I urge support of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The gentlewoman yields.
The question is, will the House suspend the rules and pass the bill H .R. 8692 as amended?
Those in favor say aye.
Those opposed say no.
In the opinion of the Chair, two -thirds being an affirmative.
The rules are suspended.
The bill is passed.
Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table.
Clause 12A of Rule 1.
The Chair declares the House in recess.
Subject, call the Chair.
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Joining us now from Capitol Hill, Representative Paul Tonko, Democrat from New York.
He serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee.
And joining us on Washington Journal, good morning, sir.
Good morning, Pedro.
Great to join you and your viewers.
Thank you for giving us your time.
There is a deadline coming up when it comes to funding the federal government.
When's the deadline and what are the options on the table so far?
Well, we're looking at the 20th and there doesn't seem to be a total agreement.
I would not be surprised if there was a reach to the Democrats to support an effort, but that will have to...
Would the agreement involve resolving the issue totally or just pushing it forward?
Let's hope we could get a budget done.
I think that gives us more opportunity to perhaps fine tune what we're hearing in our districts and including additional items that would be helpful.
You saw this back in September with the Republicans reaching out to Democrats for that support.
In return, are there things Democrats would want to look for if that support is needed?
Well, I think, you know, there's an important bit of putting...
An emphasis on items like a benefit for working families, making certain that truly there's a tax relief for the working families.
We have seen the permanent cut for the corporations.
We probably will have them requesting a permanent cut for the wealthy.
But I think we really need to bring the fairness here to working families.
And, you know, I think they spoke forcefully in this election.
While they did elect President Trump, I don't know if they liked all of their policies.
I hear a lot of buyer's remorse already in my district where people say, well, I voted for some of the border issues, but I didn't really like the tariff approach.
So I think we're going to have to nail down some of these issues that don't add costs to the working families, costs for food.
For clothing, for utility bills, and the like.
One of the debates that, especially what we saw during the summer when it comes to the topic of disaster relief of...
Yeah, look, having represented a district for several years that has been impacted by Mother Nature and some very difficult storms, I think that we need to incorporate that into a final package.
We have seen, we know that it's very tough to come back from these storms.
You don't always, you don't come back totally, but...
This is Representative Paul Tonko joining us for this conversation.
If you want to ask him questions, 202 -748 -8001 for Republicans, 202 -748 -8000 for Democrats, Independence 202.
We're good to go.
I think?
What does a new Trump administration mean to you, serving on that committee, particularly when it comes to energy -related matters?
Well, I think our big effort here is to make certain that there's not a clawback of the progress of the 117th session of Congress, making certain that the progress we made, the relief that was provided by the American Rescue Plan,
you think about the outcome of that, a much -benefited outcome that enabled us to do that post -COVID recovery better than any industrialized nation.
We're good to go.
We're good to go.
Or the public policy that was woven into those historic measures that are now law.
The president has tapped a CEO of Liberty Energy, Chris Wright, if he does get confirmed to be the energy secretary.
What does his possible appointment to that position mean to you?
Well, you know, I know there was a great emphasis on his involvement with the hydrofracking industry, but look, we're going to work as best we can in a bipartisan fashion.
There are many, many innovative concepts that we're incorporating into Energy and Commerce's energy approach, and making certain that clean energy is given a sound investment, that transmission, permitting reform is part of the outcome,
making certain that all clean forms of energy are advanced in putting together, I think, a package that is futuristic, that enables us to really meet demand,
which will grow as our nation economy continues to grow because of the measures of the Biden administration that are now bringing back this economy.
When it comes to your approach to energy, are you an all of the above kind of person when it comes to energy resources?
Yes, I am.
I think that a clean energy agenda is where we're at, but I think we also need to make certain that some of the startups with renewables are given those benefits so as to make certain that we're in control of our destiny and not relying on foreign imports to respond to the need or to what has been some very strong corporate...
Yes, Mr. Tonko?
Good morning, Rick.
Yes, I'm an economist and I remember that our current new president said that he would like to exempt Social Security income from income tax.
What do you think the likelihood of Congress Well, I do not think that Some of those measures are going to be able to be addressed by Congress.
I think that what we're going to be looking at is an approach to taxes that really puts a benefit onto working families and that will enable those who are most in need to go forward with that addressing.
And I think also, I would think the Democrats will be advancing a child tax credit opportunity.
When we did that a couple of years ago for a calendar year, we saw one half of children living in poverty lifted from that poverty.
And I think that those will be priorities that will advance.
In that recent NBC interview that the president elects saying that he wouldn't touch Social Security, how much do you agree or how much do you believe him on that?
Well, you know, I think the track record has been there where they want to privatize Medicare, make cuts to Medicaid, and undo Social Security.
And I think that for some of the stabling influence that these programs provide, and the ultimate need that is meeting many, many families, we have to make certain that we protect these efforts.
I think their track record is a weak one, and there's a lot of suspicion about what might happen with those vital programs.
This is Brian.
Brian joins us from Albuquerque, Independent Line.
You're on with Representative Paul Tonko.
Good morning, Brian.
I'd like to drill down on the illegal immigration issue, and I'd like to emphasize to all the Democrats in Congress, you need to change your language.
You're shorthanding it by talking about the border.
The entire system is a giant mess.
Let's remember, half the problem is visa overstays, the people that come in and never leave the country.
And I'm a working class guy.
I'm an IBEW retired electrician and I know what goes on.
Businesses are putting illegal immigrants anywhere they can in their businesses.
It's not just out in the field picking crops.
They're working everywhere in our economy.
So we need to control immigration because of supply and demand and it drives down wages if you don't control it.
So let's talk about controlling All the visa oversays, as well as the border.
And I think we do need to reinterpret the 14th Amendment and re -look at birthright citizenship.
You know, not everybody gets to come to the United States.
It has to be controlled.
It has to be limited.
And Democrats need to start using the language of control and limits.
Okay, that's Brian there in Albuquerque.
Yeah, thank you, Brian.
I think that, look...
I think it was in 2013 when I was serving here in the House that we had a major effort to do immigration reform.
It's long overdue and I think a sound pathway to citizenship should be our goal.
We need to provide for certainty in the process.
We need to have the appropriate people, the resources, the human infrastructure associated with immigration.
Thank you very much.
It's a huge impact on many industries out there, including farming, certainly the hospitality industry, and a lot of the tech industries, and healthcare.
So in my district, we need this reform.
We need it badly.
And I think the first step, too, last year, when there was an agreed -upon bipartisan bill in the Senate, unfortunately, now President -elect Trump had asked that that measure not be taken up, that it be saved for...
Representative, when it comes to the 119th Congress last year, what has leadership said to you and the other fellow Democrats about the strategy moving forward?
Well, with immigration reform?
Well, overall, when it comes to how they'll respond to Republican efforts in the House.
Oh, I think that, you know, we are going to work in a bipartisan way to make certain that immigration reform, which is much needed, is provided.
It's needed for worker positions that are not filled.
It's needed for the sake of dignity and fairness for those who are entering, want to enter legally and provide for a pathway to citizenship.
And it would strengthen our economy.
It is said that...
Over the next decade, the impact of immigration could be as high as $7 billion.
We cannot afford to not get this done correctly.
It will enable everyone.
It's an across the board win situation.
And when it comes to the larger issues of generally how Democrats will function in the 119th Congress, what is your expectation considering now the Senate will be in Republican hands as far as what the House tries to approve on their side?
Hey, look, my approach has always been science -based, evidence -based discussion, making certain that we deal with facts to develop policy.
You know, we will point out wherever...
We're good to go.
I think?
You know, it's the Democrats in the House that have...
Doug is from Clifton Park, New York.
Independent Line.
Good morning.
Good morning, Doug.
How are you today, Congressman?
I'm doing well, thanks, and hope you are.
I'm glad to hear that, and I am.
Okay, I have probably three very brief comments.
They won't take but 30 seconds, and then one very important question.
First thing is that I've been in the 20th District since 1976, and it's been my observation that the last 20 years or so, More government assistance goes to international corporations.
You mentioned tech yourself up there in Malta.
The new chip fab plants, of course, is a great benefit.
But that's private industry.
It's being financed with public dollars to a very large extent.
Secondly, you said you support clean energy.
Well, I hope you'll address fracking.
Fracking is a very important source in natural gas, and natural gas is a relatively clean energy.
As is nuclear.
Finally, two things.
The torpedo tax on social security.
I don't know why you would be reluctant to champion a elimination of the tax on seniors that's been proposed.
Because as non -social security income grows very, very modestly, the tax on social security skyrockets.
And my last thing would be, if we really want to do something for a very hurting group, I'll stop you there,
caller.
Thank you for the call.
Put a lot out there for the representative, but Mr. Tonko, go ahead.
Yeah, let me start with the last question.
Look, the first thing we did was reach out to the We're good to go.
I think?
We're good to go.
The Democrats in the House of Representatives had their form of a chips and science bill.
It was negotiated as most bills are with both houses, both parties negotiating.
We as Democrats in the House wanted to make certain that investments made in these international companies Whether they were made by the U .S. government, we're going to be enjoyed in that sphere, in the U .S. economy.
And we put up guardrails to make certain that we protected some of those efforts.
And I think that, you know, in regard to clean energy, I agree, natural gas is a clean energy.
It will most certainly serve as a bridge.
Right.
And as I said, natural gas as a...
Hello, Representative Tonto.
Good morning, Ryan.
One question.
I'm really interested in your view if HR 7410 has a chance to pass in the next Congress if it's reintroduced.
The Fair Maps Act.
Pardon me, which one?
Caller, what's that act again?
The HR 7410, the Fair Maps Act.
You know, it's...
With the new session being started, it will be the determination of the various committees to establish their priorities for this given session.
I am not certain where that would rank, but obviously there are new opportunities with a new session of Congress as we start the 119th.
We'll make certain that we review as the Energy and Commerce Committee and Science, Space, and Tech Committee, where I serve, that we have a progressive agenda going forward.
Mr. Tonko, I don't know if they visited with Democrats last week, but when Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy were on Capitol Hill to talk about government efficiency, Well, you know, it's all on how it's defined.
I think, you know, some of the comments that they're making with Pall Mall reductions in programs, you know, you need to take, I think, a scalpel to some of these programs and not a cleaver.
I think that it's important for us to make certain that we look at...
Debbie in Maine, Republican Line.
You're on with our guest.
Good morning.
Hi.
Good morning, Debbie.
Yeah, I'm calling to make a comment about Paul.
Tonko?
I think that's his name.
You're on with him right now, Debbie.
Go ahead and ask your question or comment.
Yes, I was wondering why he said Donald Trump killed the order bill.
Because he didn't.
Six Democrats voted against it.
No, no, this was...
HF2 was passed in the House in May of 22, and Adam Schiff never brought it up.
Okay.
We'll let our guest respond.
Right.
Pedro, I think we're talking about the legislation that was introduced and agreed upon in the Senate in mid -year last year.
And everyone was raring to go to have those first steps of improvements in immigration reform, which would have been, I think, a vitally encouraging process that would allow for the beginnings of reform that are grossly needed.
Yes, good morning.
In regard to Obamacare, people need to stop voting against their own interests.
Trump is talking about a concept of a health care program.
Getting rid of Obamacare or reducing funding for it.
But the following states have trigger laws that would end Medicaid expansions if the federal funding is reduced.
Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Utah, and Virginia.
People need to stop voting against their own interests.
Your comments, representatives?
Thank you.
Oh, you're welcome.
Look, when we did the Medicaid expansion, I noticed that a lot of states that exempted out were states that had the largest numbers of uninsured or underinsured children.
And I think it's important for us to put politics aside and really allow policy to speak, to make it, again, science -based, evidence -based.
improvements that have come for tens of millions of individuals and families out there with the improvements of the Affordable Care Act that you know allowed for All sorts of improvements for families has been very pronounced in its success rate,
making certain that people that were exempted heretofore from insurance coverage, that we were denied coverage because of pre -existing conditions, were all benefited by the Obamacare, as you called it, the Affordable Care Act.
And I think the successes of all sorts of people who came onto the insurance rolls, allowing children to stay with their parents' coverage until the age of 27.