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Washington, D.C. — The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced two bipartisan pieces of legislation today to protect Americans’ data and national security against foreign adversaries. Both bills were advanced to the House Floor with unanimous support.  As Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) said during the Full Committee markup: “Today we will take the first step in creating long overdue laws to protect Americans from the threat posed by apps controlled by our adversaries and to send a very clear message that the U.S. will always stand up for our values and freedom.    “We will NOT allow for the continued targeting, surveilling, and manipulation of Americans through foreign adversary-controlled applications.”  Legislative Vote Summary:   H.R. 7521 ,  the   Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act , was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 50 yeas to 0 nays. H.R. 7520 , the Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024, was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 50 yeas to 0 nays.

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Full Committee hearing on protecting Americans’ data and national security from foreign adversaries. “The Chinese Communist Party pose the greatest national security threat to the United States of our time.     “With applications, like TikTok, these countries are able to target, surveil, and manipulate Americans.    “Protecting American’s data and addressing the serious national security threat posed by the CCP have been my top priorities all Congress.     “This Committee and others have been working diligently in a bipartisan manner to deliver solutions to address these critical issues. Today, we take action.  “One year ago this month, the CEO of TikTok testified before this committee to answer for the threat his company poses to America’s national security.   “During the hearing, he was asked several times if ByteDance uses information it collects from TikTok users to spy on Americans.    “His response was, and I quote, 'I wouldn’t describe it as spying.’   “TikTok has repeatedly been caught lying about its connection to ByteDance, as well as the level of access the CCP has to our data, which they are using to weaponize our freedoms against us.   “That ends now.”  SURVEILLING AMERICANS   “TikTok’s access to 170 million American users makes it a valuable propaganda tool for the CCP to exploit and use for nefarious purposes.   “Through this access, the app is able to collect nearly every data point imaginable, from people’s location, to what they search on their devices, who they are connecting with, and other forms of sensitive information.   “The app’s trackers are embedded in sites across the web, so even if someone has never been on TikTok, their personal information is at risk of being collected and abused. “TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for surveilling American journalists.  “That’s just one example—it gets much worse.   “While TikTok may be the most well-known application subject to the CCP, it is certainly not the only one—others, like Lemon8 and Capcut, are also subject to the CCP’s influence through ByteDance.”  FOREIGN ADVERSARY-CONTROLLED APPS   “That is why today, we are discussing legislation that will prevent apps controlled by foreign adversaries from targeting, surveilling, and manipulating the American people.  “I commend members of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, in particular Chair Mike Gallagher and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi for their partnership on this legislation to address the immediate threat that Bytedance’s ownership of TikTok poses, and I look forward to quickly advancing this bill to the full House.  “This is a targeted approach to prohibit access to an application owned by a foreign adversary that poses a clear threat to U.S. national security.  “Additionally, we will be discussing legislation to prevent data brokers from sharing Americans’ sensitive information with foreign adversaries and the companies they control. “We know that data brokers sell our sensitive information to the highest bidder.  “I’m appreciative of Ranking Member Pallone bringing this legislation forward, so that we may establish clear prohibitions on the sale of location and health information to our adversaries.    “This is an important step in our continued efforts to establish comprehensive data privacy in order to effectively crack down on abuses of our personal information.  “Companies controlled by a foreign adversary, like the CCP, will never embrace American values, virtues of our society and culture like freedom of speech, human rights, the rule of law, a free press, and others.   “Our adversaries choose to rule through fear and control.  “If given the choice, they will always choose the path for more control, more surveillance, and more manipulation.  “Apps like TikTok, Lemon8, and Capcut are 'spying-by-design'. They have to—it is required by law in China.    “This foreign interference and manipulation is not welcome here.  “The threats posed by TikTok are real, which is why today we will be hearing from the national intelligence community about the threats and how this legislation will neutralize them.”

Throughout the 118th Congress, House Republicans have led on major legislative initiatives to improve the health, safety, and wellbeing of the American people while preserving their freedoms. Despite what the President will likely say during his State of the Union Address tonight, Americans should know the truth:   Lowering Health Care Costs for Americans Chair Rodgers touts passage of the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act at a press conference.   Led by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-MO), and House Education and the Workforce Committee Chair Virginia Foxx (R-NC), H.R. 5378, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, will lower health care costs by increasing transparency in the health care market. The bill passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 320 to 71.  How the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act helps patients: Increases Price Transparency Throughout the Health Care System for Patients  Empowers patients and employers to shop for health care and make informed health care decisions by providing timely and accurate information about the cost of care, treatment, and services   Makes health care price information public by ensuring hospitals, insurance companies, labs, imaging providers, and ambulatory surgical centers publicly list the prices they charge patients Lowers costs for patients and employers by requiring health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to disclose negotiated drug rebates and discounts, revealing the true costs of prescription drugs   Addresses the Cost of Prescription Drugs  Lowers out-of-pocket costs for seniors who receive medication at a hospital-owned outpatient facility   Expands access to more affordable generic drugs   Equips employer health plans with the drug price information they need to get the best deal possible for their employees   Supports Patients, Health Care Workers, Community Health Centers, and Hospitals  Fully pays for expiring programs that strengthen the health care system by:   Supporting Community Health Centers, which are crucial for patients in rural and underserved areas   Supporting training programs for new doctors in communities   Preserving Medicaid for hospitals that take care of uninsured and low-income patients   Extending funding for research to find better treatments and a cure for diabetes, which affects more than 37 million Americans  READ :  The House Passed a Long-Needed Health Care Price Transparency Measure Americans Overwhelmingly Support Increased Transparency in Health Care   Fighting to End the Fentanyl Crisis and Support Individuals Struggling with Substance Use Disorder Michael Straley testifies about his late daughter’s struggle with substance use disorder at field hearing in Gettysburg, PA. Led by Health Subcommittee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Rep. Anne Kuster (D-NH), the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization (SUPPORT) Act of 2023 continues providing substance use and opioid use disorder treatment and recovery services to millions of Americans seeking help to overcome their substance use disorders, including through workforce training and access to long-term recovery services. It passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 386 to 37.  How the SUPPORT Act helps patients:  Permanently places xylazine in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, while maintaining access for veterinarians and ranchers to use in animals.   Continues providing resources for training and education related to fentanyl and other illicit substances for first responders, particularly in rural areas.   Renews support for individuals in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery to live independently and participate in the workforce.  Protects moms and babies by reauthorizing resources for residential SUD treatment for pregnant and postpartum women.   Permanently lifts Medicaid’s IMD Exclusion, which restricts access to care for rehab and institutional care services.   Ensures Medicaid beneficiaries have access to Medication Assisted Treatment.   Is fully compliant with House Republicans’ fiscal responsibility framework and spending is offset with reductions elsewhere.  READ :  District Update: E&C Republicans are Championing Solutions to Lower Health Care Costs and Improve People’s Lives Health Subcommittee Chair Guthrie: SUPPORT Act is Important Step to Addressing Overdose Epidemic   RECAP: Health Subcommittee Field Hearing in Gettysburg, PA Deb and Ray Cullen share the tragic story of how their late son Zachary was poisoned by fentanyl at a roundtable. Led by Reps. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Bob Latta (R-OH), the HALT Fentanyl Act will make the temporary class-wide scheduling order for fentanyl-related substances permanent and give law enforcement the tools they need to keep Americans safe. It passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 289-133.  READ :   E&C Republicans Host Roundtable on Fentanyl Crisis and the Southern Border  E&C Republicans Hold Roundtable on the Dangers of Big Tech and the Fentanyl Poisoning Crisis   In the News: Republicans Host Roundtable to Discuss Open Border’s Impact on Fentanyl Crisis   E&C Republicans Lead Passage of Bipartisan HALT Fentanyl on House Floor   Protecting Americans with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses from Discrimination Led by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-MO), and GOP Doctors Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (R-OH), and Rep. Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act, which would expand access to lifesaving cures and prevent discrimination against Americans with disabilities. How the Protecting Health Care for all Patients Act helps Americans:  Prohibits the use of Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) and other similar discriminatory measures in all federal programs—an expansion from the current prohibition that only applies in a limited fashion to the Medicare program.   QALYs devalue the life of people with a disability or those with chronic illnesses to determine whether the treatment is cost-effective enough to be paid for by the federal government. The use of QALYs is a clear form of discrimination.  READ : ADA Author: Congress Needs to Act to Ban a Practice that Devalues Disabled Lives Restoring Freedoms from Government COVID Overreach and Ending Mandates Led by Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC), the Freedom for Health Care Workers Act would lift the Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate on federal health care workers. It passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 227 to 203. Led by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), H.R. 185 would terminate the requirement imposed by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for foreign travelers to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. It passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 227 to 201. Led by Health Subcommittee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY), the Pandemic is Over Act would force the Biden administration to end the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). Shortly after announcing a vote in the House, President Biden announced plans to finally end the public health emergency. The legislation passed the House by a vote of 220 to 210. READ :  Chair Rodgers Statement on COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Extension

H.R. 7521 , the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, is bipartisan legislation that will protect Americans by preventing foreign adversaries, such as China, from targeting, surveilling, and manipulating the American people through online applications like TikTok.   Here’s what experts and top voices are saying about the bill:  Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson: “I support the bill being marked up by the Energy & Commerce committee. It’s an important bipartisan measure to take on China, our largest geopolitical foe, which is actively undermining our economy and security.” Americans for Prosperity Chief Government Affairs Officer Brent Gardner:   “The fact is that we live in a world where Americans’ phones are being weaponized against them by a foreign adversary, and we cannot sit back and let that happen. We would never want the U.S. federal government to have the power to censor, surveil, and manipulate Americans—we absolutely should not permit that abuse of power by the Chinese government through TikTok.”   Heritage Foundation Tech Policy Center Director Kara Frederick:   “The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act is a crucial step forward in this fight and will be a powerful tool in our arsenal to put an end to this noxious, CCP-beholden surveillance platform once and for all.” American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce "AmFree strongly supports HR 7521 addressing critical risks from TikTok due to CCP control. CCP must divest from TikTok to address national security interests." Heritage Action Executive Vice President Ryan Walker:  “Heritage Action is glad to see members of Congress from both sides of the aisle recognize the very real national security threat of apps controlled by our adversaries like China. TikTok is a dangerous tool used by the CCP to spy on, exploit, and mislead the American people. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act is an important step toward addressing the root problem and getting the CCP out of the pockets of hundreds of millions of Americans.”   Former National Security Advisor Robert C. O’Brien: “National Security officials all agree on one thing: TikTok poses a clear and present threat to America. We cannot allow the Chinese Communist Party, our chief adversary and an organization notoriously devoted to propaganda and censorship, to control the platform that America’s youth overwhelmingly relies on for news. To do so would be akin to allowing Soviet control of several major American newspapers and TV channels during the Cold War. Congress must pass this bill and finish the job the Trump Administration started in 2020: force a sale of TikTok to remove it from CCP control, or prohibit its operation in the United States.” Director of the America First Policy Institute’s China Policy Initiative Adam Savit: “TikTok is a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) controlled app that acts as a data-harvesting weapon disguised as a social media platform. It has become a dominant force in American youth culture, exposing private information to the CCP without the end-user’s knowledge. It would become a potent weapon of information warfare in the event of war with our adversaries. TikTok must be required to divest from its CCP parent company ByteDance to remain in the U.S. This act would neutralize the threat of CCP exploitation while still preserving our cherished freedom of speech.”   America2100 Executive Director Mike Needham:   “China’s fingerprints are all over many of the most pressing challenges facing our country. It is unfathomable we allow a propaganda tool they control to burrow its way deeper and deeper into our society. The House must pass the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act immediately.” FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr: “TikTok’s own conduct makes clear that it is beholden to the CCP and presents an unacceptable threat to U.S. national security. I applaud this strong bipartisan bill, which would definitely resolve this threat.” Former Vice President and Advancing American Freedom Founder Mike Pence: “TikTok has been banned on all US government devices because it is a national security threat and acts as the puppet strings of Communist China to push their propaganda on the American people, and it cannot be allowed to continue to operate in our country unchecked. The tensions with Communist China continue to mount and the United States must take the necessary steps to protect our country. This legislation is one of those necessary steps, and Advancing American Freedom urges Congress to move this legislation quickly through the markup process and bring it to the House floor for a vote.” Hudson Institute Senior Fellow Rebeccah Heinrichs: “The CCP’s control of TikTok must come to an abrupt end. In contrast to previous approaches, this bill is narrow and direct. It’s a sniper rifle. It will immediately eliminate the driving force of the app’s toxicity.” Digital Progress Institute President Joel Thayer: “Great to see @HouseCommerce introduce legislation that will keep dangerous apps, like @tiktok_us in its current form, off our devices. It is a positive step to quell the national security concerns raised by these technologies.” Executive Director of the Foundation for American Innovation Zach Graves "Thanks to the hard work of Chairman Gallagher, as well as his colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Congress is taking a huge step toward stronger protections for the American people from the threats posed by CCP-controlled entities like TikTok. Not only does this effort address the TikTok problem, but it also creates an avenue to address the next TikTok. The House should take up the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act posthaste and the Senate should follow quickly behind. To all Members of Congress who have given lip service to countering the China tech threat, now is the time to put your money where your mouth is." Deputy Director of the Consumer Choice Center Yaël Ossowski: “Considering the CCP's unique hold on TikTok and ByteDance, and the data privacy threats to US consumers, a forced divestiture is a balanced and reasonable solution.”   Digital First Project: “The Digital First Project strongly supports the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. For the past several years, policymakers on both sides of the aisle have explored different solutions to rein in TikTok. While we applauded many of those approaches, it is clear this  proposal  is the correct template going forward.”  

Here’s a few top things to know: Applications controlled by foreign adversaries, like TikTok, are exploiting and weaponizing Americans’ data. These applications are a  national security threat  to the American people. The CCP requires companies, like TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, to secretly share access to a U.S. business or individual’s data without their knowledge or consent. Internal TikTok recordings revealed “everything is seen in China.” CCP-controlled ByteDance used TikTok to spy on American journalists’ physical locations. A former TikTok Executive has stated the CCP “maintained supreme access” to TikTok’s data. CCP-controlled TikTok has claimed H.R. 7521, the  Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act , is an “outright ban.”    It is not. We have given TikTok a clear choice: Divest from your parent company—which is beholden to the CCP—and remain operational in the U.S. OR side with the Chinese Communist Party and face a ban. It is up to them.

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Full Committee markup on protecting Americans’ data and national security from foreign adversaries. “Earlier today, we heard from members of the intelligence community about the dangers posed by applications, like TikTok, that are controlled by foreign adversaries and who are determined to exploit and weaponize Americans’ data. “We also witnessed firsthand, in real time, how the Chinese Communist Party can weaponize platforms like TikTok to manipulate the American people.  “This morning, prior to our hearing, TikTok used its influence and power to force users to contact their representatives if they wanted to continue using TikTok.  “This is just a small taste of how the CCP weaponizes applications it controls to manipulate tens of millions of people to further its agenda.  “These applications present a clear national security threat to the United States and necessitate the decisive action we will take today.   “First, we will consider H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which will prohibit applications that are controlled by our foreign adversaries and pose a clear national security risk if control is not divested.  “We will also consider H.R. 7520, the Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024, led by Ranking Member Frank Pallone, which will prevent data brokers from sharing Americans’ sensitive information with foreign adversaries.”  FOREIGN ADVERSARY CONTROLLED APPS   “Foreign adversaries, like the Chinese Communist Party, pose the greatest national security threat of our time. “Our adversaries are actively working to undermine America’s global leadership.  “At its core, H.R. 7521 is about banning foreign adversaries, such as China, from targeting, surveilling, and manipulating the American people through apps like TikTok.  “The bill takes a two-pronged approach.  “First, it requires Bytedance to divest TikTok and other applications it controls within 180 days after enactment of the bill, or those apps will be prohibited in the United States. “Second, this bill creates a narrow process to allow the Executive Branch to prohibit access to an application that is owned by a foreign adversary if it poses a threat to national security.  “This is NOT a blank check for the Biden administration, or future administrations, to ban whatever apps they want.  “The Executive agencies, including the national security agencies and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, must agree that a foreign adversary-controlled application poses a threat to national security.  “The threat to national security must be well documented. The public must be notified. And the information must be presented to Congress, at which point the President may make a determination that a foreign adversary-controlled application must be divested or face prohibition in the United States.  “This prohibition can only be applied to applications controlled by a ‘foreign adversary,’ which the bill defines as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.”  DIVESTMENT “In all of these cases, there is an option for divestment to occur.   “If Bytedance divests TikTok, meaning the Chinese Communist Party is no longer controlling the application, Tiktok can continue to operate in the United States.  “CCP-controlled TikTok has claimed this bill is an ‘outright ban.’ “It is not. “We have given TikTok a clear choice: divest from your parent company, which is beholden to the Chinese Communist Party, and remain operational in the United States, or side with the Chinese Communist Party and face a ban.  “The choice is theirs.”  DATA BROKERS   “Today we will also be considering H.R. 7520, the Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024.  “Data brokers collect a stunning amount of sensitive information and data on Americans—from people’s physical and mental health, to when and where they’re traveling.   “Once collected, this sensitive information is sold to the highest bidder, including foreign adversaries, like China.  “I’m appreciative of Ranking Member Pallone’s leadership on this legislation that will prevent data brokers from sharing Americans’ sensitive information with foreign adversaries and the companies they control.   “This is an important complement to our continued efforts to establish a comprehensive data privacy standard in order to effectively crack down on abuses of Americans’ personal information.” AMERICAN VALUES “Today we will take the first step in creating long overdue laws to protect Americans from the threat posed by apps controlled by our adversaries and to send a very clear message that the U.S. will always stand up for our values and freedom.   “We will NOT allow for the continued targeting, surveilling, and manipulation of Americans through foreign adversary-controlled applications.  “I’m thankful to everyone who has worked in a bipartisan manner to get us here today, including Ranking Member Pallone and China Select Committee on the CCP Chair Mike Gallagher and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi.”

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s subcommittee markup of six bills to modernize pipeline infrastructure and protect consumer choice. “We will be marking up six bills today to continue our work in delivering affordable and reliable energy to Americans.   “The first bill we will be taking up is my discussion draft, 'The Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Accountability Act of 2024.’  “We will then take up a series of bills to stop the Biden Administration’s war on America’s home appliances.”  ENHANCING PIPELINE SAFETY “With the Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Accountability Act of 2024, the Energy and Commerce Committee is getting back to its long history of reauthorizing the relative agencies and programs under this Committee’s jurisdiction. “Our bill would reauthorize the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s pipeline safety program for five years and update policies to construct and operate pipelines.   “The Energy and Commerce Committee plays a critical role in reauthorizing PHMSA and ensuring the agency complies with its statutory mandates and maintains a strong focus on public safety.   “In January of this year, we held a legislative hearing where we heard from PHMSA Deputy Administrator, Tristan Brown. He discussed PHMSA’s current operations and the agency’s implementation of the Protecting Our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act of 2020.   “We also heard from a stakeholder panel who gave us their perspectives on PHMSA’s implementation of the PIPES Act and what needs to be done to ensure PHMSA is operating efficiently and effectively.   “Based upon this feedback, we updated our discussion draft to include many provisions from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s bill, which was reported out of their committee by voice vote in December of last year.   “Some of these provisions include technical changes to eliminate natural gas leaks, opportunities for formal hearings, clarifications on maximum allowable operating pressure, excavation damage prevention, class location rulemaking requirement, and inspection of in-service breakout tanks.  “T&I’s bill is an important approach to reauthorizing PHMSA. Because the Energy and Commerce Committee has broader jurisdiction over federal agencies, our draft legislation reflects a comprehensive approach to reauthorize PHMSA safety programs and update policies for pipeline permitting.   “It is no secret the United States is in desperate need of expanded pipeline energy infrastructure.   “Through hearings on this committee, we have heard warnings from energy reliability experts, Grid Operators, and FERC Commissioners that the lack of pipeline capacity in this country is contributing to reliability issues.   “Unfortunately, this Administration has not taken these warnings seriously and continued efforts to block oil and gas development in the United States.    “Pipelines all over the country have been delayed and ultimately cancelled as result of permitting challenges and lawsuits funded and backed by radical environmental groups.   “My draft legislation addresses this by strengthening penalties for damaging pipelines and incorporating permitting reform centered on safety, modernization, and expansion.   “It improves pipelines safety by updating PHMSA programs to reflect new technologies.  “It puts an end to 'gas bans' by protecting the American people’s right to choose the energy source that fits their needs.     “Pipelines are essential to the energy security of the United States, and I would like to see all of my colleagues join me in support of this effort.”  PROTECTING OUR HOME APPLIANCES   “Another avenue by which this Administration has waged war on oil and gas is through its aggressive and illegal energy efficiency mandates.   “This Administration is using efficiency and appliance standards to pursue climate objectives over consumer choice. These standards will increase the cost of appliances and limit the availability of consumer options. “Last year, the Biden Administration began its assault on home appliances by trying to ban gas stoves. Now they are trying to impose new mandates on virtually every appliance in your home.   “The bills we are reviewing today address washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers, and room air conditioners.   “These bills are simple - they prohibit the Secretary of Energy from imposing new efficiency mandates or enforcing existing standards for these particular appliances unless the standards are cost effective and technologically feasible, save the consumers money, and save a significant amount of energy.  “I hope that all the members on this Subcommittee—Republican and Democrat—would support energy efficiency standards as long as the technology exists to meet them, they keep more money in Americans’ pockets, and they save energy.  “All of the bills we are reviewing today are in discussion draft format and we are open to continuing to work with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle on these efforts.” 

Attempt to replace Kerry with John Podesta bypasses required Senate confirmation process Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) wrote to President Biden regarding his plan to flout Senate confirmation requirements in replacing outgoing climate czar John Kerry with John Podesta.  KEY EXCERPTS :  “Reports indicate John Podesta, who currently serves as a senior advisor to the President, will replace him as your primary envoy for international climate policy. However, in replacing Mr. Kerry, Mr. Podesta will serve under the title of Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy. This appears to be a blatant attempt to sidestep congressional oversight and install Mr. Podesta in a position that under federal law requires the advice and consent of the United States Senate. We are alarmed at your apparent decision to circumvent the law .  “This appointment is another example of your administration’s practice of creating new offices that do not require Senate confirmation or that do not have explicit statutory missions and constraints. By placing considerable policy authority with these individuals, you demonstrate a flagrant disregard for the separation of powers and congressional authority under both the Constitution and federal law .”  BACKGROUND :  At the start of his tenure, President Biden created the new Cabinet-level position of Special Presidential Envoy for Climate (SPEC) for John Kerry.   This position was not subject to the constitutional advice and consent role of the Senate, allowing him to avoid the Senate confirmation process, any transparency or disclosure requirements, and congressional oversight.  In 2021 in response to these concerns, Congress passed, and the President signed into law, legislation requiring that any “Special Envoy” or other position performing a similar function be subject to confirmation with the advice and consent of the Senate.  Congress intended that Mr. Kerry’s successor be covered by the statutory requirement.  As Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, Mr. Podesta appears to be assuming all of Mr. Kerry’s duties to act as an envoy for climate on the President’s behalf and to represent the interests of the United States in international policy negotiations.   There appears to be no distinction between this new title and the role of the SPEC.   Given the visibility and authority of this position and its similarity to the SPEC Office, any candidate for this position, including Mr. Podesta, should clearly be required to receive Senate confirmation.   The mere fact that Mr. Podesta will receive a different title and will be based in the White House, rather than the Department of State like his predecessor, does not obviate this statutory obligation.  CLICK HERE to read the full letter.

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Energy Subcommittee markup of six bills to modernize pipeline infrastructure and protect consumer choice.  CEMENTING AMERICAN ENERGY LEADERSHIP “Experts agree that global demand for liquid fuels will continue to grow through at least 2050. “As the world’s number one producer of oil and natural gas, we have an opportunity to cement America’s energy leadership for decades to come. “Today, the U.S. has more than 3.4 million miles of pipelines. “To meet growing energy demands, we must modernize and expand our pipeline infrastructure. “The U.S. has been blessed with an abundance of natural resources right under our feet, which we’ve been able to harness as a result of free market principles and an entrepreneurial spirit that’s uniquely American. “We should be embracing this and building on it to enhance America’s energy security and competitive edge. “At the same time, we also need to ensure Americans are free to choose the home appliances that work best for their lives. “This Subcommittee will continue our important work—through regular order—to achieve these goals. “We will be considering several bills that will update the nation’s pipeline safety laws and stop the Biden administration’s war on American’s home appliances. “This committee’s hearings with PHMSA, DOE, and FERC, have all made clear the need for legislation to modernize our energy infrastructure and expand our pipeline system. “Additionally, Congress must act to reform DOE’s energy efficiency authorities and prevent the Biden administration from mandating standards that are neither cost-effective nor technologically feasible.” PIPELINE SAFETY, MODERNIZATION, AND EXPANSION “The Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Expansion Act , led by Chairman Duncan, will reduce energy prices for the American people, strengthen pipeline and LNG facility safety, and drive innovation in new technologies. “It will reauthorize PHMSA for five years and increase the budget for State pipeline safety inspectors, who are responsible for the majority of the work. “We believe the states should see a higher share of PHMSA’s budget than they are currently receiving. “Chairman Duncan’s legislation will also strengthen the reliability of our electric grid by encouraging the expansion of the pipeline network in existing rights-of-way and by stopping states and local governments from blocking the flow of natural gas and other fuels from being delivered to homes and power plants.” ENERGY EFFICIENCY “Today’s markup will also consider solutions to strengthen energy efficiency. “This picks up where we left off in December’s full committee markup. “The Department of Energy is waging war on American’s home appliances. “Early last year, the Biden administration’s DOE announced a ban on gas stoves. “The House responded with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote to stop this terribly misguided rule from taking effect. “Regrettably, the Biden administration has since announced new mandates for dozens more home appliances. “If it is not stopped, the administration’s plans will impose burdensome and costly efficiency mandates for virtually every appliance in your home. “Today, the Subcommittee will consider legislation to protect appliances across the board—from washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers, to refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners. “These bills would prohibit the Secretary of Energy from imposing new efficiency mandates or enforcing existing standards unless they pass a simple three-part test. “First, DOE’s efficiency standards must prove they are cost-effective and technologically feasible. “Second, they must save consumers money. “And third, they must save a significant amount of energy. “There is nothing controversial about this approach. “If DOE and House Democrats support efficiency mandates and saving Americans money, then they should join us in advancing these bills to restrict the administration from overstepping its statutory authorities. “House Republicans will continue to put the American people first.    “Our economy, energy security, and the environment will only benefit from continued American energy leadership and people’s ability to have the freedom to choose home appliances that best fit their needs and preferences. “These bills are an important step to expand access to affordable and reliable energy.”