Subcommittees

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed three resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act, which repeal disastrous electric vehicle (EV) mandates.  “By rejecting EV mandates, the signing of these resolutions is a victory for American consumers who reject government mandates and one-size-fits-all policies,”  said Chairman Guthrie.  “Without this repeal, the special rules for California would have led to higher prices on both new and used vehicles, furthered our dependence on China, and overwhelmed our already-strained electric grid. Instead, Congressional Republicans and President Trump are standing up for American consumers by rolling back the worst policies of the Biden-Harris Administration. Thank you to Vice Chairman Joyce, Congressman Obernolte, and Congressman James for your work to ensure that families and businesses can continue choosing the vehicles they need.” Read an Op-Ed from Chairman Guthrie, Vice Chairman Joyce, Congressman James, and Congressman Obernolte on these resolutions  here . Background: The Clean Air Act generally preempts individual states from setting their own vehicle emission standards. However, section 209 of the Clean Air Act allows the Environmental Protection Agency to waive state preemption for California. This carveout was intended to allow California to implement stricter air vehicle emission standards to address “compelling and extraordinary circumstances” involving local air pollution – not to remake the auto industry and limit consumer choice nationwide. The Biden-Harris EPA granted these waivers that have allowed California to ban sales of new gas, diesel, and hybrid vehicles, as well as heavy-duty trucks, while also mandating 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035. H.J. Res. 88, led by Rep. John Joyce (PA-13), Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, repeals California’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) waiver, which would have the State to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. H.J. Res. 87, led by Rep. John James (MI-10), repeals California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) waiver, which would have allowed the State to mandate the sale of zero-emission trucks. H.J. Res. 89, led by Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23), puts an end to California’s implementation of its most recent nitrogen oxide (NOx) engine emission standards, which would have created burdensome and unworkable standards for heavy-duty, on-road engines. ###

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 Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, led a hearing titled Winning Off the Field: Legislative Proposal to Stabilize NIL and College Athletics. “College athletics are a vital part of American culture, and it's clear—from both student-athletes and universities—that a national framework is long overdue. The Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act delivers the stability, clarity, and transparency that stakeholders have been calling for,” said Chairman Bilirakis . “I’m proud of the work our Subcommittee has done on this important issue, and I look forward to advancing a measure that establishes clear guardrails—ones that empower student-athletes while upholding the core educational mission of our colleges and universities. ” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01): “Do you think these revenue sharing agreements will bring stability to college athletic rosters?” Ms. Montgomery: “I do think that it will bring a level of stability. [...] It's able to bring in some of those collective actions—some of those opportunities that we've seen previously—in house to make sure there is no nefarious activity going on.” Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08): “In this conversation, some folks have proposed the creation of a federal self-regulatory organization, or some other sort of independent body to oversee college sports, including NIL. So just curious, in your view, do you think this is necessary or unnecessary? What mechanisms are already in place, and how do we ensure fair play and athlete protection without creating a new layer of bureaucracy?” Mr. King : “I do not think that we need federally created commission. You've heard talk about the College Sports Commission, which arises out of the House settlement. Now that it's approved, it is actually in existence and up and running, and the way it is structured is it would, it will handle the regulation.” Congresswoman Russell Fry (SC-07): “The NCAA and conferences have the ability to govern college athletes, but it's been diminished. You can’t create rules. You can’t enforce the rules that you create. [...] Can you explain the SEC’s ability to regulate and govern its member institutions, particularly on matters related to NIL?” Mr. King: “In order to have national competitions, you need to have uniform standards nationally.”