Congressman Williams Holds Subcommittee Hearing to Unleash American Energy.. Lower Energy Costs Through Advancements in Technology

New York State consumers and households pay 51% more for electricity than the national average. You should not have to drain your wallet and quality of life to heat your home or to cook your food. In recent years, NYS officials have blocked at least 3 pipeline development projects, pushed for the closure of nuclear facilities, and have proposed statewide bans on natural gas connections to new homes. These Progressive policies will only increase costs on Central New York and Mohawk Valley families.

As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, my priorities are clear: lead our nation's scientific research and investment to achieve a responsible, affordable, and resilient supply of domestic energy. With that in mind, on March 23rd, I held my first subcommittee hearing to discuss the development of next generation energy infrastructure in the areas of grid security, pipelines, and hydrogen across the United States and here at home in New York State.

This hearing highlighted the vital role pipelines play in providing cost effective and reliable power, as well as advancements in corrosion resistant materials, coatings, liners, sensors, leak detection, and pipeline repair technologies. Furthermore, to achieve emission reduction goals, I highlighted the start of clean hydrogen production this month at Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station in Oswego county, and the role clean hydrogen production at Nine Mile can play in carbon sequestration of methane.

Listen to my full remarks here.

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Congressman Williams Introduces Resolution to Hold Russia Accountable for Downing a U.S. Air Force Drone in International Waters

As a former Strategic Missile Officer onboard the USS Georgia, a Trident class submarine, my core mission was carrying out the United States's strategy of nuclear deterrence in the depths of the oceans. This silent force, part of the greater nuclear triad, is silent, secret, and stealthy, but our readiness and resolve was known and, for that same reason, never tested by our adversaries.

What we have witnessed these past two months, and quite frankly, since the chaotic withdrawal of Afghanistan, is the failure of American leadership in communicating power through strength. China and Russia believe they can provoke the United States without consequence. From the CCP balloon flyover to Russia bringing down a U.S. Air Force drone, their actions have become more overt and provocative.  

My resolution, H.Res.240, seeks to hold Russia accountable for their unprovoked, reckless, and unprofessional actions in bringing down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone over international waters above the Black Sea. It also strikes a clear message that any Russian attempts to recover our drone will be considered a threat to national security.

Read the text of H.Res.240 by clicking here.

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The House of Representatives Voted for and PASSED the Parents Bill of Rights with Congressman Williams Casting His Vote to Give Parents a CHOICE and a VOICE in Their Child’s Education

I am pleased to announce that the Parents Bill of Rights introduced by Rep. Julia Letlow, that I proudly co-sponsored, passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

I was proud to support this legislation because it ensures the rights of parents are honored and protected in the Nation’s public schools, and;

• Parents have the right to know what's being taught; 
• Parents have the right to be heard; 
• Parents have the right to see the school budget and spending; 
• Parents have the right to protect their child’s privacy; and 
• Parents have the right to be updated on any violent activity at school.

As parents, my wife and I made the personal decision to homeschool our children, I strongly believe in giving all parents a choice.

In the House Education and Workforce committee, as a sitting member, I will always support policies that ensure children have access to high-quality education and that parents have a voice in the curriculum.

Click here to read the bill text and click above to watch my statement.

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Congressman Williams Champions Central New York's Drone Industry

To advance the development and usage of unmanned aerial systems for civilian, municipal, and national security purposes, like many industries, we must review and reconsider the suppliers of components and materials.

China's near exclusive control over production of drones for public safety and recreational purposes leaves American law enforcement agencies, fire and emergency services, and companies dependent on purchasing drones from the Chinese Communist Party.

At Thursday's Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing on unmanned aircraft systems, I highlighted the incredible work being done between the 50 mile corridor from Syracuse to Rome to develop this vital technology in the United States. We have one of the most significant drone test sites in the world, complemented by the work being done by the 174th Attack Wing at Syracuse Hancock.

Watch my full remarks by clicking here.

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Congressman Williams stands with ARPA-E Director Evelyn N. Wang (Left) and poses with an advanced nuclear fuel cycle company (right).

Advanced Research Project Agency-Energy Summit  

Lastly, I was honored to be invited by the Department of Energy to partake in their annual summit supporting the work done by the Advanced Research Project Agency-Energy, commonly referred to by the acronym ARPA-E. The focus of ARPA-E is to advance new ways to generate, store, and use energy by providing early funding into potentially transformative projects.

As Chairman of the subcommittee on Energy, ARPA-E, along with various national laboratories and research facilities, falls under my purview.

I enjoyed the opportunity to interact with hundreds of innovative companies pushing the limits of what American ingenuity can achieve and to meet ARPA-E's new director, Evelyn Wang.

I wish them the best of luck with their work!