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WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, delivered the following opening statement at today’s Full Committee Markup. Chairman Guthrie's opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Thank you all for being here today as we examine critical, and bipartisan, legislation. First, we will consider important legislation that extends vital programs that support our nation’s public health. Patients in rural areas often face unique challenges with the health care system. This includes long travel times, increased waitlists, and a shortage of specialized health care providers. H.R. 2493, led by my good friend Mr. Carter of Georgia, would reauthorize the rural health care services outreach and rural health network development programs, which are aimed at increasing access to care in these areas. “Additionally, patients across the country have benefitted from increased access to telehealth services. H.R. 3419 would reauthorize the telehealth network and resource center programs. We also will be considering H.R. 1262, the Give Kids a Chance Act, led by Rep. McCaul, and H.R.1843, Increasing Transparency in Generic Drug Applications Act, led by Rep. Dunn. “The Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025 builds on current programs to accelerate research and drug development for rare pediatric diseases, including cancer. One important part of this legislation is the reauthorization of the rare pediatric disease priority review voucher, or “PRV.” This program provides a critical incentive for companies to develop treatments and cures. Since 2012, the program has proven successful, leading to over 50 new treatment approvals for nearly 40 different rare pediatric diseases, many of which had no options prior. “I am very pleased we are finally providing certainty to this critical program – and the patients it benefits. In addition, we are considering H.R. 1843, which would increase access to generic drugs by eliminating bureaucratic hurdles and increasing transparency during the drug approval process. “Both of these bills were considered last Congress in a bipartisan fashion, and I look forward to that continued support today. “We also will be considering the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, which requires automakers to include AM broadcast radio as standard equipment in their vehicles. AM broadcast radio is an important component for vehicles, especially in rural areas, as it is the most reliable medium for emergency alerts. I want to thank Chairman Bilirakis and Ranking Member Pallone for their bipartisan efforts on this legislation, which is cosponsored by 37 Members of this Committee and nearly 300 of our colleagues in the full House. “I appreciate the hard work of Members and staff on both sides of the aisle for their work on all of these bipartisan bills.”

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement in response to a newly released Government Accountability Office (GAO)  report . The report references GAO’s long-standing recommendations for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) to fully enforce budget neutrality requirements for Section 1115 waiver demonstrations. The Working Families Tax Cuts law, signed by President Trump on Independence Day, includes new requirements for the CMS Office of the Actuary to certify budget neutrality for all new state waivers, in order to ensure that CMS and states follow the law. “Section 1115 waiver demonstrations are integral to allowing states to lead the way in modernizing the Medicaid program. However, these demonstrations cannot be a burden to taxpayers and must be budget neutral, as required under law. The GAO’s work yesterday highlights a decade of lax enforcement of the law—which was grossly taken advantage of during the Biden-Harris Administration—and shows the need for stronger oversight.  “Congressional Republicans have led the charge in tackling the waste, fraud, abuse in mismanaged waiver programs through our Working Families Tax Cuts law. While Congressional Democrats continue to peddle lies about the effects of the law, yesterday’s GAO report confirms a known truth: our work is ridding waste, fraud, and abuse from the Medicaid program,”   said Chairman Guthrie. Background: In a new  report , GAO has recommended that CMS enforce budget neutrality requirements for Section 1115 waiver demonstrations since 2002. CMS’s failure to do so led demonstration spending to double from 2013 to 2023. The Biden-Harris Administration further weakened the budget neutrality requirements, allowing for spending to increase by an estimated $17 billion in just two years and across only three demonstrations. Signed into law on Independence Day, the Working Families Tax Cuts law includes a provision that requires that both the HHS Secretary and CMS’s Chief Actuary certify that demonstration projects do not result in greater federal spending than would have occurred without the waiver. Our provision in the Working Families Tax Cuts law is projected to save $3.2 billion over ten years, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).  ###

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.  – Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled From Gridlock to Growth: Permitting Reform Under the Clean Air Act. Subcommittee Chairman Palmer’s opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Good afternoon, I’d like to welcome everyone to today’s hearing entitled ‘From Gridlock to Growth: Permitting Reform Under the Clean Air Act.’ “This hearing takes place at a critical moment for our country and the Committee. If we want to remain globally competitive, we need meaningful permitting reform. That cannot happen without modernizing the Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act now accounts for some of the most expensive and significant barriers in the modern permitting process. What’s worse, and what we will hear from the witnesses today, these outdated regulations fail to address the most significant sources of pollution and disincentivize companies from investing in cost-efficient and effective technology. “At the core of the Clean Air Act is the idea that we can protect our environment without sacrificing economic growth. In the decades since it passed, the Act was largely successful in accomplishing this goal. But that success is threatened by outdated provisions that do not function well today. “The Clean Air Act as it stands holds outdated provisions that punish American job creators for emissions they have no control over. “It discourages wildfire mitigation measures, threatening this country’s air quality. “It risks our economy and national security because of pollution that comes from outside of the U.S. “It threatens our ability to stay competitive in the global AI race. “Most importantly, it inhibits the United States’ ability to meet our domestic energy needs. “Americans care about clean air. They also care about rising electricity costs and our economy. They understand that excessive regulation and outdated statutes do not equate to good or effective regulation. They care about technological advancement and not punishing American companies who lead that advancement. “The witnesses we will hear from today have extensive experience with the challenges presented by these outdated provisions and are well suited to explain their impact. I look forward to their testimony and their feedback on the discussion drafts. “In June, we held our first hearing on the need to update the Clean Air Act. At that hearing, we heard testimony about the billion-dollar price tag from Clean Air Act regulations doing little to improve air quality and the state of our economy. “At that hearing, my colleagues across the aisle were critical of the proposals discussed because the reforms were discussed in prior Congresses. They challenged us to introduce novel ideas to reform the Clean Air Act. “It’s feedback we took seriously. “I encourage the panel of witnesses before us today to give us their best solutions for modernizing the Clean Air Act. Both novel and previously discussed. “Some of these solutions may not be novel. But our permitting problem isn’t novel either, and it is not getting better.”  ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, led a hearing titled  From Gridlock to Growth: Permitting Reform Under the Clean Air Act . “This was a vital opportunity for our Subcommittee to examine the issues surrounding the Clean Air Act and our nation’s critical infrastructure,”  said Chairman Palmer .  “During the hearing, we spoke with key witnesses who have seen the impact that overreaching regulations, which have become disconnected from the Clean Air Act, can have on American communities. Addressing these outdated and ineffective regulations through commonsense legislation will help onshore American jobs, reduce unreasonable regulatory burdens, and safeguard our environment.” Watch the full hearing  here .  Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congressman Dan Crenshaw (TX-02):  “If we want to beat China in the AI and advanced manufacturing race, we can’t regulate ourselves into industrial decline. The Clean Air Act permitting system is outdated, and projects that should be greenlit in months take years — if they happen at all — and companies that go beyond compliance to cut emissions, they get punished with additional red tape. Energy, like natural gas that has lowered emissions, becomes a boogeyman for the radical left. None of this overregulation makes our air cleaner. It kills investment, it delays cleaner technology, and it drives industry overseas, stifling American job growth in these vital sectors — and really just passing along pollution somewhere else.” Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13):  “The need for permitting reform has never been more pressing. I think you know that across the country, projects are stalled due to burdensome and unworkable regulations. Economic growth has been stunted by outdated provisions. It’s costing American jobs. It’s costing American energy, and it’s certainly threatening our national security. We continue to face the consequences of tightening regulations, despite the fact that U.S. emissions have consistently decreased over the past ten years, resulting in America’s air quality rating absolutely being among the best in the world. To keep America globally competitive, we must ensure that common sense, attainable standards prevail.” Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08):  “In Colorado, we know that roughly 70% of the emissions in the state don’t originate from the state of Colorado. And so, through things like the Clean Air Act, we heavily regulate the economy — but we’re not actually getting to the root of the problem—which is where these emissions are coming from. And what we end up doing is regulating the economy, losing jobs, losing the cost of living... And so, if you were in our position, what reforms would you prioritize in the permitting process so that our economy isn’t strangled by events outside of the control of?” Mr. Woods : “I think [this question] is a really timely one and one that is not limited to Colorado. And I think there are national solutions that already exist within the Clean Air Act, but also could be invigorated with action by this body.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, led a legislative hearing on reforming appliance and building policies in order to reduce costs for American families and promote consumer choice. “Today’s hearing was a victory for Americans who have struggled due to the red tape and regulations created by the Biden-Harris Administration. It’s time to put an end to bureaucratic hurdles that have raised costs and limited choices for working families,” said Chairman Latta. “The legislation our committee discussed will help to reduce energy costs, support consumer choice, and strengthen our electrical grid.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congressman Rick Allen (GA-12): “The Don't Mess With My Home Appliances Act, which implements necessary reforms to the Energy Policy Conservation Act, to prevent future administrations from issuing burdensome standards on household appliances that would drive up costs and reduce availability. Let's be clear, folks back home want to know why? Why the cost of replacing their air conditioning has increased more than three times in less than five years? And that includes appliances that don't work. I'm glad that we're here to discuss the provisions in my bill.” Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) : “When I ran for Congress, I never thought that I'd be dealing with these issues. But during the last administration, we saw a complete war on energy production. My legislation, the SHOWER Act, restores common sense by clarifying the definition of a shower head to reflect established industry standards, ensuring that families have access to products that work while still maintaining efficiency where appropriate. This is about protecting homeowners from bureaucratic overreach at its very core.” Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23): “In my home state of New York, families and businesses are being crushed under the weight of Albany's reckless energy mandates. Beginning January 1st of next year, a statewide ban on natural gas hookups in new construction goes into effect, the first of its kind in the entire nation. State leaders have declared war on natural gas and propane, stripping away consumer choice and driving up costs at a time that people can least afford it. These policies aren't just misguided, they're downright dangerous. During Winter Storm Elliot, more than 60, almost 70 New Yorkers froze to death, many in their own homes when the power went out. If this mandate had been in place, forcing families to rely only on the electrical grid, we wouldn't have been looking at dozens of deaths. We'd be into the hundreds, if not the thousands. Mr. Tebbenkamp, from your perspective as a home builder, what are the real world consequences of forcing new homes to rely solely on electricity, both for construction costs and for residents safety during power outages, during extreme weather?” Mr. Tebbenkamp: “I would say it's extremely dangerous. Going all electric raises the cost and limits efficient heating in certain areas of the country...If they were completely reliant on electricity for their home, then as the house cools over a few days there's nothing else they can do. And then you're going to see people probably doing things that are not the smartest in order to try and keep their families warm. That will end up most likely costing families their lives.”

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone Jr., (NJ-06), along with Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman John Joyce, MD (PA-13), and Ranking Member Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), wrote to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) requesting a briefing on its ongoing oversight of patient safety in our nation’s organ procurement and transplant system.   In July, the Committee’s Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee held a hearing in response to a HRSA investigative report that found patient safety concerns at Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KYDA) – the organ procurement organization (OPO) serving the state of Kentucky. In the investigative report, HRSA revealed that of the 351 cases reviewed, 103 cases (29.3 percent) showed “concerning features.” These concerning features included problems with patient-family interactions, medical assessments and team interactions, recognition of high neurologic function, and recognition and documentation of drugs in records.   In addition, HRSA issued a corrective action plan to address the findings in its report specific to KYDA and directing the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) Board of Directors to develop certain safety guidelines for the entire OPTN. The corrective action plan raised further questions about the possibility that there may be more systemic issues at OPOs across the country, noting that “ [s]ince the review of KYDA was initiated, HRSA has received reports of similar patterns of high risk [donation after circulatory death] procurement practices at other OPOs .” Moreover, during the July hearing, HRSA’s Organ Transplant Branch Chief, Dr. Raymond Lynch was questioned about the potential failure to adhere to existing protocols by Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09): “ is it a broader systemic issue or is it limited to KYDA ?” Dr. Lynch responded that “ [u]nfortunately, it is not limited to KYDA. During the course of this investigation we received concerns that were in areas served by other OPOs. ”  Chairmen Guthrie and Joyce and Ranking Members Pallone and Clarke issued the following joint statement:    “ The Committee’s examination of the organ procurement and transplant system has demonstrated the need for further oversight.  Testimony from the July hearing, HRSA’s investigative report and corrective action plan, and continued reports of similar patterns at other OPOs all raise serious concerns. The American people should be able to have full faith and confidence in our organ donor and transplant system, and we will continue to work together to prevent these harmful practices from continuing. Americans’ confidence in the system comes when patient safety is protected. ”    Read the full letter  here . Background:  ·       During the 118th Congress, the Committee on Energy and Commerce  passed  the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act to both modernize the OPTN and allow HRSA to institute a competitive contracting process to find the best contractors for various OPTN functions. This legislation was signed into law on September 22, 2023.   ·       On March 20, 2024, the Committee  launched an investigation  into the organ procurement and transplantation system by sending  a letter  to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) requesting information related to concerns surrounding data security and operability, patient safety and equity, and conflicts of interest.    ·       On March 20, 2024, the Committee also sent  a letter  to HRSA requesting information related to implementation of the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act as well as other concerns related to effective oversight and management.   ·       On September 11, 2024, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a  hearing  that focused on the implementation of reforms at the OPTN, including the need for stronger oversight and accountability as well as ongoing patient safety concerns.   ·       During the hearing, questions were raised related to allegations of mismanagement and patient safety concerns after patients began exhibiting signs of increased neurologic function after being previously deemed suitable as an organ donation candidate. Several of these allegations, particularly those related to patient safety, were later substantiated through the findings contained in HRSA’s March 2025 report.   ·       On March 24, 2025, HRSA’s Division of Transplantation issued a  report  that summarized the findings of its investigation into KYDA, the OPO now known as Network for Hope, which serves Kentucky and parts of Ohio, West Virgina, and Indiana.  ·       On May 28, 2025, HRSA issued a  CAP  to OPTN, which directed the OTPN to take specific actions within a specified period of time, including developing a 12-month OPTN monitoring plan for KYDA to address concerns identified. The corrective action plan also requires the OPTN to propose policies for public comment to improve safeguards for potential donation after circulatory death (DCD) patients in the organ procurement process and increase information shared with patient families regarding DCD organ procurement.   ·       On July 22, 2025, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a  hearing  examining concerning practices within our nation’s organ procurement and transplant system that were identified by HRSA’s investigation.   ###

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  ###