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WASHINGTON, D.C . – Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, delivered the following opening statement at today’s legislative hearing on reforming appliance and building policies to lower costs and promote consumer choice. “Welcome to today’s legislative hearing, ‘Appliance and Buildings Policies: Restoring the American Dream of Home Ownership and Consumer Choice.’ “Today, we will hear from the Department of Energy and industry stakeholders as we consider 8 bills seeking to address consumer choice, appliance and home affordability, reckless federal building policies, and duplicative regulatory structures. “Many policies pushed over the last several years have raised prices for all consumers, strained our nation’s grid, and yielded little to no benefit for Americans. “That is why the subcommittee will discuss legislation that would have a massive impact on the day-to-day necessities on which American families and businesses rely. “During last week’s hearing, Jim Steffes of Washington Gas said it well when discussing gas bans: “The idea that we are going to push the gas back down the power wire and use it in a less efficient manner than you would use it at home is absolutely going to raise prices.” “Importantly, one of the bills we have on the hearing today, the bipartisan Energy Choice Act will prohibit state or local governments from adopting policies that ban access to an energy service based on the fuel that is sold. This includes building performance standards and codes that act as de facto gas bans. “The Homeowner Energy Freedom Act will repeal the funding included in the IRA which bribed states to adopt the 2021 IECC model code. Today, we will hear first-hand testimony of the chilling effect that has had on home building in those states. “Duplicative standards for manufactured housing have also decreased production of affordable, new housing. As home ownership continues to be a top issue for millions of Americans, we must remove regulatory red tape that has restricted options for families. “The anti-fossil fuel agenda does not stop with state and local laws—federal policies like the required phase out of fossil fuel use in federal buildings could jeopardize our national security. “The Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act will repeal this inappropriate policy, and the bipartisan Federal Mechanical Insulation Act will refocus evaluations for federal buildings on the potential for implementing true energy efficiency measures, like the installation of mechanical insulation. “The legislation before us today is focused on restoring consumer choice—especially for America’s working families. The misguided and duplicative policies from the previous administration hit them the hardest because they (1) price out first-time homebuyers; (2) destroy appliance affordability through steep upfront and installation costs; or (3) discourage the production of affordable, manufactured homes through regulatory morass. “The Don’t Mess with my Home Appliances Act will make much-needed statutory reforms to energy efficiency standards for appliances, which have increased in cost while deteriorating in performance because of overregulation. “Lastly, the SHOWER Act will codify a commonsense definition of a showerhead, improving water pressure for those who desire that choice. “We also have included, at our Democratic colleagues’ request, legislation by the gentleman from New York’s 20th district on DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program. While I have concerns with this bill, as introduced, we are willing to work with our Democratic colleagues to see if we can reach a compromise. “Altogether, the majority of the bills before us today represent an opportunity for this Committee to refocus energy efficiency policies on true energy savings, whether reflected in the cost of an appliance or their utility bills, for hard-working American families. “Thank you to our panels of witnesses for your participation.”

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement in response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) recent Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), which includes instructions on how to apply for the $50 billion appropriated by Congress for the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. “The Working Families Tax Cuts law provides critical support for our rural communities across America. This historic investment will help states strengthen their rural health initiatives and provide better health outcomes for patients,” said Chairman Guthrie . “Through this program, we are looking forward to seeing how states—in direct collaboration with their rural communities—will utilize this funding to continue providing care to patients who need it most.” Background:   The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program was created by the Working Families Tax Cuts law and empowers states to strengthen rural communities across America by improving access to quality health care outcomes and transforming the health care delivery ecosystem.  RHT funding will be allocated through the following formula:   $25 billion over five years will be distributed evenly among the states; this means each state will receive $100 million each year for FY 2026-2030 ($500 million total).    $25 billion will be distributed to states based on criteria established by the Secretary that target funding to states with high rural health care needs and that outline long-term programmatic goals that will transform access to care in the state.  In accordance with the law, only the 50 states are eligible to receive an RHT Program award; the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories are not eligible.  Application submissions will close in early November, and funding allocations will be decided by December 31, 2025.  ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – This week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is holding four Subcommittee Hearings and one Full Committee Markup. Read more below. SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy is holding a hearing to discuss building and appliance policies that could strengthen consumer choice, lower costs for American families, and make our electric grid more reliable. DATE: Tuesday, September 16, 2025  TIME: 10:15 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment is holding a hearing to discuss permitting reform under the Clean Air Act. DATE: Tuesday, September 16, 2025  TIME: 2:00 PM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP: The Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold a markup of seven bills. DATE: Wednesday, September 17, 2025  TIME: 10:00 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Heath is holding a hearing to discuss legislation that improves seniors’ access to cutting-edge health innovation. DATE: Thursday, September 18, 2025  TIME: 9:30 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology is holding a hearing to discuss permitting reform for enhanced connectivity. DATE: Thursday, September 18, 2025  TIME: 2:00 PM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building  ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, announced a Full Committee markup of seven bills. WHAT : Full Committee Markup DATE: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 TIME: 10:00 AM ET LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building Items to be considered: H.R. 2493 , Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025 (Rep. Carter of GA) H.R. 3419 , To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs. (Rep. Valadao) H.R. 2846 , To amend title II of the Public Health Service Act to include as an additional right or privilege of commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (and their beneficiaries) certain leave provided under title 10, United States Code to commissioned officers of the Army (or their beneficiaries). (Rep. Houlahan) H.R. 1262 , Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025 (Rep. McCaul) H.R.1843 , To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to increase transparency in generic drug applications (Rep. Dunn) H.R. 3302 , Healthy Start Reauthorization Act of 2025 (Rep. Ocasio-Cortez) H.R. 979 , AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 (Reps. Bilirakis and Pallone) This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The markup will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at  energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Jessica Donlon with the Committee staff at  Jessica.Donlon@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Matt VanHyfte at Matt.Vanhyfte@mail.house.gov .  ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) issued the following statement regarding the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC)  decision  to launch an inquiry into artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots acting as a companion: “Artificial intelligence has unleashed exponential levels of innovation, yet we are alarmed by recent incidents concerning the use of AI chatbots by minors. While some AI chatbot providers are taking steps to address such horrific and disturbing instances, additional investigation is needed to ensure children and teens are not in danger when using these services,”  said Chairman Guthrie and Ranking Member Pallone.   “We strongly support this action by the FTC and urge the agency to consider the tools at its disposal to protect children from online harms. We are also hopeful Congress will be able to build on this work with durable, bipartisan legislation to protect children online and empower parents.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, announced a hearing titled Examining Solutions to Expedite Broadband Permitting . “For far too long, cumbersome and expensive permitting regulations at every level of government have stood in the way of connectivity for millions of Americans,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson . “Streamlining the broadband permitting process will help expedite deployment, especially in our nation’s most underserved and rural areas. We look forward to discussing different legislative proposals that will help accomplish this goal so that every American has the opportunity to take part in the digital economy through access to fast, reliable, and secure broadband.”   Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing titled Examining Solutions to Expedite Broadband Permitting. WHAT: Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing to discuss permitting reform for enhanced connectivity. DATE: Thursday, September 18, 2025 TIME: 2:00 PM ET LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building This hearing will focus on the following bills: H.R.278 , the “BROADBAND Leadership Act” (Rep. Griffith) H.R.339 , the “Broadband Resiliency and Flexible Investment Act” (Rep. Crenshaw) H.R.1343 , the “Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act” (Reps. Pfluger and Soto) H.R.1541 , the “Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act” (Rep. Rulli) H.R.1588 , the “Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act” (Reps. Miller-Meeks and Dingell) H.R.1617 , the “Wireless Resiliency and Flexible Investment Act of 2025” (Rep. Langworthy) H.R.1655 , the “Wildfire Communications Resiliency Act” (Rep. Bentz) H.R.1665 , the “DIGITAL Applications Act” (Reps. Cammack and Matsui) H.R. 1681 , the “Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Act” (Rep. Evans and Craig) H.R.1731 , the “Standard FEES Act” (Reps. Palmer and Ryan) H.R.1836 , the “GRANTED Act of 2025” (Rep. Obernolte) H.R.1975 , the “BEAD FEE Act of 2025” (Rep. Allen) H.R.2289 , the “Proportional Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act” (Rep. Carter) H.R.2298 , the “Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act of 2025” (Rep. Fulcher) H.R.2817 , the “Coastal Broadband Deployment Act” (Rep. Bilirakis) H.R.2975 , the Broadband Incentives for Communities Act (Rep. Fletcher) H.R.3960 , the “Connecting Communities Post Disasters Act of 2025” (Rep. Dunn) H.R.4211 , the “Brownfields Broadband Deployment Act” (Rep. Walberg) H.R.4927 , the “CABLE Competition Act” (Rep. Houchin) H.R.5147 , the “Winning the International Race for Economic Leadership and Expanding Service to Support Leadership Act” or the “WIRELESS Leadership Act” (Rep. Latta) H.R.5170 , the “Cable Access for Broadband and Local Economic Leadership Act” or the “CABLE Leadership Act” (Rep. Balderson) H.R.5264 , the “Streamlining Permitting to Enable Efficient Deployment for Broadband Infrastructure or the “SPEED for Broadband Infrastructure Act” (Rep. Goldman) H.R.5266 , the “5G Using Previously Granted Rulings that Accelerate Deployment Everywhere Act” or the “5G UPGRADE Act” (Rep. Harshbarger) H.R.5273 , the “Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act” (Rep. Joyce) H.R.5290 , the “Cable Transparency Act” (Rep. Weber) H.R.5311 , the “Connecting and Building Lines for Expedited Expansion Act” or the “CABLE Expansion Act” (Rep. Fedorchak) H.R.5318 , the “Reducing Antiquated Permitting for Infrastructure Deployment Act” (Rep. Hudson) H.R. ____ , the “TRUSTED Broadband Networks Act" (Rep. Fry) H.R. ___ , the “Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act” (Rep. Joyce) This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Noah Jackson with the Committee staff at Noah.Jackson@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Daniel Kelly at Daniel.Kelly@mail.house.gov . ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, announced a hearing titled Examining Policies to Enhance Seniors’ Access to Breakthrough Medical Technologies. “More than 68 million Americans rely on Medicare for life-saving treatments and critical care. Unfortunately, outdated coverage policies and bureaucratic hurdles can delay or leave seniors without access to the most innovative and effective treatments and services,”  said Congressmen Guthrie and Griffith.  “This hearing will examine policies to establish Medicare coverage of multi-cancer early detection tests, enhance transparency and accountability in the CMS coverage process, and cut red tape to ensure beneficiaries can access the latest breakthrough medical devices and technology.” Subcommittee on Health hearing titled Examining Policies to Enhance Seniors’ Access to Breakthrough Medical Technologies WHAT: Subcommittee on Health hearing to discuss legislation that improves seniors’ access to cutting-edge health innovation. DATE: Thursday, September 18, 2025 TIME: 9:30 AM ET LOCATION:  2123 Rayburn House Office Building This hearing will focus on the following bills:  H.R. 842 , Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (Rep. Arrington) H.R. ____ , [Ensuring Patient Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act of 2025]  H.R. ____ , [To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure transparency in the national coverage determination process under the Medicare program and to make certain adjustments to Medicare local coverage determinations.]  H.R. 3826 , Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2025 (Rep. Schrier) This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. This hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed at energycommerce.house.gov If you have any questions about this hearing, please contact Annabelle Huffman at Annabelle.Huffman@mail.house.gov . If you have any press related questions, please contact Katie West at Katie.West@mail.house.gov .

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, led a markup of several public health reauthorization bills. “As we must do with every authorization bill that moves through this committee, it is critical that we evaluate the impacts these programs have had, and not only ensure the money is being spent as it was originally intended, but also ensure patient privacy is protected ,” said Chairman Griffith. “ Considering each of these reauthorizations is an important step forward to ensure each program is working as intended, and we will continue to examine these programs as we move to full committee .” Legislative Vote Summary: H.R. 4262 , To reauthorize programs related to health professions education, and for other purposes, was reported to the full committee by a voice vote. H.R. 3593 , Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025, was reported to the full committee by a voice vote. H.R. 2493 , Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025, was reported to the full committee by a voice vote. H.R. 3419 , To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs, was reported to the full committee by a voice vote. H.R. 3302 ,  Healthy Start Reauthorization Act of 2025, was reported to the full committee by a voice vote. H.R. 2846 , To amend title II of the Public Health Service Act to include as an additional right or privilege of commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (and their beneficiaries) certain leave provided under title 10, United States Code to commissioned officers of the Army (or their beneficiaries), was reported to the full committee by a voice vote. H.R. 4709 ,  Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2025, was reported to the full committee by a voice vote Watch the full markup here . Below are key excerpts from today’s markup: Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01) on the To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs : “This bill reauthorizes the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration. These programs aim to improve access to telehealth services by providing technical assistance and other support methods to providers in rural and frontier communities, so patients in these areas can more easily access necessary telehealth services. Approximately 22,000 patients across the country have benefited from these programs. We must continue these vital resources to help improve health outcomes in underserved communities.” Chairman John Joyce (PA-13) on the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025: “The Improving Care in Rural America [Reauthorization Act] is legislation that accomplishes something that is so important for the constituents that don't have that access to screening, that don't have that access to care, and it is important that we reauthorize this. Representative Carter, in his legislation, understands that rural America is often left behind. This is a bipartisan piece of legislation that addresses that issue, that understands that we have a responsibility to all of our constituents, to all of America.”

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 Environment, announced a hearing titled From Gridlock to Growth: Permitting Reform Under the Clean Air Act .  “Red tape and burdensome permitting requirements are stifling U.S. economic growth and sending American jobs overseas,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Palmer . “In order to secure our critical infrastructure and onshore American jobs, our Subcommittee will hold a hearing to examine outdated and ineffective regulations that are disconnected from the goals of the Clean Air Act. Earlier in this Congress, our committee began important work on permitting reform and will continue that work in this hearing that will offer our members the chance to address these critical permitting issues that have limited growth and limit innovation. The Committee will take up legislation with common sense solutions that reduce unreasonable regulatory burdens while continuing to protect our environment.” Subcommittee on Environment hearing titled From Gridlock to Growth: Permitting Reform Under the Clean Air Act. WHAT: Subcommittee on Environment hearing to discuss permitting reform under the Clean Air Act. DATE: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 TIME: 2:00 PM ET LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building The hearing will focus on the following bills: H.R. 161 , New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act (Rep. Griffith)  H.R ____ , Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events Act (FIRE) Act  H.R ____ , Reducing and Eliminating Duplicative Environmental Regulations Act (RED Tape) Act H.R ____ , Foreign Emissions and Nonattainment Clarification for Economic Stability (FENCES) Act H.R ____ , Air Permitting Improvements to Protect National Security Act This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at  energycommerce.house.gov .  If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Jackson Rudden with the Committee staff at Jackson.Rudden@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Ben Mullany at  Ben.Mullany@mail.house.gov . ###