House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Health Updates

Jul 22, 2026

House Passes Energy and Commerce Bills to Strengthen Public Health Efforts and Expand Access to Medical Innovation for American Patients

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, issued a statement following House passage of 12 bills.

"This week, we passed legislation that is critical to strengthening our nation's public health infrastructure," said Chairman Guthrie. "The bills that passed the House this week work to reauthorize vital medical grant programs, strengthen our health care workforce, accelerate the development of breakthrough treatments for chronic diseases and illnesses, and allow more patients to access additional therapies and medical equipment. I'm grateful to the champions of these bills for their diligent work on such important policies aiming to expand access to care for all Americans."

"House passage of these important bills highlights the good work of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Subcommittee on Health," said Chairman Griffith. "We believe these policies will help address federal health agency challenges, streamline patient opportunities for care and serve the medical needs of American communities. I appreciate working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to meet these key objectives."

BACKGROUND:

H.R. 1493, To reauthorize and improve federal programs related to the prevention, detection, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries - Rep. Pallone (NJ-06) and Rep. Bacon (NE-02):
H.R. 1493 would reauthorize Federal programs to reduce the incidence and prevalence of traumatic brain injuries and the Bill Pascrell, Jr., National Program for Traumatic Brain Injury Surveillance and Registries through 2030. It would also reauthorize state grant programs for the purpose of protection and advocacy systems that provide services to individuals with a TBI.
H.R. 1493 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.
H.R. 2001, To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a grant program addressing dental workforce needs - Rep. Kelly (IL-02) and Rep. Simpson (ID-02):
H.R. 2001 would reauthorize a grant program that helps states develop and implement innovative programs to address the needs of the dental workforce in designated dental health professional shortage areas.
H.R. 2001 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.
H.R. 2715, Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act - Rep. Higgins (LA-03) and Rep. Carter (LA-02):
H.R. 2715 provides the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to require an importer to destroy an FDA-regulated product that was refused entry into the U.S. and presents a significant public health concern. The legislation would also authorize FDA to require importers to bear the costs of storage and destruction and prohibit the movement of hazardous refused shipments.
H.R. 2715 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.
H.R. 2821, FDA Modernization Act 3.0 - Rep. Carter (GA-01) and Rep. Barragán (CA-44):
H.R. 2821 would require the Secretary to publish an interim final rule to amend certain regulations to replace references of animal tests, data, studies, models, and research with references to nonclinical tests, data, studies, models, and research.
H.R. 2821 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.
H.R. 3491, DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2025 - Rep. DeGette (CO-01) and Rep. Hudson (NC-09):
H.R. 3491 would authorize the INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE (INCLUDE) Project at the NIH, which promotes the scientific understanding of Down syndrome and co-occurring conditions and improve the quality of life of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. This bill would also require reporting to Congress on the program's progress and related research.
H.R. 3491 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.
H.R. 3747, Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer's Provider Training Act - Rep. Balderson (OH-12) and Rep. Barragán (CA-44):
H.R. 3747 would reauthorize the Project ECHO (Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes) Grant Program, which facilitates case-based learning, promoting access to specialty care in rural and underserved areas.
H.R. 3747 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.
H.R. 4348, To reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act - Rep. Smith (NJ-04) and Rep. Doggett (TX-37):
H.R. 4348 would reauthorize the National Strategy and Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) cooperative agreements with health departments in areas at high risk of vector-borne diseases.
H.R. 4348 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.
H.R. 4541, EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2025 - Rep. Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Rep. Miller-Meeks (IA-01):
H.R. 4541 would reauthorize educational resources for breast cancer early detection through.
H.R. 4541, as amended, passed the House under suspension of the House rules by a roll call vote of 394 yeas - 6 nays, with 31 not voting.
H.R. 5160, Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 - Rep. Smith (NJ-04) and Rep. Matsui (CA-07):
H.R. 5160 would reauthorize the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation program and the National Cord Blood Inventory program.
H.R. 5160 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.
H.R. 6238, NIH IMPROVE Act - Rep. Underwood (IL-14) and Rep. Fitzpatrick (PA-01):
H.R. 6238 would authorize the Implementing a Maternal Health and Pregnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone (IMPROVE) Initiative within the NIH. This initiative would advance maternal health research, with the goal of reducing preventable causes of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity.
H.R. 6238 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.
H.R. 8205, Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies (ACT) for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026 - Rep. Quigley (IL-05) and Rep. Calvert (CA-41):
H.R. 8205 would reauthorize and make changes to the grant award authority, expanded access program, and public-private partnership for research on therapies under the original ACT for ALS, which was enacted in 2021.
H.R. 8205 passed the House under suspension of the House rules by voice vote.
H.R. 1703, Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2026 - Rep. Joyce (PA-13):
H.R. 1703 would clarify coding and payment rules for manual wheelchairs under Medicare Part B, requiring the Secretary to establish two or more codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs. Beneficiaries covered under Medicare Part B have the option to upgrade their wheelchair if they choose to do so. The Secretary may require suppliers to issue a notice to the individual prior to the purchase or rental of the wheelchair to inform the beneficiary of potential financial liability.
H.R. 1703 passed the House under the suspension of the House rules.

Jul 20, 2026

Press Release

Chairman Guthrie Delivers Remarks on 12 Pieces of Legislation to Strengthen Public Health Efforts and Expand Access to Medical Innovation for American Patients

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, delivered remarks on the House floor for 12 bills aimed at promoting the health and wellbeing of Americans across the country.

Chairman Guthrie's remarks on H.R. 1703, the Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025, as prepared for delivery:

"I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1703, led by my colleague Representative Joyce of Pennsylvania. This bill provides greater clarity on Medicare Part B payment rules for manual wheelchairs and ensures that ultralightweight manual wheelchairs have appropriate Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes.

"Mobility device use has increased over the past few decades, with more seniors relying on wheelchairs to maintain their independence and quality of life.

"Medicare beneficiaries should not be limited in their ability to access the right wheelchair to help them move freely in their daily lives.

"Ultimately, the payment clarifications in this legislation are intended to improve access to wheelchair upgrades among Medicare beneficiaries who choose to do so.

"I encourage my colleagues to support this bill."

Chairman Guthrie's remarks on H.R. 2715, the Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act, as prepared for delivery:

"I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2715, led by my colleagues Representatives Higgins and Carter of Louisiana, which updates FDA authorities to allow for requiring that an importer destroy any FDA-regulated product refused entry into the U.S. due to public health risk.

"Currently, in cases where an FDA-refused product is not destroyed at the port of entry, FDA has observed some importers 'port-shopping" to reimport refused products back into the U.S. through an alternate port of entry.

"'Port-shopping' has allowed foods and consumer products contaminated with pathogens like Salmonella and Listeria to enter our supply chains and put Americans at risk.

"This legislation will strengthen FDA's enforcement authority over counterfeit and illicit products and deter illegal tactics that pose significant public health threats to our fellow Americans.

"I encourage my colleagues to support this bill."

Chairman Guthrie's remarks on H.R. 2821, the FDA Modernization Act 3.0, as prepared for delivery:

"I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2821, led by my colleagues Representative Carter of Georgia and Representative Barragan, which requires the Secretary of HHS to publish rules amending certain regulations by replacing references to 'animal' tests, data, studies, models, and research with the broader term 'nonclinical' tests, data, studies, models, and research.

"Biomedical research typically utilizes animal models to explore biological processes, analyze diseases, and explore potential therapies.

"However, given the ethical concerns and scientific limitations of animal testing, researchers have increasingly turned to new approach methodologies to evaluate drugs when scientifically justified.

"The scientific community has worked diligently to balance animal welfare concerns and the value of animal tests in research. I am pleased with the progress to date and look forward to seeing continued evidence-driven advancements in this space.

"Lastly, I want to commend the Administration for their work to phase out animal testing where it is scientifically appropriate and for achieving their key goals in the first year of implementing the Roadmap to Reducing Animal Testing in Preclinical Safety Studies.

"I encourage my colleagues to support this bill."

Chairman Guthrie's remarks on H.R. 4348, legislation To reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act, as prepared for delivery:

"I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4348, led by my colleagues Representatives Smith of New Jersey and Doggett, which reauthorizes the National Strategy and Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease and the CDC's cooperative agreements with health departments in high-risk areas for vector-borne diseases.

"Vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas carry dangerous diseases, and vector-borne diseases can happen to anyone and can have debilitating effects. Preventing these diseases is a bipartisan issue that I hope we can all support.

"In addition to thanking the bill sponsors for their leadership in advancing efforts to reduce the alarming threat of vector-borne disease, I also want to thank the Administration for their support of this bill and their commitment to the American people by combatting Lyme disease, which affects almost half a million Americans annually.

"I encourage my colleagues to support this bill."

Chairman Guthrie's remarks on H.R. 5160, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025, as prepared for delivery:

"I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5160, led by my colleagues Representatives Smith and Matsui, to reauthorize the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation program and the National Cord Blood Inventory program.

"The C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation program supports patients across the country with identifying, matching, and facilitating the distribution of bone marrow, peripheral blood stem cells, and cord blood donors for those who need blood stem cell transplants. This is critically important for those patients without a related family member who's able to donate.

"For some patients, blood stem cell transplants are an opportunity for remission or even a cure when other treatments have failed, and this bill ensures patients have access to these life-saving opportunities.

"I encourage my colleagues to support this bill."

Chairman Guthrie's remarks on H.R. 3747, the Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer's Provider Training (AADAPT) Act, as prepared for delivery:

"I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3747, led by my colleagues Representatives Balderson and Barragan, which would reauthorize the Technology-enabled Collaborative Learning Program.

"The TCLP health education model connects health care professionals through interactive videoconferencing, which helps meet people where they are by promoting access to specialty care for people who otherwise may not be able to access it because of where they live.

"This is a valuable tool for clinicians to both continue learning and improve their existing knowledge of best practices to best support and care for the patients right in their communities.

"I encourage my colleagues to support this bill."

Chairman Guthrie's remarks on H.R. 2001, legislation To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a grant program for addressing dental workforce needs, as prepared for delivery:

"I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2001, led by my colleagues Representatives Kelly and Simpson, which reauthorizes a grant program that helps states develop and implement programs to address the need for dental professionals in areas facing a workforce shortage.

"Oral health is foundational to a person's overall health, as poor oral health may cause issues with daily tasks like eating, which negatively impacts a person's ability to take part in school or work.

"This legislation is a bipartisan effort to help improve the oral health of all Americans by ensuring that communities across the nation have access to oral health care despite dental workforce shortages.

"I encourage my colleagues to support this bill."

Chairman Guthrie's remarks on H.R. 1493, legislation To reauthorize and make improvements to Federal programs relating to the prevention, detection, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries, and for other purposes, as prepared for delivery:

"I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1493, led by my colleagues Representatives Pallone and Bacon, which would reauthorize HHS programs that allocate resources for traumatic brain injury prevention, improving access to TBI rehabilitation and TBI patient advocacy systems.

"TBI is a significant public health burden and a major driver of death and disability. In 2021 alone, there were over 69,000 TBI-related deaths.

"Though we make every effort to prevent TBI from occurring in the first place, it is critical that when a TBI occurs, we are prepared and ready to employ resources that support patients in their recovery and rehabilitation.

"I encourage my colleagues to support this bill."

Chairman Guthrie's remarks on H.R. 4541, the EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2025, as prepared for delivery:

"I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4541, led by my colleagues Representatives Wasserman Schultz and Miller-Meeks. This bill reauthorizes funding for the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young, which supports critical education, outreach, and provider training efforts through HHS, acting through the CDC to close the gaps between screening and detection of breast cancer in women under the age of 45 and those at high risk.

"Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among American women, claiming the lives of roughly 42,000 women annually.

"The EARLY Act has played a significant role in increasing breast cancer awareness and prevention efforts, and we must vote today to ensure future generations of women continue to benefit from these efforts.

"I encourage my colleagues to support this bill."

Chairman Guthrie's remarks on H.R. 3491, the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2025, as prepared for delivery:

"I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3491, led by my colleagues Representatives DeGette and Hudson. This bill would authorize the INCLUDE Project at the National Institutes of Health, which advances research into Down syndrome to improve the health and quality of life of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

"This Project investigates conditions that affect people with Down syndrome as well as the general public, with the hope of improving our understanding of the condition and advancing quality-of-life outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome and patients facing similar medical issues.

"I encourage my colleagues to support this bill."

Chairman Guthrie's remarks on H.R. 6238, the NIH IMPROVE Act, as prepared for delivery:

"I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6238, led by my colleagues Representatives Underwood and Fitzpatrick, which authorizes the Implementing a Maternal Health and Pregnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone Initiative within the National Institutes of Health.

"According to CDC estimates, more than 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths and roughly half of severe maternal morbidity events could be prevented.

"That is why it is so essential for us to advance the IMPROVE Initiative, which supports research into identifying and reducing preventable causes of maternal death and ways to improve maternal health outcomes.

"I encourage my colleagues to support this bill."

Chairman Guthrie's remarks on H.R. 8205, the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026, as prepared for delivery:

"I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8205, led by my colleagues Representatives Quigley and Calvert. H.R. 8205 reauthorizes the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act, which has supported critical research and development for ALS therapies.

"The ACT for ALS program has worked to expand access to key therapies for both individuals with ALS and those with other rare neurodegenerative conditions.

"It is imperative that we pass this bill today to continue advancing research and therapeutic development in the fight against this disease.

"To all my fellow Americans living with ALS and their caregivers, I want to take a moment to recognize your resilience and commitment to a better future for yourselves and other patients with ALS. I stand with you and I ask that my colleagues do the same.

"I encourage my colleagues to support this bill."

Jul 15, 2026

Health

Health Subcommittee Holds Hearing to Examine Ways to Drive Efficiencies Across Early-Stage Clinical Development

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, led a hearing titled Maintaining America's Leadership in Biomedical Innovation: FDA's Role in Advancing U.S. Drug Development.

"The United States has always been the global leader in biopharmaceutical research and development, and it is important that we remain leaders in this space," said Chairman Griffith. "Maintaining America's position as the global leader in biomedical innovation requires a regulatory system that is both thorough and efficient. I am eager to find ways we can help ensure FDA can review drugs in a timely and predictable manner-not only to expand patient access to innovative treatments, but to also encourage companies to invest, develop, and manufacture domestically."

Watch the full hearing here.

Below are key excerpts from today's hearing:

Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01): "I practiced pharmacy for over 40 years, and I saw nothing short of miracles as a result of research and development. And we want to continue with that. We want to make sure that we're letting the markets work and that we're letting capital flow to risk and that we're letting science lead. That is extremely important. I do understand and appreciate the point that has been made here about China and about them taking the lead. But we can't beat China by copying China, because China does not operate under the same rules and regulations that we do. We all understand that. We're going to beat them the same way that we beat Europe, and that is by doubling down on what actually made America the leader in the first place: entrepreneurial spirit, access to capital, free markets, and the best science in the world-and I still say we have the best scientists in the world, right here in the United States of America."

Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12): "Clinical trials produce plenty of data but sponsors frequently report that the process of gathering and submitting this information is still unnecessarily complicated. Where are there opportunities for FDA to leverage digital technologies to reduce administrative burden, improve trial efficiencies, and allow researchers to spend more time developing therapies and less time navigating paperwork?" Dr. Verst: "With regard to the use of real-world evidence, life science models, digital twins, novel trial designs... [these are] absolutely critical. In addition, wearables, the use of patient-reported outcomes, digital connected devices, and reducing the burden on the investigators and patients is just incredibly important. The good news is that those digital data sets actually reduce time, burden, and cost in cleaning data. In fact, that data can be surfaced for early signal detection, thus accelerating development."

Congressman Tom Kean (NJ-07): "My district is home to numerous small, rare disease companies. These constituents and other companies have frequently raised concerns about inconsistency, and even within FDA review divisions. This is a significant source of uncertainty that translates to an unpredictable regulatory environment and disincentivizes investment in areas of unique need. What additional steps can the FDA take to improve consistency among FDA reviews of rare disease products, while also preserving an adaptive framework that acknowledges the unique challenges of rare disease drug development?" Ms. Winckler: "Thank you, and there are a couple of ways-one, I'll say, that the FDA's Rare Disease Innovation Hub has actually been quite helpful in bringing together not only the different product centers at FDA-Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, and Center for Devices and Radiological Health-and stimulating the conversation so that they can have a better understanding of what endpoint might be relevant in a rare disease and how to use that endpoint. There are further opportunities; it comes from greater collaboration and conversation with the patient communities to make sure that the end points that are being pursued are patient-relevant, but then also conversation among the divisions at FDA and explanation where they may diverge."

Jul 15, 2026

Health

Chairman Griffith Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Health Markup of Three Bills Combatting Illicit Drug Threats

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, delivered the following opening statement at today's markup of three bills.

Subcommittee Chairman Griffith's opening statement as prepared for delivery:

"Today's markup will focus on a few bills that work to combat the illicit drug crisis facing our communities, specifically targeting the growing threat posed by pill presses.

"These bills work together to create regulatory framework that allows DEA to conduct oversight of a closed system of distribution for pill presses and their critical parts-just like we have for controlled substances.

"This system ensures good actors are able to utilize pill presses for legitimate intended uses, while giving DEA the tools to monitor suspicious orders and prevent bad actors from diverting pill presses for the illicit production of counterfeit pills.

"H.R. 5880, the Fight Illicit Pill Presses Act, is led by Representative Hageman from Wyoming, and would establish requirements for serial numbers, record keeping, and transaction reporting for pill presses and their critical parts.

"The Preventing Rogue Equipment for Synthetic Substances (PRESS) Act, H.R. 7184, is led by Representative McDowell from North Carolina.

"It would criminalize the importation of pill press equipment with the intent to illicitly produce a controlled substance.

"H.R. 8005, the Stop Pills that Kill Act, is led by Representative Evans from Colorado.

"This legislation would apply enhanced criminal penalties to those who engage in the illicit manufacture of fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, or fentanyl related substances.

"It would also direct the DEA to establish and implement a comprehensive plan to address the threat of counterfeit pills that contain fentanyl, methamphetamine, or any other illicit synthetic substance.

"I look forward to continuing to work on these policies and bringing them to the full Committee."

Jul 15, 2026

Health

Chairman Griffith Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Maintaining U.S. Leadership in Biomedical Innovation

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, delivered the following opening statement at today's hearing titled Maintaining America's Leadership in Biomedical Innovation: FDA's Role in Advancing U.S. Drug Development.

Subcommittee Chairman Griffith's opening statement as prepared for delivery:

"Today's hearing will examine ways to maintain American leadership in biomedical innovation.

"This hearing is a great opportunity to learn more about what is working, where improvements can be made, and how Congress can ensure FDA continues to serve patients, promote innovation, and maintain our nation's leadership in biomedicine.

"The United States has always been the global leader in biopharmaceutical research and development, and it is important that we remain leaders in this space.

"However, other countries are catching up to the United States.

"It is important for Congress to reexamine our current landscape to ensure we are staying up to date with the latest biopharmaceutical advancements and examine what role Congress could play in making these processes more efficient.

"This Administration has proposed efforts to do so, such as the recent launch of FDA's Operation Trialblazer, announced in June.

"This is an HHS-wide effort that comes in response to the growing competitiveness of the global pharmaceutical landscape which promotes cross-agency collaboration to support research from the earliest stages of innovation.

"Operation Trialblazer provides a set of initiatives and reforms to modernize and accelerate medical product development, aiming to remove the unnecessary hurdles and ambiguity that sometimes hinder patient access to innovative treatments.

"Streamlining clinical trial requirements, encouraging use of modern trial designs and real-world evidence where appropriate, and reducing administrative burden can shorten development timelines and lower costs without compromising science or safety.

"These improvements have the potential to bring new treatments to patients faster, increase participation in clinical research, and make the United States even more attractive for investment in medical breakthroughs.

"It is important that we begin to have these conversations as this Subcommittee looks ahead to FDA's user fee reauthorization next year-especially as initiatives like Operation Trialblazer demonstrate that an approach to maintaining America's competitive edge involves improving the efficiency of drug development.

"For more than three decades, user fee programs have helped provide FDA with the resources to review innovative drugs and medical devices while maintaining the agency's rigorous standards for safety and effectiveness.

"Rather than relying solely on taxpayer dollars, user fees are paid by manufacturers that submit products for review, helping ensure the FDA has the scientific expertise and capacities necessary to keep pace with rapidly advancing medical innovation.

"Ultimately, user fees serve to improve health outcomes for patients.

"Every day that a safe and effective therapy reaches the market is another day that patients living with cancer, rare diseases, or other serious conditions may have access to life-changing or even life-saving treatments.

"The predictability and performance goals established through the user fee agreements have helped reduce review times, improve communication between FDA and product developers, and provide greater standardization throughout the review process.

"However, there is still more work that can be done, and reauthorization is not limited to just extending the status quo.

"Reauthorization gives Congress the opportunity to explore and write legislation so we can continue to work to streamline regulatory processes, reduce unnecessary administrative burden, strengthen communication with product developers, and ensure the agency has the tools it needs to make the best possible use of its resources.

"We can also continue to look for opportunities to modernize clinical trial networks, embedding them into routine care and expanding access to innovative treatments in rural communities.

"Maintaining America's position as the global leader in biomedical innovation requires a regulatory system that is both thorough and efficient.

"I am eager to look for ways that we can help ensure FDA can review drugs in a timely and predictable manner. Not only to expand patient access to innovative treatments, but to also encourage companies to invest, develop, and manufacture domestically.

"Thank you to the witnesses for being here this morning. I look forward to the discussion."

Jul 15, 2026

Health

Health Subcommittee Advances Three Bills to Safeguard Communities from Existing and Emerging Illicit Drug Threats

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, led a markup of three bills aiming to combat the threat of existing and emerging drug threats and safeguarding public health.

"This Health Subcommittee markup is another example of how the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is prioritizing policies to protect our communities from dangerous substances and counterfeit drug-making tools like pill presses," said Chairman Griffith. "I am grateful we advanced such important pieces of legislation to the full Committee and that we have a Congress so dedicated to protecting the public safety of Americans."

Legislative Vote Summary:

H.R. 7184, the PRESS Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee, by voice vote.
H.R. 8005, the Stop Pills That Kill Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee, as amended, by voice vote.
H.R. 5880, the Fight Illicit Pill Presses Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee, by voice vote.

Watch the full markup here.

Below is a key excerpt from today's markup:

Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09) on H.R. 8005, the PRESS Act: "The influx of illicit drugs into the U.S. has, in part, been driven by bad actors-I would say in big part-exploiting loopholes within our legal system. Currently, one of those loopholes is the unfettered importation of pill presses and their critical parts-which are, in turn, being utilized for mass production of counterfeit substances. So, as many of us have heard in various testimonies, they will make a pill that they then try to sell as pill 'X', which doesn't have much of a harm to it, but it's laced with fentanyl or some other dangerous substance. And then we have young people who are dying, thinking that they're just getting a little boost for studies or something else. This act would give our federal prosecutors the tools they need to hold the nefarious foreign actors accountable for importing pill presses and pill equipment into the United States with the intent to illicitly produce controlled substances."

Jul 13, 2026

Health

New Non-Partisan Watchdog Report Finds How Biden-Harris Administration Neglected Program Integrity Within Obamacare

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ongoing investigative work conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), in tandem with recent sentencings in federal cases targeting fraudulent enrollment, have uncovered concerning practices where fraudster agents and brokers enrolled patients in, or secretly switched patients' health plans through, the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

In a new report from GAO-that builds on a preliminary report released in December 2025-at least 160,000 federal marketplace applications in plan year 2024 were found to have likely unauthorized changes, ultimately resulting in unexpected costs for patients, higher copayments and deductibles, and loss of access to treatment and medications.

The GAO investigation was requested by Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08), and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (OH-04).

Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce:

"Since June 2024, the Committees have been scrutinizing large-scale ACA enrollment fraud and the lack of program integrity within the ACA marketplace. Now, two years later, GAO has released even more findings, outlining how bad actors continue to exploit critical government health programs-without beneficiaries even knowing," said Chairman Guthrie. "The Biden-Harris Administration actively removed safeguards protecting Americans from unscrupulous actors taking advantage of them, including unauthorized enrollments and switching Obamacare plans. Democrats were happy to brag about the fraudulently inflated enrollment numbers, regardless of the costs to the American people. As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Working Families Tax Cuts, Republicans remain steadfastly committed to restoring program integrity within the ACA and finding solutions to benefit patients instead of unscrupulous brokers and agents."

Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means:

"Democrats created a broken health care system that has become a feeding frenzy for fraudsters while forcing hardworking Americans to accept higher prices and fewer choices for their care. Last December, at our committees' request, GAO issued a report exposing how fake identities, deceased individuals, and improper use of Social Security numbers were used to exploit Obamacare subsidies. Today, GAO released a more detailed report confirming that this failed system has hugely inadequate structural safeguards, enabling widespread unauthorized enrollments and plan changes," said Chairman Smith. "Specifically, GAO found that enrollment essentially operates on an honor system, where no one at CMS is verifying that consumers are requesting health care and consumers are never notified when they are enrolled. This hurts working families, many of whom did not want and did not request the coverage they were enrolled in. GAO found at least 160,000 Marketplace applications in 2024 with likely unauthorized changes, exposing families to higher costs and disrupted coverage. Taken together with the committee's investigation to expose fraud in other areas, such as hospice, home health and durable medical equipment, this report helps underscore how much needs to be done to fight fraud, as the Trump administration is taking steps to do. Republicans are continuing to fight to close loopholes, expand access to quality health care, lower costs for working families, and protect taxpayer dollars."

Congressman Jim Jordan (OH-04), Chairman of the House Committee on the Judiciary:

"Obamacare is rife with fraud, improper enrollments, and theft of taxpayer dollars. Today's GAO report validates all of our concerns with the program," said Chairman Jordan.

BACKGROUND:

In June 2024, House GOP leaders wrote to GAO, asking for further information on the growing fraud in the Obamacare marketplace.
In November 2025, Committee leaders followed up with GAO, inquiring about millions of enrollees in the ACA marketplaces that may be enrolled improperly, costing taxpayers as much as $27 billion a year in improper payments.
GAO's reporting found large-scale systemic failures that allow fake identities, dead people, and massive improper use of Social Security numbers to receive Obamacare subsidies.
As part of the analysis, GAO even conducted covert operations which even included creating fictitious identities that flooded health insurers with unjustified subsidies.
In fact, 100 percent of fake applicants were approved by the ACA Marketplace as recently as late 2024, and 90 percent of fake applicants continue to receive coverage in 2025.
Today, GAO released an additional report highlighting issues related to program integrity and oversight of agents and brokers in health insurance marketplaces.
In 2018, CMS's own fraud risk assessment identified agent and broker theft of consumer information as the single greatest fraud risk facing the federal Marketplace.
Confirmed consumer complaints of unauthorized enrollments and plan switches increased over 450 percent in just two years, from 66,548 in 2023 to more than 300,000 in 2025.
CMS's 2024 three-way verification call fix does not cover all transactions and relies on identity checks that are often public-still leaving the system vulnerable to bad actors.

Jul 13, 2026

Press Release

Chairmen Guthrie and Griffith Announce Health Subcommittee Markup of Three Bills to Combat Illicit Drug Threats

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, announced a subcommittee markup of three bills combatting the threat of existing and emerging drug threats and safeguarding public health.

WHAT: Subcommittee on Health markup on legislation to safeguard communities from emerging and existing illicit drug threats.
DATE: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
TIME: 10:00 AM ET
LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

Items to be considered:

H.R. 7184, PRESS Act (Rep. McDowell)
H.R. 8005, Stop Pills That Kill Act (Rep. Evans)
H.R. 5880, Fight Illicit Pill Presses Act (Reps. Hageman and Stansbury)

This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at energycommerce.house.gov. If you have any questions concerning this hearing, please contact Claire Richey with the Committee staff at Claire.Richey@mail.house.gov. If you have any press-related questions, please contact Katie West at Katie.West@mail.house.gov.

Jul 13, 2026

Press Release

Energy and Commerce Weekly Look Ahead: The Week of July 13th, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is holding three Subcommittee markups and one Subcommittee hearing. Read more below.

SUBCOMMITTEE MARKUP: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy is holding a markup of six bills to support safe and reliable nuclear power.

DATE: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
TIME: 10:15 AM ET
LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

SUBCOMMITTEE MARKUP: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment is holding a markup of seven bills to address harmful regulations and support recycling.

DATE: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
TIME: 2:00 PM ET
LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

SUBCOMMITTEE MARKUP: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health is holding a markup of three bills combatting existing and emerging drug threats and safeguarding public health.

DATE: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
TIME: 10:00 AM ET
LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health is holding a hearing to discuss American leadership in biomedical innovation by streamlining FDA's drug development and clinical trial requirements.

DATE: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
TIME: 10:15 AM ET
LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building