Washington, DC - Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce adopted two amendments offered by Representative Betty Sutton (D-Ohio) to the Assistance, Quality, and Affordability Act of 2010 (H.R. 5320, the "AQUA Act") that passed through the committee by a bipartisan vote of 45-1. The legislation would reauthorize and increase funding for the drinking water state revolving fund (SRF) under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The drinking water SRF provides an important source of funding for public water systems, which are projected to face a significant increase in investment needs as existing infrastructure ages.

Representative Sutton successfully offered a Buy American amendment that requires that projects for the construction, alteration, maintenance or repair of a public water system funded by a State Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund use steel, iron, and manufactured goods that are produced in the United States. Sutton's amendment received broad bipartisan support and was included in the bill.

"The Buy American requirement is critically important for our economy. As we invest in our nation's infrastructure, American taxpayers want their taxpayer dollars to create jobs here at home. Getting Americans back to work is the highest priority and this amendment will help us do that." said Representative Sutton.

The bill also includes language offered by Representative Sutton that ensures that actions to mitigate or prevent corrosion are included in an intended use plan will receive greater weight for an application for assistance.

"Corrosion is a serious issue that does not receive enough attention. According to a report to the Federal Highway Administration, the costs of corrosion in the U.S. are $276 billion per year. The costs of corrosion to drinking water and sewer systems alone are $36 billion per year. Inclusion of this important amendment is a step in the right direction toward mitigating and preventing corrosion across the country, and reducing costs to taxpayers," Sutton said.

The Committee also passed the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (H.R. 5381) which includes three provisions offered by Representative Sutton. The bill aims to improve auto safety and strengthen the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) by increasing the agency's expertise in vehicle electronics, and requiring new safety standards for cars run largely by electronic systems; increasing transparency and accountability in auto safety; and providing additional funding to the agency for its vehicle safety mission. The bill was approved by a vote of 31-21.

The first provision by Representative Sutton would prohibit former NHTSA safety officials from trying to influence NHTSA on behalf of any manufacturer for any matter involving vehicle safety after they leave the agency.

"As the problems with Toyota's sudden unintended acceleration have illustrated, the current post-employee restrictions applicable to NHTSA employees are not strong enough. This important amendment will tighten existing language and help close the revolving door," said Rep. Sutton.

The second provision offered by Sutton requires NHTSA to issue rules for stability control technology that will prevent rollovers and loss of control crashes for commercial vehicles, and the third would assist NHTSA research lightweight materials and plastic and composite parts for vehicles.

"Consumer safety is paramount and I am pleased that these important amendments were included in the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. These amendments will improve research, development and standardized testing that will put safer vehicles on the road," said Rep. Sutton.

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