House approves bills on ocean debris, TVA, disasters

By Rebekah Alvey | 03/12/2024 06:40 AM EDT

Another measure up for debate this week, on federal office space, drew a rebuke from the White House on Monday.

Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn).

Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) during floor debate Monday. House Television

The House passed legislation Monday to make certain Tennessee Valley Authority salaries public and to better address ocean waste.

H.R. 4693, the “TVA Salary Transparency Act,” from, Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), would restore disclosure requirements for TVA employees at the management level or above, including executives and board members. It passed by voice vote.

The bill follows criticisms of CEO Jeff Lyash’s salary. In 2020, he was the highest-paid federal employee with an annual salary of $8 million, which sparked backlash from then-President Donald Trump.

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“My constituents and all the Tennessee Valley Authority should know exactly what the higher earners of TVA are really making,” said Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), who co-sponsors the bill.

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