Congressman Charles Bass

House passes Bass-cosponsored amendment to restore funds for cutting-edge energy technology research

July 14, 2011

WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives passed a bipartisan amendment this afternoon strongly supported by Congressman Charles F. Bass (NH-02) to restore funding for critical energy technology research in the Fiscal Year 2012 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. Bass also supported several other amendments on the House floor to restore funding for energy efficiency programs that are beneficial to thousands of New Hampshire families and key to improving our nation's energy security.

Bass, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said:

"A diverse and sustainable energy portfolio is vital to ensuring our nation's energy security and lessening our dependence on foreign sources of oil, in addition to helping the private sector create jobs and grow our economy. As we continue to debate how to fund our nation's priorities, we will have tough choices to make, but we must ensure that we continue to support groundbreaking research and development."

Specifically, Bass cosponsored a fully-offset, bipartisan amendment with Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-29) last night that would restore funding to last year's levels for the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), a program within the Department of Energy that pursues energy research projects by collaborating with the energy industry and academia. ARPA-E is modeled after the successful Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the agency responsible for technological innovations such as the Internet and the stealth technology found in the F-117A and other modern fighter aircraft. The Bass-Schiff Amendment passed by a vote of 214-213.

Bass continued, "ARPA-E is vital in helping turn innovative and potentially revolutionary ideas into brand new technologies that will assist in solving many of our country's energy challenges. I am proud this amendment will help continue to support the research in a fiscally responsible manner."

Earlier this week, Bass also joined with Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-21) to offer a fully-offset, bipartisan amendment that would have restored funding to Fiscal Year 2011 levels for the Weatherization Assistance Program, the State Energy Program, and the Buildings Technology Program. Unfortunately, the amendment failed by a vote of 149 to 273. Bass also supported several other fully-offset amendments to the bill that would restore funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy research.

To view the video of Bass speaking in support of both amendments on the House floor this week, please visit http://www.youtube.com/RepCharlesBass.

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