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Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) today announced a hearing titled “Oversight of FERC: Adhering to a Mission of Affordable and Reliable Energy for America.”  “The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) plays a critical role in ensuring Americans have access to abundant, affordable, reliable energy. Yet recent steps taken by the commission suggest it is making decisions to advance a rush-to-green agenda that threaten our grid reliability and go beyond its statutory authority. We look forward to hearing directly from FERC commissioners at this hearing to ensure they’re adhering to the commission’s core mission of ensuring affordable and reliable energy for America.”  Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, & Grid Security hearing titled “Oversight of FERC: Adhering to a Mission of Affordable and Reliable Energy for America.”   WHAT: Energy, Climate, & Grid Security Subcommittee hearing on returning FERC to its core mission of ensuring affordable and reliable American energy  DATE: June 13, 2023  TIME: 10:00 AM  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building        This notice is at the direction of the Chair. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/ . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Kaitlyn Peterson at Kaitlyn.Peterson@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Sean Kelly at sean.kelly@mail.house.gov .  CLICK HERE to read the letter sent to FERC Commissioners demanding they return the agency to its core mission to help deliver abundant, reliable, and affordable energy for Americans.  CLICK HERE to read the letter sent to FERC Commissioners urging them to stop prioritizing the left’s political agenda over making energy more reliable.  CLICK HERE to read the letter to FERC requesting information on how they plan to incorporate guidance from the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) in a way that does not jeopardize American energy security. 

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) today announced a hearing titled “Oversight of NRC: Ensuring Efficient and Predictable Nuclear Safety Regulation for a Prosperous America.”  “Nuclear energy is a key ingredient to our energy mix. It is how we win the future with reliable, affordable, and clean energy that powers our way of life, reduces emissions, keeps the lights on, builds stronger communities, and keeps our economy going. We look forward to hearing the commissioners' perspective on what makes sense for a modern safety regulator to assure efficient, predictable regulation that provides for a robust and growing industry, consistent with the goals of the Atomic Energy Act.    Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, & Grid Security hearing titled “Oversight of NRC: Ensuring Efficient and Predictable Nuclear Safety Regulation for a Prosperous America.”   WHAT: Energy, Climate, & Grid Security Subcommittee hearing on ensuring efficient and predictable nuclear safety regulation.  DATE: June 14, 2023  TIME: 10:00 AM  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building         This notice is at the direction of the Chair. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live-streamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/ . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Kaitlyn Peterson at Kaitlyn.Peterson@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Sean Kelly at Sean.Kelly@mail.house.gov .  NOTE: In April, a bipartisan group of committee leaders sent letters to nuclear energy stakeholders requesting information on the NRC’s regulatory efforts to ensure safe, efficient, predictable regulation for the nuclear industry in the U.S. CLICK HERE to read the letter. 

Washington, D.C. — Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH), and Subcommittee Ranking Member Doris Matsui (D-CA) today announced plans to hold a Committee hearing in early June on the importance of AM radio installation in new cars. “Communities across the country rely on AM radio services for local news, weather reports, and other critical information. It is also a key tool for our nation's emergency communications infrastructure, especially when other communication services are not available. I look forward to this timely discussion on the many benefits of AM radio as a source of information and the importance of ensuring it continues to be available in new vehicle models.” — Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) “It’s alarming that some auto manufacturers are considering opting out of installing AM radios in new cars. AM radio plays an essential role in our communities, especially during public emergencies when other alert systems that rely on the electric grid and cellphone networks may not work. I’m looking forward to the Energy and Commerce Committee holding a hearing on this important matter next month. Corporate penny pinching is not a justification to undermine one of our nation’s most reliable public emergency communication networks, and requiring consumers to pay more money for a subscription service to receive AM radio is not an acceptable alternative.” — Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) “AM radio capabilities are essential for Americans across the country, but especially for those who live in rural communities, like many in Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District, where other forms of connectivity may not be reliable. Whether listeners tune in to listen to updates during times of emergencies, the home team’s game, agricultural information, or for other reasons, it is concerning vehicle companies are taking steps to remove these stations from their electric cars. Earlier this month, I lead a letter with my colleague from Indiana, Rep. Greg Pence, to ask auto manufacturers for a status update on the use of AM radio and their plans to remove AM radio receivers from their vehicles. I look forward to receiving their responses by the end of the week. In the meantime, it is my hope that announcing this educational hearing will show the important role AM radio stations have played for decades.” — Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) “AM radio provides Americans a crucial public service. In the face of a life-threatening disaster, Americans need to be able to rely on emergency communications to get them the information they need. AM radio has proven again and again to be that reliable tool. Whether during wildfire season or severe winter storms, in California we understand just how vital AM radio is to ensure Americans get emergency information when it matters most. I look forward to holding a hearing on this important topic.” — Communications and Technology Subcommittee Ranking Member Doris Matsui (D-CA)

Washington, D.C. —  Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) delivered opening remarks at today’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing titled “ Oversight and Reauthorization of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration .” Excerpts and highlights below: MAJOR CHANGES IN COMMUNICATIONS SINCE 1993 “Good morning, and welcome back before this subcommittee, Assistant Secretary Davidson. “Today’s hearing is to provide oversight of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, or NTIA, and discuss reauthorization of the agency. “Since 1993 when NTIA was last reauthorized, the communications landscape has changed drastically. “NTIA has important statutory obligations to manage federal-use spectrum, coordinate other Internet and communications functions between the Executive Branch, and support public safety communications initiatives. “NTIA’s budget has increased substantially as their duties have grown, federal and non-federal use of spectrum has intensified with the explosion of mobile phones and improved technologies, and cybersecurity challenges have dramatically increased. “It is Congress’s role, and specifically this Subcommittee’s role, to oversee and authorize the agency’s funding and priorities to ensure communications policy continues to benefit Americans and drive our economy. “Since our last oversight hearing, NTIA has submitted its 2024 budget request for $117.3 million, nearly double its current authorization. “With this new budget request and several other new initiatives being implemented by NTIA, this hearing will serve as the first step in much-needed oversight and transparency into this agency. “For example, NTIA has formalized existing spectrum coordination procedures with the FCC by updating their memorandum of understanding, which members on this Committee had advocated for.” OVERSIGHT OF NTIA SUBSIDY PROGRAMS “NTIA has also begun implementing several broadband subsidy programs. “Today’s oversight hearing is the first with NTIA since it published its Notice of Funding Opportunity, or NO-FO, for the BEAD Program. “These NO-FOs include the rules of the road for how these programs will be administered. “Getting these rules right is crucial, including technology neutrality, will ultimately determine whether all Americans are connected or if they will continue to be left on the wrong side of the digital divide. “Today, we have 18 pieces of draft legislation to discuss during today’s hearing to jump start discussion on NTIA’s evolving mission and seek feedback from the agency.” REAUTHORIZING AND MODERNIZING THE NTIA “I am pleased to be leading the NTIA Reauthorization Act of 2023 to begin a bipartisan discussion on how Congress can ensure NTIA has the statutory tools it needs to fulfill its mission. “The NTIA Reauthorization Act would elevate the Assistant Secretary to an Under Secretary level, modernize the agency’s policies and missions, and authorize its funding to match current funding levels. “Other discussion drafts on today’s hearing would elevate NTIA’s role in coordinating interagency broadband funding and permitting processes, support NTIA’s Federal spectrum management mission, and reflect NTIA’s expertise as a federal coordinator and convener by granting authority to coordinate public safety and cybersecurity policy development and representation. “With the billions of dollars available for broadband deployment being managed by a variety of federal agencies, coordination will be key to ensuring that money isn’t wasted. “As the lead agency for broadband, NTIA should lead the development of a national broadband strategy. “Other components of the reauthorization effort would require NTIA to lead efforts on developing common models, methodologies, and inputs to inform spectrum management decisions, ensure NTIA benefits from the expertise of commercial spectrum users, and make reforms to federal spectrum relocation processes. “I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for leading on the initiatives before us. “The role of NTIA has drastically changed since it was last reauthorized, and I look forward to working with the agency and affected stakeholders to update its authorizing statute. “Finally, I am pleased we are beginning oversight efforts this Congress, which includes ensuring that NTIA is being good stewards of tax dollars allocated for broadband expansion and funds are going toward unserved or underserved communities. “These oversight efforts will be the crucial link to help close the digital divide and make sure all Americans are connected by high-speed, broadband Internet. “Before I yield back, I did want to note that for this subcommittee to effectively conduct oversight, we need your testimony within the 48-hour requirement moving forward.”

The American people deserve every assurance their dollars are not being funneled to China Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered opening remarks at today’s Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing titled “ Growing the Domestic Energy Sector Supply Chain and Manufacturing Base: Are Federal Efforts Working? ” KEY: Regarding the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) decision last night to reverse its decision to award $200 million to Microvast, Chair Rodgers said, “The Department’s refusal to participate in the hearing is even more concerning in light of this development. I’m concerned that the Department may be entertaining other problematic awards and only decided not to proceed with this after our congressional scrutiny.” Read more on FoxNews.com: “Biden energy official rejects GOP hearing invite as admin pulls grant from Chinese-linked company” Excerpts and highlights of Chair Rodgers’s opening remarks below: SECURING OUR SUPPLY CHAINS “We should all agree that our country must have a stable, secure supply chain for people to power our homes and businesses, fill up our gas tanks, and find opportunities for a better life. “We cannot be energy secure if we are at the mercy of our adversaries.   “China, for example, has been crystal clear of its ambitions to rival the United States for economic supremacy and dominate the entire value chain for new technologies. “The threat of losing ground to China grows more intense as President Biden rushes to force America to run on entirely renewable energy as part of his rush-to-green agenda. “As the Subcommittee on the Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials discussed last month, this forced, rushed transition hands China even greater control of our energy supply chain. “According to a recent International Energy Agency report, China dominates every stage of electric vehicle battery production downstream of mining. “China also possesses 97 percent of the world’s solar wafer capacity.” EMBOLDENING CHINA “The Biden administration has stated it will address this problem, at least in part, through the tax breaks, financial awards, and expanded loan authority in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). “Heavily subsidizing renewable energy and shoveling money in the form of financial awards out the door is not the solution. “These policies undermine our energy security and financially burden Americans already struggling with a high cost of living and would leave us even more reliant on China. “The Department of Energy created three new offices, including the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains—or ‘MESC,’ which is charge of several IIJA and IRA programs.” DOE’S FAILURES SURROUNDING MICROVAST “As Chair Griffith said, we have posed a lot of questions about the Department of Energy’s proposed award to Microvast, a company whose production is based in China. “Yesterday evening, the Department informed the Committee that it has decided not to proceed with the $200 million dollar award to Microvast. “While the Department did not provide a reason for this decision, this development reinforces our concerns about the process for vetting applicants for these substantial awards. “The Department’s refusal to participate in the hearing is even more concerning in light of this development. “I’m concerned that the Department may be entertaining other problematic awards and only decided not to proceed with this after our congressional scrutiny. “The Department’s refusal to appear today does nothing to alleviate our fears, and this refusal to answer questions from the American people’s elected representatives is completely unacceptable. “On May 9th, this subcommittee formally invited Acting Director David Howell to appear before us at this hearing. “The Department refused to have Acting Director Howell or any other witness appear on this date. “In its official response, the Department told this committee that it had already furnished two witnesses to the Committee recently. “I will include in the record the Committee’s May 9th invitation to Acting Director Howell and DOE’s response, dated May 19, refusing our invitation. “The Department of Energy, not only refused to provide transparency to this committee, but they’re refusing to be transparent to the American people, who deserve every assurance that their tax dollars are not being funneled to China. “We will continue to demand transparency and accountability from the administration to guard against federal waste of funds through poor investments and further dependence on our adversaries.” BUILDING A MORE SECURE FUTURE “Since day one of the 118th Congress, my colleagues and I have led to celebrate American innovation and our energy dominance to build a better, more secure future for those we serve. “Today’s hearing is just another step towards that goal. “We are asking the tough questions to make sure the Biden administration’s spending spree on rush-to-green programs is not weakening our manufacturing sector or supply chain security. “We are disappointed that the Department and Acting Director David Howell decided not to participate in today’s hearing, especially given DOE’s poor judgement regarding the Microvast grant. “I am grateful, however, to our witnesses for appearing today to lend their expertise to our efforts to secure our energy sector from threats posed by foreign rivals and enhance our international competitiveness.”

Washington, D.C. — Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) delivered the following opening remarks during today’s Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing titled “ Growing the Domestic Energy Sector Supply Chain and Manufacturing Base: Are Federal Efforts Working? ” Read more on FoxNews. com : “Biden energy official rejects GOP hearing invite as admin pulls grant from Chinese-linked company” Excerpts and highlights below: AMERICA’S DEPENDENCE ON ADVERSARIES FOR CRITICAL MATERIALS “Our country’s national security and economic prosperity depends on stable access to the products and materials our energy producers need. “Unfortunately, we currently depend on international rivals such as China and Russia for much of these energy supply chain inputs. “According to a recent report by the Heritage Foundation, of the 35 minerals identified as ‘critical’ by the Department of the Interior in 2021, the United States is 100 percent reliant on imports for at least 20 of them. “Additionally, the same report reveals, that, while China only possesses about 36 percent of the world’s rare earth element reserves, it controls more than 70 percent of the world’s extraction capabilities and 90 percent of world-wide processing capacity. “Last year, the White House drew attention to the fact that China controls 87 percent of the global market for magnets, which are used for everything from electric vehicle motors to electronics, and all manner of power-producing turbines. “The Biden administration has extolled the billions of dollars in grants and incentives in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act as a key component of our national strategy to secure our energy sector supply chains and support a domestic manufacturing base. “However, as Department of Energy Inspector General, Teri Donaldson, testified before this Subcommittee just a few weeks ago, this speedy spending spree carries risks, such as funding flowing through new programs that may lack appropriate internal controls and the push to get money out the door without adequate oversight of who that money is actually going to. “This Committee has led the way in expressing concern and inquiring into how the Department is vetting the entities competing for its large awards. “Last December, Chair McMorris Rodgers and I sent a letter to Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm requesting more information regarding the Department’s selection of Microvast as an awardee under its Battery Materials Processing and Battery Manufacturing & Recycling Funding Opportunity. “Microvast’s selection raised concerns regarding Chinese Communist Party influence.” THE DOE’S FAILURE TO TESTIFY TODAY “Just last night, our Committee was informed that the DOE has decided not to proceed with this award. “Others have expressed concern about the nature of partnerships, and joint ventures between United States companies and Chinese companies, as these entities attempt to take advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits and other incentives. “In just one example, in my home, the Commonwealth of Virginia, our governor, Glenn Youngkin, withdrew our state from the process of incentivizing Ford Motor Company’s proposed electric vehicle battery factory because of Ford’s subservient role in a partnership with a Chinese company. “Today, we will take a closer look at some of our federal policies and programs designed to address reliance on foreign adversaries for important energy sector products and materials and scrutinize whether they are really serving their purported goals. “While I appreciate the Department of Energy’s efforts to update the Committee on its new ‘Research, Technology, and Economic Security’ measures and the opportunity to discuss this issue briefly with Secretary Granholm a couple of weeks ago, many questions remain on awardee vetting. “I commend the Department for its increased scrutiny of the Microvast award. “I had originally hoped to have the Department of Energy Office of Manufacturing Director to join us today for this hearing, he could have delivered the good news in person. “Unfortunately, they refused to come before us, citing inadequate notice despite receiving an invitation to testify on May the 9th. “This in and of itself makes me somewhat wary of the Department’s vetting. “Since they are supposed to be doing the work, I would expect two weeks to be more than enough time for the Office to provide a well-informed witness who could articulate the program goals and the award review processes. “And if here, without letting us know, we are prepared to receive their testimony.” OUR EXPERT WITNESSES “Even though not in attendance today, this conversation is too important to postpone. “First, the Subcommittee welcomes Mrs. Diana Furchtgott-Roth, Director of the Center for Energy, Climate, and Environment at the Heritage Foundation and Adjunct Professor at the George Washington University. “We are also joined by Mr. Jeremy Harrell, Chief Strategy Officer at ClearPath. “Dr. Ellen Hughes-Cromwick, Senior Resident Fellow for Third Way’s Climate and Energy Program will also be testifying. “And finally, we have Mr. Kenny Stein, Vice President for Policy at the Institute for Energy Research. “Again, we are disappointed by the Department’s decision not to attend but thank our witnesses for sharing their ideas. “I look forward to today’s discussion and hope we can further the conversation on reshoring and near shoring of our essential supply chains.”

Washington, D.C. —  House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered opening remarks at today’s Communication and Technology Subcommittee hearing titled “ Oversight and Reauthorization of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration .” Excerpts and highlights below: NTIA’S RESPONSIBILITIES AND MISSION “The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is the principal advisor to the president on issues ranging from managing federal spectrum use to working on domestic and international telecom policies, advanced communications research, and strengthening public safety communications. “It is responsible for developing a national spectrum strategy, seeking input on AI and privacy policy, cybersecurity issues, and more recently, running the largest broadband grant program in our nation’s history. “IIJA created the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment, or BEAD program, the Middle Mile Grant Program, two digital equity grant programs, and it gave additional money to the Tribal Broadband Connectivity program. “Altogether, this funding gave NTIA an additional $48.2 billion dollars to administer on behalf of American taxpayers. “These initiatives highlight just how much NTIA’s duties have changed since it was last reauthorized in 1993 and the need for Congress to reauthorize agencies whose authorization has lapsed. “Reauthorizing agencies in the Energy and Commerce Committee’s jurisdiction is a top priority. “It is good governance for Congress to consistently evaluate the duties and authorities of agencies within their purview. “NTIA has not be reauthorized in 30 years, and I am pleased that we are making it a bipartisan priority in this subcommittee to change that. “The discussion drafts we are considering at today’s hearing would modernize NTIA’s authorities to come in line with their 21st century responsibilities.” OVERSIGHT OF THE BEAD PROGRAM “Today’s hearing is just as much about oversight as it is about reauthorization. “Millions of Americans still lack access to broadband services, despite our federal government spending tens of billions of dollars on broadband-related programs over the years. “The BEAD program is poised to allocate over $42 billion dollars to every corner of the United States. “Americans deserve to know that those resources are being invested effectively and aren’t being wasted. “We are still waiting to hear about the accuracy of the newest version of the Federal Communications Commission’s broadband data maps, which NTIA is supposed to use to ensure resources get to communities that need them most. “We‘re concerned by reports that the initial version of the maps was missing entire communities and inaccurately stating coverage in many areas. “NTIA needs to make sure these concerns are resolved in the new map before it allocates money to states. “NTIA also has a responsibility to remain technology neutral as investments are made, per congressional intent. “We need to make sure these funds meet each community’s needs as the geography and use-case allows. “I was disappointed to hear that certain restrictions in NTIA’s notice of funding opportunity would lead to funds being primarily spent laying expensive fiber, even in areas where alternatives like fixed-wireless or satellite solutions would be better options. “While fiber-optic infrastructure may be the best option in some communities, particularly higher-density areas, we cannot forget about the importance of other solutions which can offer connectivity in areas unreachable by fiber.” STRENGTHENING AMERICAN LEADERSHIP AND CLOSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE “I was pleased that the notice asked entities applying for BEAD funding to streamline their permitting processes. “Permitting reform is a top priority for this committee. “It is clear that the current permitting regime in the United States, both at the federal and local level, is not equipped to handle the quantity of projects and resources that the BEAD program promises. “This Committee is leading efforts to reform the broadband permitting process in the United States to ensure quicker access to broadband and I look forward to working with you and NTIA to streamline broadband permitting to ensure resources aren’t wasted and communications infrastructure is deployed effectively. “If we fail to take action now, these projects may not be completed within their deadline and could even stop receiving funds before completion. “I look forward to discussing several legislative solutions today to help ensure NTIA is carrying out its mission of strengthening American communications leadership and closing the digital divide. “Thank you, Administrator Davidson for being here, I look forward to the discussion.”

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today announced a subcommittee hearing titled: "Growing the Domestic Energy Sector Supply Chain and Manufacturing Base: Are Federal Efforts Working?"  "President Biden and congressional Democrats gave the Department of Energy hundreds of billions to implement rush-to-green policies that will devastate our economy and eliminate choices for consumers with one size fits all mandates. While we try to mitigate the damage already done, it’s crucial that we stop taxpayer dollars flowing to shell companies with deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party. We have invited both non-governmental experts as well as the Energy Department to testify on how they will prevent our adversaries from strengthening their control of the energy sector supply chain and hope they are all willing to participate in alleviating these concerns.” The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing is titled "Growing the Domestic Energy Sector Supply Chain and Manufacturing Base: Are Federal Efforts Working?" WHAT: A subcommittee hearing to discuss the impact of federal programs and policies on the domestic energy sector supply chain. DATE: Tuesday, May 23, 2023  TIME: 10:30 AM ET LOCATION: 2322 Rayburn House Office Building  WITNESSES: Witnesses will be announced and are by invitation only.  This notice is at the direction of the Chair. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/ . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Lauren Eriksen with the Committee staff at Lauren.Eriksen@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Christopher Krepich at Christopher.Krepich@mail.house.gov . 

Washington, D.C. — Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) delivered the following opening remarks during today’s Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing titled “ Protecting Critical Infrastructure from Cyberattacks: Examining Expertise of Sector Specific Agencies .” Excerpts and highlights below: THREATS TO CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE “Defending our nation’s critical infrastructure from cyberattacks is an increasingly difficult endeavor for federal regulators and cybersecurity experts. “Over the past few years, escalating geopolitical tensions, an uptick in ransomware use, and increased criminal and foreign cyberattack capacity have raised Congress’ concerns. “The increased interconnectedness of critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, pipelines, and wastewater plants, has furthered the proliferation of operational technology monitored by, and connected to, online computer systems which has also heightened risks. “Malicious actors are demonstrating an increasing willingness and growing capacity to execute cyberattacks. “For example, the Director of National Intelligence reported that China is almost certainly capable of launching cyberattacks that could disrupt critical services in the United States and would almost certainly consider doing so if it feared that a major conflict with our nation was imminent. “Russia also remains a top cyber threat and seeks to improve its capabilities to target critical infrastructure. “Also, hacking tools are now widely available to criminal organizations seeking to attack businesses large and small. “’Critical infrastructure’ is a broad term that refers to physical or virtual systems and assets vital to the United States. “Their destruction would debilitate the national economy, public health, or security. “Often used examples include our highways, utilities, dams, food manufacturing facilities, and emergency medical services.” SECTOR SPECIFIC EXPERTISE “According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 2022 Internet Crime Report, of 2,385 reported ransomware attacks, 870 effected critical infrastructure organizations. “Healthcare and public health infrastructure was the most common type of critical infrastructure attacked. “Presidential Policy Directive 21 has previously suggested a national framework on monitoring critical infrastructure. “Under the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, there are currently sixteen defined critical infrastructure sectors. “Each sector is assigned a so-called ‘Sector Risk Management Agency.’ “Importantly, Presidential Policy Directive 21 noted that each critical infrastructure sector possesses unique characteristics and risks, and therefore benefits from the specialized knowledge of federal agencies most familiar with regulating that sector.” OUR EXPERT WITNESSES “Joining us today we have the Department of Energy, which carries out the Sector Risk Management Agency duties for the Energy Sector, composed of electricity, oil, and, natural gas segments, including their production, refining, storage, and distribution facilities. “Nearly every industry depends on electricity and fuel. “In fact, Presidential Policy Directive 21 identified the energy sector as uniquely critical due to its enabling function for all other critical infrastructure sectors. “The Subcommittee welcomes Mr. Puesh Kumar, Director of the Department’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response. “Additionally, we are pleased to have Dr. David Travers from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water. “The EPA serves as the Sector Risk Management Agency for the Water and Wastewater Sector. “Safe drinking water is essential to human health and our nation’s economy, but water systems face increasing threats from malicious actors. “Last, but not least, the Subcommittee welcomes Dr. Brian Mazanec from the Department of Health and Human Service’s Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response that performs the Sector Risk Management Agency role for the Healthcare and Public Health Sector. “This sector encompasses a diverse array of both publicly and privately owned entities, such as healthcare facilities, research centers, and the medical materials supply chain. “Today, we hope to learn more about the emerging cybersecurity challenges that specifically threaten each of these sectors and what actions these agencies are taking to prepare for ever-evolving cyber threats. “Also, much of our nation’s critical infrastructure network includes many non-Federal entities like municipalities and private enterprises. “We hope to learn more about how agencies partner with other system operators to share information and coordinate efforts across their sectors. “We will also examine some of the recent cybersecurity activities at these agencies to identify any legislative opportunities for them to improve their efforts or serve as more effective partners with stakeholders and with those of us in Congress.”