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Washington, D.C. — The House Energy and Commerce Committee is continuing its oversight of the deadly Maui fires that happened in August 2023. In a new letter to Hawaiian Electric CEO Shelee Kimura, Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA), and Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) have asked for clarification on testimony and documents provided to the Committee. KEY LETTER EXCERPT : “We appreciate your testimony before the Committee on Energy and Commerce at our September 28, 2023, hearing titled, 'Investigating the Role of Electric Infrastructure in the Catastrophic Maui Wildfires' and for your cooperation in supplying additional information in response to our October 13, 2023, additional questions for the hearing record (QFRs). We continue to keep the people of Maui in our thoughts as recovery efforts continue.   “As we continue our investigation, questions persist both about the events on the days the wildfires occurred (August 7 and 8, 2023) and about Hawaiian Electric Company and its subsidiaries’ (collectively, HECO) 'Wildfire Mitigation Plan' (WMP). For example, in HECO’s October 27, 2023, response to the Committee’s QFRs, you described the weather updates that HECO received on the dates of the wildfires. However, you also stated that HECO 'did not learn until after the windstorm had passed that the winds had been higher than forecast.'  “Additionally, we continue to have questions about the WMP and the timeline of its creation and development. HECO stated that it began developing the WMP in 2019 and finalized it in 2023. However, the Hawaii Public Utility Commission revealed it had not seen the document prior to the fires and only learned of its existence when HECO referenced it in HECO’s September 19, 2023, response to the Committee’s August 30, 2023, letter requesting more information about HECO’s wildfire mitigation measures.  “As fires involving electrical equipment continue to threaten lives, property, and energy reliability, the Committee has a responsibility to understand how these disasters unfold and how they can be prevented, so we can utilize this knowledge and findings in developing and overseeing the implementation of our national energy infrastructure policies.”  The Chairs have requested a response to their additional questions by April 3, 2024.  CLICK HERE to read the full letter.  TIMELINE OF INVESTIGATION:   August 30, 2023 : E&C Republican Leaders Open Investigation into Hawaiian Electric Following Deadly Maui Fires  September 14, 2023 : Chair Rodgers and Griffith Announce Oversight Hearing on Maui Fires, Invite Utilities and State Energy Officials to Appear  September 28, 2023 : Energy and Commerce Committee Oversight Subcommittee Hosts Hearing on Maui Fires  October 18, 2023 : Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chair Griffith Presses Maui Officials for Additional Information Following Oversight Hearing on Catastrophic Fires 

Today, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) joined Wake Up America on Newsmax to discuss H.R. 7521, the  Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.   The bill, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, will protect Americans by preventing foreign adversaries, such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), from targeting, surveilling, and manipulating the American people through applications, like TikTok.  Highlights and excerpts from the interview: On Why H.R 7521 Passed with Strong Bipartisan Support:   “This is important legislation to protect Americans from the Chinese Communist Party. “TikTok is a tool that is controlled by ByteDance, and ultimately, the Chinese Communist Party. “The legislation is a targeted approach to protect us from these applications that are controlled by foreign adversaries that are collecting massive amounts of data and can ultimately use that as a destructive tool to target American children.   “The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed this bill that would force TikTok to make the choice as to whether or not it wants to remain controlled by ByteDance, and ultimately the Chinese Communist Party, or if there would be a sale of TikTok. “The legislation is based upon national security concerns and the House took action.” On the National Security Threats Posed by TikTok: “The day that the Energy and Commerce Committee voted [on the bill], that morning TikTok blocked its users […] from even getting onto the app until they called their Member of Congress. “We all were flooded by calls from individuals, some [from] kids who didn’t even know what Congress is, and they didn’t understand what was going on. “This is just a small taste of what TikTok is capable of doing. “TikTok is collecting massive amounts of data on Americans. [There are] 177 million users. They are collecting location data, your contacts, your search history. We know that this is how the CCP operates in China. They collect data and they surveil ultimately to control their citizens. “We cannot trust China to protect American user data or to uphold American values, like freedom. And that is why so many Members in the House, 352 Republicans and Democrats, believe that we must take action. “It really is critical that we take action to protect America, to protect American users, and our children from TikTok and other apps that are controlled by foreign adversaries.” On the Necessity for the Senate to Act: “I believe that the Senate needs to act. The overwhelming vote in the House sent a very strong message to the Senate. “I know that the Senate received a classified briefing and Senator Mark Warner and Senator Marco Rubio have come out in support of this legislation. Other Senators are also coming on board, believing that we must take action.”

Vote YES on H.R. 1023 to Repeal the EPA’s Green Slush Fund and the Harmful Natural Gas Tax Washington D.C. —   House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) spoke on the House Floor in support of H.R. 1023, the Cutting Green Corruption and Taxes Act . The bill, led by Energy and Commerce Republican Gary Palmer (R-AL), will repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) $27 billion green bank slush fund and stop it from imposing a tax on natural gas. Chair Rodgers prepared remarks: “I rise in support of H.R. 1023, the ‘Cutting Green Corruption and Taxes Act.’ “I want to thank the bill sponsor, Mr. Gary Palmer of Alabama, and the Members of the Energy and Commerce. “The U.S. has been blessed with tremendous natural resources, which we’ve been able to harness as a result of free market principles and an entrepreneurial spirit that’s uniquely American. “We’ve harnessed the power of nuclear energy, electrified millions of rural American’s homes with clean hydropower, and ushered in the Shale Revolution—which continues to create millions of new jobs, bring manufacturing back to the U.S., and revitalize communities across the country. “As a result, America is more energy secure today than ever before. “This legacy is under threat. Since day one, President Biden has been taking steps to shut down American energy. “On his first day in office he ended the Keystone XL Pipeline. “He’s actively taking steps to ban gas stoves and liquefied natural gas exports, tear down hydropower dams, force electric vehicle mandates on Americans, and impose a tax on natural gas. “His so-called ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ provided the EPA with tens of billions of taxpayer dollars to launder to extreme, liberal special interest allies—who will ultimately make us more reliant on China by forcing Americans to rely on cheap Chinese batteries and solar panels manufactured with slave labor and the worst environmental standards on the planet. “H.R. 1023 is an important step towards ending the President’s radical rush to green agenda. “It repeals the EPA’s $27 billion-dollar Green Bank slush fund, and it’s recently proposed natural gas tax. “The EPA doesn’t want Congress or the American public to know how their taxpayer dollars are spent, so they give it to radical environmentalists to spend in secret. “This legislation will also repeal the EPA’s recent proposed natural gas tax. “This tax drives up costs on everything from our grocery bills to our energy bills. “It will force good-paying American jobs overseas and make us more dependent on foreign energy sources. “I strongly support H.R. 1023, the ‘Cutting Green Corruption and Taxes Act,’ which promotes American energy leadership and security—something that’s vital to building on our legacy of improving lives, helping to lift people out of poverty, and raising the standard of living across the country and the world. “I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in voting YES on this important bill.”

Today the House passed H.R. 1023, the Cutting Green Corruption and Taxes Act , to repeal the EPA’s green slush fund and harmful natural gas tax. The legislation, led by Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL), will reduce the budget deficit, protect against government corruption, and stop China from receiving American taxpayer dollars. The bill passed the House by a vote of 209 to 204.  As Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers said , “I strongly support H.R. 1023, the Cutting Green Corruption and Taxes Act, which promotes American energy leadership and security—something that’s vital to building on our legacy of improving lives, helping to lift people out of poverty, and raising the standard of living across the country and the world.”  Rep. Palmer added , “Energy security is national security. Sadly, the Biden administration’s attacks on American energy make us more dependent on Russia, China, and other foreign adversaries. Passing H.R. 1023 will be a major step toward undoing their misguided policies.” 

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing  on ensuring athletes in our communities are healthy and safe from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.  “Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our children. “When we place them in the care of coaches and school administrators, we trust they will be protected. “When they are practicing, training, and competing in the sports they love, we expect coaches, trainers, and volunteers, are all keeping our children’s safety front and center. “When they are on a field, or in the pool, or on the slopes, their only concern should be on competing and being the best athletes they can be. “It is in these environments that they learn important life lessons of hard work, resiliency, mental fortitude, and teamwork. “That is why I was disgusted and heartbroken, like all my colleagues, after learning of the horrifying abuses inflicted on our young Olympic gymnasts. “What these young women went through is unimaginable and should never happen again.” A BROKEN SYSTEM “These unspeakable acts materialized under a system that failed athletes who were talented and privileged enough to compete in the Olympic and Paralympic games. “I remember when former Olympic athletes came before Congress and shared their stories. The hearing was painful to watch and rocked many of us to our cores. But it was necessary, and I am still grateful to those brave women whose courage is a testament to the mission we have before us today. “Congress set out to make sure that abuses against our young athletes competing in the Olympic system never happens again. “Six years ago, we created the U.S. Center for SafeSport—the independent organization responsible for investigating and resolving reported abuses. “The Center has the sole and exclusive authority to investigate and resolve sexual misconduct claims. “Parents across the country are counting on the Center to protect their children so they can compete in a safe and healthy environment. “Today, SafeSport has the scope and authority to investigate any reports of misconduct for the more than 11 million individuals throughout the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. “It is no small feat—as the Center has seen misconduct and abuse reports increase year over year. “We must put athlete safety first—which means we must find what is working at the Center and fix the issues that are not. “As the Center itself has itself publicly acknowledged at a hearing on the Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics and Paralympics—some of the criticisms against it are ‘warranted.’ “The Center has stated that at times its process was 'not trauma informed, that there was poor communication, or it simply took too long.' It also said it is ‘committed to continuous quality improvement.’ “These were all issues the Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics and Paralympics documented in its report released earlier this month. “Among the Commission’s other findings, it found the Center needs to improve its trust with athletes, clarify its reporting process, and better maintain its Database. “I welcome its commitment to do better and know this subcommittee is equally invested in seeing SafeSport improve for the benefit of America’s children and young athletes.” FULL SPEED AHEAD “I ask my colleagues to join into today’s hearing to bring SafeSport’s outstanding issues to light in a productive way, so that we can find solutions. “To the millions of America’s athletes and their parents: we hear you and we will work to make sure that all young athletes—from youth sports to the Olympics—are safe, healthy, and thriving.  I look forward to today's discussion.”

Committee seeks to save lives and ensure proper implementation of new bipartisan law Washington, D.C. — Bipartisan leaders of the Energy and Commerce Committee launched an investigation into United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), the sole contractor responsible for operating the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). The Leaders are also seeking information from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) regarding ongoing reforms. The effort seeks to examine issues with OPTN’s prior operation and ensure proper implementation of the bipartisan Securing the U.S. Procurement and Transplantation Network Act , which was passed unanimously by the Committee and by Congress and signed into law by President Biden on September 22, 2023. The inquiry is led by Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ); Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Ranking Member Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA); and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Ranking Member Kathy Castor (D-FL). The Committee Leaders wrote to HRSA requesting information on how its OPTN contract solicitation plan will support fair and competitive practices during the contracting process, promote data transparency and patient safety, and ensure system security and operability. KEY LETTER EXCERPT: “ Errors and inefficiencies in OPTN management can have deadly consequences . A HRSA-funded study found that, while Americans die each day waiting for organ transplants, as few as one in five potential donor organs have been recovered. The Committee wants to ensure HRSA’s ability to manage the successful implementation of the OPTN Modernization Initiative to improve accountability and effectiveness of the system that does not currently meet the needs of patients .” The Committee leaders also sent questions to UNOS Chief Executive Officer Maureen McBride regarding UNOS’s system security and operability, issues with patient safety and equity, and conflict-of-interest concerns. KEY LETTER EXCERPT : “A 2021 report, by the United States Digital Service titled 'Lives Are at Stake' found myriad problems with UNOS technology, concluding that ‘[t]he OPTN contractor lacks sufficient technical capabilities to modernize their systems,’ ‘[t]he core systems are fragile,’ and the system uptime is ‘insufficient’ for a life-saving system that depends on consistent operation. “An August 2022 report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) OIG found multiple, basic cybersecurity failures by UNOS. The OIG report noted that UNOS’s policies and procedures for access controls, risk assessment, and system monitoring ‘were either in draft or did not exist.’ Given the highly sensitive nature of the personal patient data UNOS keeps, it is vital that strong and enforceable security measures are required and consistently met under any OPTN management contracts. “ UNOS has been the sole organization managing the OPTN, during which time concerning reports have emerged that the organ donation system has become unsafe , inequitable , self-dealing , and retaliatory . The Committee supports HRSA’s proposed reforms to make the contracting process truly competitive to help ensure patients are served by the best contractors for each function.” BACKGROUND : The OPTN is a unique public-private partnership that links all professionals involved in the U.S. donation and transplantation system.  Since its inception, the OPTN contract has only been awarded to a single contractor—UNOS.  To address concerns with the donation and transplantation system, Congress passed legislation led by Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) and Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), which was signed into law in 2023, to modernize OPTN and allow HRSA to run a competitive process to choose the best contractors for different national OPTN functions.  Additionally, HRSA has also announced a Modernization Initiative to improve accountability and effectiveness of the system in order to better meet the needs of patients.  Alarm over ignored patient safety concerns suggests that both HRSA and UNOS systematically downplayed or ignored critical patient safety concerns, risking lives and undermining trust in the national organ transplantation system.

Washington D.C. — Today, Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY) sent a letter to Dr. Fatih Birol, Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), urging him to return the agency to its core mission of promoting energy security. “[I]n recent years the IEA has been undermining energy security by discouraging sufficient investment in energy supplies... Moreover, its energy modeling no longer provides policymakers with balanced assessments of energy and climate proposals. Instead, it has become an ‘energy transition’ cheerleader,” the lawmakers wrote. “It should disturb you that biased parties are exploiting the IEA’s forecasts and other products to advocate for policies that undermine energy security. Last month, your former deputy at IEA, David Turk, now Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy, justified President Biden’s decision to “pause” the permitting process for U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports on the basis of IEA forecasts rather than the forecasts of the Department’s own Energy Information Administration (EIA). We find Deputy Secretary Turk’s decision to rely largely on IEA’s outlier forecasts—instead of EIA’s forecasts—when discussing world demand for natural gas to be deeply troubling. President Biden’s decision to stop approving LNG export permits could have devastating consequences on the future supply of U.S. LNG to developing countries who will experience decades of robust growth in natural gas demand. That is why people across the American political spectrum have condemned the President’s decision as reckless,” the lawmakers continue. CLICK HERE to read the full letter.

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s subcommittee hearing  on ensuring athletes in our communities are healthy and safe from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. “As you all know, this Subcommittee had originally planned to hold this hearing last October. I am grateful we were able to reschedule this important hearing and appreciate the witnesses returning and thank them for their flexibility and understanding. “Organized athletics, especially for our children, is invaluable to the culture of our country. Sport is instrumental in helping to teach young people the values of teamwork and self-esteem.  “From soccer to football, tennis to badminton, lacrosse and swimming, over 60 million children participate in youth sports leagues.  “Some children start their athletic journey before they go to kindergarten. They pour their hearts and souls into it, dedicating countless hours in the pursuit of mastering their chosen sport.  “A young athlete hoping to excel at the highest levels as part of the modern Olympic Movement may have to put in the same training hours a week as the average American does at work.  “It is because of these fierce competitors and the extensive network of youth leagues that the United States proudly claims the most Olympic medals at over 3,100. 1,100 more than the Germans, who comes in a distant second, with 2,000 medals. ENSURING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT   “With this tremendous sport success our country enjoys, we owe it to the athletes to ensure that they can compete in a safe, and abuse-free, environment. “Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case. As a Member of this Subcommittee in 2018, I remember listening to testimony about the tragic and horrific episodes of sexual abuse documented at USA Gymnastics. This repugnant occurrence was perhaps the worst case of athletic abuse ever seen in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.  “Congress came together following that incident to charter the U.S. Center for SafeSport to ensure those abhorrent events never happen again. “The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit responsible for investigating and resolving abuse and misconduct reports in sports leagues affiliated with U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. “Currently, SafeSport covers about 11 million individuals. “The Center has a tall order, but it is critical that we have a functioning, transparent and effective organization that seriously takes on its mission to protect athletes from abuse.  IMPROVING SAFESPORT “SafeSport has a challenging role to play in protecting children against abuse. Like any new organization, it will need to grow and rectify any mistakes that occur. “As SafeSport learns and builds up its protocols, it may also need legislative changes. “I am well aware of the criticisms levied against SafeSport, particularly regarding its lack of transparency. “Just a few weeks ago the Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics and Paralympics, tasked by Congress to find areas to improve the Olympic movement, stated SafeSport made ‘a decision not to furnish us with requested financial documents detailing spending, as well as those covering certain safety policies, reflect a lack of transparency built into the structure of the current system, one that hinders the movement’s accountability to Congress.’ “I am also concerned about reports my office has received regarding youth sports leagues disaffiliating from their National Governing Bodies to avoid coach training and background check requirements imposed by SafeSport. “This is very troubling given that SafeSport was created to protect athletes from abuse and instead it may be inadvertently driving athletes into more opaque leagues that lack the reporting and training requirements of SafeSport. “The Commission interviewed National Governing Body participants who told them 'a coach can move to unsanctioned competitions, still be participating in the sport basically every single day.' “One person even told the Commission ‘the two biggest offenders that I know of are still coaching. Nothing’s ever happened to them.’ “We must find a way to close these loopholes. “This oversight hearing is a great bipartisan opportunity to check in with SafeSport and some of the National Governing Bodies regarding how well SafeSport is functioning and how overall athlete safety can be improved. “Everyone in this room is in agreement-- the physical and mental health of our youth athletes is paramount. We owe them that.” 

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Health Subcommittee hearing on the FDA’s proposed rule that would threaten access to reliable diagnostic tests, especially for children and patients with rare diseases. FDA STIFLING INNOVATION “Today this committee will continue our work to ensure America remains the world leader in biomedical innovation. “We have previously heard testimony on many examples of regulatory and reimbursement challenges that are stifling innovation and delaying patient access to care. “Unfortunately, the FDA is doubling down on this troubling pattern by failing to account for the important role laboratory testing plays in this country. “Patients, doctors, and caretakers rely on diagnostic tests to detect, guide treatment decisions, and monitor a host of medical conditions and diseases. “Some of these tests are made in the form of kits by conventional manufacturers for use by other entities, such as laboratories, health care practitioners, or even patients. “Other tests, known as laboratory developed tests, or ‘LDTs,’ are designed, manufactured, and used within a single laboratory. “While conventional manufacturers certainly serve an important role, LDTs fill in the gaps for indications that have a smaller patient population—such as rare diseases, particularly cancers, and certain pediatric conditions—where large-scale commercial manufacturing and distribution do not make sense.” FDA’s BURDENSOME NEW RULE  “Instead of capitalizing on advancements in precision medicine and exciting genetic technologies to help patients, the FDA has proposed dramatically increasing the regulatory burden on a subset of diagnostic tests, specifically LDTs. “These regulations extend far beyond any of the legislative proposals that Congress has considered. “Under the proposed rule, laboratories will incur significant costs to come into compliance. “New administrative and clerical burdens, along with oppressive submission fees, will be a substantial drain on a lab’s limited resources.  “Take, for example, a lab that offers 1,000 laboratory developed tests. “By the FDA’s estimate, 50 percent of existing LDTs will require premarket submissions. “That alone translates to hundreds of millions of dollars—not even accounting for ongoing changes and maintenance. “Moreover, for a phaseout period over four years, this lab will need to submit 250 tests a year, or one per working day—something that’s likely impossible for the lab to do and for FDA to review in a timely manner. “According to a recent survey of over 500 clinical laboratory respondents, only 3 percent of labs believe that they will have the financial resources to pay user fees.   “For the overwhelming number of labs without the financial resources, they will have to stop performing tests, severely limiting access for some of our most vulnerable patient populations.    “In its Preliminary Regulatory Impact Analysis, the FDA estimates there are 80,000 LDTs currently on the market and nearly 8,000 new LDTs per year that would be affected by the rule. “By comparison, the agency approved a little over 3,000 premarket submissions in 2022.” FEWER DIAGNOSES, HIGHER COSTS “As currently written, the rule would take the FDA years to simply review the tests that already exist on the market. But what does this all really mean? “Given that the FDA is already struggling to keep up with innovation in what it currently regulates, this undertaking would mean fewer diagnoses, higher costs, and delays in care for patients who can’t afford to wait for the FDA to approve a test they need to finally figure out what is wrong and the path to getting well. “Their lives depend on it. “I know Members of this committee hold a variety of positions on the need for regulating LDTs and the manner in which Congress might do so. “I would hope that we all agree this rule is the wrong path forward.  “I look forward to hearing more from our witnesses about legislative alternatives to this stifling administrative action.”