Washington D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) spoke on the House Floor this afternoon in support of the Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act (H.R. 6192), which will stop the Biden administration’s attack on consumer freedom and preserve the affordability, availability, and quality of the household appliances Americans rely on. 

The legislation ultimately passed the House of Representatives with Cathy’s support.

Her prepared remarks are below:

The Biden administration is waging war on American energy, and this war is making its way into Americans’ homes.

The administration is doubling down on unaffordable appliance mandates—which is why we're leading on H.R. 6921. Watch: pic.twitter.com/Y8oYpDZNJe

— CathyMcMorrisRodgers (@cathymcmorris) May 7, 2024

“I would like to start by thanking the bill sponsor, Mrs. Debbie Lesko of Arizona, and the Members of the Energy and Commerce Committee for advancing this bill through regular order.

“The U.S. is blessed with tremendous natural resources. We have the cleanest oil and natural gas in the world, emissions-free nuclear, hydropower, and renewables.

“We also have the world’s best workforce, and an innovative spirit that has contributed to technological breakthroughs that have changed the world.     

“For centuries, American innovation has led to new technologies that have improved people’s lives.  

“From the light bulb and the home refrigerator to air conditioning, the washing machine, and the dishwasher, these inventions are ingrained in modern life, and they were not the result of aggressive government mandates or regulation—but of American ingenuity.” 

OUT OF CONTROL APPLIANCE MANDATES   

“Sadly, the Biden administration’s war on American energy is now reaching inside Americans’ homes.     

“Through sue-and-settle agreements with radical environmental activists, the Department of Energy has reached backroom deals to impose new regulations on dozens of appliances that Americans rely on every single day.    

“Last year, the Biden administration attempted to ban gas stoves. Thankfully, DOE changed course after bipartisan opposition and an overwhelming vote by Congress to reverse the ban.      

“These new mandates are forcing people to spend more for less reliable options. This comes at a time when Americans are already being crushed by rising costs thanks to Bidenflation.   

“By continuing to double down on policies like these, the Biden administration is showing just how out of touch they are with the financial struggle the vast majority of Americans are feeling.  

“Americans simply can’t afford President Biden’s rush-to-green agenda.” 

HANDS OFF OUR HOME APPLIANCES   

“The bill led by Mrs. Lesko seeks to protect Americans from federal mandates that result in minimal energy savings while significantly driving up costs for consumers.   

“It ensures that DOE is only allowed to adopt efficiency regulations on home appliances that are cost-effective, technologically feasible, and save a significant amount of energy.    

“This will benefit Americans across the country, and should be a bipartisan issue, which is why I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation to send a strong message to the Biden Administration.”

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