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Washington D.C. — The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced proposals today that will establish one national standard for data privacy, protect kids online, and preserve Americans’ access to A.M. radio. In a Subcommittee markup , the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee forwarded three pieces of legislation to the Full Committee for consideration. As Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) said , “The American Privacy Rights Act is an opportunity for a reset, one that can help return us to the American Dream our Founders envisioned.  “It gives people the right to control their personal information online, something the American people overwhelmingly want. They’re tired of having their personal information abused for profit.”  Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) added , “We have a historic opportunity to advance legislation that will end the patchwork and finally provide a federal standard to govern how Americans’ personal information is collected, stored, retained, and transferred.   “The American Privacy Rights Act is the strongest consumer data privacy and security framework to date—it provides businesses with certainty through a national preemptive standard, secures individual liberties through strong data minimization provisions, and cements America’s global leadership through data security provisions that warn consumers when their information is being collected and shared with our foreign adversaries, like China and Russia.”  Legislative Vote Summary: H.R. ____ , the American Privacy Rights Act  discussion draft, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 7891 , the Kids Online Safety Act, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 8449 , the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act , was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a voice vote. 

Decision comes at the expense of America's energy security, jobs, and economy President Biden’s LNG export “pause” is a blatant political decision to appease his radical base at the expense of American energy security and the security of our allies. As Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) said , “This is another gift to Putin.” Our European allies are desperately seeking American energy to counter Russia’s weaponization of its natural gas exports. In December 2023, more than 87 percent of U.S. LNG exports went to the European Union, United Kingdom, or Asian markets. President Biden’s LNG export pause weakens global energy security and undercuts our efforts to help Europe reduce its reliance on Russian energy.  If President Biden were serious about his rush-to-green agenda, he would unleash the production and export of clean, affordable, and reliable American LNG—which has roughly 40 percent lower lifecycle emissions than Russian LNG. American LNG has allowed us to reduce emissions more than any other nation, and we have the capacity to continue helping countries reduce their emissions even further.   Studies show that LNG exports could add upwards of $73 billion to the U.S. economy by 2040, create upwards of 453,000 American jobs, and increase U.S. held purchasing power by $30 billion. President Biden’s decision to pause LNG exports jeopardizes all of this—Congress must act to reverse this decision.   Don’t miss what Energy and Commerce Republicans are saying:

Stakeholders across the college sports community agree, the pillars of the FAIR College Sports Act will help preserve the rights of student athletes, protect them from bad actors, and ensure they can benefit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). We’ve heard from student athletes themselves, as well as universities, conferences, and others, all of whom are emphasizing the need for clearer NIL guidelines, protection of amateur status, and increased transparency requirements for agents, boosters, and collectives. Lead Bill Sponsor and Chair of the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce Rep. Gus Bilirakis: “The goal of this bill is to establish a clear set of rules, so that young people are protected, opportunities for them promoted, and amateur sports of all kinds are preserved, and does so without expanding government.” Meredith Page of Radford University testifies before the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce Here is what advocates are saying: President Charlie Baker, National Collegiate Athletic Association “I am grateful to Chairman Bilirakis for his support of college sports and for introducing draft legislation designed to protect this enterprise we all love. The Association applauds his efforts to support student-athletes and create a level-playing field by preempting state NIL laws and proposing important protections for college athletes. Importantly, this proposal addresses the critical issues of student-athlete employment and ongoing, unsustainable litigation by our conferences and schools.” Meredith Page, Student Athlete, Radford University Volleyball “A cohesive set of rules ensures that every student-athlete, regardless of their program or location, can benefit from their NIL without unnecessary complications. Guardrails help maintain the integrity of collegiate sports while offering student-athletes the chance to capitalize on their personal brand. It’s not just about the present, but also about creating a sustainable and fair system for future generations of student-athletes." Keke Tholl, Student Athlete, University of Michigan Softball “My biggest concern, though, is what employment status would mean for supporting all sports. If student-athletes are made into employees, budget impacts would mean that many universities likely cannot, and will not, support all sports. We then face yet another Title IX issue with the major revenue generators being male student-athletes, leaving women’s sports to again face an uncertain reality.” The Four Historically Black Athletic Conferences (4HBAC) “To protect all that we have accomplished on our HBCU campuses, we ask for your support in passing laws that, when necessary, pre-empt state law, to create clear and fair playing fields for HBCU student-athletes. Such legislation will allow for consistent and nimble national governance with consumer protections. Most importantly, we seek special status for student-athletes to ensure they are not designated as employees of their institutions.” The National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (ULC) “Athletes in states without NIL laws have been able to engage in a wide variety of NIL activities that are prohibited under the laws of other states. This patchwork of state laws has thus led to disparate NIL benefits and opportunities for college athletes dictated almost entirely by the state law, if any, that governs their institution. These differences have become even more magnified as varying NIL laws have impacted the recruiting cycle and influenced the enrollment decisions of prospective college athletes and the transfer decisions of current college athletes.”  […]  “Without uniform regulation of NIL, it appears increasingly likely that the NCAA and other athletic organizations will be unable to prevent illegitimate NIL activity that threatens to upend the collegiate model of sports.” Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) “Codifying federal law over state law in the NIL space is essential to establish uniformity, clarity, fairness, and national oversight. It would promote equal opportunities for college athletes, avoid compliance burdens, and ensure a consistent framework for navigating the complexities of NIL. By taking a comprehensive and unified approach, Congress can provide a stable and predictable environment for student-athletes to exercise their NIL rights while preserving the integrity and competitiveness of college sports.”  […] “We implore you to take decisive action in support of federal legislation addressing NIL and student-athlete employment-status in college sports. By enhancing safeguards, affirming the unique university-student-athlete relationship, providing safe harbor for the NCAA, and establishing federal preemption in certain areas, we can bring stability, fairness, and consistency to the evolving NIL landscape.” Commissioner Jeff Jackson, The Missouri Valley Conference “The FAIR Act represents a critical bipartisan effort that goes a long way and is an important step forward in bringing clarity to the NIL process and protections for our student athletes. It recognizes the historic relationship between an academic institution and a student-athlete and protects against recent attempts to reclassify these students as employees, a move that would negatively impact the ability of most universities to offer the scholarship-level competition that has become so much a fabric of their campuses.”

House Republicans are fulfilling our Commitment to America as we lead on health care solutions to improve people’s lives. These policies will increase price transparency throughout the health care system, lower the cost of prescription drugs, bolster treatment and prevention programs for substance use disorders, and take care of mothers and infants. Health Subcommittee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) hosted a roundtable with community leaders about substance use disorders in our communities and how the SUPPORT Act will help fight against the drug overdose epidemic, which continues to tragically claim hundreds of thousands of lives. Earlier this year, the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee held a field hearing in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to examine reauthorizing the SUPPORT Act programs. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) penned an op-ed for the Washington Examiner about how the PREEMIE Act , which passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee in July, will improve the health of preemie babies. Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) met with ALS patients who spoke about their continued support for federal research for new treatments for ALS. All lives are worth living, which is why the Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023 to the Full House to eliminate the use of ‘quality-adjusted life years’ (QALYs) as a measurement to discriminate against people with chronic illnesses and disabilities, like cystic fibrosis, ALS, or Down syndrome. Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) received an award from Valley Professionals Community Health Center in Clinton, Indiana, for his leadership on legislation that ensures the 340B program can continue to serve low-income and vulnerable patients. Earlier this year, the Energy and Commerce Committee advanced solutions to the Full House that will bring transparency and accountability to the 340B drug discount program.  Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) toured Sturgis Hospital in Michigan to hear about the challenges rural hospitals face and share how the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act will help improve price transparency throughout the system, lower the cost of prescription drugs, and support hospitals and healthcare workers. Solutions in the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act—like increasing price transparency and lowering the cost of prescription drugs—are supported by the vast majority of Americans. Rep. Greg Pence (R-IN) visited Rush Memorial Hospital in Indiana to discuss rural health care and solutions the Energy and Commerce Committee is leading on to increase access to care. The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act helps fund Community Health Centers, which are crucial for patients in rural and underserved areas, and supports training programs to address ongoing doctor shortages.  Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) met with school and law enforcement leaders to discuss combating the illicit fentanyl crisis and keeping communities safe. Energy and Commerce Republicans are leading the HALT Fentanyl Act to permanently give law enforcement the tools they need to keep these extremely lethal and dangerous drugs off our streets. HALT Fentanyl passed the House earlier this year with bipartisan support. Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) spoke with health care professionals from across her district about how Energy and Commerce Republicans are working to improve health care access and options for Americans through solutions like the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act , PREEMIE Act , Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023 , and SUPPORT Act .  Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) visited Washington County Hospital in Iowa to talk about solutions to address rising health care costs and increasing access to telehealth services for rural commu nities. Energy and Commerce Republicans recently passed the Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023 out of the Full Committee, which will increase access to telehealth options to part-time and seasonal employees. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) met with his Health Care Advisory Committee to share solutions for price transparency, doctor shortages, and people’s access to care. Energy and Commerce Republicans are addressing these challenges with solutions like drug shortage legislation , the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act , and the SUPPORT Act . The Energy and Commerce Committee is also leading on solutions to support research for childhood cancer and increased access to care for patients with rare diseases . Chair Rodgers is also calling on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to cover Alzheimer’s treatments. 

Washington, D.C. – In a subcommittee markup today, the Subcommittee on Health advanced solutions for the American people that will provide crucial support for individuals who need help recovering from substance use disorder, combat the fentanyl crisis, ensure our nation is better prepared against all forms of hazards and public health security threats, and bolster health care for vulnerable populations.  Excerpts from House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers’s (R-WA) remarks:   “Not only are we ensuring federal programs are accountable to those we serve, we are helping to improve people’s lives.  “For example, we are making sure moms and their babies get the support they need in all phases of their lives.  “We’re reauthorizing important programs to rescue people from despair and recover from substance use disorders.  “We’re building on our work to stop fentanyl poisonings.  “We’re making sure hospitals can train the next generation of pediatricians and we’re also bringing accountability to the CDC.  “In addition to all this, we are making progress today on reauthorizing key authorities to help protect Americans from chemical, radiological, biological, nuclear, and cyber-attacks.  “For months, we’ve been working to bring everyone to the table for this to be a bipartisan bill.  “These programs to ensure America is ready to respond to all hazards has expired before, and I made clear my top priority was doing all I can do get these programs reauthorized on time.”  Excerpts from Health Subcommittee Chair Brett Guthrie's (R-KY) remarks:    “First, we will be marking up legislation that I am leading alongside Representative Kuster to reauthorize key provisions from the 2018 Support for Patients and Communities Act before their expiration on September 30.  “This bill, H.R. 4531, the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2023, would provide access to life-saving treatment and recovery support services, prevention programming, and long-term recovery services for individuals seeking help overcoming their substance use disorder.  “This bill includes the scheduling of Xylazine.  “Xylazine, also known as Tranq, is an animal tranquilizer that is increasingly found in illicit opioids and other drugs.  “It does not respond to overdose reversal medications, like naloxone, which can make overdoses more fatal.  “This bill places Xylazine in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, which will help our law enforcement keep this substance off our streets while maintaining access for veterinarians and ranchers to use on animals.  “The bill would also lift unnecessary barriers to treatment for vulnerable populations, by promoting sustained access to medication assisted treatment for Medicaid beneficiaries and access to long-term recovery services for individuals.”  Legislative Vote Summary:   H.R. 824 ,  the  Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Tim Walberg, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote for 16-11. H.R. 3226 ,  the  Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Anna Eshoo, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 26-0.    H.R. 3838 , the Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Michael Burgess, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 28-0. H.R. 3843 ,  the  Action for Dental Health Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Robin Kelly, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 27-0. H.R. 3884 , the  Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Michael Burgess, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 28-0. H.R. 3821 , the  Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Bill Pascrell, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 28-0. H.R. 2365 , the  National Plan to End Parkinson’s Ac t , was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 3391 , the  Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 , led by Rep. Jennifer Wexton, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 27-0. H.R. 4421 , the  Preparing for All Hazards and Pathogens Reauthorization Act , led by Rep. Richard Hudson, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 17-11. H.R. 4420 , the  Preparedness and Response Reauthorization Act , led by Rep. Richard Hudson, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 16-12. H.R. 4529 , the  Public Health Guidance Transparency and Accountability Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 14-11. HR 4381 , the  Public Health Emergency Congressional Review Act , led by Rep. Greg Murphy, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 14-12. HR 3813 ,  the  CDC Leadership Accountability Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Brett Guthrie, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 14-12. H.R. 3836 ,  the  Medicaid Primary Care Improvement Act , led by Rep. Dan Crenshaw, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 28-0. HR 4531 , the  Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act , led by Rep. Brett Guthrie, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 4056 , the  Ensuring Medicaid Continuity for Foster Care Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Gus Bilirakis, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 17-9. H.R. 3887 , the  Children’s Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Dan Crenshaw, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 15-12.

To stop President Biden’s de facto ban on gas cooking appliances, Energy and Commerce Republicans are leading on two bills, both of which passed the People’s House this week with bipartisan support.  H.R. 1615, the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act (Rep. Kelly Armstrong, R-ND) , will prohibit the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) from implementing a ban on gas stoves. This bill passed the House 248-180.  H.R. 1640, the Save our Gas Stoves Act (Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-AZ) , will prohibit the Department of Energy (DOE) from implementing a ban on gas stoves. This bill passed the House 249-181.  As Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) said, “Congress must intervene to stop the war that President Biden and Democrats are waging on reliable, affordable energy, and the choices people make to provide for their families.” Watch her full remarks on H.R. 1615 HERE and on H.R. 1640 HERE .  Don't miss Energy and Commerce Republicans on the House Floor sharing why they are protecting people’s freedom to decide for themselves what stove is in their kitchen.

H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act , will lower costs across the board, unleash American energy, and cut America’s reliance on Chinese supply chains. Check out these highlights from Energy and Commerce Republicans’ recent op-eds in the Washington Times on the Lower Energy Costs Act published in a special feature on energy and environment policy . Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC): Our nation is blessed with abundant natural resources but is cursed with regulatory red tape that restricts our ability to utilize them. That’s why H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, which unleashes our vast energy supply to meet the needs of Americans, was a leading priority for House Republicans this Congress.   […] So, why is H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, so important? The war on American energy production began on Joe Biden’s first day as President and has caused Americans to suffer from record-high energy prices across the board. Lowering energy costs is a leading priority because energy is the foundation of everything in American life—when the cost of energy goes up, everything else does too. When Biden took office just over two years ago, the national average for a gallon of gas was $2.39. At the time of this writing, that number is now $3.66, and we saw the national average for a gallon of gas reach a historic high of over $5 in June 2022. In Joe Biden’s America, many have been forced to choose between gas or groceries due to a self-imposed energy crisis. […] Energy security is national security, and Americans should never have to rely on our adversaries to supply our energy needs. The United States has incredible energy potential with vast reserves of oil, natural gas, and other critical minerals essential for energy dominance. H.R. 1 will allow us to unleash our potential to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy here at home and to our freedom-loving allies worldwide. CLICK HERE for the full op-ed. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA): The Energy and Commerce Committee recently heard from David Hickman , a farmer, who described our current economy as, quote, “the most perilous time for American agriculture.” He’s right, and he’s not alone. Every day that I’m in Georgia’s First Congressional District, whether I’m talking to a parent, a farmer, a teacher, a trucker, or a small businessowner, I hear the same concern: “Inflation is too high.” Everything, from diesel to food, is more expensive under this president, who cannot stop himself from spending your money, stealing your retirement funds, and stomping on your small business. […] I’m also glad that my bill, H.R. 1070, was included in this legislation and will bring necessary permitting reform and investment in America’s critical mineral processing. We are losing to China in the race to supply the world with critical minerals, and it’s not even close. This bill is just one part of a much larger effort to fix permitting in our country and extends the official invitation to those who wish to invest in critical mineral processing to do so here, in America. My District, which includes all 100 miles of Georgia’s pristine coastline, is one of the few places in America that still mines critical minerals. We know how important it is for us to bring this life-saving supply chain home and we can do that by signing H.R. 1 into law. […] The question is not whether we need American energy, the question is how can we produce more of it so that we are reliant on ourselves, not China, to meet these basic needs? H.R. 1 is the answer and I urge the Senate to swiftly take up this legislation so we can deliver relief to the American people. CLICK HERE to read the full op-ed. Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL): One of my constituents, Patricia is an 84 year-old resident of Hudson, Florida, who lives on a very restricted income with her 62 year-old disabled daughter. Their electric bill has gone up an average of $50.00 per month in the past year. In Florida, where the summers have always been long and hot, their electricity rates are expected to climb even higher. When coupled with other inflationary increases in the price of food and medicine, this mother-daughter duo has faced severe financial hardship. Daniel owns a lawn business in my district. Skyrocketing fuel prices have forced him to restrict his service territory and increase his rates by 30%. Another constituent, Brian, owns a small trucking company. His costs have gone up 70% since 2020, primarily due to the surge in energy costs. He is worried about being forced to close. These are just three stories of constituents who are struggling and need relief now. The good news is that the House just passed the Lower Energy Costs Act. This critical bill will provide relief to consumers by: reversing the anti-energy policies of the Biden administration, reforming the permitting process, boosting domestic energy production, streamlining energy infrastructure and exports, and supporting the production and processing of critical minerals. […] New and emerging technologies will allow the United States to better harness the existing swath of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources that are available. By embracing these solutions, we can help modernize our infrastructure and ensure America continues to lead the world in reducing emissions - while keeping energy costs low for Americans. These pro-consumer and pro-environmental energy solutions are our nation’s best hope for the future! CLICK HERE to read the full op-ed. Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH): Since President Biden’s first day in office when he canceled the Keystone XL Pipeline, he has made it clear that writing our own destiny when it comes to energy security is off the table. His administration launched a war on American energy, which has driven energy prices through the roof and hurt everyday Americans. But beyond the sky-high prices, the Biden administration has also compromised national security by forcing more reliance on foreign adversaries to supplement our depleted energy reserves. Look no further than the foreign energy cartel, OPEC. Its recent announcement to significantly cut oil production is poised to drive up U.S. energy prices even more. It is entirely unacceptable for the actions of a foreign adversary to have a direct effect on how much Americans pay for gas. If we had an energy strategy focused on production here in the United States, their actions wouldn’t be a concern to American consumers. But that is not the case.   Now is the time to reverse this energy affordability crisis. House Republicans advanced a commonsense, bipartisan pro-energy bill H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act to counteract the Biden administration’s misguided energy policies. […] America can only write its own destiny if we continue to fight our future both at home and on the global stage . I am proud that the bipartisan Lower Energy Costs Act pushes back against radical, anti-America first energy policies pursued by this Administration so we can secure American energy independence and lower costs for families across America. Together, we can reverse course on failed energy policies. CLICK HERE to read the full op-ed. Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX): There is one facet holding together the economic and national security of a Nation that allows businesses to grow and families to save for the future. The linchpin for all of this and more is energy. Without access to affordable, reliable energy, nations crumble. Perhaps the most shocking example in recent years of the importance of reliable energy can be seen through Eastern Europe’s reliance on Russia for natural gas, which no doubt emboldened Vladimir Putin to wage war on Ukraine. Unfortunately, the Biden administration’s anti-American energy policies are putting our country on a similar path of reliance, and it does not have to be this way. Only four years ago, the U.S. became energy dominant for the first time since the 1950s—largely thanks to industry innovation in the Permian Basin, also known as the shale revolution. We could again achieve energy independence to bring down costs for American consumers and end our reliance on foreign governments for energy. […] H.R. 1, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support, will lower costs for families by rolling back the Inflation Reduction Act’s taxes on energy production, costs that will be borne by the consumer. Additionally, this legislation will strengthen our energy security by increasing domestic energy production, updating our permitting process, streamlining energy infrastructure and exports, and boosting the production and processing of critical minerals. While President Biden chose to target American energy since day one, this Republican majority has prioritized American energy since day one. Just weeks into the 118th Congress, we have passed legislation to depoliticize the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, prohibit sales of that oil to the Chinese Communist Party, and now reduced barriers to the production of all American energy through H.R. 1. It is a complete rejection of the Biden Administration’s anti-energy policies and provides an opportunity to make OPEC+ irrelevant in the global energy market. CLICK HERE for the full op-ed. Reps. John Curtis (R-UT) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA):   As Republicans, we support policies that can lower energy costs for people, help our nation become energy independent, and lower global carbon emissions. This is why HR 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, is so important. It helps us accomplish all three.   […]   America has vast natural resources, and opening domestic mining and manufacturing can begin to replace a critical minerals supply chain dominated by China. We cannot build a clean energy future that is reliant on minerals produced by countries with human rights violations and without any regard for environmental standards.    HR 1 is not just about advancing American energy. It is also critical to lift communities at home and abroad out of energy poverty. We cannot leave the developing world in the dark, and HR 1 can help provide them with access to cleaner, more affordable energy.    This legislation is an opportunity for the United States to reemerge as a global leader and power the world with our clean resources, all while creating more jobs at home. It’s past time for the U.S. to rise to the occasion and provide clean, affordable, and reliable energy to the world. If we can set the standard, other nations are sure to follow.   CLICK HERE to read the full op-ed. 

Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans, led by Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), spoke on the House Floor today in support of H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. Don’t miss Energy and Commerce Republicans share how H.R. 1 will make life affordable again in America.

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy Rodgers (R-WA) and other committee members held an Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee hearing last week to address strengthening American data privacy protections. The subcommittee heard from technology and cybersecurity experts about the need for comprehensive data privacy protections and one national standard to ensure Americans’ information is protected from the Chinese Communist Party. Hearing highlights below: PROTECTING AMERICANS’ DATA PRIVACY “We must work together to cement America’s global technological leadership. We should start by passing comprehensive privacy and data security protections with one national standard. We made history last year when we passed the bipartisan, bicameral American Data Privacy and Protection Act 53-2. But our work isn’t over yet, as we have already fallen behind other countries in establishing a national privacy law. I’m eager to continue this work. This is a top priority for Americans and needs to be achieved through Congress.” — Chair Rodgers “It is imperative that this committee establishes foundational frameworks for deploying emerging technologies. We came close last Congress when we passed the bipartisan and bicameral American Data Privacy and Protection Act, but this Congress we need to ensure it gets across the finish line because China is not waiting on us to influence international norms and standards.” — Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) SECURING OUR DATA AGAINST BAD ACTORS LIKE THE CCP “Republicans on this committee are fully committed to passing a comprehensive federal privacy and data security standard. We are committed to that China is actively using U.S. customer data to better develop their AI, whether through mining, scraping, purchasing data through third parties, or through apps like TikTok—whose sharing information with the Chinese Communist Party.” — Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Vice Chair Tim Walberg (R-MI) “The goal that I think [ADPPA] achieves is that it both manages to address the transnational threat from a range of bad actors, but also protects consumers and secures that data here at home... We want to both address bad foreign actors and better enhance privacy protections at home. This is the baseline that we need. In terms of fostering innovation, as I’ve mentioned, U.S. firms need access to global data flows, but how do we do that in a safe, secure, and ethical way? We establish high baselines around how the data is collected, transferred, and retained. And that’s the balance I think US federal privacy law needs to strike.” — Sam Sacks, Cyber Policy Fellow, International Security Program, New America “Data in itself is essential. We need it for our economy. We need it for innovation. The issue is when it falls in the hands of adversarial nations and malicious actors, which we see happening on a second-by-second basis with China, unfortunately. That’s something I implore this Congress to address. I think the best way to do that is by enacting a comprehensive data privacy and security law today... Every second we wait is just more data that the CCP is collecting and potentially exploiting against Americans... I think it is just paramount that this is a key priority and is done without delay.” — Brandon Pugh, Policy Director and Resident Senior Fellow, R Street Institute PROTECTING CHILDREN’S WELL-BEING FROM BIG TECH “As a mother and a grandmother, I’m deeply concerned about the ways TikTok is manipulating our children. I’ve seen the reports detailing that China’s version of TikTok offers a kid-friendly version with educational videos, learning tools, and time limits set on what the children look at. Then you come over here and you see the opium version, which addicts our children.” — Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) “Representative Harshbarger alluded to the fact that in China, on TikTok, children 14 and younger are limited to 40 minutes. In the United States they have the algorithms set to do shorter videos that are meant to create dopamine hits in your brain. There was a survey done between the United States and China of 14-year-olds asking what is the most aspirational career you want to have. In the United States the number one answer was a social media influencer. In China they said they wanted to be an astronaut. If you want to look at the future of our two nations, start here.” — Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL)