National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017

Floor Speech

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Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Chair, I stand today opposed to this amendment, as the representative of Fort Drum, an Army post that is 100 percent energy-independent and self-sustainable, relying solely on biomass energy.

Unfortunately, this amendment would impede military facilities, like Drum, from continuing to pursue energy solutions that enhance national security, training capabilities, and operational flexibility.

Fort Drum and the north country serve as models for operating government facilities more efficiently, where ReEnergy, our alternative partner, positively affects the Army and has created 300-plus jobs throughout our community.

Providing our military with resilient energy ensures our servicemembers remain able to respond to any threats at any time. DOD's use of alternative energy strengthens their ability to conduct combative operations, humanitarian response, and protects our national security.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment which would have a detrimental effect on alternative energy technologies that make our troops safer, increases combat effectiveness, and severely undercuts programs like those at Fort Drum.

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