation with environmental responsibility, we are building a more resilient and sustainable energy system for generations to come,” said Fitzpatrick.

“Hydropower is the largest source of electricity in Washington state, comprising 67% of the energy generation mix. It’s important we invest in the safety of this reliable, affordable resource to achieve our emissions goals while restoring river health and safe passage for salmon and steelhead populations,” said Schrier. “This legislation will incentivize safer hydroelectric energy production while also enhancing aquatic ecosystems, water quality, and public use upgrades.”  

“Hydropower is at the heart of lowering energy costs for hardworking Granite Staters and making America the world’s clean energy superpower,” said Goodlander. “I’m proud to be working to get this important bipartisan legislation across the finish line.”

“Hydropower is well-positioned to help America meet our bold energy goals — with the right federal support. America’s first electricity resource is reliable, dependable, domestically-sourced, and capable of bolstering our grid at a moment’s notice, but a lack of investment in these “forever assets” threatens those capabilities. NHA is proud to support this bipartisan legislation because we know that it will help preserve this critical resource at a time when America needs every megawatt to power our continued prosperity,” said Malcolm Woolf, President and CEO, National Hydropower Association.

“We support this bipartisan legislation which aligns well with President Trump’s previous comments on the importance of clean water. Rivers are the lifeblood of our nation, providing drinking water, sanitation, power generation, and the transport of millions of tons of American industrial and agricultural products. Hydropower plays a special role in safeguarding our waters and this legislation will help in that regard,” said Jeff Kupfer, President, ConservAmerica.

 “We support legislation that incentivizes the removal of dams that no longer serve a beneficial purpose, while also promoting essential investments in fish passage, dam safety, public access to waterways, and overall river health improvements where dams continue to impact rivers,” said Thomas O’Keefe, Pacific Northwest Stewardship Director, American Whitewater.

“We applaud the bipartisan leadership behind this timely bill, which promotes dam safety and advances river restoration. This legislation is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between conservation groups and the hydropower industry to find common-sense solutions that benefit both river ecosystems and renewable energy generation while also lowering costs for consumers. We look forward to working with Congress to get this critical legislation across the finish line and enacted into law,” said Tom Kiernan, President, and CEO of American Rivers.

“We applaud the bipartisan leadership for this bill that provides critical incentives that will enable hydropower to invest in new energy generation, dam safety, and river health. Hydropower is an energy source that has been powering communities across America for generations and remains essential for a reliable and secure electricity grid. We are grateful to Reps. Smith and DelBene along with Sens. Cantwell and Murkowski for advancing solutions that will promote environmental stewardship, enhance public safety, and strengthen our energy security,” said Shannon Ames, Executive Director, Low Impact Hydropower Institute.

For text of the legislation click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and August Pfluger (TX-11) and Senators Marsha Blackburn (TN) and Mark Warner (VA) introduced the United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act, legislation that would establish an advisory panel tasked with creating a national immersive technology strategy.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), collectively known as immersive technology (XR), allow us to blend the digital and physical worlds into one integrated experience. From automatically generated closed captions of live conversations for the hearing impaired to creating personalized, hands-on training modules for students, the benefits of XR are limitless.

Despite being home to some of the world’s largest XR content and hardware producers, the U.S. lags behind other countries in applying them to commercial and personal use. Already, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and China have strategies that allow them to embrace immersive technologies. The U.S. is relinquishing its role on the international stage to guide the creation of XR standards without a strategy.   

“As technology evolves, we must stay ahead in the XR field to remain competitive on the global stage,” said DelBene, who serves as Co-chair of the Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality Caucus. “This legislation is a crucial step toward ensuring we protect our interests and establish ourselves as leaders in shaping national standards.”

“Immersive technology is a critical tool that allows users to blend the digital and physical worlds and is utilized by thousands of Americans, businesses, and even our military to enhance simulation and training capabilities. While the capabilities are seemingly endless, the U.S. continues to fall behind in our investment and development of this technology. In contrast, our adversaries, such as the CCP, continue to advance their investments in it aggressively. This poses a serious threat to our national security, which is why I am proud to support this commonsense legislation to safeguard the United States and re-establish our position as a global leader in this emerging technology by creating a national immersive technology strategy,” said Pfluger.

“We need to stay two steps ahead of our adversaries when it comes to applying immersive technology in American industries and stimulating economic growth,” said Blackburn. “Our United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act would make certain we can compete with adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party and safeguard national security as virtual reality and augmented reality become more prevalent on the world stage.”  

“As the use of immersive technology continues to rapidly rise, it’s essential that we do not get left behind. I’m proud to introduce this legislation that will help to create a national strategy surrounding XR to ensure that the United States remains competitive globally in this crucial industry,” said Warner.

“The Trump administration has made it clear that American technology leadership is a top priority, and the XR industry is poised for immense growth. This bill is an important step towards achieving that goal,” said Liz Hyman, CEO, XR Association. “XR is being rapidly adopted to tackle challenges in various sectors including workforce training, healthcare, education and agency operations. We are excited by the efforts of this Congress to recognize XR’s potential as a tool to increase efficiency and meet challenges across a broad range of issues.”

The United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act is endorsed by Google, Meta, HTC, Sony, University of Wyoming, ReframeXR, Qualcomm, NC East Alliance, Transfr, Mynd, Immersive, MediView, Lakeside Metaverse, CareerViewXR, Chocolate Milk & Donuts, XR Association, and the George Washington University’s Digital Trade and Data Governance Hub.

A copy of the bill can be found here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Welcomes EPA, Zeldin Efforts to Revisit WOTUS Rule

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement that the agency will review the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) and begin repealing regulations put in place by the Biden administration.

“I applaud the EPA and Administrator Lee Zeldin’s decision to ensure the definition of “waters of the United States” is aligned with the Sackett decision to provide long-term certainty for landowners,” said Rep. Newhouse.

“The Administrator’s efforts to overturn the harmful regulations of the previous administration is a critical step towards achieving American energy dominance and eliminating unnecessary regulatory burdens on farmers, landowners, and businesses. I will continue to be an advocate for protecting the rights of private landowners against federal government overreach.”

The EPA announced on Wednesday that the agency will work with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to deliver on President’s Trump’s promise to review the definition of “waters of the United States.” Revising the definition will cut red tape and eliminate uncertainty for farmers and landowners in Central Washington who have been burdened by unnecessary overregulation.

The EPA will begin the process by hearing from stakeholders, whose input was not sought by the previous administration, in the new rulemaking process.

The United States Supreme Court’s decision in the 2023 Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency case stated that the Clean Water Act’s use of “waters” encompasses only those relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water forming streams, oceans, rivers and lakes. The Sackett decision also clarified that wetlands would only be covered when having a continuous surface connection to waterbodies that are “waters of the United States” in their own right.  

See EPA’s announcement here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: What They Are Saying: Industry Groups Applaud Newhouse Effort to Protect Lower Snake River Dams

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Industry leaders and groups who rely on the Lower Snake River dams released statements applauding Rep. Dan Newhouse’s package of legislation he introduced today protecting the dams and hydropower. 

Michelle Hennings, Executive Director, Washington Association of Wheat Growers said, “Congressman Newhouse has been a steadfast champion of ensuring the Columbia River System, including the lower Snake River Dams, remain a reliable inland waterways system for the wheat growers in Washington and beyond who depend on barging to transport their goods to market. Should the dams be breached, it would have catastrophic impacts on not only family-owned Washington wheat farmers, but the rural economy as a whole. We remain committed to working alongside Congressman Newhouse and other Congressional champions to ensure the integrity and functionality of the dams.”

Louis Finkel, Senior Vice President of Government Relations, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) said, “NRECA applauds the introduction of the Defending Our Dams Act, which ensures commonsense protections of the Lower Snake River dams, a crucial source of reliable power in the Pacific Northwest and the backbone of the region’s economy. Efforts to breach the four dams fly in the face of decades of scientific studies and threaten the region’s electric grid, putting dozens of Northwest electric cooperatives and their consumer-members at risk. We thank Congressman Newhouse for championing this legislation and for his steadfast support of the region’s electric co-ops.”

Neil Maunu, Executive Director, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association said, “Rep. Newhouse’s collection of bills regarding the Lower Snake River Dams recognizes the myriad benefits of these run-of-the-river projects including affordable hydropower, river navigation, recreation, irrigation, and world-class fish passage. These benefits are of critical value not just to the Inland Empire, but to the entire Pacific Northwest, and, in fact, the nation at large.”

Leslie Druffel, Co-Chair of the Inland Ports and Navigation Group, The McGregor Company said, “The entire economy of our region depends either directly or indirectly on the Lower Snake River Dams and the energy, irrigation, and transportation benefits they provide. Both dryland and irrigated farms, as well as those who support them, like the MacGregor Company, and those that depend on agricultural outputs need these pieces of essential infrastructure to remain functional.”

Clark Mather, Executive Director, Northwest RiverPartners said, “Northwest RiverPartners wants to thank Rep. Newhouse for his unwavering support of affordable, reliable, and clean hydropower. Our hydropower keeps electric rates low for millions of people in Washington State and throughout the Northwest, and with Rep. Newhouse, we will keep fighting to protect this vital source of affordable, reliable energy.”

David Reeploeg, Tri-City Development Council said, “Since the day he entered Congress, Dan Newhouse has championed the Lower Snake River Dams as an incredibly important national asset. These bills are yet another example of his steadfast leadership on an issue that is critically important to the Tri-Cities and all of Central Washington. We look forward to working with Congressman Newhouse to ensure the dams are protected, and to continue supporting efforts to increase salmon populations in the Lower Snake River and throughout the Pacific Northwest region. Additionally, we appreciate his work to support hydropower and the critical role it will continue to play in providing the country with affordable, reliable, and clean baseload power.”

Scott Simms, CEO and Executive Director, Public Power Council said, “The mission of the Public Power Council is to preserve and enhance the benefits of the Federal Columbia River Power System marketed by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) for both consumer-owned utilities and the communities they serve. In recent years, efforts to diminish the system have aggressively sought to seek ways to breech or operational devalue the system, the legislation introduced today resets that harmful trajectory. PPC applauds the work of Congressman Newhouse to introduce the Defending Our Dams Act and Protecting Our Water Resources Act.”

Chandler Goule, CEO, National Association of Wheat Growers said, “Wheat growers across the nation rely on the Lower Snake River Dams to efficiently transport their crops to market through the Columbia-Snake River system. This system supports the movement of over 60% of all U.S. wheat exports to global markets at a low cost and with exceptional reliability. Moreover, these dams generate approximately 1,000 megawatts of renewable hydropower every year, ensuring a stable and affordable source of energy that not only powers agricultural operations but also sustains the economic vitality of rural communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. It is vital that these dams remain operational to sustain these benefits. Thank you, Congressman Newhouse, for leading the charge to protect the Lower Snake River Dams for future generations.”

Kurt Miller, CEO & Executive Director, Northwest Public Power Association said, “Representative Newhouse’s bill to allow the Federal Regulatory commission to extend licenses for hydropower projects will help ensure that hydropower resources continue to provide community-owned electric utilities with reliable, affordable energy. The bill provides a much-needed relief value for the construction and expansion of hydropower projects.”

Paul Jacob, CEO, Rye Development said, “Hydropower delivers reliable, baseload energy that keeps the lights on throughout the county. Thanks to Representative Newhouse, projects delayed by the pandemic will get a second chance to create thousands of jobs, spur economic development, and support a more resilient grid.”

Desmarie Waterhouse, Senior Vice President, Advocacy & Communications and General Counsel, American Public Power Association, said, “The American Public Power Association (APPA) applauds Representative Newhouse’s continued support of vital hydropower resources. Millions of people in the Northwest rely on hydropower to provide affordable and reliable power generation. Making full use of these resources is key to ensuring that the region’s grid remains reliable and resilient. Representative Newhouse’s support of the Lower Snake River dams (LSRD) is crucial to ensuring these facilities continue to power the region’s economy and provide millions of people with electricity at cost-based rates.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Expands Effort to Protect Lower Snake River Dams, Hydropower in New Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced a package of legislation to protect the Lower Snake River dams and strengthen hydropower as a reliable, affordable source of base load energy.

“The Lower Snake River dams are the foundation of our region’s energy security and are vital to deliver agriculture exports to foreign markets,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Without the dams, our region would suffer severe economic consequences and rolling blackouts during times of extreme weather. This package of legislation strengthens hydropower’s position as a reliable, affordable source of energy, and I am proud to lead the coalition to protect these critical pieces of infrastructure.”

Newhouse was joined by his colleagues in introducing a package of three bills on the Lower Snake River dams and hydropower with support from stakeholder organizations. 

H.R. 2073, the Defending Our Dams Act

This legislation protects the Lower Snake River dams while ensuring that safeguards are implemented to protect ratepayers and the greater Pacific Northwest economy from the irreparable harm that would occur if the dams were breached. The legislation also prohibits the use of federal funds from being used in breaching, studying the breaching of, or altering the Lower Snake River Dams, and does not allow spillage operations on any of the Lower Snake River dams unless such operations are approved by the Secretary of the Army and the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration. 

The legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), and Russ Fulcher (ID-01).

Supporting Organizations: Northwest RiverPartners, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, Inland Ports and Navigation Group, Port of Lewiston, Public Power Council, Tri-City Development Council, Washington Association of Wheat Growers, the National Association of Wheat Growers, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and the American Public Power Association.

Full bill text can be found here. 

H.R. 2074, the Protecting Our Water Energy Resource (POWER) Act

This legislation protects ratepayers and the economy from the irreparable harm that would occur if a hydroelectric dam was breached, or energy generation source was removed from the grid, by prohibiting the Department of the Interior and the United States Army Corps of Engineers from retiring an energy generation source if that retirement would raise customer electricity rates and decrease regional energy reliability by more than five percent.

The legislation would prohibit the breaching of federally operated dams if such action would result in an increase in carbon emission by more than five percent, would negatively impact navigation for commerce, and would result in an increase of at least five percent of the cost of goods being shipped.

The legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), and Cliff Bentz (OR-02).

Supporting Organizations: Northwest RiverPartners, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, Inland Ports and Navigation Group, Port of Lewiston, Public Power Council, Tri-City Development Council, Washington Association of Wheat Growers, the National Association of Wheat Growers, and the American Public Power Association.

Full bill text can be found here. 

Statements of Support from Cosponsors

Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) said, “The Defending Our Dams Act and the Protecting Our Water and Energy Resources (POWER) Act are essential to preserving the Pacific Northwest’s energy reliability, irrigation, and navigation infrastructure. The Lower Snake River Dams and the Columbia River System provide clean, affordable hydroelectric power to millions, sustain agricultural production, provide essential waters for navigation, and support rural economies. Breaching these dams would jeopardize not only our energy security but also the livelihoods of farmers, businesses, shipping companies, and communities that depend on them. I support this legislation.” 

Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01) said, “I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Defending Our Dams Act and the POWER Act. The importance of the Lower Snake River Dams and the power they generate has never been clearer. Not only do they provide an essential maritime highway to navigate the export of key goods around the world, but they also provide immense value to Idahoans, our economy, and the greater Northwest.”

Congressman Baumgartner (WA-05) said, “Eastern Washington is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. The Columbia-Snake River System is a lifeline for the Pacific Northwest, providing clean energy, water, and vital resources that support our communities and economy. Its dams have transformed our region. They offer power, irrigation, and flood control, while also supporting recreation and wildlife. Despite opposition, efforts like the Defending Our Dams Act and the POWER Act work to protect these essential resources, ensuring we can keep benefiting from them without sacrificing the environment or our way of life. It’s a reminder that we can find a balance between progress and conservation.”

H.R. 2072, Legislation to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects

This legislation allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend licenses for certain hydropower projects. Specifically, it allows hydropower projects which have received a license to construct to extend the time in which they can begin construction for up to an additional 6 years.

It is cosponsored by Reps. Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), and Cleo Fields (LA-06).

Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced the senate companion to this bicameral legislation.

Supporting Organizations: Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, Northwest RiverPartners, Inland Ports and Navigation Group, Port of Lewiston, Tri-City Development Council, Northwest Public Power Association, Washington Association of Wheat Growers, the National Association of Wheat Growers, the National Hydropower Association, and the American Public Power Association.

Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) said, “Energy security is national security, and hydropower delivers a reliable energy source for many Montanans. Many of our hydropower projects have been held up due to supply chain shortages and this bipartisan bill will revive projects that support Montana jobs and keep costs low for our families. I’ll continue to support an all-of-the-above energy portfolio and fight for ways to increase our domestic energy production.”

Full bill text can be found here. 

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