{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-supporting-native-american-energy/", "Supporting Native American Energy", "2015-10-08", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CLICK TO PLAY\nWhen we use excess forest products for biomass production, we reduce forest fire risk by keeping our lands healthier and we create a stable energy source.\nWashington, D.C. Today Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) praised the bipartisan vote in favor of H.R. 538, the Native American Energy Act. This legislation would enable Native Americans like the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, in Eastern Washington, to utilize biomass as a stable energy source. It also makes our region healthier and safer.\nWhen we use excess forest products for biomass production, we reduce forest fire risk by keeping our lands healthier and we create a stable energy source, McMorris Rodgers said.\nIt passed the U.S. House with a vote of 254-173.\nMcMorris Rodgers spoke in support on the House floor:\nEmerging from another devastating wildfire season, the issue of forest health needs to be addressed. Fallen trees, overgrowth and general mismanagement have led to worsening fires each year. \nWhen we use excess forest products for biomass production, we reduce forest fire risk by keeping our lands healthier and we create a stable energy source. \nThis legislation allows a pilot program to encourage greater biomass production on tribal forest land. \nIn my Eastern Washington district, it would provide the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservationwho already play an active role in forest managementnew tools at their disposal to maintain the health of the adjacent forests, develop energy, and most importantly protect their homeland.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-supporting-native-american-energy/"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.680853147059679, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}