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WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, issued the following statement regarding Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kennedy’s restructuring announcement in accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order, “Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Workforce Optimization Initiative.” “For decades, HHS and its sub-agencies have grown significantly, creating redundancies and—in some cases—conflicting objectives. It is critical that the department is in a position to accomplish its core and essential mission to support all Americans,”  said Chairmen Guthrie and Carter . “We look forward to working with Secretary Kennedy to protect patients, support innovations, and improve the health and wellbeing of the American people.” ###

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, issued the following statement after the House passed H.J. Res. 24 and H.J. Res. 75, to rescind Biden-Harris Administration rules that were on track to create costly new standards for commercial refrigerators and freezers. “The Biden-Harris Administration placed new and harmful regulations on commercial refrigeration units, yet another example of needless regulation raising prices for businesses and families while failing to provide cost savings or increasing food safety,”   said Chairmen Guthrie and Latta.  “These Congressional Review Act resolutions are a critical part of our work to eliminate costly and burdensome regulations that failed to serve the American people. Thank you to Congressman Goldman and Congresswoman Bice for your leadership on these important issues.”   Today, the House continues its efforts to repeal costly regulations imposed during the final months of the Biden administration,”  s aid Congressman Goldman .  “The passage of my resolution, H.J. Res. 75, is a key step in eliminating unnecessary regulations that would have increased costs for small businesses and consumers. I appreciate Chairman Guthrie and my colleagues on the House Energy and Commerce Committee for their support in rolling back excessive regulations on small businesses.” “Today, House Republicans acted to overturn more last-minute environmental regulations from the Biden Administration. Walk-in coolers and freezers are essential for pharmacies, convenience stores, food processing facilities, food banks, restaurants, and many other establishments nationwide,”  said Congresswoman Bice.  “This regulation, which had an estimated cost of a billion dollars, would have been crippling for businesses throughout the country, especially in rural areas. We must continue to push back against federal overreach, and I appreciate the support of my colleagues on this critical measure.” Background: H.J. Res. 24 ,  Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers,”  led by Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05), repeals the Biden-Harris Administration’s burdensome efficiency standards on the refrigeration units commonly used in grocery stores, convenience stores, and other businesses. These standards would have significantly harmed smaller stores and retailers, who may be forced to incur expensive electrical or structural upgrades to comply with the amended standard without significant benefits in efficiency. H.J. Res. 75 ,  Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy relating to “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers,”  led by Congressman Craig Goldman (TX-12), would repeal refrigeration standards put in place only three years ago that would lead to major new costs for businesses and families across the country, with the Biden-Harris Department of Energy itself estimating that at least one standard would have a payback period of more than 90 years, clearly demonstrating the absurdity of the regulation.  ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following op-ed by Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, appeared in The Washington Times this week. “From the lightbulb to the computer, Americans have dreamt, built, and scaled the most advanced machines and technologies, changing the trajectory of human history for the better. These advancements resulted from business leaders and government officials working together to empower our most creative and brilliant innovators to take the lead and push the frontier forward not from heavy-handed government mandates. “Sometimes folks in Washington, D.C., forget a basic truth: new technologies are an opportunity, not a threat. By embracing innovation, we have enabled generations of entrepreneurs to increase health and prosperity in our communities, create family-sustaining jobs, and ensure our nation’s continued success. “Now, with the rapid development of new artificial intelligence (AI) applications, it’s time to again embrace this uniquely American vision. Two principles that guide our work include providing access to affordable, reliable energy and rejecting suffocating regulation in favor of narrowly tailored governance of AI and digital technologies. If we strike the right balance, the United States will be well-positioned to dominate the industries of the future. “As chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I’ve talked with manufacturers, builders, and farmers who are using AI to increase productivity and enhance worker safety. I’m excited to see Americans use new and emerging technologies across a range of industries, from health care applications detecting disease, to transportation, where autonomous vehicles promise to reduce accidents attributable to human error, to cybersecurity applications that help keep critical infrastructure up and running in the face of threats. “For AI to be implemented at scale in the U.S., we must have a flexible, pro-innovation regulatory environment. While protections against harmful uses of AI are paramount, such as malicious deepfakes, federal and state lawmakers should avoid imposing duplicative and burdensome new regulations. Innovation not regulation will be key to U.S. AI dominance. “But to develop and deploy AI at scale, this burgeoning industry and its data centers require massive amounts of new energy production. We are converting energy into intelligence, and this calls for a generational change in how we produce affordable and reliable electricity. “With the dramatic expansion of AI data centers, the U.S. will need to double or triple our electricity load growth by 2028. In just two months, we have already held hearings on increasing energy availability, supporting our grid, and assessing implications for the AI economy. “Permitting reform is one way to help address the growing need for electricity. Today, 40% of electric generation in the U.S. comes from natural gas, but the way we permit isn’t sustainable thanks to archaic processes and bureaucratic delays. It took an act of Congress to complete the construction of the last major natural gas pipeline built in this country. When we are in control of our own energy development, production, and supply, we are more prosperous and secure and can maintain our competitive edge over the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). “Developing AI and securing our power grid are two of our best tools to respond to the aggression of adversaries such as the CCP. When bad actors attempt to undermine our supply chains and critical infrastructure, these technologies can help mitigate risks and respond to threats in real time. And if we fail to secure AI and energy leadership, China, who does not share our values, will fill the void. They will undoubtedly use AI to expand their surveillance state, disadvantage American innovators and workers, and undermine basic human rights. “If we don’t seize the opportunities offered by AI, we will cede our leadership not only in this foundational technology, but also in all the other industries and sectors that rely on it. But by embracing this new technology and leading its development, we can create jobs and revitalize existing industries. The choice is clear: the United States must win the AI race or risk losing all the other races that matter too. “The Committee on Energy and Commerce will continue to hold hearings across our subcommittees, pass legislation, and work with business leaders, energy providers, and regulators to ensure that AI development and adoption are supporting the needs of the American people. As chairman of Energy and Commerce, I’m focused on working with President Donald Trump and his administration to make these investments in our AI infrastructure and our energy future a reality. “The president has already secured multiple hundred-billion-dollar investments that will put America on track to be the global leader we need to be during this critical time. While common-sense, tailored protections may be necessary, AI and the energy powering this new form of intelligence are integral parts of the future of our economy. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and we won’t let it pass us by.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  The World Wild Web: Examining Harms Online. Subcommittee Chairman Bilirakis' opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Good morning, everyone and welcome to today’s subcommittee hearing to examine risks to Americans’ safety online.  “Today’s hearing is incredibly important, and I am thankful we are hitting the ground early this Congress to protect ourselves from dangers in the online world.  “Technology has created a wonderful tool to gather information and connect us to the world. But with every new, great tool, malicious actors have found a way to reconfigure technology to spread malice and harm people across the globe. While Congress has looked to build walls preventing these harms from occurring, we have failed to keep pace with technology. “Take for example the important work Congress did to combat the sexual exploitation of children.   “When Congress first worked on this issue, it was hard to imagine Artificial Intelligence could be used to create fake, but life-like, non-consensual intimate images of children. Worse still, it was hard to imagine anyone so vile who would actually do it.  “But today, detestable people are extorting children with technology, creating these images and uploading them online for the world to see. And it doesn’t stop with deepfakes either, criminals are masking themselves as friends or romantic partners to solicit intimate authentic images of children and ransoming these images for a quick buck. The pain these children experience is horrid, and it breaks my heart. “Yiota, thank you for your work at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and for providing your expertise. I’m looking forward to your testimony on why Congress must act immediately to stop this abhorrent practice. “Congress must take a holistic approach to establish protections online, which is why I’m so proud to see many of our members working on different mechanisms to protect our children. “I for one am eager to move the ball forward on the Kids Online Safety Act. While this is not a legislative hearing, I’m hoping we can use this hearing to improve the legislation and enact a law that provides parents with the tools they need while also targeting illegal content from ever making its way to children’s screens in the first place. Parents know their children the best, so we must adequately equip them with the tools they need to protect their families. “Unfortunately, it is clear the existing tools don’t work. I am tired of hearing Big Tech insist that solutions are already in place when it is clear they are not working. The very companies that have positioned themselves as the gatekeepers of our children’s online safety continue to let us down. Dawn and Clare, thank you for being here to share your experiences and your commitment to driving real change. “This hearing should not be partisan, it is far too important of an issue to use as a political circus. Many of us here today have introduced or are working on legislation to build protections from harms online – this is not partisan issue and impacts every one of our districts.  “In 2022, McKenna Brown, a 16-year-old from Tampa Bay, tragically took her life after being victimized by cyber-bullying through multiple social media apps and text messages. McKenna’s parents knew none of this until it was too late. Since then, her mother Cheryl, has been an advocate for change, urging lawmakers to give parents the tools necessary to keep kids safe.  “I also understand there are similarly situated parents in the audience. And I want to recognize your own stories, efforts, and commitment to protect children from online harms. “So, I am hopeful we can work with our friends across the aisle and use this hearing as the catalyst to move important protections for children across the finish line and bring about a safer online experience for all, but especially our children. The risks are too severe for us to fail. “Thank you to the witnesses for being here today and sharing your expertise with us. I yield back and recognize my friend, Ms. Schakowsky, the ranking member of the subcommittee.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, led a hearing titled The World Wild Web: Examining Harms Online . “Our increasingly digital world continually presents new threats and challenges, especially to our children. I remain focused on addressing the clear risks facing the most vulnerable and want to ensure they are not being exploited by bad actors online,” said Chairman Bilirakis. “Today, we held an important discussion that I hope will be an important beginning to developing bipartisan consensus around legislation to protect Americans, including our children, from threats in the online world. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this urgent priority across the finish line.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing : Congressman Rus Fulcher (ID-01): “Mr. Chairman, I have to admit I might be a little bit confused if I’m in the right committee hearing. We’ve somehow seemed to have got sidetracked into a presidential branch personnel discussions and food prices, so I do have some questions, but they have to do with kids online safety and, uh, and, and that subject matter. Am I in the right place? Do I have that subject matter correct?” Chairman Bilirakis: “Correct.” Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03): “Today’s hearing, the ‘World Wild Web, Examining Harms Online’ could not be more timely. From exploitation to manipulation, we know that the internet has become a breeding ground for serious threats, especially to those most vulnerable – our kids. I want to begin by personally apologizing to the parents and the guests here in the committee room today for the behavior of some of my colleagues. We’re here to focus on kids and the issue at hand, not play liberal catchphrase, talk about food prices, or talk about billionaires. Anything that deviates from that is politically motivated and it is disgusting. And I am so sorry that you are in this room, championing this issue because you have had an experienced tragedy in your family. I am so very sorry.” Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07): “There is a reason why Democrats are viewed by the American people at an all-time low. It’s because they can’t keep the main thing, the main thing. We are here today, to be clear, 100%. Everyone knew the assignment when we got into this hearing room ahead of time. We are here to talk about children’s safety online. And all I hear from the other side is rantings and ravings about the FTC. If you want to talk about the FTC, go do a one-minute speech on the House floor. You want to talk about the FTC, have a press conference. Here, we are here to talk about children. But they can’t seem to get it, and that’s why they’re viewed deeply unpopular by the American people right now. In fact, the witness from the FTC spent 4 of her 5 minutes talking about how she was fired and not the actual subject why we’re here. So that’s frustrating to me, that there’s broad bipartisan consensus on a lot of this stuff, and we’re here to examine that on ways that we can advance sensible policy.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement after Dr. Marty Makary, MD, MPH was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as Commissioner of Food and Drugs of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  “Americans—and, in many cases, the world—depend on the FDA’s gold standard of determining the safety and effectiveness of medicines and medical products for patients,”  said Chairman Guthrie.  “I’m confident that Dr. Makary’s medical and research experience, coupled with his thoughtfulness, will help strengthen the FDA. I congratulate him on his confirmation and look forward to working together to better serve the American people.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, led a hearing titled Keeping the Lights On: Examining the State of Regional Grid Reliability . “Today’s grid operators made it clear that America needs more energy to be produced to keep up with our growing needs not just for consumers, but for the many small businesses, manufacturers, agriculture industry, and medical facilities that employ them,” said Chairman Latta. “Too many electric-generating facilities have been retired in recent years while new and emerging technologies are increasing the need. It is critical that we meet the growing demand for power, the need to secure it, and address the reliability challenges confronting our electric industry.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing : Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12): “ Last year, PJM, ERCOT, SPP, and MISO jointly filed an amicus brief with the DC Circuit Court against the Biden EPA’s Clean Power Plan 2.0. I’m extremely grateful that just a few weeks ago, Administrator Zeldin announced the EPA will be reconsidering the Clean Power Plan 2.0, along with dozens of other Biden era rules and regulations. If the Clean Power Plan 2.0 were to remain in effect, would your service territory see an increased risk of rolling brownouts and blackouts?” Mr. Pablo Vegas: “ Yes, that plan had risked more than 14,000 megawatts of existing coal plants that are serving the grid today, they would be at risk and that would be a significant reliability concern.” Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01): “In the 2024 long-term reliability assessment report, NERC recommends that to maintain demand and supply balance, dispatchable generators including carbon-based fuel generators must be available and capable of following changing electricity demand. And for the past two years when I was on this committee, we’ve hammered on this to ensure reliability. What measures are you taking to discourage premature retirement of carbon-based fuels, fuel generators such as the Clean Power Plan 2.0 rule? How are we able to maintain dispatchable or energy uh when we’re retiring, uh, carbon-based, uh, fuel generators prematurely?” Mr. Manu Asthana: “Part of it is sending the right market price signal to induce them to stay. Part of it is through, is working with our states and federal regulators to try to ensure that we don’t have rules that force these generators offline prematurely.” Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01): “ In this scenario, let’s say that you experienced a wind drought that lasts 40 consecutive hours. How do you make up for that?” Ms. Jennifer Curran: “Thank you. Another familiar scenario that did happen to us. The way you make up for it is with resources that do have fuels that are available on demand. So, in MISO, that would be coal and gas generation that is able to run for that duration.” ###

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 Aging Technology, Emerging Threats: Examining Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Legacy Medical Devices .  “Medical devices are critically important and broadly used to diagnose, monitor, and treat patients throughout health care delivery systems. Some medical devices, however, contain cybersecurity vulnerabilities. It is imperative we defend against cyber threats to protect patients and safeguard our national security,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Palmer. “This hearing will provide us with an opportunity to examine concerns regarding vulnerabilities in legacy medical devices, their impact on patient safety and health operations, and strategies to enhance cyber resilience.”    Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing titled Aging Technology, Emerging Threats: Examining Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Legacy Medical Devices     WHAT : Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing on cybersecurity vulnerabilities in legacy medical devices. DATE : Tuesday, April 1, 2025 TIME : 10:30 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 Emma Schultheis at Emma.Schultheis@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Kaley Stidham at Kaley.Stidham@mail.house.gov .   ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  Keeping the Lights On: Examining the State of Regional Grid Reliability . Subcommittee Chairman Latta’s opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Welcome to today’s hearing ‘Keeping the Lights on: Examining the State of Regional Grid Reliability.’ “Today, we will continue this subcommittee’s work to address the ongoing electric reliability crisis facing our nation. “The witnesses before us are each of the regional grid operators, and ERCOT, who collectively cover two thirds of our country.  “These organizations are charged with overseeing reliability of their state or region, administering markets for the sale and purchase of electricity products, and coordinating transmission development.  “While each grid operator functions in a similar manner, they all take unique approaches to addressing the regional and demographic differences of communities in their footprints.  “But no matter where in the country they serve, they are all confronting the challenges facing our power sector.  “It’s no secret that our country is in the midst of a reliability crisis, and it could not come at a worse time.  “The North American Electric Reliability Corporation, or NERC, recently stated that 52 GW of generation will retire in the next four years. “To put this into context, that is the rough equivalent of 40 nuclear plants or 500 square miles of solar panels. “While dangerous amounts of baseload generation are leaving the grid, we’re witnessing historic levels of demand entering the system and interconnection queues that are backlogged with intermittent resources and battery storage facilities.  “We know that renewables are not a one-for-one replacement for dispatchable, baseload power that is essential to reliability and provides spinning reserves needed to stabilize the system through fluctuations.  “It is not clear that the pace at which baseload generation is coming online will bridge the gap of retiring supply and meet increasing demands over the next few short years.  “As we are all well aware, these new demands are largely driven by developments in artificial intelligence and domestic manufacturing. “Achieving a leadership position in the development of AI and reshoring domestic manufacturing is not an unattainable goal to strive for – it is a national security imperative that could shape America’s place in the future global economy.  “Regional grid operators before us today are on the front lines of the reliability crisis and this new era of historic electricity demand. “When operating correctly, electricity markets should allow clear market signals to drive investment into new generation, efficient interconnection of new resources should address increasing demand, and coordinated transmission planning should bring needed electricity supplies to growing load centers.  “However, these organizations and their electricity markets do not operate in a vacuum.  “Excessive federal overreach, like the Clean Power Plan 2.0, drove significant premature retirements of baseload power and discouraged long-term investment into baseload generation sources.  “Significant subsidies for intermittent generation undermine the economics of baseload, or on-demand, dispatchable, generation resources that are essential to keeping the lights on.  “These grid operators are also tasked with the difficult job of maintaining reliability and resource adequacy as States implement restrictive policies designed to attack fossil resources.  “Because of the interconnected nature of much of our bulk power system, the decisions of one State to drive out baseload power inherently impact the reliability of neighboring states.  “All of these problems are compounded by systemic permitting challenges that make it nearly impossible to develop new infrastructure in large parts of our country.  “Markets cannot build what governments do not let them.  “We need to address these challenges through a pragmatic whole of government approach that recognizes the benefits of different fuel sources, the limitation of others, and prioritizes energy expansion. “There is value to ensuring a diverse resource mix, but it is important to recognize that not all electrons should be treated equally.  “The variability of intermittent sources like wind and solar innately require back up generation during inclement weather conditions and where battery storage facilities are operationally restricted.  “Often it is during these periods of inclement weather when we need electricity the most to protect the health and safety of our communities.  “I look forward to today’s discussion regarding the ongoing reliability crisis and the important steps regional grid operators are taking to correct market inefficiencies to keep the lights on for all Americans.  “Thank you and I yield back the balance of my time.”  ###