Natural Resources Committee Adopts Garamendi Make It In America Amendment

WASHINGTON, DC – The House Natural Resources committee today adopted an amendment authored by Congressman John Garamendi (D-Walnut Creek, CA) which would encourage hydropower materials and equipment to be made in America. The amendment was part of H.R. 795, the Small-Scale Hydropower Enhancement Act, which calls for the Secretary of the Interior to perform a study that looks at hydropower capabilities of one megawatt or less. Congressman Garamendi’s amendment would direct the study to discuss the “availability and importance of using materials and equipment produced and manufactured in the United States.” The Committee approved the amendment by a unanimous voice vote. A pdf of the amendment is available here.

"In America today, fourteen million workers are out of a job through no fault of their own," Congressman Garamendi said. "Even in this difficult economic climate, we have reason to hope and a reason to act. We can create manufacturing jobs and Make It In America again."

Garamendi added, "When we invest American taxpayers’ money on national improvements, that money should be used to put Americans back to work – and that’s exactly what my amendment aims to do. I commend my Republican and Democratic colleagues on the committee for adopting an amendment into H.R. 795 that could create jobs for Americans who desperately want employment."

More information on Congressman Garamendi’s initiative to Make It In America is available here.