Subcommittees

WASHINGTON, D.C . – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, delivered the following opening statement at today’s markup of two bills. Chairman Guthrie’s opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Thank you all for being here today as we prepare to consider two bills that would strengthen our ever-important public safety communications infrastructure. “Many of us have seen natural disasters up close and personal in our districts, and our constituents deserve the best version of the infrastructure and alert systems we are considering today. “In moments of crisis, every American must be able to trust that our networks are strong and reliable. FirstNet is a central part of that mission, and why I am looking forward to advancing the bipartisan First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act today. “That’s why it's so important that we remove the legislative ambiguity currently plaguing the program, while preserving the importance of the FirstNet Board and the voices of first responders. “Since our hearing and markup in the beginning of February, we have worked tirelessly with first responders and public safety officials to incorporate wide-ranging edits and technical assistance to make this bill as strong as possible. “We have run a very open process, and we truly appreciate their efforts to engage with us and find common ground wherever possible in this reauthorization. “I would also like to thank the sponsors of this bill, Representatives Dunn and McClellan, for their leadership and commitment to improving accountability, reliability, and transparency in the FirstNet program. “Our markup today also includes the Mystic Alert Act, led by Representative Pfluger, which will facilitate the use of satellite alerts to quickly convey information about potential threats in areas where traditional cell service may not be available. “We had multiple members of this Committee, including my friend from Texas Mr. Pfluger, who experienced first-hand the horrific events last summer. That’s why I’m glad we’ve been able to advance this bill today. “On so many issues, the Energy and Commerce Committee is the place where we are able to work in a bipartisan way and advance strong, commonsense legislation. So, I’ll close by thanking Ranking Member Pallone and his staff for working closely with us to advance these joint priorities.”

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, led by Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), reported two bills to the full House of Representatives. “Many of us have seen natural disasters up close and personal in our districts, and our constituents deserve the best version of the infrastructure and alert systems we are considering today,”   said Chairman Guthrie.  “On so many issues, the Energy and Commerce Committee is the place where we are able to work in a bipartisan way and advance strong, commonsense legislation.” Legislative Vote Summary: H.R. 7386 ,  The First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 51 yeas – 0 nays. H.R. 7022 ,  Mystic Alerts Act, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 52 yeas – 0 nays. Watch the full markup  here . Below are key excerpts from today’s markup: Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) on H.R. 7386, The First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act:  “We heard directly from NTIA's public testimony that they rely on the board to provide crucial expertise and direction on the needs of public safety. This legislation preserves that existing relationship and goes even further to strengthen public safety's voice by requiring two additional seats on the board to be dedicated to public safety. I firmly believe this legislation will pave the way for a stronger and more resilient First Responder Network Authority.” Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02) on H.R. 7386, The First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act: “ FirstNet is not just a network. It is the backbone of public safety communications in this country. When Congress first established the First Responder Network, the objective was clear – build a preemptive network for first responders that they could rely on. These brave men and women, the ones who step forward while others step back, who risk their lives to protect our communities, deserve nothing less than a resilient communication system.” Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) on H.R. 7022, Mystic Alerts Act:  “Many of you know this is a personal issue for me. After the July 4th flooding that swept through central Texas, including the all-girls Camp Mystic, where two of my daughters were attending, I knew that Congress had to act and had to act quickly to improve the redundancy and the reliability in the wireless emergency alert system, to ensure that alerts reach families and first responders even in the most challenging circumstances. H.R. 7022, the Mystic Alerts Act is the result of these efforts, and this legislation ensures that during natural disasters wireless emergency alerts can still be delivered via satellite.”

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – This week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is holding two Subcommittee Hearings and one Full Committee Markup. Read more below.  FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP: The Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold a markup of two bills to reauthorize FirstNet and modernize the emergency alert system.  DATE:  Wednesday, March 25, 2026   TIME:  10:15 AM ET  LOCATION:  2123 Rayburn House Office Building  SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING:  The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology is holding a hearing to review the 1996 Telecom Act.   DATE:  Thursday, March 26, 2026   TIME:  10:15 AM ET  LOCATION:  2123 Rayburn House Office Building  SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING:  The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health is holding a hearing on how the Committee is cracking down on illicit drug threats in order to protect Americans families and keep communities safe.  DATE:  Thursday, March 26, 2026  TIME:  2:00 PM ET  LOCATION:  2123 Rayburn House Office Building  ###