Weekly Update From Congressman Bill Johnson

MARIETTA, OH — This is a weekly update from Congressman Bill Johnson on what’s happening in Washington D.C. and across Eastern and Southeastern Ohio.

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May 22, 2021

Energy Secretary Testifies BeforeHouse Energy & Commerce Hearing

We are seeing an all-out push to regulate and legislate America’s cheap and abundant coal, oil and natural gas resources out of existence. It’s becoming alarmingly clear that radical environmentalists are increasingly calling the shots for the Democratic party, and we cannot allow their dangerous energy policies to take root in our communities. During an Energy and Commerce Committee hearing this week, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm confirmed my well-founded concerns. In fact, she went as far to say that the Biden Administration supports a ban on fracking on public lands. This is a significant departure from President Biden’s latest reported stance, which is he only supports a temporary “moratorium” on new oil and gas leases on public lands. Which one is it, Mr. President? Does the Secretary speak for you? We all know President Biden would snap his fingers and ban fracking universally if he didn’t fear the political fallout. The American people deserve to know, once and for all, what President Biden’s true plan for our energy industry is actually going to be.

The "SPC Christian Ward Act" Introduced

In June of 2019, Army SPC Christian Ward, raised in Lowell, a village in Washington County where his family still resides, passed away following an accident while stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. His family did not receive all of his possessions from the military contractor hired to send them home to Washington County. The family was told they needed to handle this themselves, to file a claim with the contractor to reimburse them for the missing possessions.In order to prevent this problem from happening again, I introduced the H.R. 3363, the SPC Christian Ward Act this week which would require that if the Department of Defense (any military branch) hires a third-party contractor to transport the personal effects of a deceased service member, the DoD is then responsible for working with the third-party contractor to file claims and procedures relating to any missing items. Additionally, this bill makes the DoD responsible for reimbursing the family for the missing items should the third-party contractor be unable to deliver them.

Belmont College Marks 50th Anniversary

Belmont College marked the 50th anniversary of its charter signing on Friday. I was happy to present a proclamation congratulating the college on its growth and successes over the last 50 years.Since its founding in 1971, Belmont College has truly been an essential part of the Ohio Valley. And, over the last five decades, the school has prided itself on providing affordable, achievable, and meaningful academic degrees and technical training. Area residents who may be looking to change careers, gain more knowledge, or earn part of a bachelor’s degree have a great option in their own backyard. I’ve been fortunate to visit and hold special events on campus, and I can say without hesitation that we are fortunate to have the people, facilities, and other resources of Belmont College right here in Eastern Ohio.

Scioto County Tank Update

Last month, I mentioned a story from Scioto County regarding a VFW post that, 25 years ago, was loaned an Iraqi tank from the US Navy to be displayed at the Greater Portsmouth Regional Airport in Minford. The short version of the story was the Navy recently contacted the VFW telling them they must either purchase insurance or pay to return the tank to the Navy…and the VFW did not have the money to do either.After speaking with Navy officials, the decision was made to give the tank to the county commissioners – and it will stay at the airport. I might be an old Air Force guy, but I appreciate the Navy’s flexibility. This was the right decision – keep the tank on display, and avoid costs for everyone involved by not forcing the return of an obsolete tank the Navy has no use for.

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This news release was issued by U.S. Congressman Bill Johnson's Office. Any opinions expressed within are that of his office.

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