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Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) and Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC) led subcommittee members in a field hearing last week in Moore County, North Carolina, on enhancing America’s grid security and protecting the grid from vulnerabilities, including cyberattacks. Before the hearing, E&C Republicans toured the Duke Energy power substation that was attacked in December—leaving 45,000 homes and businesses without power for five days. America's electrical grid keeps our hospitals, military bases, homes, and businesses powered. We MUST make sure the grid is secure to keep people safe and our economy moving. The North State Journal : Members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce came to Moore County for a Congressional field hearing about securing the nation’s energy grid on Friday, June 16. […] Rep. Richard Hudson, a member of the committee and resident of Southern Pines, called the field hearing essential and the start of a conversation. “This is a day we’ve been looking forward to for a long time. Testimony we hear today will set up a national discussion on grid vulnerability,” Hudson said in his opening statement. WNCN : Congressional leaders listened to testimony from a Duke Energy leader about the December power grid attack in Moore County. The attack crippled the electric grid for days and impacted 45,000 customers in the county. “This is a challenging thing for our whole industry,” Jeff Brooks, spokesperson for Duke Energy said. Brooks said the power company is making changes as grid attackers become more sophisticated. “Ways we can get essential equipment closer to the areas that we need it, to use mobile technology where we can. Plus, any deterrent measures we can in place,” Brooks said. Republican Congressman Richard Hudson lives in Moore County and was part of the hearing. He said adding cameras and walls to substations and bringing grids back online faster are just some solutions. “But that’s not enough,” Hudson said. Fox News’ Special Report with Brett Baier : “Tonight, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is calling for answers after a major cyber intrusion on several government agencies. “Tonight, Democrats and Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee are calling on the Biden administration to brief them on the major cyberattack that hit multiple federal agencies including the Department of Energy, saying saving people's lives and livelihoods are counting on the committee's work to protect critical infrastructure.” […] “The attack happened as the committee headed to North Carolina for a field hearing on securing the nation's power grid. Last December, someone shot up to power substations in Moore County, knocking out power to 45,000 people for days. According to the Energy Department, attacks on the power grid were up 77% nationwide from 2021 to 2022. Lawmakers say private utility companies need to do more to prevent attacks.” […] “Lawmakers are also deeply concerned about the supply chain right now. It could take up to two years to get a replacement transformer.” […] “Republican Congressman Richard Hudson introduced a bill this week that would prohibit the energy secretary from changing energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers for the next five years.” Highlights from Energy and Commerce Committee Members: Subcommittee Chair Duncan : “There have been several grid security incidents that have occurred recently that we are examining as part of our oversight responsibilities. “Within the last year, we have seen electrical transmission substations attacked in Tacoma, WA and here in Moore County. Both of these attacks resulted in blackouts that affected tens of thousands of people for multiple days. “Prior to these incidents, we saw one of the nation’s most critical pipelines, the Colonial Pipeline, suffer a cyberattack that created fuel shortages and price spikes that lasted weeks.” […] “We are also gathering the perspectives of the electric industry and state partners, to learn how we can harden our grid, improve situational awareness, and support response efforts. […] “I look forward to learning more about the substation attack that occurred here in Moore County so I can share lessons learned with the electric utilities and state officials in my home state of South Carolina and with my colleagues back in Washington, D.C.” Rep. Hudson: “Earlier this morning, we toured the Duke Energy West End substation, one of two substations in Moore County that was intentionally attacked on the evening of December 3rd, leaving my house and 45,000 of my neighbors without power for up to ten days. “In the aftermath of the attack, our hospital was impacted, threatening medical treatments, schools were shutdown, businesses were affected, stoplights were dark, gas stations were closed, cell signal was impacted, and water couldn’t be heated. “Our region suffered millions of dollars in damage—and just before the Christmas holiday.” […] “Since this attack occurred, I have been in listening mode. I have heard from constituents, grid operators, community developers, and business owners who have concerns with our grid’s security and resilience—all against the backdrop of historic energy costs. I share these concerns. “That’s why, as I promised in the days following the attack, I have brought Washington to North Carolina today. “I want to show my colleagues not just the numbers and facts of grid security and resilience, but the people personally affected and their experiences.” Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) : “By forcing states to adopt strict and specific spending targets... the funding is not as effective as it can be. One thing that we worry about is that one size fits coming out of Washington. What you do here in North Carolina might not work in Ohio.” […] “We need to hear from people in the states as they make these things work.” […] “My concern is – if we have a coordinated, massive attack, do we have the supply chain out there... because we have a vulnerability out there.” Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN): “In recent years, we’ve all been confronted with just how vulnerable the grid is. Physical, cybersecurity threats, weather events, and a laze of maintenance all contribute to the uncertainty for providers and rate payers.” […] “It’s critically important that private companies work with governmental agencies, including law enforcement.” […] “We’re going to have to reassess critical infrastructure... and make sure there is good coordination to prevent these attacks that could affect not only a large portion of the American people, but our national security.” Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL): “Depending on the time of year, when you knock out a system for a couple weeks, or longer, it’s not just about loss of business opportunities, it’s talking about loss of life.” CLICK HERE to watch the full field hearing. ICYMI: House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Ranking Member Frank Pallone requested briefings from the Biden administration last week following a major global cyberattack that affected several federal agencies, including the Department of Energy.

President Biden wants to control every aspect of our lives—from what kind of cars we can drive, how we can heat our homes, and now how we’re allowed to cook food for our families. Last week, it was reported that the Biden administration is looking to ban gas stoves from American homes across the country. This is just the latest in a long line of power grabs by the radical Left. It's not about public safety, but rather about telling the American people the federal government knows what’s best. Nearly 35% of homes in the U.S. – more than 40 million Americans – use a natural gas stove. That’s why Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and 86 of her House Republican colleagues sent a letter to President Biden demanding the administration reverse any attempts to ban gas stoves. Chair Rodgers also sent a letter to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) echoing these concerns.  Highlights and excerpts from the Fox Business exclusive coverage on the letter to President Biden : Furious lawmakers are calling on President Biden to cease any efforts by his administration to ban natural gas stoves inside Americans' homes. Republicans on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce sent a letter to the president Friday writing in "strong opposition" to reported efforts by regulators to ban natural gas appliances. "This kind of intrusion into the homes of Americans by the federal government as a way of forcing rush-to-green, liberal policies is the ‘nanny state’ at its worst," the Republicans wrote. "Banning natural gas stoves is not about public safety – it is another example of government control; like other policies we have seen from your administration, to tell Americans what kinds of cars they can drive, how they heat their homes, and how to live their lives." The Biden administration caused an uproar over gas stoves earlier this week after a commissioner on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) suggested regulators were considering banning the appliance due to health and safety concerns. From E&E News : House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) is already making plans to bring the issue before her committee. “I’m quite concerned,” Rodgers told E&E News. “I think we need to dig into this more and probably bring them in and ask some questions.” CLICK HERE to read Chair Rodgers’ January 11th statement on President Biden’s plan to ban gas stoves. CLICK HERE to read House Republicans’ January 13th letter to President Biden. CLICK HERE to read Chair Rodgers’ January 13th letter to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Alexander Hoehn-Saric.

President Biden continues to turn to foreign dictators and adversaries for energy, rather than encouraging more oil and gas production here at home. Over the weekend, President Biden  issued permits  to drill oil in Venezuela. Earlier this month, he vowed “ no more drilling ” in the United States. Instead of reversing course on his rush-to-green agenda and war on American energy, President Biden is ceding our global leadership by making it easier for foreign dictators to profit off American consumers and use energy as a weapon. Energy and Commerce Republicans are calling President Biden and his administration out. If they were serious about reducing emissions and helping lower prices for Americans, they would flip the switch and unleash clean, reliable energy production here at home. READ: Key quotes from the  Fox Business  article: Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA):  “Instead of getting serious about flipping the switch for more energy production here in the U.S.—which would help lower energy costs and reduce emissions—the Biden administration continues to cede our global energy leadership to corrupt regimes.  Easing sanctions on Venezuela—a dictatorship allied with Iran—is just the latest example and harkens back to President Biden’s decision to waive sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline , which strengthened Putin and invited the attack on Ukraine. Rather than going hat in hand to our adversaries,  President Biden needs to abandon his war on American energy and join Republican efforts to unleash the abundant energy resources we have right here at home.” Energy Subcommittee Republican Leader Fred Upton (R-MI):  “Our nation needs to center on North American energy resources,  not depend on dictators elsewhere in the world.” Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND):  “They never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. When you do everything you can to stop domestic production, it’s a real problem…  Why would you reward the bad actors and hinder the good actors?” Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH):  “I wasn’t surprised to learn the Biden Administration is turning to Venezuela for oil. The President and his team have repeatedly demonstrated they will beg any nation for oil while consistently restricting energy production here at home. Now is the time for choosing. The world needs energy — American energy. This is a historic opportunity for our leaders to come back to reality and realize that  if we ruin our economy by pursuing these arbitrary ‘rush to green’ goals to achieve this ‘energy transition’ by shutting down our affordable and reliable energy resources, resource-rich rogue nations like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela will fill the void.” Communications and Technology Subcommittee Republican Leader Bob Latta (R-OH):  “Since President Biden’s first day in office, he has made a concerted effort to crush domestic energy production. This effort now includes lifting sanctions on Venezuela’s authoritarian regime and reopening U.S. markets to import oil from Venezuela.  Instead of turning to authoritarian nations to supply our oil and gas, we should be investing in efforts to boost energy sources right here in the U.S.” More from Energy and Commerce Republicans: CLICK HERE  for Energy and Commerce Republicans’ solutions to unleash American energy and help lower prices, reduce emissions, and create more jobs.

He’s Depleted the SPR More Than Every President Combined Since day one in office, President Biden has waged war on American fossil energy. This has led to 40-year high inflation and made everyday life more expensive for people across the board—from the gas pump to the grocery store. To cover up his failed “rush-to-green” agenda, President Biden is depleting our Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). He has sold off more than 200 million barrels—nearly 40 percent of the stockpile—while in office. This is more than all the U.S. presidents in history combined. As a result, the SPR is now at its lowest level since 1984 – and the administration has no plan to refill it. This morning, his administration announced an additional 15 million barrels would be drained from the SPR to bailout Democrats ahead of the midterms, further surrendering both our energy security and national security to countries like Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. BOTTOM LINE:  President Biden is depleting our strategic reserves at a record rate. We’re going to run dangerously low—and be unprepared for a true emergency—if his reckless actions continue. If President Biden was serious about lowering prices across the board—and not just interested in an election year gimmick—he would work with Republicans on solutions to flip the switch for more American energy production. House Republicans on Energy and Commerce have sounded the alarm for months on the administration’s misuse of the Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR), including introducing legislation to reverse course on Biden’s energy crisis. House Democrats have blocked EVERY SINGLE BILL.  Here’s the proof: In  November 2021 , after President Biden released 50 million barrels of crude from the Strategic Petroleum Reserves, E&C Republicans  urged  Biden to work with American energy producers to boost production here – not beg OPEC to pump more oil or coordinate with China on releasing strategic reserves.  In  December 2021 , E&C Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers introduced a bill to require the Secretary of Energy to develop a plan to increase oil and gas production on Federal lands if the president uses our country’s SPR for non-emergency reasons.  Democrats  blocked it  – doubling down on high gas prices and President Biden’s energy crisis. In  February 2022,  Republican Leaders Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Bruce Westerman  introduced  the American Independence from Russia Act which flips the switch to unleash American energy production. It immediately approves the Keystone XL pipeline, removes all restrictions on U.S. LNG exports, restarts oil and gas leasing on our federal lands and offshore waters, and requires DOE to make a plan to replace drawn down oil from the SPR. To date, House Democrats have  BLOCKED  the American Energy Independence from Russia Act  SIX TIMES. In  June 2022 , E&C Republican Leaders Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Fred Upton sent a letter to Secretary Granholm  demanding answers  for the how the administration “is rapidly depleting the nation’s petroleum reserves ahead of elections in November, while failing to establish long-term plans” to replenish the reserves. We received  no reply  from Secretary Granholm. In July 2022, House Republicans   demanded answers from the administration as to why our emergency energy reserves were being sent to foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party, compromising our energy security and national security. Also in  July 2022 , Democrats  blocked  E&C Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ amendment,  introduced by Rep. Jeff Duncan , to stop the Biden administration from selling our strategic energy reserves to China. Democrats would rather send our reserves to communist dictatorships than keep America powered during emergencies. In  September 2022 , E&C Republicans led a resolution of inquiry to hold the Biden administration for draining our SPR, jeopardizing our national security and energy security. E&C Democrats  BLOCKED  our efforts to hold the Biden administration accountable. Today , E&C Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers  called out  the Biden administration’s plans to further drain our strategic reserves. Key excerpt: “Instead of using the SPR for political bailout and empowering America’s adversaries, President Biden should end his war on American energy and join Republican efforts to reclaim our energy dominance.” Don’t miss what E&C Republicans are saying too:

93 Republicans Warn Biden that OPEC+, Including Russia, Wins if He Bans American Oil Exports Washington, D.C. — House Republicans are demanding President Bidenabandon his anti-American energy agenda, including any plans to cut off America’s access to global energy markets by imposing a ban on oil exports. In a new letter, Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), and 91 Republican representatives tell President Biden that banning America’s crude oil and petroleum product exports will make the self-inflicted energy crisis even worse, by hurting American energy workers, increasing gas prices, and further emboldening America’s adversaries, especially Russia.  Recent studies show the benefits of the U.S. exporting crude oil, as well as the harmful impacts of banning the exporting of U.S. petroleum products.  The following are excerpts from House Republicans letter to President Biden:  AN EXPORT BAN HURTS OUR ECONOMY AND SECURITY: “Banning oil exports would destroy American jobs and lead to higher energy prices for the hardworking people of this country already suffering under record high inflation. Furthermore, banning American oil exports would punish our allies in Europe and Asia who desperately seek to reduce their reliance on OPEC and Russia for oil. The only beneficiary of a ban on American oil exports would be Russia, which would gain geopolitical leverage over our allies and additional revenue to finance the unjustified war on Ukraine.” WHY LIFTING THE EXPORT BAN PUT AMERICA FIRST: “In 2015, when Congress passed bipartisan legislation to repeal 1970’s-era restrictions on crude oil exports, it found that ‘the United States upholds a commitment to free trade and open markets and has consistently opposed attempts by other nations to restrict the free flow of energy; and, the United States should remove all restrictions on the export of crude oil, which will provide domestic economic benefits, enhanced energy security, and flexibility in foreign diplomacy.’ Before your Administration took office, the United States emerged as the world’s leading energy producer and a net energy exporter, and American oil production was wisely treated as an arsenal of energy security. Prior to your Administration, and as a direct result of Congress lifting the crude oil export ban, OPEC and Russian power over world oil markets had been substantially diminished, and America’s trading partners had a more stable and reliable supplier for crude oil.” BOTTOM LINE: “ A ban on American crude oil or petroleum product exports would be detrimental to our national security and economy.” Don’t miss this exclusive coverage from FoxNews.com : CLICK HERE to read the full letter.

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans are examining the role of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations behind increasing risks of dangerous blackouts, which jeopardizes Americans’ safety and security. Americans are suffering enough from record high and unaffordable costs created by President Biden’s energy crisis. They deserve and need every assurance their air conditioning will come on this summer and heat will come on in the winter to keep their families safe. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and other grid authorities say these blackouts are likely this summer and warn of increasing risks in the future. These threats come as the Biden administration continues its rush-to-green agenda to shut down American fossil energy and leave the nation dependent upon intermittent and unreliable sources that strain the electrical grid. In the letter from the members to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, the members demand to know how the EPA’s regulatory actions are affecting America’s both immediate and long-term grid reliability. In particular, they question the Biden administration’s radical “EGU Strategy” in its climate agenda and how that will affect America’s energy reliability. This oversight letter follows letters sent to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Department of Energy (DOE) on June 6, 2022, where the members called on the agencies to “assure reliability in the bulk power system and the affordable, reliable delivery of electricity.” EXCERPT FROM LETTER TO EPA: “We believe the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should also account for its plans and actions to help us assess factors behind both the immediate and the long-term risks to electric reliability across the nation. “In recent months, you announced a suite of EPA actions to target fossil fueled electric generating units, an ‘EGU Strategy,’ to drive the Biden Administrations climate agenda. This ‘EGU strategy’ includes many major new regulations now under development or proposed – the Interstate Transport Rule, Regional Haze, Risk and Technology Review for the Mercury Air Toxics Rule, a new set of greenhouse gas performance standards, effluent limitations, and a legacy coal combustion residue rule—all of which directly affect power plants that are essential for reliable electric operations. “We are concerned that EPA actions threaten to accelerate fossil generation retirements, at the very same time electric system operators report growing shortfalls in such baseload capacity will accelerate blackout risks.” The members make several requests of Administrator Regan, including the following: Describe what specific actions you are taking or are prepared to take to address energy or electricity emergencies this summer in the bulk power system. List all waivers or other emergency actions you are considering or have taken over the past two years in connection with electricity reliability. List all regulatory actions you are considering or have taken over the past two years to alleviate electricity reliability risks. List and provide a description of all interactions with the Department of Energy concerning potential and proposed rulemakings and enforcement activity that may affect the reliable delivery of electricity. List and provide a description of all interactions with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission concerning potential and proposed rulemakings and enforcement activity that may affect the reliable delivery of electricity. List and provide a description of all interactions with states concerning potential and proposed rulemakings and enforcement activity that may affect the reliable delivery of electricity. List and provide a description of all interactions with the Independent System Operators, and states concerning potential and proposed rulemakings and enforcement activity that may affect the reliable delivery of electricity. In developing its reported “EGU Strategy” to “marry a range of authorities” to regulate the power sector, has EPA evaluated the cumulative impact of the strategy in accelerating plant closures? If so, please provide us with these assessments. How will the June 30 Supreme Court decision in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency affect your “EGU Strategy” to regulate sources in the power sector? Regarding the proposed Transport Rule [Federal Implementation Plan], what specific statutory provisions authorize EPA to impose a federal plan that effectively overrides the electric power sector planning authorities in 26 states? CLICK HERE to read the letter to Administrator Regan. CLICK HERE to read Fox News' exclusive report on the letter.

The consequences of President Biden’s attack on American energy production and jobs continues. Among the latest? It’s a North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) assessment warning that “more than half the nation will be at elevated risk of power outages this summer." As Energy and Commerce Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) said: “People are suffering enough from record high and unaffordable costs created by President Biden’s energy crisis. They deserve and need every assurance their lights and air conditioning will come on this summer to keep themselves and their families safe.” That’s why every Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee sent a letter to Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) demanding specific plans for how the Biden administration plans to prepare for and prevent dangerous and life-threatening blackouts. READ this exclusive Fox News coverage: President Biden’s rush-to-green scheme is hurting America’s energy reliability. As the article points out, “the power outage warnings from NERC come as the Biden administration makes a heavy push toward a green energy transition.” Just yesterday, President Biden used an emergency power, the Defense Production Act, to embolden the Chinese Communist Party. Here’s what Energy and Commerce Republican Leader McMorris Rodgers had to say about Biden’s pro-China, anti-American energy actions: “President Biden is undermining the ongoing investigation by the Department of Commerce into allegations that Chinese solar companies are circumventing lawfully imposed trade penalties on Chinese solar panels. The Biden administration’s announcement amounts to a two-year amnesty for the Chinese Communist Party for any violations of our trade laws relating to solar panel imports. This action will help China, and harm American solar panel manufacturers and American workers. “ The Biden Administration’s expansive use of emergency authorities under the DPA is less about strengthening national security and more about subsidizing an anti-American energy resource agenda, that will undermine the affordable, reliable energy we need for a secure future. “America needs to flip the switch on American energy and secure our energy resources. Rather than emboldening China and shutting down American resources, President Biden should be prioritizing America’s vast energy and critical mineral resources to lower prices and secure our supply chains. ”

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and 106 of her House Republican colleagues are demanding that President Biden and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) answer vital questions on the baby formula shortage in the United States. In a letter to the administration, the members are seeking a clear plan from President Biden on how he will address this national crisis. Check out the exclusive coverage of the letter from FOX News : “Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee led a letter with 106 GOP lawmakers to the White House and the FDA commissioner Robert M. Califf Wednesday seeking data on the nationwide shortages and demanding answers as to what the administration is doing to address the empty store shelves. “‘This issue is a matter of life and death, and it is time this administration treats it with the appropriate urgency it deserves,’ the lawmakers wrote in a letter obtained first by Fox News Digital.” “Parents across the nation have been panicked and desperate as supply disruptions and a massive safety recall by manufacturer Abbott have created widespread shortages. For the first week of May, the nationwide out-of-stock percentage for baby formula rose to 43% , according to Datasembly, which tracks product data for retailers. That's up from 30% at the start of April.” With Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik and her Republican colleagues, E&C Republican Leader Rodgers also advocated for parents at a press conference today. For parents who are unable to find formula and paying record-high prices, Leader Rodgers urged the Biden administration to reverse its inflation, supply chain, and energy crises that are making this shortage worse. WATCH: Moms & dads should be able to walk into the grocery store and find the formula their baby needs. They shouldn’t have to drive hours paying record-high gas prices—only to find more empty shelves. President Biden and the FDA can and must do more. It’s a matter of life and death. pic.twitter.com/YJOCIAOZht — CathyMcMorrisRodgers (@cathymcmorris) May 12, 2022 “In Washington state, moms, support groups, nurses, have been telling me that this [baby formula] shortage is the biggest crisis that they have faced as they face the shortage of baby formula. “Families are turning to the internet because they are so desperate. It is extremely dangerous. “Moms and dads should be able to walk into the grocery store and find the formula their baby needs. They shouldn’t have to drive hours paying record-high gas prices, only to find more empty shelves. “They shouldn’t have to be rationing formula to keep their babies fed. “Some families rely on specific formula – they can’t simply grab whatever is in stock. I talked with one mom who has a baby with allergies and it’s extremely difficult. It’s like playing Russian roulette as she goes to the store. “President Biden and the FDA must do more. This is a matter of life or death.” “What will it take for the Biden administration to reverse its inflation, supply chain, and energy crises that are making this shortage worse? “On the Energy and Commerce Committee and our colleagues in the conference, we are asking the questions. “We’ve been raising the alarm to President Biden for months. We’ve been seeing the empty shelves. We’ve been seeing the rising costs on families. “We also have concerns about the Abbott recall and how it is impacting shortages. “On behalf of every parent and caregiver who is unsure as to whether they will be able to feed their children, we need answers and we need accountability.” CLICK HERE to read the letter to President Biden and FDA Commissioner Califf. CLICK HERE to watch today’s press conference.

Revoking Title 42 Will Worsen the Biden Border Crisis There is a humanitarian crisis, a national security crisis, and a public health crisis at our southern border and the Biden administration is responsible . President Biden has sent a clear message: our southern border is open, and you should come.    We're now facing the consequences of the administration’s policies and rhetoric as illegal drug seizures and illegal border crossings hit all-time highs—and continue to surge. Instead of securing the southern border and addressing these crises, the Biden administration just announced their disastrous decision to rescind Title 42.     The decision serves as another incentive from the administration to illegally immigrate and allows more  drugs like fentanyl into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warned the Biden administration that they are preparing for up to 18,000 crossings per day. In an Energy and Commerce hearing last December, a Biden administration official CONFIRMED that the southern border is primarily how fentanyl is getting into the United States. In fact, the Drug Enforcement Administration sent a letter to federal, state, and local law enforcement partners warning of a nationwide spike in fentanyl-related mass-overdose events.   The Biden administration knows its open border agenda is harmful to the security and the safety of communities across the country.    Energy and Commerce Republicans are pushing for answers and urging President Biden to secure our southern border and give law enforcement the tools they need to stop the scourge of illegal drugs, including illicit fentanyl.    “Now, the one last remaining tool that the Biden administration had to have some kind of semblance of border security, he is taking away. So when the White House and Mayorkas say, ‘Oh, we have a plan,” I know what their plan is: open the border totally.”  - Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ) “I’ve been down to the southern border ... As more migrants cross the border, there’s more opportunity to smuggle and bring fentanyl into the country. If they take away [Title] 42, it’s going to bring more migrants, more fentanyl coming across.”  - Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) More from E&C Republicans: