House Committee on Energy and Commerce

All Updates

Apr 22, 2026

Committees on Energy and Commerce and Financial Services Introduce Pair of Privacy Bills to Establish Comprehensive Data Protections for All Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Leader of the Energy and Commerce Data Privacy Working Group and Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, joined Congressman French Hill (AR-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02), Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, and Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence, to introduce their respective legislation, the SECURE Data Act and the GUARD Financial Data Act.

Attributable to Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Congress, and Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Leader of the Energy and Commerce Data Privacy Working Group and Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations:

“The Energy and Commerce Data Privacy Working Group was created to reset the discussion on comprehensive data privacy, taking wide ranging input from stakeholders and crafting a consensus bill that protects the privacy and security of Americans’ personal data. The SECURE Data Act is the result. This bill establishes clear, enforceable protections so that Americans remain in charge of their own data and companies are held accountable for its safe keeping. We look forward to working with our colleagues to build support for this bill and advance data privacy protections fit for our 21st century economy.”

Attributable to Congressman French Hill (AR-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, and Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence:

“For decades, Americans have entrusted financial institutions to maintain the privacy and security of their financial information. Twenty-six years ago, when the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) became law, it was written in a technology-neutral fashion that has adapted well to the changes in technology and types of consumer data that have developed since 1999. But, in that time, the volume and complexity of data have increased such that providing consumers greater control over their financial data has become imperative.

“That is why we have introduced the GUARD Financial Data Act to modernize the GLBA. Our bill minimizes data collection and disclosures; allows customers and former customers to request access to their financial data held by a financial institution; allows former customers of a financial institution to request deletion of their data; and requires a financial institution to receive a consumer’s affirmative opt-in consent before sensitive personal information can be disclosed.

“The Financial Services Committee is proud to introduce these commonsense protections in coordination with the Energy and Commerce Committee as part of a unified House Republican effort to ensure Americans’ data privacy rights. This effort represents a significant step to strengthen consumer protections and ensure Americans have control over their financial data. We look forward to continuing to work together as these measures progress through the legislative process.”

BACKGROUND:

Congressman John Joyce, M.D. led the Energy and Commerce Data Privacy Working Group.
The working group received over 250 written responses and held meetings with over 170 different organizations to gather feedback and create the strongest bill possible.
In addition to Congressman John Joyce, M.D., each member of the working group will be sponsors of the bill, including Representatives Morgan Griffith (VA-09),Troy Balderson (OH-12), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Russell Fry (SC-07), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Tom Kean (NJ-07), Craig Goldman (TX-12), and Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL).
The SECURE Data Act:
Establishes a national privacy and data security standard to protect the personal data of all Americans and their families.
Builds on the proven framework adopted by the overwhelming majority of states that have enacted comprehensive privacy and data security laws.
Establishes new rights for consumers and obligations for companies—enforced by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys-general.

Consumer Privacy Rights

Consumers will have the right to:
Know their data is being collected and used.
Access a copy of their personal data, including in a portable format.
Delete their personal data.
Opt-out of targeted advertising, sales of personal data, and certain automated decisions.
Sensitive data can only be processed with a consumer’s consent.
A parent’s consent is required to process a child and teens’ personal data.

Commonsense Obligations on Businesses

Companies must:
Limit their collection of personal data to what is “adequate, relevant, and reasonably necessary” for the purposes disclosed to consumers.
Disclose what personal data they share with others, including any personal data processed in or sold to China, Russia, or other foreign adversaries.
Implement data security practices to protect the personal data they process.
Data brokers must:
Comply with the data minimization, disclosure, and data security requirements.
Register with the FTC and provide information about their privacy and data security practices and about the personal data they sell.
The FTC will establish a searchable public-facing registry of data brokers, where consumers can learn how to exercise their privacy rights.

Advances American Leadership in the Global Digital Economy

The Secretary of Commerce is empowered to:
Continue its longstanding promotion of cross-border data flows and the protection of personal data in international commerce.
Address the negative impacts of foreign data localization and data transfer restrictions.
Protect Americans’ data from the risks posed by foreign adversaries.

CLICK HERE to read the Energy and Commerce and Financial Services Committees joint one-pager.

CLICK HERE to view the Committee on Energy and Commerce’s SECURE Data Act.

CLICK HERE to view the Committee on Financial Services’ GUARD Financial Data Act.

Apr 22, 2026

Environment

Chairman Palmer Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Environment Hearing on Critical Material Supply Chains

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing on critical mineral supply chains.

Subcommittee Chairman Palmer’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Good afternoon, and thank you all for joining us for today’s very important hearing about how U.S. environmental laws impact critical material supply chains, national security, and economic growth.

“Our country has a rich bounty of natural resources and, for most of the 20th Century, the United States was the leader in producing and refining critical minerals.

“However, in the past several decades, China has aggressively sought to dominate the global market for critical minerals – with dire consequences for our national security.

“China now is responsible for almost exclusively producing about two dozen critical minerals that our national security and defense depend on. And most of the so-called “black mass” that is recovered from lithium ion batteries is shipped back to China for recycling.

“Today, April 22, is recognized as ‘Earth Day.’ It is fitting that we are discussing how the move of critical supply chains to China has coincided with the enactment of multiple environmental laws in the U.S., where we have seen improvements to our environment, but at what cost to our manufacturing economy and national security?

“President Trump has issued several executive orders to focus the federal government’s attention on these risks and to have all departments and agencies working together to reshore the domestic critical mineral mining and processing supply chains. My bill, H.R. 4370, the Securing America’s Mineral Supply Act, would codify these policies to support domestic critical mineral mining and processing.

“As we on the Energy and Commerce Committee consider legislative reforms to the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and other environmental laws, we should work together to find solutions that support the reshoring of the entire crucial mineral supply chain. It will make little sense for us to support increased critical mineral mining in the U.S. if we are not also supporting the other parts of the supply chain from the manufacture of chemicals and energy needed to process critical minerals to the facilities needed to recover and recycle these valuable commodities on the back end.

“Given our broad jurisdiction, the Energy and Commerce Committee is well positioned to advance commonsense legislative reforms to ensure that the U.S. has the tools it needs to both produce and process critical minerals in this country.

“We have an excellent panel with us today to discuss the challenges in securing domestic supply chains for critical materials.

“First, we have Mr. Chris Lehman, Chief Development Officer for Principal Mineral, which is working to build out the domestic supply chain for critical minerals. Mr. Lehman served as the Director of the Defense Production Act’s Title III program during the first Trump administration and helped to set up the Office of Strategic Capital.

“Second, we have Dr. Beia Spiller, a Fellow and the Transportation Program Director with Resources for the Future.

“Next, we will hear from Jane Neal, Senior Vice President for AMG Vanadium, which is working to secure the domestic supply chain for vanadium, a critical mineral that is used to harden steel and in a variety of aerospace applications.

“Finally, we will hear from Josh Gubkin, Associate General Counsel for Redwood Materials, which works to recover critical minerals from used batteries. Mr. Gubkin has decades of experience as a lawyer and consultant working on complicated chemical safety and recycling issues.”

Apr 22, 2026

Energy

Chairman Latta Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Energy Hearing Conducting Oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing conducting oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Subcommittee Chairman Latta’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Good morning and welcome to today’s hearing. We welcome Chairman Nieh and the commissioners. It has been three years since we had the full Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) before the Committee, and a lot has happened since then.

“The energy landscape has been changing rapidly.

“We need more power for emerging industrial output and the AI race—as well as for a more robust, reliable grid.

“We need firm, reliable power, and a lot more of it.

“Successful deployment of nuclear technologies promises to help meet future energy demand, as well as assist in a range of other applications beneficial to society.

“Expanding nuclear deployment also promises to strengthen our national security, by increasing nuclear commerce with allies and supporting a more cost-effective nuclear industrial base.

“Of course, success depends on many factors beyond NRC. However, success will rest on a regulatory system that will efficiently provide reasonable assurance that health and safety are adequately protected.

“Two years ago, Congress took significant steps to optimize NRC’s regulatory system so that it could more effectively and efficiently carry out its vital work while enabling large scale nuclear deployment.

“At the time, there was significant frustration that the agency was not up to the task.

“For example, NRC staff in 2023 failed to produce a new regulatory framework that was workable for advanced reactors, and the staff knew nuclear applicants would not use it.

“Energy and Commerce members joined twenty Senators in a bipartisan letter to the Commission asking NRC to go back to the drawing board.

“We were concerned NRC was losing sight of its true mission.

“This concern helped inform development of the ADVANCE Act, which focused on licensing efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing predictability in NRC licensing.

“It also focused on aligning NRC’s mission so that it could do its work in service to a goal of fully achieving the benefits of nuclear for society.

“With the ADVANCE Act, Congress provided NRC the clear direction and tools to establish a strong licensing framework for nuclear development for coming decades.

“The Trump Administration, as we all know, has also stepped up to advance nuclear on several fronts.

“It is accelerating regulatory reforms through Executive Orders—consistent with the ADVANCE Act—for more efficient, risk-informed licensing. It is developing a more whole of government approach to nuclear deployment.

“How all this is coming together at NRC is a central topic for this hearing.

“In a January hearing, the subcommittee heard measured optimism that NRC has been responding well to the task before it.

“The developing record supports this optimism.

“The NRC issued the final rule for a new advanced reactor framework—the one that had raised concerns just three years ago.

“The so-called Part 53 rule looks to meet Congressional intent, offering one of the most flexible frameworks in the world, and making it easier for various technologies to work through the licensing process.

“And the costs for that process have been cut in half.

“The NRC is also working to issue a number of rules responsive not only to the President but also to Congress.

“These include rules that will enable regulation of microreactors, rapid licensing at existing sites, and licensing of manufacturing processes, so reactors can be built on assembly lines.

“The NEPA reforms from the Fiscal Responsibility Act are expected to save substantial time and workload in the siting reviews—by some estimates cutting workload by well more than half and expediting decisions.

“Elsewhere, NRC has already been completing licensing reviews under budget and ahead of schedule—with positive responses from the regulated industry seeking to relicense or build more reactors.

“NRC is seeking structural reforms to how it oversees the licensed fleet, prioritizing attention to what really matters in safety.

“We should discuss the challenges, of course, including how NRC is developing its workforce to meet the new licensing work, and how it is working with the Department of Energy or the intergovernmental process.

“Given all the work underway, we should also ask what more Congress may do to assist in setting NRC up for successfully implementing its important safety mission—a mission that, when performed well, will lead to tremendous benefits for people across the nation.”

Apr 22, 2026

Press Release

Chairman Guthrie Delivers Floor Remarks on Republicans’ Work Uplifting Rural America

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, delivered remarks on the House floor regarding H.Res. 1182, a resolution highlighting Republicans’ work to uplift rural communities across America.

Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on H.Res. 1182, as prepared for delivery:

“Good afternoon. I am pleased to be here today to discuss a resolution demonstrating the work House Republicans continue to do to improve the lives of the American people, especially those who live in rural parts of our great nation.

“We’re here to discuss H. Res. 1182 to cut through the noise that Democrats continue to make in opposition to the President and to congressional Republicans.
“It seems that no matter how reasonable, or even how bipartisan a policy has been in the past, Democrats choose partisan politics over the American people.

_“Take for example, our work in Congress along with the Administration to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in government health programs.

“Energy and Commerce Republicans have prioritized restoring program integrity in our government health programs throughout this entire Congress, starting with H.R. 1 by ensuring critical safety net programs can continue to serve their intended purpose of protecting our most vulnerable Americans, to now, launching a nationwide investigation into Medicaid programs across the country.

“It’s disheartening that Democrats refuse to come to the table to safeguard pregnant women, their children, low-income seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

“Republicans will continue advancing policies that protect important federal programs, but we are here today primarily to highlight the many ways in which House Republicans are unleashing growth in the economy following years of heavy-handed government intervention under the Biden-Harris Administration.

“We are creating the right environment for individual Americans to set their own course and achieve their own dreams.

“For example, we have enacted legislation to unleash domestic energy production, such as reversing Department of Energy restrictions on LNG exports and requiring FERC approval of grid planning policies to preserve reliability to keep the lights on for American families and businesses.

“We have worked to ensure that rural manufacturers are not unfairly penalized for emissions they did not create, and we passed commonsense reforms to support Clean Air Act permitting and permitting relief for broadband deployment.

“House Republicans have worked to enhance health care quality and access, through the Working Family Tax Cuts and Lower Health Care Premiums for All Act. We have bolstered health resources for rural communities through the Rural Health Transformation Program—the most significant investment of its kind in history. We also enacted the SUPPORT Act and HALT Fentanyl Act, which provide crucial resources to rural communities devastated by the opioid crisis.

“House Republicans have worked hard—and continue to work hard—this Congress to accelerate economic growth and opportunity for the American people.”

Apr 22, 2026

Energy

House Passes Permitting Reform Legislation to Halt Federal Green Energy Mandate and Protect National Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, celebrated House passage of H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act. Led by Rep. Nick Langworthy (NY-23), the legislation repeals Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), which requires the Department of Energy to force all new and renovated federal buildings to stop using fossil fuel-generated electricity by 2030.

“Today, the United States produces more oil and natural gas than any country in the world, and I’ve seen firsthand at Fort Knox in my district that flexibility matters for energy independence much more than top-down, federal mandates. Forcing the use of intermittent power sources like wind and solar instead of baseload power from more reliable sources raises costs and puts our national security at risk,” said Chairman Guthrie. “The Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act is a commonsense measure that ensures valuable taxpayer funding is not wasted on transitioning federal buildings. Thank you to Congressman Langworthy for his work to advance this critical legislation.”

“The Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act rolls back an outdated and inefficient green energy mandate on federal buildings and military installations, allowing agencies to pursue efficient, cost-effective solutions that meet their energy needs,” said Speaker Johnson. “The one-size-fits-all electrification mandate – which endangers the stability of our critical infrastructure and jeopardizes national security – has clearly failed, and House Republicans have offered a solution that reintroduces commonsense to American energy policy. I commend Rep. Langworthy for his leadership on this legislation.”

“This bill puts reliability and affordability back at the center of energy policy, where it belongs. Through this legislation, we are ensuring that our critical federal infrastructure is tailored to meet Americans’ needs, not some arbitrary political target,” said Congressman Langworthy. “It will help rein in inflated construction costs, accelerate project timelines, and foster innovation by removing rigid, top-down mandates. Today’s passage marks a win for common-sense, and I urge the Senate to move swiftly to pass this and get it on the President’s desk.”

BACKGROUND:

H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act — Rep. Langworthy (NY-23)

When EISA was being considered by Congress, the American energy landscape was far different than it is today, dominated by concerns over dependency on other countries for energy. On December 19, 2007, when the bill was signed into law, the U.S. was producing an average of roughly 5 million barrels of oil per day.

In January 2026, Winter Storm Fern swept across 20 states, engulfing nearly half the country in dangerous winter conditions. To meet the spike in electricity demand, coal and natural gas-fired generation increased by 25 percent and 47 percent, respectively, displaying their ability to meet demand regardless of weather conditions. In stark contrast, solar and wind generation only produced at 11 percent and 23 percent, respectively, of their nameplate capacity.

The one-size-fits-all electrification mandate established by Section 433 jeopardizes the reliability and security of our nation’s critical infrastructure, including military installations.

The Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act fully repeals these requirements, as well as associated enforcing regulations. By removing this unworkable mandate, the legislation improves grid reliability, prioritizes savings for American taxpayers, and ensures the protection of our national security assets.

Apr 22, 2026

Press Release

House Passes Energy and Commerce Resolution to Recognize the Importance of Protecting Rural Communities Across America

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued a statement following House adoption of H.Res. 1182, a resolution highlighting ways in which House Republicans have sought to strengthen rural communities this Congress.

“Republicans, through the extensive work accomplished this Congress, have proven to be the party that no longer allows rural America to fall through the cracks,” said Chairman Guthrie. “From the creation of the historic Rural Health Transformation Program—a $50 billion investment directly into rural health care—to the expansion of telehealth services, to supporting the development of affordable and reliable energy, working to increase connectivity, and pausing Democrat-created Disproportionate Share Hospital payment cuts, we have made it clear that our work to protect and strengthen rural communities remains a top priority.”

Background on H.Res. 1182:

H.Res. 1182 is a resolution promoting the importance of our rural communities across America.

The Republican Conference has spent the better part of this Congress to ensure rural communities have expanded access to quality health care.

Some of the most notable work by Republicans this Congress to promote the long-term success of rural communities include but are not limited to:
A critical investment of $50 billion to all 50 states through the creation of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program—the most historic investment in rural health in the history of the United States;
The passage of important legislation like H.R. 27, the HALT Fentanyl Act, and H.R. 2483, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025, which counter the flow of illicit fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances and provide related resources for our communities;
The expansion of telehealth resources through the passage of H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026—which implements a 2-year telehealth extension—and the H.R. 783, the Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home Act—which expanded telehealth flexibility to include cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation services;
Encouraging the use of satellite connectivity to send alert messages in hard-to-reach areas to improve public safety capabilities through H.R. 7022, the Mystic Alerts Act;
Closing the digital divide by strengthening safeguards used to vet applicants seeking Universal Service Fund funding and ensuring the program is serving hard-to-reach areas, through H.R. 2399, the Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025;Reducing the regulatory barriers to precision agriculture by directing the FCC to review certain rules and develop recommendations for rule changes through H.R. 1618, the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act;
Extending Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments;
Lowering the cost of health care for all American families through legislation like H.R. 6703, the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, which the Congressional Budget Office affirmed will lower health care premiums by an average 11 percent through appropriating cost sharing reductions;
Streamlining enrollment processes for eligible out-of-State Medicaid and CHIP providers through H.R. 1598, the Accelerating Kids Access to Care Act;
Supporting commonsense permitting reform through H.R.6398, the Reducing and Eliminating Duplicative Environmental Regulations (RED Tape) Act; and
Helping to lower energy costs for hardworking families through H.R. 3668, the Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act.

Apr 22, 2026

Press Release

Chairman Guthrie Delivers Floor Remarks on Legislation Supporting Reliable Federal Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, delivered remarks on the House floor regarding H.R. 4690, to prevent a ban on fossil fuel-generated electricity being used for federal buildings.

Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on H.R. 4690, as prepared for delivery:

“Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act. Today's debate serves as a reminder that policy decisions carry long-lasting implications.

“We are here today to reverse current law, which requires the federal government to phase out fossil fuels in new and renovated buildings by 2030.

“This one-size-fits-all electrification mandate for new and renovated federal buildings jeopardizes the reliability and security of our nation's critical federal infrastructure. Winter Storm Fern's impact across the U.S. in January made it clear: reliable and affordable fossil fuels provide consistent power — wind and solar do not.

“While coal and natural gas significantly increased their output to meet demand during Winter Storm Fern, in New England, burning trash produced more electricity than wind and solar combined.

“The federal government and the United States military require uninterrupted, reliable electricity. Anything less compromises our national security, and this issue is timelier than ever. While the deadlines in Section 433 to wind down the use of fossil fuels have not been enforced thus far, future administrations could weaponize the law to favor special interests who stand to gain billions in taxpayer funds to retrofit federal infrastructure.

“The legislation before us today to repeal Section 433 brings federal building policy back to reality, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting yes on H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act.”

Apr 21, 2026

Health

Health Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Department of Health and Human Services FY2027 Budget

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Health, led a hearing titled The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Health and Human Services Budget.

“As a pharmacist, I’ve seen firsthand how health challenges play out in real life—at the pharmacy counter, in rural communities, and for patients trying to navigate a system that is often too complicated and too expensive. Too often, patients walk away from needed care—not because it isn’t available, but because they can’t afford it, or because the system makes it too difficult to get the care they need,” said Vice Chair Harshbarger. “This budget outlines an ambitious agenda to improve health outcomes, modernize federal programs, and make health care more affordable and accessible. This Subcommittee looks forward to continue working with the Administration to ensure these priorities are implemented in a way that delivers real results for the American people.”

Watch the full hearing here.

Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing:

4.21 Bilirakis.png

Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12): “As you know, rare disease innovation is a key priority area for me. Last year, with HHS support, Congress reauthorized the FDA Pediatric Priority Review Voucher (PRV) program, a critical incentive for rare disease companies to develop pediatric treatments. I was pleased to see a legislative proposal in the president's budget this year to make the PRV program permanent, and I look forward to working with you on this proposal that will bring stability to the rare community, so thank you very much for that. Rare disease advocates were also encouraged to see the addition of two conditions to the recommended universal screening panel for heritable screen against newborn screening. What will the process look like for adding new conditions to the newborn screening panel moving forward?” Secretary Kennedy: “We added new two new diseases—Metachromatic Leukodystrophy and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy—to the panel. We intend to add a lot more of those diseases. In addition to that, we have a new initiative called the Plausible Mechanism Pathway that will quickly facilitate new drugs getting to market—new rare disease drugs without going through clinical trials of a similar molecule has already gone through the process, and there's a plausible mechanism for approval. In addition to that, we have a Rare Pediatric [Disease] Priority Review Voucher that is going to, again, facilitate quick approval of rare disease drugs. So, this is a center focus at FDA right now. We're doing more than any administration has done in history.”

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Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03): “As we review the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, Secretary Kennedy, I think it's important that we focus not just on how much we are spending, but whether or not we're actually improving health outcomes for the American people. Now, too often, we say that we have a health care system, but I personally believe that we have a “sick care” system, and we have a culture that perpetuates a system of maintenance rather than prevention. And I think much of what your initiatives do is trying to address the cultural issue, as well as the structural issues within HHS. I appreciate the Administration's focus on prevention, nutrition, innovation, and I look forward to continuing the discussion on how this budget can move us in that direction, while improving access and lowering costs.”

4.21 Houchin.png

Congressman Erin Houchin (IN-09): “Areva Pharmaceuticals is a critical manufacturer of generics in my district, which I'm proud to have headquartered in Southern Indiana, and they've been manufacturing pharmaceutical products in Indiana since 2011. They're continuing their efforts to expand production to include manufacturing of raw materials. They make fludarabine phosphate, which is a key pretreatment for CAR T-cell therapy and stem cell therapy for cancer treatment. The only place they can source the precursor to make that medication is in Wuhan, China. They are facing a lengthy and complicated approval process with uncertain timelines, making it extremely difficult to expand these productions in raw materials. Mr. Secretary, what are HHS and the FDA doing to accelerate U.S. pharmaceutical domestic manufacturing of these precursors and minimizing regulatory roadblocks, while still maintaining high safety standards?” Secretary Kennedy: “And thank you for asking me that. It's been a huge stumbling block for the production of generic drugs in this country, which are the majority of drugs that we use. And we're getting them all from China and from India—almost all of them from China and India—and it is a vulnerability in our supply chains. It's a national health threat, [and] a national defense vulnerability as well, so we're doing everything that we can to ease the production pains of construction and expanding plants here and getting quick approvals. FDA has initiated a new program called the PreCheck program that fast tracks these proposals.”

Apr 21, 2026

Press Release

Chairman Palmer Delivers Remarks on Critical Permitting Reform Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gary Plamer (AL-06) Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, delivered the following remarks introducing H.R. 6387, the Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act, which would to ensure that states are not penalized for wildfire mitigation measures, like prescribed burns and brush clearing.

Subcommittee Chairman Palmer’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6387, the FIRE Act — a bipartisan bill introduced by Congressman Gabe Evans of Colorado and co-led by Congressman Adam Gray of California.

“The FIRE Act ensures that states are not penalized for wildfire mitigation practices like prescribed or controlled burns and brush clearing. States currently limit these practices for fear of falling out of attainment with National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

“Unlike wildfires, prescribed burns do not automatically qualify as exceptional events under the current provisions of the Clean Air Act. This is because prescribed burns are human-caused, likely to recur, and preventable. As a result, prescribed burns are often counted against states for the purpose of National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

“In 2016, EPA amended the Exceptional Events Rule in an effort to include prescribed burns, but the attempt failed. Only one prescribed fire qualified for the exceptional event exception in the last decade. Congress must amend the Clean Air Act to allow wildfire mitigation to be included as an exceptional event exception. Time has taught us that agency action is not enough to address the current statutory obstacles.

“The FIRE Act directly amends the Clean Air Act so that prescribed burns are treated as exceptional events and states are not penalized for wildfire mitigation measures. It provides clarity and predictability for air quality planning and encourages proactive wildfire mitigation measures.

“There is nearly unanimous agreement that increasing the use of prescribed fire and other wildfire mitigation practices is necessary to reduce the growing wildfire threats across the country. With what's projected to be a severe wildfire season around the corner, Congress must modernize the Clean Air Act to ensure that wildfire mitigation practices are eligible for the Exceptional Events Rule.

“The FIRE Act allows states to perform prescribed burns and wildfire mitigation activities without severe economic consequences, protecting their communities from the devastating impact of wildfires.

“I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.”