To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 447) to extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 447.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, upon request, to extend by 6 years the time period during which construction must commence on the Flannagan Dam and Reservoir Hydroelectric Project located in Dickenson County, Virginia. Additionally, FERC may reinstate the construction license if it is expired.

The bill, again, passed under suspension in the 114th Congress, and I would hope that we could do the same today in a bipartisan way.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Griffith), a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I again rise in support of legislation by Mr. Griffith, H.R. 447, which would extend the deadline for commencement of construction of the Flannagan Hydroelectric Project, to be located at the Army Corps of Engineers' John W. Flannagan Dam on the Russell Fork River in Dickenson County, Virginia.

The licensee for the Flannagan Hydroelectric Project did not commence construction by the already-extended deadline in January 2016. Legislation is now required for the project to move forward.

The bill would authorize FERC to extend for up to three consecutive years the date by which the licensee is required to commence construction.

During the last Congress, the full House of Representatives passed similar legislation by voice vote. I once again hope my colleagues will help me in supporting passage of H.R. 447. Let's get this one built, too.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 447, which would extend the construction commencement deadline for a hydroelectric project at the Flannagan Dam in Dickenson County.

Extensive coordination between the hydroelectric project developer and the Army Corps and the current difficulties in obtaining a power purchase agreement have necessitated this construction start-date extension.

This legislation passed the House last Congress unanimously and was included in the last Congress' House comprehensive energy bill. It is my hope that this legislation will once again receive overwhelming support in this Chamber. I appreciate the support of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of the following bills en bloc: Calendar No. 100, S. 724, with a floor amendment; Calendar No. 306, H.R. 219; Calendar No. 159, H.R. 220; Calendar No. 96, S. 215; Calendar No. 130, S. 490; Calendar No. 139, H.R. 2292; Calendar No. 144, H.R. 951; Calendar No. 136, H.R. 446; Calendar No. 137, H.R. 447; and Calendar No. 138, H.R. 2122.

I further ask unanimous consent that applicable committee or floor amendments be agreed to, the bills, as amended, if amended, be considered read a third time and passed, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, all en bloc.