Rep. Weber’s Pipeline Safety Authorization Act of 2026 Advances Out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee

Read Congressman Weber's opening statement as prepared for delivery:

"Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment in the nature of a substitute at the desk.

"It is Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (AINS) H.R. 9338_01.

"This Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute before us today reflects important updates made since the Energy Subcommittee markup last month. These changes fulfill the commitments we made during that markup to keep working across the aisle toward a strong bipartisan final product.

"We listened, we kept our word, and we tightened the language to protect the First Amendment rights of lawful protesters while holding those accountable who knowingly and willfully damage pipeline equipment or disrupt operations by manipulating a valve.

"Throughout this process, we have worked closely with stakeholders across the industry and within the government to develop and refine this legislation. The result is a stronger bill that gives the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) the resources and direction necessary to continue safeguarding more than 3 million miles of pipeline infrastructure across these great United States.

"The bill strengthens civil penalties for pipeline safety violations, promotes best practices across state damage prevention programs, and establishes a voluntary information-sharing system so lessons learned from accidents and near misses can help prevent the next one.

"It also supports communities working to repair and replace aging natural gas distribution systems, sets deadlines for updated carbon dioxide pipeline safety standards, and requires PHMSA to lay out a plan for completing overdue pipeline safety rulemakings.

"Americans deserve nothing less than our continued effort to move the needle closer and closer to 100 percent safety, and this legislation helps us do exactly that.

"Our nation's pipeline infrastructure operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week to safely deliver the reliable and affordable energy that powers American homes, businesses, and industries while supporting our allies around the world.

"Few regions in the country can rival the pipeline infrastructure along the Texas Gulf Coast. Every day, that infrastructure helps produce, refine, process, and export the energy that powers America and supports our allies abroad.

"In Texas' 14th Congressional District, we produce and move more energy than just about any other district in the United States. Few places better illustrate the important role pipeline infrastructure plays in our everyday lives.

"Whether that energy originates in the Permian Basin or comes from our neighbors to the north in Alberta, Canada, producing it is only half the battle. American energy dominance depends on our ability to deliver that energy safely and reliably to the people, businesses, and industries that depend on it every day.

"This bill reflects what dedicated members of this body and their staff can accomplish when they come together at the table to make America better. I thank them for their hard work, and I urge every member of this committee to support H.R. 9338 and help move this strong bipartisan bill one step closer to the House floor.

"I yield back the balance of my time."

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