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WASHINGTON, D.C.  – In case you missed it, Fox Business recently published an article featuring a letter sent to the Secretary of Commerce from Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee, urging the Department of Commerce to investigate Spain's recent wiretap deal with the Chinese-owned Huwai and warning of the national security threats posed by the deal. In Case You Missed It: “ Republican leaders on the House Energy and Commerce Committee are calling on the Department of Commerce to investigate Spain’s controversial decision to contract with Huawei — a company with bridging links to the Chinese Communist Party — to store judicial wiretap data.  “ They warn the agreement poses a serious threat to U.S. digital trade and national security. “ In a letter this week to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Subcommittee Chairs Reps. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., and Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., warned that Spain’s contracts with Huawei to manage and store sensitive data related to the country’s wiretapping services were ‘ deeply troubling. ’ “ They noted that ‘ Huawei and other Chinese firms maintain documented CCP ties, posing profound risks to national and economic security. ’ “ The lawmakers further warned that the decision ‘ underscores a regrettable trend in the European Union (EU): governments tacitly embrace Chinese technology and hold American digital trade exports to double standards, ’ resulting in ‘ significant uncertainty for American companies in every sector that engages in transatlantic commerce. ’   “ They urged Commerce to ‘ investigate the Spanish government’s decision, and similar actions by EU governments, that negatively impact U.S. digital trade, data security, and telecommunications interests, as well as the interests of American workers. ’ “ Last month, Spain’s Ministry of the Interior quietly awarded a €12.3 million contract to Huawei to manage and store judicially authorized wiretaps using its OceanStor6800 V5 enterprise-grade servers. “ The move prompted top lawmakers on the House and Senate Intelligence Committees to call on Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard to review intelligence sharing with Spain to ensure that Beijing was not intercepting secrets. “ House Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford called Spain’s deal ‘ almost unimaginable ’ in a statement last month.  “ The European Commission issued a formal warning, stating that ‘ Huawei represents materially higher risks ’ and urged member states to exclude high-risk vendors from critical infrastructure.  “ Sources within the Spanish National Police and the Civil Guard told Spanish news outlet The Objective they were uneasy with the partnership.  “ We are being asked to secure sensitive operations using systems that are not trusted by most of our allies, ’ one law enforcement source reportedly said.  “ The People’s Republic of China (PRC) National Intelligence Law of 2017 requires PRC individuals and entities to support PRC intelligence services. “ Chinese hackers breached U.S. court wiretap systems last year, according to a Wall Street Journal report. “ According to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, China ‘ remains the most active and persistent cyber threat to U.S. government, private-sector, and critical infrastructure networks ’ and has targeted communications infrastructure specifically, recently through the hacking operation Salt Typhoon. ”

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, and Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, recently  sent a letter  to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick asking the U.S. Department of Commerce to investigate the Spanish government’s decision to contract Huawei to manage and store sensitive data relating to the country’s wiretapping services. “I am deeply concerned by reports that Spain has contracted with Huawei to manage and store sensitive data related to the country’s wiretapping services. This decision is highly problematic, given Huawei’s well-documented ties to the Chinese Communist Party and the potential national security risks such involvement poses,” said Chairman Bilirakis. “Entrusting such critical infrastructure to an entity under significant influence from a foreign authoritarian government could jeopardize not only Spain’s internal security but also the integrity of allied intelligence sharing frameworks. This is a matter of national security, and we cannot afford to be complacent.” “Spain’s decision to hand Huawei access to sensitive law enforcement data is deeply troubling and a direct risk to our shared security,”   said Chairman Hudson. “Huawei’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party are well-documented, and this move undermines the trust and transparency that should define our alliances. The United States cannot accept double standards that block American digital trade while turning a blind eye to Chinese intrusion.” KEY EXCERPT: “It is deeply troubling when a treaty ally uses telecommunications equipment and services from an entity aligned with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). As you are aware, Huawei and other Chinese firms maintain documented CCP ties, posing profound risks to national and economic security.”  […] “Spain’s decision underscores a regrettable trend in the European Union (EU): governments tacitly embrace Chinese technology and hold American digital trade exports to double standards.” BACKGROUND: In 2019, the Trump Administration prohibited Huawei from participating in U.S. telecommunications networks over their ties to the CCP. In 2020, President Trump signed the  Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act  to prohibit federal funds from being used to purchase untrustworthy equipment and help small providers remove and replace such equipment. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) National Intelligence Law of 2017 requires PRC individuals and entities to support PRC intelligence services. The EU is the largest destination for American digital trade exports, and digital trade supports more than 3 million American jobs, which means Spain’s decision could directly impact U.S. businesses and individuals. CLICK HERE  to read  Fox Business  coverage of the letter. CLICK HERE  to read the full letter. ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05), Chairman of the Committee on Education and Workforce, and Congressman Jim Jordan (OH-04), Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s executive order on the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape: “We thank President Trump for his commitment to supporting student-athletes and strengthening college athletics in the NIL era. The SCORE Act, led by our three committees, will complement the President’s executive order, and we look forward to working with all of our colleagues in Congress to build a stronger and more durable college sports environment.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – This week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is holding two Subcommittee Hearings and one Full Committee Markup. Read more below.  SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations is holding a hearing on ensuring the nation’s organ procurement and transplant system prioritizes patient safety.  DATE: Tuesday, July 22, 2025  TIME: 10:15 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building  SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy is holding a hearing on pipeline safety policy and will examine the reauthorization of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) pipeline safety program.   DATE: Tuesday, July 22, 2025  TIME: 10:30 AM ET  LOCATION: 2322 Rayburn House Office Building  FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP: The House Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold a markup of two bills.   DATE: Wednesday, July 23, 2025  TIME: 10:00 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, led a markup of the SCORE Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that will standardize Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) for student-athletes.   “College athletics are central to American culture, and it's clear that a national framework is long overdue. In this week’s Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee, we moved forward the new SCORE Act—legislation that brings the stability, clarity, and transparency stakeholders have long sought,” said Chairman Bilirakis . “I’m proud of our Subcommittee’s work and look forward to advancing a measure that empowers student-athletes while preserving the core educational mission of our colleges and universities.” Legislative Vote Summary: H.R. 4312 , Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements Act, was reported to the full committee by a roll call vote of 12 yeas – 11 nays. Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07): “The SCORE Act is a bipartisan piece of legislation that provides much needed guardrails. It ensures student athletes can benefit from their NIL while also protecting the broader ecosystem of collegiate athletics. Establishing school liability protections ensures compliance with fair rules and reduces the threat of frivolous lawsuits that strain university budgets and jeopardize athletic programs themselves. Its federal preemption provision ensures that we have one consistent national framework, putting an end to the patchwork of conflicting state laws and conflicting court rulings. If Congress fails to act, the future of college sports could be at risk.”   Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02): “This legislation will ensure that the integrity of college sports is maintained by leveling the playing field and providing nationwide consistency. This legislation guarantees that student-athletes receive essential benefits to support their education, health, and long-term success.”  Chairman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12): “I want to say it again: time is of the essence. It is long past time that we take action to ensure that we have sustainable future for college sports, especially for women’s sports and the Olympic sports. That creates predictability and certainty for all student-athletes. We must act now to protect and preserve the uniquely American institution of college sports we have all come to know and love.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, delivered the following opening statement at today’s markup of the SCORE Act , a bipartisan piece of legislation that will standardize Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) for student-athletes.  Subcommittee Chairman Bilirakis’ opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Good morning, everyone, and welcome to our markup of the SCORE Act. “I am proud to lead this bipartisan legislation alongside the full Committee chairs of Energy & Commerce, Education & Workforce, and Judiciary, and my other esteemed colleagues, especially Representatives Bynum, Figures, and Fry. “This Committee has a rich history of thoughtful and bipartisan engagement in college sports and Name, Image, and Likeness policy. We’ve worked across party lines, not just to legislate, but to understand what is truly at stake: the health, safety, and future of student-athletes. “Going back to the 114th Congress, we saw leadership from then-Chair Upton on concussion safety. In the 116th Congress, then-Chair Pallone and Ranking Member Walden jointly sought input on the emerging NIL landscape from stakeholders across the country – grounded in the idea that good policy begins with good listening. In the 118th Congress, then-Chair McMorris Rogers and I continued taking feedback from stakeholders with the intent of creating a national framework to protect our student athletes and create a sustainable future for college sports. “Many of these inputs went into our first NIL legislative hearing last year on my draft bill, the FAIR College Sports Act. Since then, we’ve continued that spirit of listening and engagement this Congress. “We hosted two subcommittee hearings, convened multiple bipartisan roundtables, and received input from hundreds of voices across the college sports ecosystem including from student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors, compliance officials, conference commissioners, and legal experts. We’ve also worked in close coordination with other Committees and Members on both sides of the aisle to craft a bill that reflects broad consensus.  “The result of all this work is the SCORE Act, a comprehensive, bipartisan solution that upholds the integrity of college sports and strengthens protections for student-athletes who make it all possible.  “It provides common-sense guardrails around the transfer portal and agent disclosure, ensuring students are supported, not exploited, as they navigate life-changing decisions. I am honored to lead an important, thoughtful, and carefully crafted bill along with Chairman Guthrie.  “Thank you to my colleagues for their collaboration and commitment to student-athletes. I look forward to continuing our work as we move the SCORE Act forward.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, announced a subcommittee markup of the SCORE Act , a bipartisan piece of legislation that will standardize Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) for student-athletes.  WHAT : Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Markup of the SCORE Act .  DATE: Tuesday, July 15, 2025  TIME: 10:30 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building  This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Alex Khlopin with the Committee staff at Alex.Khlopin@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Daniel Kelly at Daniel.Kelly@mail.house.gov .  Item to be considered:  H.R. 4312 , Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements Act (Rep. Bilirakis) ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, as part of a bipartisan joint committee process to stabilize the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) marketplace, leadership from the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Committee on Education and Workforce, and Committee on the Judiciary introduced the SCORE Act and issued the following statements. “NIL offers an endless array of opportunities for student-athletes to make the most of their college experience, but the lack of clear guardrails has left athletes and universities on unstable ground. The SCORE Act creates a national framework that supports student-athletes and recenters the educational mission of college athletics,” said Chairmen Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Tim Walberg (MI-05), and Jim Jordan (OH-04). “We are proud of this landmark legislation, and we look forward to working with our colleagues to strengthen this American institution.” Following Quote is Attributable to Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade: “College athletics are a vital part of American culture, and it's clear—from both student-athletes and universities—that a national framework is long overdue. The Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act delivers the stability, clarity, and transparency that stakeholders have been calling for,” said Congressman Bilirakis . “I’m proud of the work our Subcommittee has done on this important issue, and I look forward to advancing a measure that establishes clear guardrails—ones that empower student-athletes while upholding the core educational mission of our colleges and universities.” Following Quote is Attributable to Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05): “As the mom of a D1 athlete, I've seen firsthand how important – and how long overdue – it was to allow our student athletes to earn their fair share,” said Congresswoman Bynum. “The NIL marketplace in college sports is currently operating like the Wild Wild West. This legislation takes important steps towards adding guardrails that guarantee that all student athletes can earn fair compensation, access a complete and quality education, and develop the skills they need to succeed in life after sports. I look forward to continuing to work on this bipartisan bill and delivering both strong protections and good opportunities to student athletes.” Following Quote is Attributable to Congressman Shomari C. Figures (AL-02): “The current college sports environment has drastically changed in the NIL era and this bill provides a framework to where students can not only be compensated but also have access to resources like health care and financial literacy courses, to ensure they have a solid foundation for their lives after college and we can get back to just playing ball,”   said Congressman Figures .  “I look forward to continuing the bipartisan work to make this the strongest bill possible and protect student athletes, schools, and our athletic conferences.” Following Quote is Attributable to Congresswoman Lisa McClain (MI-09), Chairwoman of the House Republican Conference: “College athletes in Michigan and across the country deserve the chance to benefit from the value they help create,”   said   Chairwoman McClain . “Throughout my work on NIL reform, I have pushed for fairness, transparency, and preserving the student-athlete model. I’m proud the SCORE Act includes key principles I have championed, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to move this important legislation forward.” Following Quote is Attributable to Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust: “Student athletes are the embodiment of the American Dream. But that dream is at a crossroads due to the uncertainty facing college athletics,”   said Congressman Fitzgerald .  “The SCORE Act provides the necessary framework to recapture the principles and spirit of collegiate sport, while ensuring our student athletes can be fairly compensated and adequately protected for years to come. I’m grateful to the University of Wisconsin and all who participated in our Judiciary Committee roundtable, which helped expand our understanding of the current landscape around antitrust liability for the NCAA and informed the development of this legislation.” Following Quote is Attributable to Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07): “The SCORE Act is a significant step forward for name, image, and likeness (NIL) in college sports. A lack of clear rules and the inability to enforce them have turned the NIL landscape into the Wild West. This bill will finally bring order to the chaos—protecting universities and conferences from a flood of litigation, safeguarding Olympic and women’s sports teams, and creating a fair, national framework that allows student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness,” said Congressman Fry . “As a member of both the House Energy and Commerce and House Judiciary Committees, I’m proud of the work we have done in an effort to strike the right balance between supporting student-athletes ad preserving the integrity of college sports.” Background: Without clear federal standards, college athletic programs and athletes face a chaotic patchwork of state laws, legal uncertainty, and growing threats to traditional sports programs. The SCORE Act restores order by: · Reaffirming the student-first model; · Defending Olympic sports; · Shielding athletes from being exploited by bad actors; · Establishing clear regulatory authority and enforcement mechanisms; and · Improving transparency and accountability to better protect athletes and universities. The SCORE Act’s original co-sponsors: · Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) – Lead Republican · Rep. Janelle Bynum (OR-05) – Democrat Co-Lead · Rep. Shomari C. Figures (AL-02) – Democrat Co-Lead · Rep. Brett Guthrie (KY-02) · Rep. Tim Walberg (MI-05) · Rep. Jim Jordan (OH-04) · Rep. Lisa McClain (MI-09) · Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) · Rep. Russell Fry (SC-07) Click   HERE   to read the bill text. Click   HERE  to read the story. Click  HERE  to view the SCORE Act fact sheet. ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  Looking Under the Hood: The State of NHTSA and Motor Vehicle Safety. Subcommittee Vice Chairman Fulcher's opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Good morning and thank you to our witnesses for joining today’s educational hearing on motor vehicle safety and the state of the automotive industry. I look forward to a robust and informative discussion that will help Congress, and specifically, this subcommittee, gain a clearer understanding of motor vehicle safety issues and its regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA.  “Automobile safety has been a long-standing topic of this subcommittee, and we play a crucial role in ensuring that the vehicles on our roadways are safe for families, workers, and the traveling public. Automobiles are deeply woven into the fabric of American life. From commuting to work, to picking up kids at school, to taking a cross-country road trip, automobiles are both a cultural icon and a pillar of the American dream. “That’s why today’s hearing marks the beginning of a bipartisan, member-driven, and stakeholder-informed process to develop a motor vehicle safety title as part of Congress’s broader efforts to reauthorize our surface transportation programs. “As part of this, the subcommittee is spearheading a bipartisan process to solicit stakeholder input to inform a motor vehicle safety title. Further, myself and Chairman Bilirakis, will seek priorities from our committee members to ensure our product reflects the priorities of our diverse membership.  “Our primary objective will be to find solutions to address the tragic reality that nearly 40,000 Americans die annually from motor vehicle crashes, a staggering and tragic statistic. These crashes also lead to hundreds of billions in economic losses and cost taxpayers’ tens of billions of dollars. NHTSA plays a central role in addressing this pressing issue through its education campaigns, regulatory work, and enforcement efforts. Congress must ensure that the agency is equipped needed to fulfill its mission and save lives. “Second, we must continue to recognize the economic importance of the automotive sector. This industry is America’s largest manufacturing base, supporting tens of millions of jobs across the country and serving as a major driver of exports. As global competitors—especially China—seek to dominate the future of automotive innovation, Congress must examine how our regulatory structure can foster, rather than hinder, American leadership. This includes looking at ways to modernize and streamline regulations while maintaining our strong safety standards. “Third, we must embrace the future of mobility. The emergence of automated vehicle technology presents a generational opportunity to prevent crashes, restore independence to millions of elderly and disabled Americans, and bolster economic growth. Congress must use this opportunity to advance a robust regulatory framework for autonomous vehicle technology.  “To achieve these goals, I look forward to working in a bipartisan manner with Chairman Bilirakis, Ranking Member Schakowsky, Chairman Guthrie, and Ranking Member Pallone. Together, we can craft smart, balanced policy solutions that save lives, strengthen American competitiveness, and shape the future of transportation for the better. “Thank you again to our witnesses for being here today, and I look forward to your testimony." ###