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WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  Stopping Illegal Robocalls and Robotexts: Progress, Challenges, and Next Steps. Subcommittee Chairman Palmer's opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Good morning, and welcome to today’s hearing entitled 'Stopping Illegal Robocalls and Robotexts: Progress, Challenges, and Next Steps.' All of us have personal experiences with unwanted robocalls and robotexts. Some are merely annoying, but others have devastating consequences. For example, in March, the FCC warned consumers about scam robocalls targeting older Americans, and DOJ announced that it charged 25 individuals for participating in the same scam that defrauded Americans out of more than $21 million in more than 40 states. The scammers made phone calls pretending to be an individual’s grandchild who needed money for 'bail' after being 'arrested,' or pretended to be the grandchild’s “attorney,” and were told they could not speak to anyone about the “arrest.” This is one of the many heartbreaking examples of scams perpetrated on Americans by illegal robocallers and bad actors. “According to recent estimates, in April 2025, nearly 2,000 robocalls were placed to U.S. consumers every second. Spam and scam calls make consumers feel threatened, fearful, and distrustful of legitimate callers. As more and more Americans ignore calls from unknown numbers, they miss important calls. Moreover, fraud perpetuated against Americans by illegal robocalls costs an average of $25 billion annually, primarily affecting those who cannot afford such losses. “We are also seeing a lot of unwanted and scam robotexts, and AI generated phone calls and text messages, including voice clones and deepfakes. According to the FCC, consumer complaints about unwanted text messages increased 500-fold between 2015 and 2022. Americans are frustrated and understandably so. “In 2019, the bipartisan Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence—or TRACED Act—was enacted to help reduce the flood of illegal robocalls. The TRACED Act allowed the FCC and law enforcement to impose stricter penalties for intentional violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, or TCPA; improved adoption of technical solutions, like the STIR/SHAKEN call authentication framework; and established a federal interagency working group to combat illegal robocalls. “As a result, U.S. telecommunications carriers have made progress implementing STIR/SHAKEN into their networks. This framework authenticates that phone calls are coming from legitimate phone numbers, which helps reduce the number of spoofed and illegal robocalls. Generally, to operate within the U.S., voice service providers must now implement robocall mitigation programs and file these plans and their STIR/SHAKEN compliance certifications in the Robocall Mitigation Database overseen by the FCC. Moreover, in July 2020, the FCC recognized the U.S. Telecom Industry Traceback Group (ITG) as the single registered consortium to conduct private-led traceback efforts that identify the source of an illegal robocall. “The FCC has also taken measures to address the growing burden of unwanted and scam robotexts and abused AI technologies. Specifically, in March 2023, the agency adopted regulations targeting scam robotexts. In addition, industry actors have partnered with federal agencies to launch new programs, such as robotext tracing. Lastly, in August, the FCC proposed rules to protect consumers from AI-generated robocalls and robotexts. These are steps in the right direction, and I applaud the coordination we’ve seen thus far. “While the TCPA has provided many useful tools, the TCPA’s private right of action has given rise to class-action lawsuits focused on minor infractions, rather than the bad actors responsible for placing illegal robocalls and it has not reduced the number of illegal robocalls or improved consumer protection. “In addition, STIR/SHAKEN implementation among smaller carriers has been delayed and bad actors have exploited these providers’ reliance on legacy infrastructure. Moreover, a majority of illegal robocalls and robotexts originate overseas making them hard to trace. Because these bad actors are outside the jurisdiction of U.S. law enforcement, they are challenging to combat. “Finally, the FCC must grapple with emerging technologies and navigate the best way to create appropriate guardrails for these technologies while simultaneously continuing to support innovation. “We will always have robocalls and robotexts because not all of them are illegal. Many are used for legitimate purposes by U.S. businesses and public entities, but we must continue finding ways to combat these unwanted communications. “I want to thank our panel of witnesses for joining us. I look forward to a robust discussion to understand the current landscape of illegal robocalls and robotexts plaguing U.S. consumers and businesses so we can work together to identify and address remaining challenges. “I now recognize the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, Ms. Clarke, for her opening statement.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled AI in the Everyday: Current Application and Future Frontiers in Communications and Technology. Subcommittee Chairman Hudson's opening statement as prepared for delivery:   “Good morning, and welcome to today’s subcommittee hearing on examining artificial intelligence (AI) and how it is being used in communications and technology industries. “AI is a hot topic right now, not just in this country, but all over the globe. Although we know that AI has been used in different industries for many years, recent advancements in large language models, machine learning, and generative AI have pushed this technology into the spotlight, capturing public attention and transforming how we live and work.  “The applications for this new technology are widespread and we are continuing to find new ways AI can be used to benefit Americans’ lives.  “Whether you know it or not, almost everyone uses AI in our daily lives. Like when you use ChatGPT to create a shopping list or asking Siri for directions, but even more specifically, the rideshare you called is using AI to find the fastest route based on traffic patterns. “Or how your cell phone provider uses AI to reduce harmful spectrum interference to your phone, ensuring there is no lapse in service.  “The entertainment industry uses AI to predict what types of content viewers may enjoy and drives decisions on when that content should be produced. It is being used to develop content and enhance the editing process.  “Even the National Football League uses AI to create the perfect schedule to limit unnecessary travel for players, create an even playing field for teams, and maximize fan accessibility for the biggest games.  “As demand for AI grows, we must consider what physical infrastructure will be required to continue advanced AI development.  “Storage capacity and energy consumption demands at data centers are expected to skyrocket by 2030 due to increased AI use. As data capacity increases, we will need robust fiber optic and wireless connectivity to ensure powerful new AI systems can reach their fullest potential.  “But the United States is not the only country developing advanced AI. China recently released its DeepSeek AI model, which showed their advancements.  “Our adversaries will stop at nothing to undermine our leadership in technological advancement and utilize AI to threaten our way of life. We must continue to innovate and develop to prevent that from happening. “Competition in AI is a global issue, and it is imperative that the United States maintains its leadership.  “To do this, we must foster an environment where AI companies can innovate, compete, and excel on the global stage. Just like the light regulatory touch that gave rise to the internet and some of the most successful and cutting-edge companies on the planet, AI must be given the same opportunity to ensure American companies set the standard for the rest of the world. “This is an exciting time and opportunity to talk about these issues. Navigating these new and evolving technologies will not be without challenges, but we must meet them head-on.  “Innovation has provided untold benefits to Americans and to our economy. Today, we will hear from our witnesses about how artificial intelligence is being used across the telecommunications, technology, and media industries, as well as what is required for the United States to maintain its leadership in developing AI models. I look forward to hearing from the witnesses today about these issues and how Congress can stand ready as a partner. “I now yield five minutes to my colleague, Ranking Member Doris Matsui, for her opening statement.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, along with Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) led Republican members of the Committee to tour a hydraulic fracturing site and uranium enrichment facility. These site visits come as the Committee continues working to pass legislation to increase domestic energy production and unleash American energy dominance. “Yesterday we saw firsthand the critical work being done to power our country. We’re in a race with China to lead in AI, and winning that race will require reliable, affordable energy,”   said Chairman Guthrie.  “Oil, natural gas, and nuclear power are key to that effort, I’m grateful to our members who are driving solutions to bring more power online and meet America’s growing energy demands.”  “It was an honor to partner with Chairman Guthrie to bring members of the Energy and Commerce Committee to the Permian Basin for an impactful and informative visit. Chairman Guthrie has been a longtime advocate for the region—not just through his leadership on this trip, but also through his continued engagement and past visits to my district. Under Chairman Guthrie’s leadership, we are working in Congress and alongside the energy sector to support reliable baseload power. We know that natural gas is essential to securing our electric grid, and we are committed to protecting it to strengthen America’s energy future,”  said Congressman Pfluger.  Background:  During the tour, members saw firsthand the work and technology that goes into producing oil and natural gas through the hydraulic fracking process and the uranium enrichment process.  Currently, oil and natural gas account for about 74 percent of the primary energy sources consumed in the U.S. every year, with natural gas accounting for 43 percent of electric power generation.  Over the next 10 years, 115 gigawatts of dispatchable generation has been announced to be retired across the United States, while demand will increase by upwards of 151 gigawatts. Without more natural gas to provide power, American communities will face blackouts and brownouts.   Members of Congress who attended the visit included Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14), Rep. Rick Allen (GA-12), Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11), Rep. Russell Fry (SC-07), Rep. Nick Langworthy (NY-23), and Rep. Craig Goldman (TX-12). ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, announced an Energy Subcommittee Markup of 13 bills.  WHAT: Energy Subcommittee Markup of 13 Bills DATE: Thursday, June 5, 2025 TIME: 10:00 AM ET LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Calvin Huggins with the Committee staff at  Calvin.Huggins1@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Ben Mullany at Ben.Mullany@mail.house.gov . Items to be considered: ·      H.R. 3616 , Reliable Power Act (Rep. Balderson) ·      H.R. 1047 , Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable Power (GRID Power) Act (Rep. Balderson) ·      H.R. 3632 , Power Plant Reliability Act of 2025 (Rep. Griffith) ·      H.R. 3638 , Electric Supply Chain Act (Rep. Latta) ·      H.R. 3157 , State Energy Accountability Act (Rep. Langworthy) ·      H.R. 3628 , State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act (Rep. Evans) ·      H.R. 3657 , Hydropower Relicensing Transparency Act (Rep. Schrier) ·      H.R. 3015 , National Coal Council Reestablishment Act (Rep. Rulli) ·      H.R. 3617 , Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act (Rep. James) ·      H.R. 3109 , Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining (REFINER) Act (Rep. Latta) ·      H.R. 3062 , Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act (Rep. Fedorchak)  ·      H.R. 1949 , Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025 (Rep. Pfluger)   ·      H.R. 3668 , Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act (Rep. Hudson)   ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce delivered the following opening statement at today’s Committee on Rules hearing on the SUPPORT Act. Chairman Guthrie's opening statement as prepared for delivery:   “ Thank you Chairwoman Foxx, Ranking Member McGovern, and the members of the Rules Committee for the opportunity to testify before you today. “For far too long, Americans have witnessed the unprecedented rise in drug overdoses and substance use disorders, creating an imminent need for prevention, treatment, and recovery services. “The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 continues critical support for individuals battling addiction and marks a significant step forward in addressing the national opioid epidemic. “I am very proud of the bipartisan work that went into crafting this vital legislation – it includes priorities from Members on both sides of the aisle, including: “Continuing resources for comprehensive opioid recovery centers – I appreciate my colleagues Reps. Tonko and Peters in leading the standalone bill with me last Congress; “Clarifying that SOR grants can be used for certain overdose prevention supplies in states where such supplies are legal – I appreciate Reps. Gooden and Crockett’s leadership on this idea; “Reauthorizing support for residential substance use disorder treatment for pregnant and postpartum women – thank you to Reps. Kim and Perez for their commitment to this program. “We also received support from nearly 60 advocacy organizations who use their collective voice to prioritize prevention, expand treatment options, and enhance recovery options for individuals with substance use disorder. “This support is invaluable. I support this resolution and urge my colleagues on the Rules Committee to do so as well." ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tomorrow, the House will vote on H.R. 2483, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation, which is co-led by Chairman Guthrie (KY-02) and Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), has received widespread support from over 160 substance use disorder treatment and recovery organizations.  Here’s what they’re saying: “The state of behavioral health in America remains a national crisis, with millions of people across the nation experiencing an SUD and 1 in 5 Americans experiencing an MH condition each year,” said Debbie Witchey, MHA, President and CEO of Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW). “The SUPPORT Act is critical to effectively addressing SUDs and co-occurring MH conditions. Its policies and provisions will continue to embrace prevention, treatment, and a pathway to recovery.” “Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a nearly 24% decline in drug overdose deaths from September 2023 through September 2024. The number of overdose deaths during this 12-month period was the lowest since June 2020,” said Advocates for Opioid Addiction Treatment (AOAT). “Without question, the bipartisan SUPPORT Act of 2018, which expanded access to treatment and began addressing treatment workforce shortages played a critical role in reversing the tragic and deadly overdose trend and saving lives.” “Overdose rates are beginning to drop slightly, and we firmly believe that our investment in recovery support services is a major reason why. The SUPPORT Act gave rise to the Building Communities of Recovery Program, which seeks to mobilize and connect a broad array of community-based resources for persons with substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring substance use and mental disorders (COD),” said Patty McCarthy, CEO of Faces & Voices of Recovery. “You have our full-throated support for the passage of this legislation, and we look forward to your continued commitment to the advancement of SUD treatment and recovery.” Background:  H.R. 2483, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 reauthorizes key public health programs focused on prevention, treatment, and recovery for patients with substance use disorder that were established in the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act, which was signed into law in 2018.  Full list of supporting organizations:   A Stepping Stone to Success Active Minds ADA Women's Center Addiction Policy Forum Addiction Professionals of North Carolina Advocates for Opioid Addiction Treatment (AOAT) Akin American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) American Association of Addiction Nursing American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) American Foundation for Suicide Prevention American Jail Association American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW) Association of Prosecuting Attorneys Barbie Girl Ink LLC Behavioral Health Foundation Beyond Addiction Boone County Drug Prevention Coalition Brain First Family Center Bridging Hope, Inc. Brightpoint Bring Light Save Life C.A.R.E CADCA California Consortium of Addiction Programs & Professionals Centerstone Center for Adolescent Behavioral Health Research, Boston Children's Hospital Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Children’s Hope Alliance Command Destinations Community in Connection Couve Collective Crossroads To Intervention, Inc Crosswinds Recovery Dayspring Foundation DePaul’s NCADD-RA Devin J. Norring Foundation Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. (EIC) Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy, & Action (EDC) Faces & Voices of Recovery First Step Counseling & Educational Services Families Forward Michigan FASCETS Center for Neurodiversity FASD Changemakers FASD Collaborative Project FASD Network of Northern California FASD Network of Southern California FASD Strong FASD United FASDNow! Florissa Pediatric Development Center FLOW Counseling & Guidance, Pllc Formed Families Forward Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina Freund & Associates, LLC Functional Link Occupational Therapy Grant a Gift Autism Foundation Harm Reduction Research Lab, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson Hawaii FASD Action Group Healthcare Leadership Council Heart & Soul Speech Hopewell HOR Community Solutions, LLC Huntington, WV QRT (Quick Response Team) Hurley House IC&RC Illuminate Colorado InforMATION, LLC Inseparable Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc. International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition Jenks Forensic Addictions Services JLM Research and Evaluation Kansas FASD Support Network, Inc Kasper’s FASD Life Coaching & Training Kentucky Alliance of Recovery Services Kohnlinq, Inc. Latino Ministers of New Jersey For Justice Liberation Programs Long Island Recovery Association Maddie Wright Foundation Madison County Recovery Allies Magical Manners Club for Boys & Girls Maryland Legislative Coalition Meadows Behavioral Healthcare Mental Health America Mental Health Colorado Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) Merakey Michigan Coalition for Fetal Alcohol Resources Education and Support Mighty Crow Milford Prevention Council Mississippi Society of Addiction Medicine Missouri Works Initiative Montgomery County Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, Inc. NAMI Southeastern Arizona National Alliance for Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Solutions (NACATS) National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) National Alliance on Mental Illness, Southeastern AZ National Association for Behavioral Healthcare (NABH) National Association for Children of Addiction National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers National Behavioral Health Association of Providers National Council for Mental Wellbeing National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) National District Attorneys Association NCFASD Informed, Inc. Neuro.behavioral.connections New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. New Jersey Center for Empowerment and Community Development New York State Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare No More ODs, Inc. Objective Recovery, Inc. Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services Oregon Council for Behavioral Health PACID: Parent Advocates for Adult Children with IDD Power Forward, Inc. Prevention Action Alliance RASE Project ReBuilding Bridges Consulting, LLC Recovery Revolutionists Rockland Recovery Homes, Inc. Sacred Hearts Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine Sage Advice Therapy LLC Salisbury Elks #699 SC FASD COLLABORATIVE SEIU Local 500 Serenity Now - Nar-Anon Chapter Shatterproof Skyland Trail South Florida Wellness Network St. Joseph's Behavioral Health Center Supporting Community in Recovery Fund/Yakima Valley Community Foundation TASC, Inc. (Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities) Teton County Health Department - Prevention Texas FASD Network The BROCK Foundation The Florida Center The Florida Center for Early Childhood The Kennedy Forum The Ohio Council of Behavioral Health and Family Services Providers The Papillion Center Kentucky The Sanctuary Foster Care Services Thrive Family Recovery Resources Treatment Communities of America Tyler's Redemption Place University of Washington UT Tyler School of Medicine Valley Court Diversion Programs Village Collaboration Station, PC Wake Up Nevada LLC WeKonnect LLC Westcare White Flint Family Pharmacy WV Drug Intervention Institute Wyoming County Special Needs Association 101 Ways 21-14 CAF Click here  to for full bill text of H.R. 2483.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, announced a hearing titled The Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Energy Budget . “Under President Trump and Secretary Wright, we have begun to once again unleash American energy,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Latta . “As we work to meet the energy demands of AI and secure our grid, this hearing will offer a chance to discuss what steps we can take to produce and manufacture energy that is abundant, reliable, and affordable.” Subcommittee on Energy hearing titled The Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Energy Budget WHAT: Subcommittee on Energy Hearing on Department of Energy FY26 Budget DATE: June 10, 2025 TIME: 10:00AM LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. This hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed at energycommerce.house.gov. If you have any questions about this hearing please contact Calvin Huggins at Calvin.Huggins1@mail.house.gov . If you have any press related questions please contact Ben Mullany at Ben.Mullany@mail.house.gov . ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, announced a hearing titled  Stopping Illegal Robocalls and Robotexts: Progress, Challenges, and Next Steps . “Illegal, predatory robocalls and robotexts have defrauded Americans of billions of dollars and undermined the public’s faith in the communications they receive. Despite Congressional and agency enforcement actions, rapid technological development has made it increasingly difficult to stop this scourge,”  said Chairmen Guthrie and Palmer.   “We look forward to examining ongoing efforts to target these fraudsters and ways to protect Americans from illegal robocalls and robotexts that are meant to harass and deceive.” Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing titled  Stopping Illegal Robocalls and Robotexts: Progress, Challenges, and Next Steps WHAT:  Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing on stopping abusive and predatory robocalls and robotexts. DATE:  Wednesday, June 4, 2025 TIME:  10:15 AM ET LOCATION:  2322 Rayburn House Office Building This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at  energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning this hearing, please contact Noah Jackson at  Noah.Jackson@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Daniel Kelly at  Daniel.Kelly@mail.house.gov . ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed H.J. Res. 61 into law, repealing the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for the rubber tire manufacturing sector. “The signing of H.J. Res. 61 is a victory for the American manufacturers who were threatened by the harmful and burdensome standards created by the Biden-Harris Administration in its final days,”   said Chairman Guthrie.   “This flawed rule created enormous costs, threatening to destroy the domestic production of rubber tires and raise prices for consumers. In his first 100 days in office, President Trump is standing for the American people and passing legislation that supports businesses, workers, and families. Thank you to Chairman Griffith for his tireless work to see this legislation become law.” Background: Prior to the signing of H.J. Res. 61, tire manufacturers were being forced to incur tremendous costs to comply with these rules without any measurable benefit. ·      While EPA stated it issued the rule to address hazardous air pollutants, the rule instead adds emission limitations for total hydrocarbons and filterable particulate matter. These pollutants are not correlated. ·      To meet this flawed rule’s limits, they would have had to install and operate regenerative thermal oxidizers, control devices that require significant energy inputs. ·      Operating these devices would consequently have an adverse environmental impact, in addition to the costs the NESHAP would have imposed on the industry. ·      This rule would have impacted 94 mixers at 11 major source facilities that are located in 9 states: Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Virginia. ###