Date: 2014-06-26
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Chairman. I rise today to set a standard for answering the call of 500.000 to 800.000 jobs being created by 2020 that addresses the work in our ongoing and growing energy industry. Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank the Natural Resources Committee chairman. Mr. HASTINGS. and Ranking Member DEFAZIO for their leadership on diversifying our employment base. I also want to wish the chairman well as he moves on to other endeavors. He will be missed on his insight. Mr. Chairman. I rise to speak in support of the Jackson Lee Amendment No. 9 to H.R. 4899. The Congress has an affirmative duty to increase diversity in Federal Government as there is an undeniable lack of participation for veterans. women. and minorities in regards to employment. entrepreneurial. and ownership opportunity. The Jackson Lee Amendment No. 9 to H.R. 4899 directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish an office of energy employment and training to create economic opportunities that support the agencys hiring and training of veterans. women. and underrepresented minorities. It sets the standard for the private sector. Mr. Chairman. as a Member of Congress from Houston. the energy capital of the Nation. I have always been mindful of the importance of having strongly advocated for national energy policiesreally. all of the aboveand to make our Nation energy independent. preserve and create jobs. and keep our Nations economy strong. The recent increase in production of unconventional oil and natural gas has provided a lift to the U.S. economy. and Americans are seeing the benefits not only because of the jobs created. but also because household incomes have gone up. It is up to us to have the regulatory structure that protects the environment but also provides the opportunity for growth and creates jobs. Mr. Chairman. I would be remiss if I did not point out that both the chairman and ranking member have been resolute in their pursuit of the expansion of opportunities in the energy industry. I share that commitment with them. and this amendment is an example of what happens when Members work in good faith across the aisle to find viable solutions. In this amendment. veterans. minorities. and women recognize that they are significantly underrepresented in the oil and gas industries at all levels and severely underrepresented in the senior managerial. professional. board. and ownership ranks. U.S. competitiveness requires that this Nation increase the number of successful underrepresented minorities in STEM education and careers. which is more essential than ever. A pipeline of qualified veterans looking for employment will play a key role as the energy industry seeks quality. highly skilled workers. I am committed to honoring our obligations to our Nations veterans and utilizing the talents of veterans to help the government meet todays dynamic challenges. Mr. Chairman. the Office of Energy Employment and Training will provide an opportunity to align military and utility job classifications. identify veterans with their desired basic skills. access military personnel during the offboarding process. and hold training programs. It is interesting to note that in 2013. the number of STEM jobs in North Dakota increased by 37.2 percent as a direct result of the oil and gas boom in that State. Mr. Chairman. I hope my colleagues will support this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.