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Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) today announced a Full Committee Markup of 16 bills.  “The Energy and Commerce Committee is continuing its work to deliver solutions and make life better for the American people. At this week’s markup, we will consider more than a dozen bills, including legislation to repeal harmful regulations that are jeopardizing America’s economic and energy security, extend telehealth services for seniors, and continue to incentivize important innovation for pediatric rare diseases,” said Chair Rodgers. “We will also consider legislation to provide the most significant protections and safeguards to date for children online. The Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act are historic pieces of legislation that finally answer the call of parents across the country who are desperately looking for Congress to act to shield our children from the threats they are facing online. I look forward to taking the next steps in getting these critical pieces of legislation signed into law and ushering in a new era on the internet.”  WHAT: A Full Committee Markup of 16 bills.  DATE: Wednesday, September 18, 2024  TIME: 10:00 AM ET LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building Legislation to be considered:   H.R. 670 , Think Differently Database Act (Reps. Molinaro and Sherrill)   H.R. 8107 , Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act of 2024 (Reps. Ciscomani and Gluesenkamp Perez)   H.R. 8108 , To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to add a Medicaid State plan requirement with respect to the determination of residency of certain individuals serving in the Armed Forces (Reps. Kiggans and Kaptur)   H.R. 3433 , Give Kids a Chance Act of 2024 (Reps. McCaul and Eshoo)   H.R. 7188 , Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act (Reps. Moolenaar and Dingell)   H.R. 7623 , Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024 (Reps. Carter, Blunt Rochester, Steube, Sewell, Miller-Meeks, Dingell, Van Drew, and Morelle)   H.R. 3227 , Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act (Reps. Estes and Connolly)   H.R. 9067 , Building America’s Health Care Workforce Act (Rep. Guthrie) H.R. 7155 , United States-Abraham Accords Cooperation and Security Act of 2024 (Reps. Harshbarger, Vargas, Weber, Peters, Harris, Levin, and Allen)  H.J. Res. 139 , Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relating to "Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities and Medicaid Institutional Payment Transparency Reporting” (Reps. Fischbach and Pence)   H.R. 7890 , Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (Reps. Walberg, Bucshon, Carter, Dunn, Eshoo, Castor, Moulton, and Auchincloss)   H.R. 7891 , Kids Online Safety Act (Reps. Bilirakis, Bucshon, Castor, Houchin, and Schrier)   H.R. 8449 , AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (Reps. Bilirakis and Pallone)   H.J.Res. 163 , Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “New Source Performance Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From New, Modified, and Reconstructed Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating Units; Emission Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Existing Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating Units; and Repeal of the Affordable Clean Energy Rule” (Rep. Balderson)   H.J.Res. 133 , Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles-Phase 3" (Rep. Fulcher)   H.J.Res. 117 , Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Reconsideration of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter" (Rep. Allen) This notice is at the direction of the Chair. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Alex Khlopin at Alex.Khlopin@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Christopher Krepich at Christopher.Krepich@mail.house.gov and Kate Roberts at Kate.Arey@mail.house.gov .

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) today announced a hearing titled “Federal Trade Commission Practices: A Discussion on Past Versus Present.” “The Federal Trade Commission has a long, bipartisan history of protecting consumers, without unduly burdening legitimate business activity. Unfortunately, in recent years, we have seen the Commission take a different approach when it comes to its historical norms. Such a shift raises questions on its preparation for rulemakings, its retention of staff, and the long-term impact on its effectiveness in sustaining court challenges” said Chairs Rodgers and Bilirakis. “We look forward to a conversation with experts on how the FTC’s departure from its traditional standards is affecting Americans in their daily lives, consumer safety, and American businesses across the country.” Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce hearing titled “Federal Trade Commission Practices: A Discussion on Past Versus Present.” WHAT: Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce hearing to discuss the change in norms and practices of the Federal Trade Commission. DATE: Thursday, September 19, 2024 TIME: 10:30 AM ET LOCATION: 2322 Rayburn House Office Building This notice is at the direction of the Chair. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/ . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Alex Khlopin at Alex.Khlopin@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Kate Roberts at kate.arey@mail.house.gov .

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee Chair Buddy Carter (R-GA) today announced a hearing titled “Holding the Biden-Harris EPA Accountable for Radical Rush-to-Green Spending.”  “The Biden-Harris Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the most extreme EPA to date. Since President Biden took office, the EPA has been given $109 billion in additional funding and grown its workforce to over 15,000 employees. The Biden-Harris EPA’s spending and regulatory policies—created by the so-called ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ and ‘Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’—continue to put America on a dangerous path that threatens our economic and national security, while enriching our adversaries, like China,” said Chairs Rodgers and Carter. “The EPA must return to its core statutory functions—which do not include undermining the economic prosperity of the United States or driving costs up across the board for Americans.”  Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials titled “Holding the Biden-Harris EPA Accountable for Radical Rush-to-Green Spending.”   WHAT: A subcommittee hearing to hold the Biden-Harris EPA accountable for its radical rush-to-green spending and regulatory policies.  DATE: Thursday, September 19, 2024  TIME: 10:00 AM ET LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building  This notice is at the direction of the Chair. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Kaitlyn Peterson at Kaitlyn.Peterson@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Kate Roberts at Kate.Arey@mail.house.gov .

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing titled "A Year Removed: Oversight of Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act Implementation." “We are here because lives are on the line. “Every day, 17 people die waiting for an organ transplant. Many more suffer through years of fear and uncertainty, not knowing if they will get the life-saving care they need in time. “And surviving family members of those willing to donate their organs and tissue deserve to know that their loved one's act of selflessness is put to good use. “Nearly one year ago, the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act, passed Congress unanimously and was signed into law by President Biden. “I’m grateful to my colleagues, Dr. Bucshon and Rep. Kelly, for their bipartisan work in getting this Act signed into law.” THE PROBLEM “That bill sent a clear message that the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network, or OPTN, was in desperate need of reform. “As many of my colleagues—and certainly our witnesses—know, patients are waiting far too long for life-saving organ transplants.  “Tragically, some lose their lives waiting. Victims of a system that’s still struggling through a transition away from an old, broken model. “That is why it is so important that this committee remains informed about the effort to modernize the OPTN. “I’m grateful to hear from our witnesses today about their experience with the law’s implementation and to understand the remaining problems that need to be addressed. “While the leaders of the key organizations involved in this process, Health Resources and Services Administration Administrator Carole Johnson and OPTN Board President Dr. Richard Formica, were unable to testify today, the committee looks forward to receiving transparent and comprehensive updates from both moving forward.” WHY ARE WE HERE? “OPTN plays a critical role in savings lives. However, systemic inefficiencies, outdated practices, and a lack of accountability have hindered its ability to fulfill that mission. “This committee has a duty to ensure that the changes we put in place are happening. “We need to know that conflicts of interest are being eliminated throughout the OPTN, and we need to know that the OPTN is managed in a way that puts patient safety and well-being first. “We cannot allow the status quo to continue any longer. “Changing the name of the governing bodies of the OPTN but keeping the same individuals in place who failed to provide true oversight in the past is unacceptable. “Their inefficiencies and lack of accountability have cost people their lives. “The American people deserve better, and we’re here today seeking that on their behalf.” REMAINING WORK “I’m proud of the bipartisan work of this committee in passing the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act, but that does not mean our work is over.  “While the law is an important first step, challenges remain. Some of our witnesses today are not only advocates but also those performing organ transplantation surgeries. They are on the front lines, and it’s critical their voices are heard.   “We must ensure the promises of our bipartisan reforms do not go unfulfilled but lead to real improvements and better outcomes.    “This hearing is an opportunity to learn about what is happening, to ask tough questions to demand accountability, and to ensure that we save as many lives as possible.   “Past congressional hearings focused on the United Network for Organ Sharing as the sole contractor and manager of the OPTN. But that is not today’s hearing.    “Today is about people. It’s about patients waiting for an organ transplant—families who have lost loved ones—and the lives we can save if both Congress and HRSA get this implementation right. “I am committed to continuing to work in a bipartisan manner to modernize the OPTN, ensure transparency, hold people accountable, and ensure that every life-saving organ is used to its fullest potential.”

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s hearing titled “A Year Removed: Oversight of Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act Implementation.” CURRENT STATE OF ORGAN PROCUREMENT AND TRANSPLANTATION “Today’s hearing is an opportunity to examine the national organ procurement system and provide oversight into the implementation of the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act. “The current state of organ transplantation in our country is inadequate and must be addressed. “There are over 100,000 individuals waiting for an organ transplant and about 17 people die each day waiting for one. “Notwithstanding the need for viable organs, according to one study, there are more than 28,000 viable organs that are not recovered each year. We must do better. “In 1984, the National Organ Transplant Act was signed into law that created a national framework for organ transplants. “The bill established the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, or OPTN, which created a public-private partnership that implements and oversees the organ donation and transplant system. “Currently, the sole contractor responsible for operating the OPTN is the United Network for Organ Sharing, or UNOS. They have been the sole contractor since 1986. During the past 38 years, there have been a myriad of issues plaguing this organ transplant system.” RIGOROUS ORGAN TRANSPLANT OVERSIGHT “While UNOS has provided beneficial services to organ transplant patients, there have been many examples of them operating inefficiently. “I believe this is largely due to them having a monopoly. “Also, there are questions around potential conflicts of interest. For example, partially due to certain agency regulations, some members of the UNOS board also sit on the board of the OPTN. “And let me remind you, this is the oversight organization overseeing the organ transplant system. “According to a Senate Finance Committee report, between 2010 and 2020, more than 1,100 complaints were filed by patients, families, transplant centers and others regarding the organ transplant system. “These inefficiencies are due to the lack of oversight and management of Organ Procurement Organizations, or OPOs. “OPO’s are responsible for the procurement of organs for transplantation and are overseen by UNOS. “There have been many reported cases of transportation failures, which has led to organs being unviable or having to cancel transplant procedures. “In 2018, there was a human heart left behind on a commercial plane. “Another mindboggling story was in 2020 when a kidney was accidentally thrown in the trash by an OPO staff, causing it to be unusable. “There are currently 56 OPO’s operating in the US. The current system we have in place is a patchwork of OPO’s that must rely on commercial couriers and airlines to transfer the organ. “If we can track our Amazon order for socks every step of the way, we should be able to track something as valuable as human organs. “The lack of accountability must be addressed to create a more stable and reliable system. “There are other failures that show there needs to be an overhaul of how the organ transplant system operates.” MODERNIZING THE ORGAN TRANSPLANT SYSTEM “That is what spurred H.R. 2544, the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act , led by Energy and Commerce members Dr. Bucshon and Mrs. Kelly, that was signed into law in 2023 and was unanimously passed by this committee and both the House and Senate. “This bill allows for multiple entities to bid for certain contracts for functions such as logistics and health IT within the organ transplant network. “This allows for companies with expertise in certain areas to competitively bid for contracts and end UNOS’ monopoly over the organ transplant process. “The bill also ensures accountability by having separate boards within the transplant system. “Within Health and Human Services is the Health Resources and Services Administration, or HRSA, which houses the entire organ transplant system. They will now have the authority to modernize the organ transplant system. “It is Congress’ job to ensure that HRSA successfully implements this law so that the previous failures do not happen. “Proper implementation is vital to saving lives. “On top of modernizing the organ transplant system, HHS and Congress must be open to approving new and innovative solutions to help address the organ shortage we are facing. “For example, in my district alone we have a company that develops genetically modified organs from pigs that can be transplanted into humans. “And Virginia Tech has partnered with a doctor in my district to develop an innovative technology that can resuscitate and keep organs viable for longer periods of time from trauma patients. “I am hopeful that we are moving in the right direction to help mitigate the failures of our current organ transplant system, but more must be done. “Congress will be watching to ensure this new law is implemented effectively and we do not face the same mistakes again.”

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee hearing titled “From Gas to Groceries: Americans Pay the Price of the Biden-Harris Energy Agenda."  “Before we begin today, we remember all those we lost and the heroes who bravely confronted evil on 9/11. “We can never forget them or their sacrifices, so we remember what’s at stake: our values, our country, and our children’s future. “Thank you to our witnesses for appearing before the Subcommittee today. We look forward to your testimony. “Affordable, reliable energy is foundational to everything we do. “It’s key for our national security and for the prosperity of American families, businesses, and communities. “From the manufacture and production of the everyday goods we need to take care of our families, to the power necessary to keep homes warm in the winter, and cool in the summer, it all starts with energy.” HARMS OF RUSH-TO-GREEN POLICIES “Over the past two years, the Energy and Commerce Committee has led the way to expose how the Biden-Harris administration’s war on American energy is fueling the out-of-control inflation decimating the financial security of the American people. “We have examined how the administration’s radical rush-to-green agenda and regulations are threatening our national security and economic growth by restricting energy expansion, by shutting down reliable baseload power generation, and replacing it with unreliable, expensive generation, and by driving up the costs of mobility and homeownership, putting the American dream out of reach for many. “We’ve also examined how the radical Biden-Harris EPA has set new emissions standards at levels that will make it nearly impossible to permit the expansion or building of new manufacturing in most parts of the country, crushing many good-paying jobs and further drive up the cost of goods.” THE ECONOMIC PAIN HAS BEEN REAL AND IS NOT SUBSIDING “This administration’s war on American energy impacts every aspect of our lives, and hardworking Americans are facing the consequences every day from the gas pump to the grocery store. “Today, American families pay on average 30 percent more for electricity, 25 percent more for gas to heat their homes, and 56 percent more for gasoline to fuel their cars than they did in January 2021. “Right now, families are paying the largest portion of their income on food in 30 years. “I recently read about a mom living in North Carolina who said ‘Sometimes I have to choose whether I'm going to pay the light bill, or do I pay all the rent or buy food or not let my son do a sport?' “It doesn’t have to be this way, and it shouldn’t be this way. “In my home state of Washington, the average family is paying an additional $1,066 more per month on average than they did in January 2021 for the same goods and services, according to the Joint Economic Committee. “This adds up to more than $27,000 in additional spending due to inflation since the start of the Biden-Harris administration. “In California, it’s even worse. On average, households have spent $35,000 more since this administration took over. “In spite of all of this, the Biden-Harris administration has doubled down on its radical policies.” UNLEASH ENERGY, REDUCE REGULATION TO LOWER COSTS “Today we will focus on how the administration’s rush-to-green energy policies contribute to the high costs Americans face every day across the board and the resulting consequences on families and businesses. “Without taking action to promote American energy expansion, there is tremendous uncertainty for the future. “While the United States has regained its leadership in oil and gas production thanks to the pro-American energy policies of the previous administration, current restrictions led by the Biden-Harris administration on future energy production jeopardizes this success. “The administration’s increased taxes, regulations, and limits on drilling puts us on a path to not being able to meet America’s growing energy needs.” THE CHOICE GOING FORWARD “There is an important choice we must make going forward. “We can continue down the path of energy restrictions, reduced reliability, and unaffordable costs, or we can choose the path of energy dominance, security, and economic prosperity. “I believe the choice is obvious. “We must focus on advancing policies that reduce costs for American families and businesses, and that begins with unleashing American energy production. “To lower costs and make life affordable again, we must reject the Biden-Harris administration’s rush-to-green agenda and stand up for the American values of free market competition, innovation, and environmental stewardship. “That is how we will win the future.”

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s hearing titled “From Gas to Groceries: Americans Pay the Price of the Biden-Harris Energy Agenda."   “Today, we are going to review the past four years to examine how record high energy prices have impacted American families and the pursuit of the American dream. “Since the beginning of this Congress, Members of this Subcommittee have attended numerous hearings and roundtables focused on the issues that impact our everyday lives.” EFFECTS OF THE BIDEN-HARRIS AGENDA “Since day 1, the Biden-Harris administration has waged war on American energy and the results have been devastating. “The facts are undeniable. “Inflation surged out of control, and price levels remain unacceptably high. “Records have been set with historically high prices for gasoline, diesel, fertilizers, and many fossil-fuel based commodities. “Supply chain shortages have rippled across the economy, affecting everything from computer chips to toilet paper. “Americans are paying more for groceries, housing, and credit card bills than when the administration took over. “Massive government spending and tax subsidies have distorted energy markets and have destabilized our electric grid. “Who pays the price for all of this? “Every American, rich and poor, is paying more and getting less under the Biden-Harris agenda.” KITCHEN TABLE ISSUES “Americans are suffering under the Biden-Harris administration’s energy policies.   “Energy powers our economy. The cost of energy—fossil fuels and electricity—is embedded in everything we buy.    “From gas to groceries, everything costs a lot more than it did four years ago.   “My Democratic colleagues may not want to admit it, but American families are feeling the pain. "Inflation. Grocery bills. Housing costs. These are the issues people are talking about around their kitchen tables. “These are the issues people care about.” HIGH ENERGY COSTS ARE CRUSHING EVERYDAY AMERICANS “Today’s hearing will give members an opportunity to hear the stories of Americans on the frontline of the Biden-Harris administration’s war on American energy. “We will learn how the American dream is being threatened by energy and economic policies that prioritize a global climate agenda over American families. “We will hear how federal regulations targeting fossil fuel production and electric generation are resulting in record-shattering electricity bills and forced power outages. “We will also learn why our groceries cost so much more now than they did four years ago. “We will examine the false promises of a ‘green transition’, and why claims of ‘price gouging’ are another distraction from the administration’s failed policy agenda.  “Prices are high because of the built in costs of energy and commodities— these trends are directly related to the policies of the Biden-Harris administration. “Today’s hearing highlights this Subcommittee’s work this Congress. “We’ve held dozens of hearings with expert witnesses and administration officials. We’ve explored the issues sector-by-sector across our jurisdiction. “And a consistent lesson has emerged: increasing the supply of energy and reducing regulatory roadblocks to ease the cost of delivering energy provides a powerful driver for the economy and for lower prices. “Republican’s have worked to do this. “We have also passed important legislation, including H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, to reform the energy permitting process and reverse harmful regulations that threaten economic growth. “We still have important work to do, and I hope to use the remainder of this Congress to push these important reforms over the finish line.” 

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing titled “From Introduction to Implementation: A BEAD Program Progress Report.” “Broadband connectivity is critical to our everyday life and winning the future. Its what connects our work, schools, businesses, hospitals, and more. “Broadband helps create opportunity—opportunity to spur growth, learn, and foster relationships—an opportunity that many rural Americans have lacked for far too long. “Today’s hearing is part of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s continued efforts to close the digital divide through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, or BEAD. “In this Congress alone, we’ve heard from NTIA Assistant Secretary Alan Davidson three times, advanced major legislation that would address barriers to broadband permitting, and, recently, opened an investigation into NTIA’s lack of transparency and unlawful actions in implementing the BEAD program.” CONCERNS WITH NTIA’S ADMINISTRATION OF BEAD “Republicans on this Committee have been vocal about our concern that NTIA’s self-imposed guidelines for BEAD will undermine the program’s success, leading to wasted tax dollars while leaving Americans without the broadband access they need to succeed in their everyday life. “Unfortunately, NTIA has only furthered our concerns by taking actions that will lead to increased costs and longer timelines for broadband deployment. “NTIA’s decision to pressure states to regulate the rates charged for broadband service—despite the law strictly prohibiting rate regulation—will make this program less attractive to the providers needed to participate for BEAD’s success. “NTIA is also using the program to push a radical agenda with unnecessary workforce and climate-related requirements which will make this program more expensive to operate, diverting important dollars that should be used to connect more Americans. “NTIA has spent two years pushing an expensive fiber-first agenda, violating the law’s requirement to use a technology-neutral approach, and making deployment cost prohibitive in many unserved communities, especially in areas like those in parts of my district in Eastern Washington. “NTIA, to its credit, seems to finally be showing an openness to alternative technologies like unlicensed fixed wireless and low Earth-orbit satellite, something that Republicans have asked for since this program began, but by failing to do this from the beginning they have wasted time and money, which only results in fewer Americans getting connected.” DELAYS, DELAYS, DELAYS “While the statute laid out certain timing requirements for the BEAD program, I continue to hear about unnecessary delays in NTIA’s approval process. “Burdensome red tape that NTIA added to the program has made compliance by states much more difficult. “It has been nearly 14 months since states received their initial allocations from NTIA, yet the administration still has not approved 16 initial state proposals. “Vice President Harris was tasked by President Biden to be the Broadband Czar, which has resulted in little progress and heavy-handed federal bureaucracy. “That’s why we are having today’s hearing—to hear from those on the ground, the states and providers—and understand how Congress can ensure this program achieves its goal of connecting every American. “Today is the first time we’ve had representatives from the states and providers, those who will actually make the goals of BEAD a reality, before the Committee since the program was created, and I am excited to hear from our expert witnesses about their experience so far and to discuss what still needs to be done to ensure we are successful in achieving our mission. “Everyone here today wants BEAD to succeed, which is why Congressional oversight of the program is critical. “Our mission remains that every American be connected, and we will stay vigilant in fulfilling that commitment to the American people.”

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s hearing titled “Evaluating FDA Human Foods and Tobacco Programs.”  “Today’s hearing is an opportunity to learn more about how two of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Centers are improving their regulation of products that have an impact on millions of American families.”  FAILURES OF THE FDA CENTERS   “Between foodborne illness outbreaks, the infant formula crisis, and the FDA’s failure to authorize tobacco harm reduction products, the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and the Center for Tobacco Products have repeatedly failed to rise to the occasion to the detriment of the American people.   “It’s been over a decade since Congress gave new authorities to the FDA to strengthen the Agency’s ability to regulate tobacco and food.   “Yet over the past few years, I have personally heard gut-wrenching stories about Kentucky moms not being able to access formula for their newborns and from parents concerned about illicit nicotine products flooding their communities.   “Families have also had to deal with food recalls such as lead contamination in applesauce pouches.   “Additionally, we have lost nine American lives to a listeria outbreak just this year, which also resulted in nearly 60 hospitalizations, and over seven million pounds of deli meat being taken off the market.”  FDA’S MISALIGNED PRIORITIES   “I believe that many of these problems are the direct result of misaligned priorities and culture at the FDA, rather than a lack of resources and authorities.   “A Reagan-Udall report published in December 2022 on the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition states, ‘FDA has dedicated staff who are committed to protecting public health, but the current culture of the FDA Human Foods Program is inhibiting its ability to effectively accomplish this goal.’  “One example is the fact that it took almost six months for issues identified in an Abbott baby formula manufacturing facility to reach the highest levels of the FDA. Quicker action and stronger communication could have avoided this catastrophic crisis that endangered the lives of millions of infants across the United States.   “Another Reagan-Udall report published in December 2022 outlines challenges facing the Center for Tobacco Products and provides recommendations to improve how the center functions.   “The report recommends that the CTP should be proactive and engage more with stakeholders and the public. It also mentions that the Center should ‘make process improvements and identify and address the policy and scientific questions that underpin its regulatory framework.’  “Manufacturers filing premarket tobacco applications with the goal of meeting the standard of ‘appropriate protection of public health’ still have no clear guidance and are waiting hundreds of days for any outreach on their applications.   “More importantly, these products pending at FDA could present an opportunity to improve public health by providing less harmful alternatives to traditional cigarettes.”  UNCERTAINTY CAUSED BY CTP’S LACK OF TRANSPARENCY   “This lack of transparency has consequences.   “First, because the FDA hasn’t set a clear criterion for the science by which it will measure products, the Justice Department has been forced to litigate on behalf of the Center, wasting millions of taxpayer dollars and causing even greater uncertainty.   “Second, because of the FDA’s failure to approve new products and expand the legal market, people are turning to illicit products coming in from China instead.   “Without clear rules of the road and a robust authorized market known to consumers, wholesalers, and sellers, the CTP won’t be able to enforce fast enough to keep harmful products out of the hands of unknowing consumers.   “To those that claim all of these issues can be addressed through more taxpayer and user fee dollars alone, I want to be very clear that Members of this subcommittee need to know exactly how the significant authorities and hundreds of millions of dollars provided by Congress have been deployed and exactly why they have fallen short in preventing widespread food-borne illness outbreaks or the ability to authorize products.   “Until we know better how dollars are prioritized and have agreement on those priorities, it is premature to provide any more funding.   “I am looking for clear results from a more transparent and predictable regulatory process, rather than more academic exercises and public awareness campaigns.  “I want these critical centers to succeed in their mission to protect and promote public health.   “I hope that today’s hearing can shed light on our shared objectives and how your centers are making improvements to how your programs operate.”