David Loebsack

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Iowa Safe Schools' second annual Pride Camp. This week-long event invites LGBTQ youth and allies from across Iowa to participate in a summer camp where they have the opportunity to learn new skills, connect with their peers, share their experiences, and grow as individuals while also having fun.

This year, over 100 LGBTQ youth from across the State will be attending Pride Camp, despite this only being the camp's second year. This truly goes to show the importance of programs like Pride Camp, and I am proud that Iowa is a leader in the fight for acceptance and equality for everyone.

I want to extend my sincerest thanks to Iowa Safe Schools for creating this wonderful opportunity and for all of their efforts advocating for Iowa's LGBTQ youth. Their work in developing a safe and inclusive summer camp is making a difference in the lives of so many young Iowans, and I am honored to recognize them here today.

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained because of weather. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 399; NAY on Roll Call No. 400; NAY on Roll Call No. 401; and NAY on Roll Call No. 402.

Madam Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I appreciate that very much.

My amendment will ensure level funding for distributed wind technologies and research within the Department of Energy's wind energy program.

Distributed wind is the use of typically smaller wind turbines owned primarily by rural and local entities, such as homes, farms, businesses, and public facilities, to offset all or a portion of onsite energy consumption. This type of energy production strengthens American communities by helping them become more energy independent while lowering costs for consumers.

Distributed wind also strengthens domestic manufacturing, as 90 percent of all small wind turbines sold in the U.S. last year were made in America.

The funding provided over the past few fiscal years has helped unleash distributed wind power's vast potential, but continued investment is needed to support the critical research and development that will reduce costs and maximize the benefits of distributed wind power throughout the United States.

Madam Chair, I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment.