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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 hearing titled  Winning Off the Field: Legislative Proposal to Stabilize NIL and College Athletics. Subcommittee Chairman Bilirakis' opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Good morning, everyone, and welcome to our legislative hearing on Name, Image, and Likeness in college athletics.  “I want to thank our witnesses for being here today. Your experience and insight are critical as we navigate what is arguably one of the most transformative moments in the history of college sports.  “In recent years, we’ve seen a dramatic shift in how college athletes engage with their sports, their schools, and their personal brands. The recent House v. NCAA settlement represents more than just a court decision — it marks a fundamental change in how college athletics will operate going forward. The timing couldn’t be more appropriate for legislative action. “That’s why I am leading the SCORE Act — the Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements Act — a comprehensive, commonsense discussion draft that reflects months of dialogue with student-athletes, athletic directors, conference leaders, and the NCAA.  “This is not just another proposal; it's a targeted solution designed to bring predictability, fairness, and long-term balance to a system that has rapidly evolved without structure. “The SCORE Act is built around three core principles:  Clarity: by establishing a national standard that replaces the current patchwork of state laws Stability: by setting reasonable guardrails around the transfer portal and NIL deals to protect both athletes and programs, and Support: by ensuring benefits like scholarship protections and financial literacy programs are not optional but expected. “For too long, student-athletes have operated in a gray area, empowered in some ways but exposed in others. The current model lacks the transparency and consistency that both athletes and institutions need. The SCORE Act brings that balance. “And while today’s hearing is just the beginning of a broader tri-committee process, with the Committees on Judiciary and Education & Workforce, it’s an important step. We are not here to micromanage college sports. We are here to put forward a framework that strengthens it — that ensures athletes can succeed on the field without losing sight of their futures off of it. “I am proud of the work this subcommittee has done on this issue, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this across the finish line. And Go Gators!” ###

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 hearing titled  Winning Off the Field: Legislative Proposal to Stabilize NIL and College Athletics . “College athletics are a central part of American culture. We have heard from student-athletes and universities alike that we need a national framework, which is why we will be introducing and discussing the Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act,”  said Chairman Guthrie and Bilirakis.  “Stability, clarity, and transparency will be central to creating clear guardrails that support student-athletes and preserve the core educational mission of these schools.” Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing titled  Winning Off the Field: Legislative Proposal to Stabilize NIL and College Athletics WHAT:  Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing on stabilizing NIL and College Athletics DATE:  Thursday, June 12, 2025 TIME:  10:00 AM ET LOCATION:  2123 Rayburn House Office Building This notice is at the direction of the Chairmen. 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 . ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, led a hearing titled AI Regulation and the Future of US Leadership .  “Our task is to protect our citizens and ensure that we don’t cede U.S. AI leadership. Much of the AI marketplace is comprised of small start-ups looking to get a foothold in this revolutionary space,” said Chairman Bilirakis. “And heavy-handed regulations may ensure that the next great American company never makes it. If we fail in this task, we risk ceding American leadership in AI to China, which is close on our heels.”  Watch the full hearing here .   Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01): “In the face of Chinese progress in emerging technologies, I'm concerned about the US's ability to maintain its leadership position, if in fact we still have one – I’d like to get your opinion on that – in an AI race. Especially if we were to follow the European approach, which I don't see us doing, or allow a patchwork of AI rules to develop across the various states. So with that, if you could just share, are you confident? Are we still in the lead in AI? And can we continue to maintain the edge in AI technology over China on this path?” Mr. Bhargava: “Yes, I believe the US does still have a lead, but many of the Chinese models are 85 to 90% of the way there to where the cutting-edge US models are. So I'd say it's not a major lead, but we certainly do have a lead from a technology perspective of most of the evaluations of AI models done.” Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23): “As the Chairman of the House AI Task Force last year, and as someone who saw this group of 24 members of Congress from both sides all come together on this issue, it really hurts my heart that it's being painted as such a divisive, partisan issue because I don't think it is. You know, the assertions have been made that this was a last-minute thing and ‘in the dead of night.’ I think someone used the phrase ‘it was inserted,’ but I want to talk about the motivation here. It's been very alarming, as we have seen in the first 5 months of this year go by, the number of bills introduced on the topic of AI regulation in state legislatures across the country. Over 1,000 now have been introduced and this is what's lending urgency to this issue.” Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15): “Artificial intelligence is not just the technology of the future. It is already transforming the way that we live, work, and govern, and it is reshaping nearly every sector of our economy. The question before us is not whether to act, it is how to act wisely. So as policy makers, we have two responsibilities. One is to protect the public from real risks, but second, to ensure that American innovation continues to lead the world. Those goals are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the right policy framework can achieve both, so I appreciate you all being here today to help us strike that balance.” ###

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 hearing titled AI Regulation and the Future of US Leadership. Subcommittee Chairman Bilirakis' opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Thank you to everyone, especially our witnesses, for joining us for today’s hearing on 'AI Regulation and the Future of U.S. Leadership.' “At the outset, I want to recognize Ranking Member Schakowsky, as this is our first Subcommittee hearing since she announced her retirement. She’s been a welcome partner over the last four-and-a-half years. Together, we were able to secure better safety precautions for women with the FAIR Crash Tests Act. During the pandemic, we worked tirelessly to support the travel and tourism industry at a time of unprecedented challenges. This bond culminated in the TICKET Act, which strengthens consumer protections in the ticketing marketplace. Congress and E&C won’t be the same without Ranking Member Schakowsky, but her legacy will be long remembered. “Since the public release of ChatGPT, AI has become a household name. AI products and services are being developed at breakneck speed, delivering new innovations to consumers. These technologies can revolutionize the economy, drive economic growth, and improve our way of life. Like every technology, however, AI can be weaponized when it is in the wrong hands. Thankfully, AI is already regulated by longstanding laws that protect consumers. Because of the great potential of these technologies, Congress must be careful when we impose additional obligations on AI developers and deployers. “Our task is to protect our citizens and ensure that we don’t cede U.S. AI leadership. Much of the AI marketplace is comprised of small start-ups looking to get a foothold in this revolutionary space. And heavy-handed regulations may ensure that the next great American company never makes it. If we fail in this task, we risk ceding American leadership in AI to China, which is close on our heels. “Other economies are also eager to write the global AI rulebook, often to their own detriment and the detriment of American leadership. The E.U. recently enacted its own 'AI Act.' While it is still being implemented, the E.U.’s complex law suffers from many of the innovation-chilling effects we saw with the GDPR. We must also keep a close watch on whether Europe uses the AI Act and other regulations to unfairly target American companies. “We’re here today to determine how Congress can support the growth of an industry that is key for American competitiveness and jobs, without losing the race to write the global AI rulebook. Our witnesses today will help us understand how we achieve that dream. “I want to thank the witnesses for being here and I look forward to your testimony.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Chairman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, announced a hearing titled AI Regulation and the Future of US Leadership . “Burdensome and conflicting AI legislation stifles innovation and undermines the success of entrepreneurs. Europe is seeing the effects of their heavy-handed regulations, as they continue to fall further behind on cutting-edge technologies,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis. “We look forward to considering a pro-innovation agenda that encourages the development and deployment of AI at scale at home and supports U.S. AI leadership abroad.” Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing titled AI Regulation and the Future of US Leadership WHAT: Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing on ensuring a pro-innovation AI regulatory environment. DATE: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 TIME: 10:15 AM ET LOCATION: 2322 Rayburn House Office Building This notice is at the direction of the Chairmen. 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 . ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, led a hearing titled The World Wild Web: Examining Harms Online . “Our increasingly digital world continually presents new threats and challenges, especially to our children. I remain focused on addressing the clear risks facing the most vulnerable and want to ensure they are not being exploited by bad actors online,” said Chairman Bilirakis. “Today, we held an important discussion that I hope will be an important beginning to developing bipartisan consensus around legislation to protect Americans, including our children, from threats in the online world. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this urgent priority across the finish line.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing : Congressman Rus Fulcher (ID-01): “Mr. Chairman, I have to admit I might be a little bit confused if I’m in the right committee hearing. We’ve somehow seemed to have got sidetracked into a presidential branch personnel discussions and food prices, so I do have some questions, but they have to do with kids online safety and, uh, and, and that subject matter. Am I in the right place? Do I have that subject matter correct?” Chairman Bilirakis: “Correct.” Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03): “Today’s hearing, the ‘World Wild Web, Examining Harms Online’ could not be more timely. From exploitation to manipulation, we know that the internet has become a breeding ground for serious threats, especially to those most vulnerable – our kids. I want to begin by personally apologizing to the parents and the guests here in the committee room today for the behavior of some of my colleagues. We’re here to focus on kids and the issue at hand, not play liberal catchphrase, talk about food prices, or talk about billionaires. Anything that deviates from that is politically motivated and it is disgusting. And I am so sorry that you are in this room, championing this issue because you have had an experienced tragedy in your family. I am so very sorry.” Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07): “There is a reason why Democrats are viewed by the American people at an all-time low. It’s because they can’t keep the main thing, the main thing. We are here today, to be clear, 100%. Everyone knew the assignment when we got into this hearing room ahead of time. We are here to talk about children’s safety online. And all I hear from the other side is rantings and ravings about the FTC. If you want to talk about the FTC, go do a one-minute speech on the House floor. You want to talk about the FTC, have a press conference. Here, we are here to talk about children. But they can’t seem to get it, and that’s why they’re viewed deeply unpopular by the American people right now. In fact, the witness from the FTC spent 4 of her 5 minutes talking about how she was fired and not the actual subject why we’re here. So that’s frustrating to me, that there’s broad bipartisan consensus on a lot of this stuff, and we’re here to examine that on ways that we can advance sensible policy.” ###

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 hearing titled The World Wild Web: Examining Harms Online . “Our increasingly digital world continually presents new threats and challenges, especially to our children. Congress must continue to address risks facing the most vulnerable and take steps to help ensure they are not being exploited by bad actors online,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis. “We are looking forward to this important discussion and hope this leads to bipartisan consensus around legislation to protect Americans, including our children, from threats in the online world.”     Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing titled The World Wild Web: Examining Harms Online     WHAT : Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing on online dangers to children.     DATE : Wednesday, March 26, 2025  TIME : 10:00 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 livestreamed online at energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning this hearing, please contact Alex Khlopin at Alex.Khlopin@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Daniel Kelly at Daniel.Kelly@mail.house.gov .  ### 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade led a hearing titled Moving the Goalposts: How NIL is Reshaping College Athletics . “Student athletes have the right to benefit from use of their name, image and likeness (NIL) but the rapid evolution of NIL has created a chaotic and unpredictable system,” said Chairman Bilirakis. “During today’s Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee hearing, we discussed ways to stabilize the NIL environment and ensure the well-being of student athletes while preserving the integrity of college sports. We look forward to advancing this important priority.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Representative Jay Obernolte (CA-23): “When I was in college, I played on the Caltech football team. Go Beavers! But then later in my life, I got into video game development, and my company did the development of NCAA College Football for EA Sports in 1998 and 1999. I remember vividly having the argument of ‘why can't we use the student athletes' names in the game?’ They told us that we could use your number. We could use your stats. We could make a player that looked vaguely like you, but not too much like you. And I remember saying, ‘this is completely stupid because everybody loses!’ The student athletes lose because they're not allowed to get compensated. We as game designers lose because we're not allowed to design a game around the athletes as we wanted to. The players of the game lose because they're not allowed to see the players that they love and recognize in the games that they bought. So, we have an opportunity here to create a system where everybody wins. And if we create a system where someone loses, then we’re not doing our jobs right.” Representative Diana Harshbarger (TN-01): “I got a lot of worries about this NIL. I have two grandsons coming up. They love football, basketball, the whole nine yards. I worry about the number of times they can go through the portal. I worry about the agents and the collectives. Is there standardization? Do they need to have some type of accreditation? I worry about no limit on outside money.” Representative Tom Kean (NJ-07): “As the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, NIL has created new opportunities for student athletes, also raising concerns about fairness, recruitment, and the role of higher education in sports. As we consider federal legislation, it is critical that we strike the right balance, ensuring that athletes can benefit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), preserving the integrity of college athletics and keeping competition fair for all schools, including those in New Jersey.” ###

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 hearing titled  Moving the Goalposts: How NIL is Reshaping College Athletics. Subcommittee Chairman Bilirakis' opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Good morning and thank you to our witnesses for being here. I’m really excited to hold this hearing today on the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness—commonly known as NIL—and its impact on college athletics.   “In just a few years, college athletics has fundamentally reshaped the lives of student-athletes who can now benefit from their NIL. Before 2021, athletes were barred from profiting off of their own NIL, but in response to legal challenges and a Supreme Court decision, the NCAA ended those restrictions, finally giving our student-athletes their much-deserved ability to earn compensation for their brand and God given talent. “However, the absence of a preemptive uniform standard has led to a 'Wild West' environment where, sadly, our student athletes are put in vulnerable positions where they can easily be exploited by those who do not have their best interests in mind. I’ve heard awful stories of student athletes signing deals without having been given full explanations for how their deal would impact their long-term finances and livelihood.   “This lack of structure has also allowed NIL collectives, who are often affiliated with universities but operating independently, to turn NIL into a pay-for-play system. Instead of being used for legitimate business opportunities, NIL deals are frequently given out as recruiting inducements, with little transparency or oversight. “I’m also concerned about the transfer portal. All of us want to make sure student athletes have the freedom to make the best collegiate and educational decisions for themselves and for their future. “But this current system is not workable as athletes are entering the portal at an unprecedented rate, sometimes multiple times in their careers with a hope, but not a guarantee, for something better. “I’m sure we have all heard the stories of student athletes being encouraged to transfer schools based on promises of NIL money that never materializes. Others transfer expecting better playing time, only to find themselves in a worse situation. This revolving-door system has created instability for both athletes and the programs they leave behind, with many student-athletes ending up without a clear academic or athletic path. “We often focus on NIL and the business side of college athletics, but we must remember that these are still student athletes—young men and women who are supposed to be receiving an education that prepares them for a life beyond sports. Yet, too many are making life-altering financial and academic decisions without the proper guidance. “Some are signing NIL deals without understanding tax and legal implications. Others are transferring from school to school without receiving the academic support they need to graduate.  “If we are serious about protecting student-athletes, we need to ensure they have the resources and education necessary to navigate this new era successfully.  That’s why I’m so glad to have Emily and Anthony with us today. Thank you for sharing your stories as student athletes and how you were able to traverse this complex environment. It gives all student athletes the chance to learn and better themselves.  “That brings me to a point I really want to drive home. We are working on this issue, not to put one school over another, even though, and cover your ears, Coach Beamer, I would love to see my Florida Gators hoist that championship trophy again soon. “No, we are doing this for the student athletes, for the young men and women who advance to college so that they can continue playing the sports they love and use that experience to help them succeed throughout their lives. “So, it is crucial we establish a preemptive standard that protects student-athletes but also doesn’t endanger the many sports programs that we don’t see on ESPN or that bring in billions of dollars. “This is too important of an issue to get wrong, so I look forward to a thoughtful discussion and working toward solutions that support both student-athletes and the long-term future of college sports. “With that, I yield back.” ###