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WASHINGTON, D.C.  – The following op-ed by Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL) appeared in the Bismarck Tribune this week. “Our health care system is broken, and North Dakotans know it. “The law that was supposed to make things better—the Affordable Care Act (ACA)—has not lived up to its name. “‘If you like your plan, you can keep it,’ leaders assured us. “‘A typical family will save up to $2,500 a year,’ they promised. “‘The ACA will help bring down health care costs and even reduce the deficit,’ they claimed. “Fifteen years later, none of that matches what North Dakotans have lived. Instead, we pay higher premiums and have fewer choices. And Washington is trying to hide the true costs with more and more subsidies instead of fixing the underlying problem. “The latest debate in Congress is over something called the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits. You’ve probably heard about these temporary credits and how they’re set to expire on January 1, 2026. Here’s what you’re not hearing: “First, the original Affordable Care Act subsidies do not expire. That support remains in law for everyone who qualifies, including the majority of the 42,000 North Dakotans who used the exchange last year. “What’s being debated now are the temporary extra subsidies Democrats added during COVID to make the credits more generous and expand eligibility to people earning beyond 400 percent of the federal poverty level. In North Dakota, that means a family of four earning over $125,000 a year. “From the beginning, Democrats wrote these enhanced subsidies to expire. Now, many of those same lawmakers are exasperated by the expiration date they set themselves! “Second, making these temporary subsidies permanent is  enormously expensive : $350 billion over the next 10 years. And despite that massive taxpayer investment, experience proves just one thing: Americans will continue to pay more—a lot more—for health care. “Since the enhanced credits were enacted in 2021, insurance companies have raised premiums by 31 percent nationally. “Third, these payments don’t show up in your wallet to buy down the cost of your healthcare. This money goes directly to insurance companies, with no requirement that it’s used to reduce prices or improve care. “Lastly, massive fraud plagues this program. ‘Phantom Enrollees’—people enrolled on paper but who have zero claims—now make up roughly 35 percent of marketplace enrollees. National insurance companies get paid for millions of nonexistent ‘phantom’ patients, while North Dakota farm families and small business owners continue to pay rising premiums. This makes no sense. “Some in Washington celebrate all this and call it ‘affordable.’ North Dakotans know better. Pouring more taxpayer money into a program every year to make it look affordable, isn’t affordable at all. “Clearly, we need an off ramp from these massive payouts to insurance companies. They aren’t working. So, what are the alternatives? “Republicans have been working for years on reforms to drive down costs, increase transparency, and put patients back in charge. In fact, we passed several improvements in the Working Families Tax Cut plan (One Big Beautiful Bill) earlier this year. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), our House-passed reforms to crack down on fraud and support cost sharing reductions would have reduced ACA premiums by nearly 13 percent and saved taxpayers more than $130 billion over 10 years. Sadly, Democrats stripped these out of the final bill in the Senate. These reforms are a good starting point. “Importantly, we should direct tax credits to individuals, not insurance companies, and strengthen direct-to-patient tools like Health Savings Accounts and flexible spending accounts. Let’s put families back in the driver seat of their own care and encourage healthier decisions. “And while we work toward these fundamental changes, we have other bipartisan reforms ready to go: Price transparency legislation—including the Lower Prices, More Transparency Act—which passed the House last year to give patients clear information to compare costs and quality.   Comprehensive PBM reform to end practices that drive up drug prices.   Patent reform to increase the number of lower-cost generic medications available to patients.   340B reform to direct discounts to patients and strengthen the rural hospitals the program was designed to support.   Prior authorization reform to stop unnecessary delays that prevent patients from getting timely care. “North Dakotans, and Americans everywhere, are fed up with our health care system. It’s time for all stakeholders in the system, and leaders in Washington, to move beyond the superficial talking points to real reforms that make health care affordable.”   ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, delivered remarks on the House floor regarding H.R. 3109, the Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining (REFINER) Act, to increase American refining capacity, unleash American energy, and lower prices for consumers. Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on H.R. 3109, the Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining (REFINER) Act, as prepared for delivery: “The American economy is fueled by petrochemical refineries, providing affordable diesel and gasoline to families, critical inputs for our manufacturers, and products imperative for the maintenance of our defense systems. “The national security component of a viable refining industry cannot be understated, and we must not forfeit these essential supply chains. “Under the previous administration, we saw the impact of an energy retreat: higher prices for families and businesses, emboldened adversaries, sluggish economies, and increasing reliance on other nations. “Unfortunately, that is still the case in states like California where a hostile regulatory environment has forced refineries to reduce operations. In fact, the Golden State is expected to lose 17 percent of its capacity in the next year. “This has led to average gasoline prices of nearly $5 dollars per gallon, increased fuel dependence on Asian producers, and jeopardized the fuel supply chain of military installations in the state. “We must not let this become the status quo across the country. “H.R. 3109 requires the National Petroleum Council to collect and examine information regarding the role of petrochemical refineries in the United States, and their contributions to affordability, security, and reliability. “The report will assess opportunities to expand capacity, as well as current risks to refineries. “H.R. 3109 will provide DOE and Congress the information we need to enact policies that deliver affordable, reliable, and clean energy to all Americans. “I thank Representative Latta, the Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee, for his leadership on this issue. “I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 3109. “According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, global demand for liquid fuels is set to increase by about 20 million barrels per day by 2050. “To ensure prices remain low for consumers, high-value refined goods are available for our global partners, and inputs for our nation’s defense systems are available, we must recognize what it will take to fulfill that demand increase. “We are in an age of energy expansion, and we must implement policies that allow America to produce, refine, and export energy to global customers. “I urge my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 3109, and I yield back.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, delivered remarks on the House floor in support of H.R. 1949, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act, to remove unnecessary export controls on LNG, strengthen the domestic economy, and increase the energy security of the United States and our allies. Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on H.R. 1949, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act, as prepared for delivery: “In February 2016, the first cargo of U.S. LNG set sail from the lower 48, making the United States a natural gas exporter for the first time since the 1960s. “Since then, exports have increased from 0.5 billion cubic feet per day in 2016 to nearly 12 billion cubic feet per day in 2024, making the U.S. the global leader in LNG in less than a decade. “U.S. LNG has played an undeniably important role in providing affordable, abundant, and clean energy to the world. “This could not have been more evident than in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, disrupting global commodity markets and leaving Europe without secure access to energy. “Immediately, US producers began sending cargoes of American gas to the continent to fuel their economies and heat their homes, helping some of our most important global allies. “However, in January 2024 the Biden-Harris Administration announced an illegal and indefinite ban on new export authorizations, all in the name of vaguely stated climate change goals. “Current law is clear, requiring a statutory presumption in favor of exports are in the public interest. “Plus, the vast majority of studies show that not only do LNG exports bolster our energy security, they also help maintain low domestic natural gas prices for Americans. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s action not only jeopardized our European allies, it threatened the faith and credibility of American companies’ contracts, emboldened Russia and other nefarious actors, and created uncertainty for domestic producers of natural gas. “H.R. 1949, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act, would ensure this catastrophic policy decision is never made again by removing DOE from the statutory authorization process. “This legislation maintains the President’s authority to impose sanctions on foreign governments, prohibiting imports or exports if justified. “Free trade, open markets, and competition have resulted in the U.S. emerging as a global energy superpower, and lifting these restrictions will help maintain this dominance at a time it is needed most. I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 1949. “The American people have made it clear that we cannot heed the calls of radical environmental activists putting politics over people. “The United States is blessed with enormous gas reserves, more than sufficient to meet rising global demand while also serving our domestic markets. “This bill will create American jobs, help our allies around the world, and maintain low-cost natural gas for American families and businesses. “I urge all my colleagues to support this bill and I yield back.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, led a hearing titled Daylight and Destinations: Examining Time, Travel, and Tourism. “Travel and tourism are vital engines for local communities across the country and for our national economy. During this week’s CMT hearing, we discussed the importance of programs such as Brand USA and how Congress can strengthen the travel and tourism industries,”  said Chairman Bilirakis. “We also examined a range of perspectives on Daylight Saving Time—a practice that touches nearly every American and merits careful evaluation. Our discussion focused on its real-world impacts and the factors Congress must consider as we assess potential reforms. It was a productive and insightful dialogue.” Watch the full hearing here. Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congressman Tom Kean (NJ-07): “Miss Maietta, the state of New Jersey is pleased to host eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The hospitality industry is critical to hosting these important matches. Could you please share how the hospitality industry is preparing for these highly anticipated events?” Ms. Rosanna Maietta: “We are accustomed to holding and hosting big events all the time, but of course, bringing in so many people at the same time does present some unique challenges, but also opportunities. Right now, our industry is working very closely with law enforcement, city officials, and all stakeholders involved to ensure that we are prepared. I would encourage those lines of communication to stay open. Thank you for serving on the [2026 FIFA World Cup] Caucus. We commend the administration for setting up task forces around these events to ensure that they go off without a hitch.” Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07): “We have roughly 790,000 people that live in the district, but every year the Myrtle Beach area sees 18 million come to our area. If you take it proportionally, there are 20 visitors for every one resident. Tourism in the Grand Strand generates tens of billions of dollars in economic impact and supports tens of thousands of jobs. In the district, we talk about tourism, but we’re really talking about the livelihoods of the folks that I represent.” Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08): “What happens at the local level when a hotel or some other sort of lodging venue closes? Can you speak on the impact that that has on a local economy?” Ms. Maietta: “Operating costs have risen four times faster than revenue in the last five years. What we are seeing is small businesses—our industry is primarily made up of small businesses—simply can’t afford to stay open. So, we’ve seen closures, and that impacts jobs and the local community that relies on the hotel to create more economic flow.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement following the House passage of H.R. 3109, the REFINER Act, led by Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05) and H.R.1949, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act, led by Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11). Both pieces of legislation passed the House with bipartisan support: the REFINER Act, passed by a vote of 230 Yeas to 176 Nays, and the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act by a vote of 217 Yeas to 188 Nays. “By unleashing American energy, House Republicans are leading the way to support our nation’s energy security, strengthen our grid, and lower prices for hard-working families,” said Chairman Guthrie. “The REFINER Act will help to ensure our refineries are being used effectively to produce the oil, gas, and other critical feedstocks we rely upon while the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act expands American energy production and infrastructure by removing U.S. LNG export restrictions, which the Biden-Harris Administration politicized and abused.” “Today, House Republicans secured another commonsense solution to continue our success in bringing down energy costs and fuel our economy. The House passed the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act and the REFINER Act to deregulate, evaluate, and expand our capabilities so we can harness the full potential of American energy,” said Speaker Johnson. “These measures advance more of President Trump’s executive orders and energy dominance agenda to increase American energy production, create jobs, strengthen national security, and secure reliable, affordable energy to power America’s homes, businesses, and economy.” “As energy demand grows, we have to ensure our refining capacity grows with it to maintain America’s energy dominance,” said Chairman Latta. “The REFINER Act will provide the data and insight needed to guide decisions that reinforce our energy infrastructure and help keep fuel costs low for American families. I thank my House colleagues for supporting and passing my bill and urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation as soon as possible,” “Today's House passage of my Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act is another major victory in achieving American energy dominance. My legislation reforms the broken, politically weaponized approval process so we can streamline permitting for exporting LNG once and for all,” said Congressman Pfluger. “It's simple: Exporting American LNG strengthens our economy, stabilizes prices, drives much-needed investment in energy infrastructure, and bolsters the energy security of our global partners. I thank my colleagues for supporting this critical legislation, and I urge its swift passage in the Senate under Senator Scott's strong leadership.” Background on H.R. 3109: Over the last several years, our nation’s refining capacity has shrunk due to onerous Federal and State policies that make it prohibitively difficult to operate. From 2020 to 2022, refining capacity in the United States decreased by more than one million barrels of fuel per day, and the number of refineries dropped from 135 to 128. The REFINER Act would require the National Petroleum Council to collect and examine critical information regarding the role of petrochemical refineries in the U.S., and their contributions to energy security, reliability, and affordability. The report must analyze opportunities to expand capacity, as well as current risks to refineries, including negative policy impacts. Background on H.R. 1949: In January 2024, President Biden announced an indefinite ban on the issuance of export permits to non-FTA countries while it conducted a review to consider the “climate impacts” of natural gas exports. This politically motivated ban threatened the American economy, discouraged investment in natural gas production and processing, and harmed our allies in Europe working to lower their consumption of Russian gas. The Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act amends the Natural Gas Act to repeal all restrictions on the import and export of natural gas, effectively overturning the Biden-Harris Administration’s attempt to undermine U.S. domestic energy production. Under this legislation, FERC would have the exclusive authority to approve or deny any application for the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of a facility to export natural gas from the U.S. to a foreign country or import natural gas from a foreign country. ###

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 Daylight and Destinations: Examining Time, Travel, and Tourism. Subcommittee Chairman Bilirakis’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:  “Good morning, and welcome to today’s hearing examining time, travel, and tourism and how they can strengthen our economy and our communities. Thank you to our witnesses for their testimony. “For me, this topic hits home. I grew up in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where the Sponge Docks and our annual Epiphany celebration have welcomed visitors from around the world for generations. In Florida’s 12th District of Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties—tourism supports family-owned restaurants, hotels, and outfitters, helping to sustain our Nature Coast way of life.  “In Crystal River you can swim with the manatees. In Weeki Wachee Springs, you can see the famous live Mermaid show. And in Pasco County is home to a vibrant sports tourism industry with countless kayaking waterways and the AdventHealth Ice Rink. “To further highlight the importance of tourism to the State of Florida, I’d like to introduce for the record a study commissioned by Visit Florida showing tourism’s economic impact in the state; as well as Visit Florida’s Marketing Effectiveness survey revealing tourist preferences and ways to boost demand. (so ordered). “Nationwide, travelers spent roughly $1.3 trillion last year, generating nearly $3 trillion in economic output and supporting over 15 million jobs. International visitors alone spent over $250 billion. As we prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, we have a once-in-a-generation runway to welcome the world and spread those benefits to communities large and small. “A critical tool here is Brand USA, our public-private partnership that markets American destinations abroad. I was proud to author the bipartisan Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act of 2014 to reauthorize Brand USA, because it helps attract visitors without relying on taxpayer dollars for funding. We should ensure Brand USA remains strong and accountable as the global competition for travelers intensifies. To achieve that, I filed legislation yesterday with Mrs. Castor to increase funding for Brand USA, as we gear up for the America 250 celebrations. “Today we’ll also examine the tradeoffs to commerce, health, and safety that come with Daylight Saving Time and any adjustments to our clock changing practices. Many argue that more evening daylight boosts consumer activity and tourism; others raise valid concerns about sleep, road safety, and school routines. “Our job is to take actions that help American workers, businesses, and visitors alike, so we can deliver wins for communities like mine and yours—giving families and businesses opportunity and certainty, whether we ‘lock the clock’ or maintain the status quo.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, led a markup of eight bills. “Burdensome regulations have driven up costs and put home ownership out of reach for millions of Americans,” said Chairman Latta. “Today, the Subcommittee on Energy advanced legislation that will cut through the red tape and make housing more affordable. From protecting consumer choice to addressing the rising prices of critical home appliances, these bills offer common-sense solutions for working families.” Legislative Vote Summary: H.R. 3474 , Federal Mechanical Insulation Act, was reported to the full committee by a voice vote. H.R. 3699 , Energy Choice Act, was reported to the full committee by a voice vote. H.R. 5184 , Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards (Affordable HOMES) Act, was reported to the full committee by a voice vote. H.R. 4690 , Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, was reported to the full committee by a roll call vote of 16 Yeas to 14 Nays. H.R. 4593 , Saving Homeowners from Overregulation With Exceptional Rinsing (SHOWER) Act, was reported to the full committee by a roll call vote of 17 Yeas and 14 Nays. H.R. 4758 , Homeowner Energy Freedom Act, was reported to the full committee by a roll call vote of 16 Yeas and 14 Nays. H.R. 4626 , Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act, was reported to the full committee by a roll call vote of 17 Yeas to 14 Nays. H.R. 1355 , Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025, was reported to the full committee by a voice vote. Watch the full markup here . Below are key excerpts from today’s markup: Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) on H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act: “This legislation addresses a critical flaw in federal energy policy, one that has real world consequences for reliability, national security, and cost-effective infrastructure planning. As it stands today, the federal building standards and certification systems actively discourage or penalize the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels, even when those systems are proven to be cleaner, more resilient, and more affordable in certain applications. Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act effectively phases out fossil fuels in their use in federal buildings, forcing a one-size-fits-all electrification mandate regardless of regional climate, mission critical facility needs, or impacts on the grid. These policies don’t just drive up construction and operational costs, they undermine energy security for facilities that must never go dark. Think about federal installations like VA hospitals, military bases, research labs, DHS facilities, and emergency response centers. These buildings require assured energy reliability not just during normal operations, but during extreme weather, cyber threats, or grid failures. Localized backup generation and hybrid energy systems are essential to resilience. And yet, under current policy, these assets are treated as liabilities simply because they rely on natural gas or other fuels.” Congressman Craig Goldman (TX-12) on H.R. 4758, the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act: “The Biden-Harris Administration spent billions in taxpayer dollars to mandate, I repeat, to mandate green energy appliances in new homes. Some home builders estimate that these policies have increased the cost of new homes by $31,000. These policies put home ownership and the American dream out of reach for many families. My bill, the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act, would help address home affordability by repealing several costly and burdensome programs in the so-called Inflation Reduction Act.” Congressman Rick Allen (GA-12) on H.R. 4626, the Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act: “Over the last several years, under the Biden administration, DOE has gone beyond its scope of statutory authority — setting arbitrary and capricious standards as found by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and finalizing rules that do not meet the specific statutory criteria. In fact, egregious appliance standards have caused homeowners to spend 34 percent more on appliances than they did 15 years ago, while having to replace them at a faster rate. When I’m home in the district, people want to know why replacing their air conditioning system cost $10,000 more today than it did four years ago. Furthermore, the previous administration proposed standards that discouraged the use of natural gas in favor of the electrification of appliances. Regardless of the cost to the consumer, the American people want choice, and these decisions need to be market-driven and not government-driven. My legislation, the Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act, will make much needed statutory reforms to energy efficiency standards for appliances by eliminating DOE’s requirements to review and update energy conservation standards every six years.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, delivered the following opening statement at today’s markup of eight bills. Subcommittee Chairman Latta’s opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Welcome to today’s Energy subcommittee markup of 8 bills to restore consumer choice, reduce energy and housing costs, and remove burdensome regulatory structures. “When selecting appliances or equipment for their home or business, Americans take many factors into consideration: cost, reliability, size, and durability to name a few. It is imperative consumers have a wide range of products so they can choose what works best for their needs. “Under the last administration, nearly 30 energy efficiency standards were issued, totaling over $60 billion in costs and removing products from the market, resulting in fewer options for Americans. “H.R. 4626, the Don’t Mess with My Home Appliances Act, would amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to reform the statutory procedures for issuing or amending energy efficiency standards. “This will result in standards that truly meet the statutory requirements of EPCA and provide both manufacturers and consumers with certainty. “Especially as we head into winter, consumers must have access to durable, affordable appliances to perform critical functions, like home heating, while still prioritizing energy efficiency and associated cost-savings. “Airtight building envelopes are also important for consumers, especially in the colder months, to keep warmth in and utility bills low. That is why the subcommittee will be considering H.R. 4758, the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act, to repeal sections of the Inflation Reduction Act that essentially bribed states to recklessly adopt unamended building codes.    “Brian Tebbenkemp, a witness in September’s legislative hearing, said it best, ‘I think we can all agree that American families deserve safe, strong, and efficient homes, but we need a better pathway forward that gives local control, encourages innovation, and keeps homes within the reach of Americans. “The passage of H.R. 4758 is an important step towards accomplishing that shared goal. “The subcommittee will also consider H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, to repeal section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act, which required DOE to phase out fossil fuel use in federal buildings across the country. “This policy, which was opposed by even the Obama Administration, not only poses a significant national security risk, but it could in fact increase energy consumption as the direct use of natural gas is about 92 percent efficient, compared to 33 percent for electricity. That is a significant delta. “Energy efficiency, not bans, are important to prioritize for our federal buildings. I look forward to considering H.R. 3474, the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act, which is bipartisan legislation to require an assessment of whether mechanical insulation should be installed or updated in federal building energy audits. This is a commonsense measure that truly prioritizes energy efficiency. “The subcommittee will also consider H.R. 3699, the Energy Choice Act, which prohibits any state or local policy from banning access to an energy service based on the type or source of energy that is sold. States like New York, which banned natural gas use, are forcing consumers to incur significant costs while jeopardizing their reliability during the winter months. This must change. “Duplicative standards and regulations have also impacted housing, appliance, and equipment affordability for millions of Americans. H.R. 5184, the Affordable HOMES Act, will repeal duplicative energy efficiency standards for manufactured housing, and H.R. 4593, the SHOWER Act, will codify a simple definition of a showerhead, providing more options for consumers. “Lastly, the subcommittee will consider H.R. 1355, the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025, with the understanding that we hope to reach a bipartisan agreement prior to a Full Committee markup. I thank the gentleman from New York and minority professional staff for continuing to work with us towards a compromise. “The suite of legislation before us today represents an opportunity for this Committee to implement reforms that re-prioritize energy efficiency policies towards the items that matter most to consumers: affordability, availability, and durability. I urge all my colleagues to support these pieces of legislation.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, led a hearing titled Innovation with Integrity: Examining the Risks and Benefits of AI Chatbots . “AI chatbots are increasingly integrated into the lives of many Americans, and yesterday’s hearing offered the opportunity to have a balanced, frank conversation about the potential benefits and harms of AI chatbots to Americans,” said Chairman Joyce, M.D. “It is important that we consider the implications of these technologies as we promote AI innovation while protecting the most vulnerable among us.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from yesterday’s hearing: Congressman Rick Allen (GA-12): “We’ve seen cases of teens who spend hours a day on AI chatbots. Some of these conversations are mundane. [But] there are examples [of] self-harm and sexualized material. A growing number of teens are becoming emotionally dependent on these. From a clinical standpoint, are there design practices or guardrails that platforms should consider, especially for entertainment or companionship, to prevent minors from forming unsafe or addictive relationships from these systems?” Dr. Torous: “We’re still learning about these parasocial relationships where people make these relationships with these bots. These are not objects; these are not people. And in some ways, I think a useful analogy I can tell patients is think of an AI like a self-help book. [...] I think where it crosses the line is when the self-help book stops giving basic self-help, starts getting too personal, starts talking about deeper issues. So, I think it’s possible for the bots to operate as self-help books by having very clear guardrails where they stop and where they hand you off to a person.” Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01): “Kids are wired to form attachments with things that act friendly. What we don’t want happening is a chatbot taking the role of teaching a child right and wrong. With AI utilization increasing in children, are you concerned that children may look up to a faceless chatbot as a sort of parental authority or figure? And how do we propose that parents and educators prevent that from happening?” Dr. Wei: “A lot of times, teens and children turn to AI chatbots first for homework or for useful purposes, and then it can shift. And that’s where that shift is. We don’t know the long-term effects of AI companions and chatbots in terms of emotional relationships. It’s a frictionless relationship. It doesn’t offer the same kinds of moral guidance like you referenced or the complexity of human dynamics. So, we still need to understand better how to help kids navigate that, while still being able to use AI for good purposes.” Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09): “Kids deserve the same safety mindset online that we bring to car seats, playgrounds, and stranger danger. Unfortunately, we have seen heartbreaking stories recently that are cause for concern and action by this committee. Our job is to set clear guardrails so the best ideas can scale safely.” ###