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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  Winning Off the Field: Legislative Proposal to Stabilize NIL and College Athletics. Subcommittee Chairman Bilirakis' opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Good morning, everyone, and welcome to our legislative hearing on Name, Image, and Likeness in college athletics.  “I want to thank our witnesses for being here today. Your experience and insight are critical as we navigate what is arguably one of the most transformative moments in the history of college sports.  “In recent years, we’ve seen a dramatic shift in how college athletes engage with their sports, their schools, and their personal brands. The recent House v. NCAA settlement represents more than just a court decision — it marks a fundamental change in how college athletics will operate going forward. The timing couldn’t be more appropriate for legislative action. “That’s why I am leading the SCORE Act — the Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements Act — a comprehensive, commonsense discussion draft that reflects months of dialogue with student-athletes, athletic directors, conference leaders, and the NCAA.  “This is not just another proposal; it's a targeted solution designed to bring predictability, fairness, and long-term balance to a system that has rapidly evolved without structure. “The SCORE Act is built around three core principles:  Clarity: by establishing a national standard that replaces the current patchwork of state laws Stability: by setting reasonable guardrails around the transfer portal and NIL deals to protect both athletes and programs, and Support: by ensuring benefits like scholarship protections and financial literacy programs are not optional but expected. “For too long, student-athletes have operated in a gray area, empowered in some ways but exposed in others. The current model lacks the transparency and consistency that both athletes and institutions need. The SCORE Act brings that balance. “And while today’s hearing is just the beginning of a broader tri-committee process, with the Committees on Judiciary and Education & Workforce, it’s an important step. We are not here to micromanage college sports. We are here to put forward a framework that strengthens it — that ensures athletes can succeed on the field without losing sight of their futures off of it. “I am proud of the work this subcommittee has done on this issue, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this across the finish line. And Go Gators!” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, released the following statement following the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement to address harmful regulations for power plants, commonly known as “Clean Power Plan 2.0” and Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS). “I was proud to stand with Administrator Zeldin today as he announced these measures which are a victory for reliable and affordable energy. Enacted by the Biden-Harris Administration, these are just two of the burdensome rules that were part of a far-left regulatory agenda that jeopardized grid reliability and drove up prices for American families and businesses.” said Chairman Guthrie. “Attempting to push baseload power sources, including coal, oil, and natural gas, offline puts our national security at risk and threatens the US economy. By addressing these regulations, President Trump and his administration are working to once again unleash American energy to secure our grid and help provide the power we will need to win the race for AI."

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  Made In America: Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing And The Health Care Supply Chain. Subcommittee Chairman Carter's opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Today’s hearing is critical in addressing our nation’s reliance on adversarial countries for essential medications and health care products. This dependence not only jeopardizes our national security and patient safety, but also highlights the urgent need to increase domestic and friend-shored manufacturing. “Let me be clear: the United States should never be dependent on the Chinese Communist Party for the antibiotics and essential medicines. But that’s exactly the dangerous position we are in today. “In 2002, the United States manufactured 72 percent of the pharmaceuticals it consumed. By 2023, that number had dropped to just 37.5 percent. We didn’t just outsource manufacturing—we outsourced the sovereignty and safety of our health care system. “We saw the impacts of this reliance firsthand during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a conversation I had with the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, or ASPR, under the Trump Administration, the United States saw a downtick in the amount of PPE and pharmaceuticals coming to our country from China in the fall of 2019. We didn’t learn about COVID-19 until January 2020. “China knew there was an unidentified sickness in its own country, concealed it, and then withheld medical supplies so the United States was less prepared when COVID-19 hit our shores. “As both a pharmacist and a member of Congress, I know how critical these medicines and supplies are — especially for our national security. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, over 323 drugs were in shortage during the first quarter of 2024 – an all-time high – and cancer patients were often forced to switch treatments, adjust dosage regimens, or, in extreme cases, unable to receive their lifesaving medications. There was no comprehensive effort to support American manufacturers or reduce our reliance on foreign supply chains. “That is unacceptable. “Thankfully, President Trump is taking meaningful action by demanding real investment in our domestic production base and putting an end to decades of failed “America Last” policies that left our supply chains hollowed out and put our patients, constituents, and families at risk. “Under the leadership of President Trump, we are bringing manufacturing back to America. Since the start of this year – the start of President Trump’s second term – Johnson & Johnson broke ground on a new $2 billion facility in North Carolina, Amgen announced a $900 million manufacturing expansion in Ohio, AbbVie committed $10 billion to invest in the United States, and Sanofi announced plans to invest at least $20 billion.  “And these are just a few examples. This is just the start.  “I look forward to hearing from my other colleagues about the recent investments in their Districts and States during this hearing today, and I am thrilled to see what additional investments continue to flow and thrive under an Administration focused on unleashing innovation and bringing capacities back home.  “Along those lines, I commend recent efforts by this Administration to bolster domestic production, but we must do our part in Congress as well. This hearing will make it clear that more can be done to eliminate burdensome regulatory barriers, streamline processes that impede our competitiveness on the global stage, and establish the proper incentives to ensure we are creating the environment to allow innovation to flourish.  “It is no coincidence that Georgia – the No. 1 state in the nation to do business – is home to Manus Bio, who has invested nearly $60 million and created over 100 jobs with the acquisition of a new manufacturing facility in Augusta. We need more policies at the federal level that mirror the pro-growth examples we have in the state of Georgia.  “That is why House Republicans passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which incentivizes domestic medical supply production by rewarding companies that build their products in America, like USAntibiotics, who is the last remaining end-to-end domestic U.S. manufacturer of amoxicillin, the most prescribed antibiotic in the country.  This is about protecting American lives, empowering American workers, restoring American sovereignty, and reinforcing U.S. leadership in medical innovation. “China is not our friend. Every product component that then turns into a vial of medicine or a piece of medical equipment that is made in China is a missed opportunity to strengthen our economy and protect our people. “It is time to act. We need to view pharmaceutical and health care supply chain independence just as we are viewing energy independence. I am proud to stand with President Trump and all those committed to putting America First in our health care system—starting with the medicines we rely on every day.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing titled Short-Circuiting Progress: How the Clean Air Act Impacts Building Necessary Infrastructure and Onshoring American Innovation. “Today’s hearing made it clear that bureaucratic red tape has limited our ability to expand American manufacturing,” said Chairman Griffith. “As we heard from our witnesses, Congress needs to take commonsense actions to ensure the Clean Air Act works as intended while not hampering our country’s retention of steady, well-paying jobs, or limiting our ability to lead in manufacturing innovation.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01): “Balancing America's air quality with economic development begins with implementing common sense legislation. I think we would all agree on that. The EPA reviews the national ambient air quality standards, and on, on a five-year interval after establishing a national ambient air quality standard states assumed the primary responsibility for implementing it and enforcing these rules. This is an extremely time-consuming process, one that takes years and years. I've got a bill. It's called the CLEAR Act. Now we give states the time needed to implement standards without rushing the process, and I think that's very important. This bill also allows states the opportunity to correct deficiencies found by EPA and state implementation plans for NAAQS before EPA can issue a federal implementation plan. The CLEAR Act offers common sense solutions to make containing clean air standards realistic while giving states the time necessary to comply. Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13): “Important context for this hearing is understanding that America's air quality is among the best in the world, and that the U.S. emissions have steadily decreased over the past several decades, even as economic input and output has changed. We observed this trend because of the fact that reasonable clean air standards lead to economic growth and that this economic growth spurs innovation and investment in technology that ultimately reduces emissions without sacrificing output. We need to balance public health and clean air goals with the reality that unattainable standards will not only hurt the American economy, but also disincentivize development of the more efficient technologies necessary to continue to lower U.S. emissions.” Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01): “The United States has proven that environmental progress and economic growth aren't mutually exclusive. We've dramatically improved air quality while expanding energy output in Iowa, our farmers and manufacturers rely on stable smart policy to keep innovating and growing and also to compete economically around the globe. As we look to the future. any new regulations must support, not stifle, the backbone industries of our heartland.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Earl L. "Buddy Carter" (GA-01), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, led a hearing titled Made in America: Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing and Our Health Care Supply Chain. “Under the leadership of President Trump, we are bringing manufacturing back to America,” said Chairman Carter. “ Since the start of this year – the start of President Trump’s second term – Johnson & Johnson broke ground on a new $2 billion facility in North Carolina, Amgen announced a $900 million manufacturing expansion in Ohio, AbbVie committed $10 billion to invest in the United States, and Sanofi announced plans to invest at least $20 billion. And these are just a few examples; this is just the start.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01): “If Congress were to act on the recommendations today, how quickly could our domestic capacity expand? If we were to act on this, how quickly can we get this up and running?” Mr. Cashman: “With the right policy framework, we could significantly expand production with 18 to 24 months. We're currently running three active production lines; we have two crews on first shift and another crew on second shift. By simply adding new crews, to adding shifts so we can have three shifts per day on each line, we could dramatically increase our production.” Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12): “ We know that a recent analysis showed that around half of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for prescription medications in the U.S come from India and the EU. With around 12 percent being manufactured domestically here in the U.S. from your perspective and with your great experience, how do you believe we can increase the share in a sustainable way?” Dr. Piervincenzi: “I think the first layer is to increase the production of API, [which] will require new facilities and substantial new investments and time. There are shorter term ways to bridge the gap and to create a more secure supply chain, including through friend shoring and other purchasing opportunities. And finally, also considering the potentially even higher vulnerability to the starting materials upstream of the APIs, which may be even more highly concentrated in adversary countries and coming to the U.S. through India and Europe.” Congressman Jay Obernolte: (CA-23): “One of the things [Mr. Cashman] suggested was long-term supply contracts, but if you are someone that has consistent demand for a drug like amoxicillin, and you've experienced a situation where supply is constrained and therefore the market reacts by raising prices up to astronomical levels, you would think that would incentivize you, just from a financial perspective, to diversify your supply chains.”

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  Short-Circuiting Progress: How The Clean Air Act Impacts Building Necessary Infrastructure And Onshoring American Innovation. Subcommittee Chairman Griffith's opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Today, this Subcommittee begins its efforts to modernize the Clean Air Act.  “The Act was last amended in a consequential way in 1990 with Energy and Commerce Chair, John Dingell, being a driving force in that bicameral compromise.  “The Clean Air Act has already been effective.  “According to EPA’s 2023 Air Quality statistics report, since the Clean Air Act amendments were passed in 1990, there has been a 79 percent reduction in Carbon Monoxide, a 92 percent reduction in Sulfur Dioxide or SOx, and a 55 percent reduction in Nitrogen Dioxide or NOx.  “Since 2000, we’ve seen a 42 percent reduction in Particulate Matter 2.5, which are inhalable particles measuring less than two and a half micrometers. “The Clean Air Act’s National Attainment Air Quality Standards standard setting and permitting programs, with each new review, EPA generally sets new lower pollution allowances, over time, these newer standards have had the tendency to pass the point of diminishing returns. “Accordingly, If you’re an industrial plant wanting to build in this country, you may have to wait until another plant goes out of business and you can take over their permit.  “That is not a path to economic prosperity. “Additionally, I don’t believe that banning new industrial activity in the United States was what the authors of the Clean Air Act were aiming for. “It was a tough compromise bill meant to have each state scrutinize major sources and think about air permit planning, industry concentration, and air quality in unfavorable geographic settings. “The Act was written to get industry to reexamine its operations and control pollution by investing in, and implementing, innovative technologies. “It worked, but now we need to examine the law in light of little additional public health gain at the expense of paralyzing nationally important industries.  “We need to begin a modernization effort by examining draft legislative proposals to reform the out-of-date NAAQS process.  “As we heard in our recent full Committee hearing, overly restrictive air regulations have curtailed some domestic investment in semiconductor plants and data centers, which in turn could jeopardize America’s ability to compete in the global Artificial Intelligence race. “One of the draft bills we are discussing today would improve the processes EPA uses to identify NAAQS pollutants and ceilings. “And then, for states to implement those new standards.  “Under the Clean Air Act’s NAAQS program, the EPA sets standards for six criteria pollutants like ground-level ozone and particulate matter.  “Historically, the Clean Air Act required EPA to review NAAQS standards and if appropriate, issue new limits, at five-year intervals.  “The EPA has consistently missed statutory deadlines for both reviewing standards and for providing implementation guidance to states which has led to litigation in some cases. “These proposals will enable more reasonable requirements that states can actually implement. “This is why the Clean Air Act and Economic Advancement Reform Act that we are talking about today would lengthen that interval to 10 years and allow the EPA Administrator to consider whether it was likely the standard can actually be attained.  “Additionally, the bill would require the EPA to consider the economic feasibility of these standards.  “The bill would also allow for naturally occurring air pollution events, such as wildfires, to not count against NAAQS emission averages for a state.  “The other bill, the Clean Air and Building Infrastructure Improvements Act has to do more specifically with the most recent PM 2.5 rule that really would cripple a lot of industry by reducing that limit from 12 micrograms per cubic meter of air to 9 micrograms per cubic meter of air. “Further, it allows for an easier preconstruction permitting process. “Protecting our environment and our economy do not have to be mutually exclusive goals, but in order to achieve both, we must rethink how our country classifies pollution levels outside our control.  “The EPA is still in the process of updating various air quality standards. “As that work continues, Congress must ensure states and employers aren’t unfairly penalized by impractical or burdensome new rules which could hurt our national security and our economic competitiveness. “I look forward to learning more from our expert witnesses who have extensive experience in implementing, and complying with NAAQS standards under the Clean Air Act.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  The Fiscal Year 2026 Department Of Energy Budget. Subcommittee Chairman Latta's opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Welcome to today’s hearing on the Department of Energy’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget and welcome Secretary Chris Wright to your first hearing before the Energy and Commerce Committee.  “Secretary Wright, in your confirmation hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, you stated three goals:  1.   Unleash American energy dominance,  2.   Lead the world in innovation and technological breakthroughs, and  3.   Once again allow entrepreneurs to build in this country.  “ This sentiment could not come at a more critical juncture.  “Around the world, adversarial nations like Communist China, are exploiting energy markets and critical minerals to advance their national interests at the expense of the security of the United States.  “Our own nation faces an electric reliability crisis that could threaten the everyday lives of hardworking Americans.  “Infrastructure development has been left at a virtual standstill after the regulatory onslaught of the previous administration. “All the while, we are in the midst of a critical race to lead the world in AI development.  “The stakes could not be higher, which is why the ambitious goals laid out under your leadership are so critical to the interests of our country.  “After five months on the job, your department has remained steadfastly committed to these efforts.   “Your department reversed course on the disastrous LNG export ban and once again ensured our abundant natural resources can be utilized as a diplomatic tool for our allies abroad. “To reduce unnecessary federal overreach, your department rescinded dozens of burdensome and unworkable efficiency regulations and standards that the previous administration designed to advance a one-size-fits-all approach to energy efficiency.  “Over the last few weeks, the department issued necessary 202(c) emergency waivers to continue the operation of baseload power plants to protect grid reliability in regions across the country during the upcoming summer months.  “And just two weeks ago, the White House released the Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base Executive Order, which will empower DOE to expedite and promote the use of nuclear energy in the United States. “Importantly, these efforts will leverage the bipartisan work of our ADVANCE Act to fuel a domestic nuclear renaissance and power next generation industries.  “As you have documented, you are continuing your ongoing tour of all 17 national labs, our crown jewels, which will be critical in leading the world in technological breakthroughs. “This includes the recent announcement of a new supercomputer at the Lawrence Berkely National Lab that will be vital to the continued development of AI and fusion energy.  “I am encouraged that your department has been rightly focused on the energy needs of our growing AI industry and why it is so important for our nation, and the world, for the United States to win. “Your department has also remained committed to President Trump’s agenda to be stewards of finite taxpayer resources by aligning federal resources with high priority projects and eliminating wasteful spending.  “As we discuss cost-cutting measures at your department, it is important to remember that the previous administration received over $100 billion in new funding and $400 billion in loan authority from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.  “The previous administration seemingly issued financial assistance awards in a haphazard manner that lacked accountability.  “In fact, in the 76 days between election day and President Trump’s inauguration, the department issued almost $100 billion in new loans, compared to $43 billion in loans issued over the loan office’s 20-year lifespan. “This level of government subsidies was irresponsible and unsustainable, focused on misguided priorities, and was often done to the detriment of free markets and private enterprises.  “The fiscal year 2026 budget request reflects these priorities and will refocus the Department of Energy on its core mission as you continue reorganization efforts, as is customary for incoming Administrations. “We look forward to our continued work together to achieve common goals to unleash American energy dominance, lead the world in next generation industries, and fuel economic prosperity throughout the country.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, released the following discussion draft  as part of a tri-committee effort to stabilize the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) marketplace and strengthen college athletics. “As a part of a coordinated multi-Committee effort to improve the student-athlete experience and preserve the educational mission of the institutions they represent, Energy and Commerce plans to consider a discussion draft to help address the broad set of challenges facing college athletics. NIL presents outstanding opportunities for student-athletes, but the volatility and frequency of changes have left both teams and players without a reliable foundation on which to plan,” said Chairman Guthrie. “I want to thank Chairman Bilirakis for his hard work on this issue and this draft, and I am hopeful that upcoming conversations can build a strong coalition and make college athletics the best it can be.” “ College athletics are a cornerstone of American culture, and it’s clear from student-athletes and universities alike that we need a national framework for name, image, and likeness that ensures fairness, consistency, and opportunity ,”  said Congressman Bilirakis.  “ The SCORE Act will create stability and transparency while empowering student-athletes to benefit from their own NIL without compromising their academic mission or reclassifying them as employees. It’s a balanced, modern approach that protects the integrity of college sports and honors both the student and the athlete .” Background: The House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the House Committee on the Judiciary, and the House Committee on Education and Workforce  will each advance NIL legislation within their respective jurisdictions to cumulatively establish a national framework.  On June 6, 2025, the Northern District of California approved the House v. NCAA settlement, paving the way for athletes to receive $2.8 billion in back damages, participate in revenue-sharing, and retain their NIL rights. CLICK HERE  to read the discussion draft. CLICK HERE to read more in the story. ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, led a hearing titled  The Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Energy Budget.   “Alongside Secretary Wright, the Committee on Energy and Commerce is working to unleash American energy dominance,”  said Chairman Latta.  “We need more energy, not less, and today’s hearing reinforced the importance of supporting baseload power sources including oil, natural gas, nuclear power, coal, and hydropower that can secure our grid and help us to meet the energy demands of AI.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14):  “Under President Biden, Mr. Secretary, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve—60 percent of it in my district—has been unbelievably drawn down. It has reached its lowest level since 1983. When President Biden took office, the SPR contained 638 million barrels of oil. Today it contains 375 million barrels, roughly 50 percent less. In his 2025 inaugural address, President Trump made a commitment to refill the SPR. In this Committee's reconciliation title, we authorized $2 billion to conduct repairs to the SPR and buy back 7 million barrels from mandated sales. So do you think the department's plan to refill the SPR will work with what we've done in the reconciliation package?” Secretary Wright:   “It's a start, absolutely. The immediate things we need to do is finish the repairs on the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. It was drawn down so quickly, and that causes some damage to the infrastructure itself. So those, those repairs are ongoing and it costs a non-trivial amount of money to repair the SPR. Then we also have to spend some money to offset planned additional sales of oil that were also entered into to reverse those, so we don't shrink the deposits. And then the additional funds will be used to fill it. So yes, I thank you for that funding.” Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12):  “U.S. LNG exports have been a game changer for natural gas producers in Ohio, uh, the state where I represent, as well as our allies around the world. Opponents of LNG exports often push the narrative that exports raise domestic natural gas prices. However, the vast majority of studies showed the opposite, boosting exports increases domestic production, which lowers the price for American consumers. Mr. Secretary, can you talk about the potential of US LNG exports not only for our allies, but how boosting LNG can keep natural gas prices low for the consumers here at home?”  Secretary Wright:  “Thank you, Representative, I agree very much with your premise. 17 years ago, the United States was the largest importer of natural gas in the world, and we had over 1000 rigs drilling specifically to produce natural gas. Today, that over 1000 rigs is only 100 rigs drilling in the United States for natural gas, and as you pointed out, we've become the largest net exporter of natural gas in the world. This is technology, this is efficiency, and this is infrastructure that gets built to move natural gas at scale, all of those ultimately lower the cost to produce natural gas.” , Congressman John James (MI-10):   “In 2024, NERC’s long-term reliability assessments, they stated that the greatest threat to our power grid is our shift to intermittent resources and premature retirements of thermal generation. NERC’s 2024 long-term reliability assessment also projected that the Midcontinent Independent Systems Operator (MISO), which covers my district in Michigan, which will experience a 4.7-gigawatt shortfall by 2028 if current expected generator retirements occur. In your discussions with MISO have they discussed how any current state net-zero policies have contributed to current cost increases to consumers? And expected power shortfalls in the future?”   Secretary Wright: “Many people at DOE have been in dialogues with NERC and with MISO about these issues, but I think you hit the nail on the head. We want to reshore manufacturing to Michigan. We want to bring data centers to Michigan. We need to grow the supply of affordable, reliable electricity in Michigan and closing plants, the coal plant, for example, with 15 years less in its average lifetime, closed for political reasons, closed to show virtue signaling that we're going to move away from coal. That's not in the best interest of Michigan ratepayers and Michigan citizens. Yes, utilities get bullied and influenced by state politicians and national politicians that have political agendas around energy that are often not aligned with ratepayers and citizens in those districts.” ###