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Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Full Committee markup of 19 bills. Excerpts and highlights below: UPDATING SATELLITE LAWS AND BOLSTERING CYBERSECURITY “From the Communications and Technology Subcommittee we are considering 13 bills that will update our laws governing the satellite industry and promote the cybersecurity of our communications networks. “We must make sure our laws keep pace with advancements in technology and allow innovation and entrepreneurship to flourish. “The Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act, and our other satellite legislation, will give regulators the tools they need to ensure our rules don’t hold back American ingenuity. “We must also make sure the United States and our allies enhance their participation in international standards setting bodies to lead on the development of new international standards, rather than have them dictated by the Chinese Communist Party. “As technologies advance, so too do the attempts by bad actors seeking to hack our networks. “Improving cybersecurity literacy will help protect our data and make our networks more secure. “Overall, I’m grateful for and applaud all the bipartisan work on these Communications and Technology solutions as Energy and Commerce leads the way to improve our nation’s connectivity, network security, and maintain U.S. leadership in wireless technology.” ADDRESSING THE FENTANYL CRISIS “From the Health Subcommittee, we are taking action to address the illicit fentanyl crisis, protect the 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline, and stop discrimination against people with disabilities. “More people than ever are dying of illicit fentanyl poisonings. “As many parents have appealed to us, this requires urgent action. “Moms like Molly Cain deserve justice. “We must secure the border and make sure law enforcement has the tools they need to seize fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances. “That is why we are advancing Representative Griffith and Latta’s HALT Fentanyl Act and Representative Lesko and Miller-Meeks's bill, the Securing the Border for Public Health Act. “The DEA testified just last month that permanently scheduling fentanyl related substances in Schedule I is their number-one legislative priority and in our field hearing in McAllen, we all heard and saw why. “The Securing the Border for Public Health Act would expand current Title 42 authority to be used to stop the import of certain controlled substances, including fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances. “I want to be very clear: President Biden cannot let the emergency scheduling expire and it should not lift Title 42. “I also want to recognize Representative Harshbarger for leading on the Block, Report, And Suspend Suspicious Shipments Act. “The opioid epidemic was fueled, in part, by suspiciously large shipments of controlled substances being delivered across the country—particularly in the Appalachian region. “This bill would help stop this practice and save lives by requiring drug manufacturers and distributors that discover a suspicious package to stop the order and report the information to the DEA.” PROTECTING THE 9-8-8 LIFELINE “Additionally, the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline suffered a cyberattack and was shut down for several hours late last year. “This lifeline is a critical tool that provides support and hope to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. “Thank you, Representative Obernolte, for your work on the 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act. “It requires coordination and reporting to improve cybersecurity protections for the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.” BANNING DESCRIMINATION AGAINST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES “We are also taking action today to ban the use of Quality Adjusted Life Years—or QALYs—and other similar measures by state and federal government health care programs. “More than 70 disability and patient organizations agree that QALYs are discriminatory and have no place in our decision making. “The federal government can evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and cures without devaluing the lives of seniors and people with disabilities. “We’ve worked tirelessly with the minority and with CMS to get this bill right. “We’ve resolved every outstanding comment from the agency and worked to address the concerns by the minority. “I hope we will come together with a strong vote to affirm the dignity of every person to receive lifesaving and quality care.” HOMEOWNER ENERGY FREEDOM ACT “Finally, we’ll consider H.R. 1603, the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act which will repeal harmful policies from the IRA intended to incentivize states to impose natural gas bans through building codes. “It will stop the administration’s forced electrification agenda that will mean fewer choices and higher energy costs for all Americans. “As you can see, we have a robust agenda this afternoon. Thank you to all my colleagues for their work. “It proves that E&C is plowing the hardground to deliver results.”

Washington, D.C. —  House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) today announced a Full Committee markup on 19 pieces of legislation. “The Energy and Commerce Committee is leading on solutions to keep America at the forefront of next-generation communications technology, protect the health and wellbeing of our citizens, and unleash domestic energy production to its full potential. On Thursday, our committee will consider legislation that bring our satellite laws and regulations into the 21st century, combat the fentanyl crisis, ban discrimination against individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities, and repeal parts of President Joe Biden’s agenda to control how Americans power their homes.”  WHAT:  A   Full Committee markup of 19 pieces of legislation. DATE:  Thursday, March 23, 2023       TIME:  3:00 PM ET or 30 minutes after the  Full Committee hearing  titled “TikTok: How Congress Can Safeguard American Data Privacy and Protect Children from Online Harms,” whichever is later. LOCATION:  2123 Rayburn House Office Building This notice is at the direction of the Chair. The markup 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 markup, please contact Jolie Brochin at  Jolie.Brochin@mail.house.gov . For press related quotes regarding the Subcommittee on Health legislation, please contact Christopher Krepich at  Christopher.Krepich@mail.house.gov . For press related questions regarding the subcommittees on Communications & Technology and Energy, Climate Change, and Grid Security, please contact Sean Kelly at  Sean.Kelly@mail.house.gov .  Legislation to be considered:  H.R. 1338 , the “Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act”  H.R. 675 ,  the “Secure Space Act”  H.R. 1339 ,  the “Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act”  H.R. 682 ,  the “Launch Communications Act”  H.R. 1353 ,  the “Advanced, Local Emergency Response Telecommunications Parity Act”  H.R. 1345 ,  the “NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act”  H.R. 1354 ,  the “Information and Communication Technology Strategy Act”  H.R. 1370 ,  the “Communications Security Act”  H.R. 1360 ,  the “American Cybersecurity Literacy Act”  H.R. 1340 ,  the “Open RAN Outreach Act”  H.R. 1343 ,  the “ITS Codification Act”  H.R. 1377 ,  the “Promoting U.S. Wireless Leadership Act”  H.R. 1341 ,  the “Spectrum Coordination Act”  H.R. 501 , the “Block, Report, and Suspend Suspicious Shipments Act”  H.R. 498 , the “9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act”  H.R. 485 , the “Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023”  H.R. 467 , the “Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act”  H.R. 801 , the “Securing the Border for Public Health Act of 2023”  H.R. 1603 , the “Homeowner Energy Freedom Act” 

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee members today advanced 13 bipartisan solutions during a Communications and Technology Subcommittee markup.   The bills advanced today will help strengthen American leadership in next-generation communications technologies, improve our cybersecurity, bolster our technological leadership, and help usher in a new era of investment and innovation in this critical sector.  The Communications and Technology Subcommittee took action on the following bills:  The Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act ( H.R. 1338 ), led by Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), was forwarded by the subcommittee to the full committee, without amendment, by a vote of 23-0.  The Secure Space Act ( H.R. 675 ), led by Ranking Member Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), was forwarded by the subcommittee to the full committee, as amended, by a vote of 26-0.   The Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act ( H.R. 1339 ), led by Rep. Latta (R-OH), was forwarded by the subcommittee to the full committee, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 27-0.  The Launch Communications Act ( H.R. 682 ), led by Reps. Darren Soto (D-FL) and Neal Dunn (R-FL), was forwarded by the subcommittee to the full committee, as amended, by a vote of 26-0.  The Advanced, Local Emergency Response Telecommunications Parity Act ( H.R. 1353 ), led by Rep. Johnson (R-OH), was forwarded by the subcommittee to the full committee, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 27-0.   The NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act ( H.R. 1345 ), led by Rep. John Curtis (R-UT), was forwarded by the subcommittee to the full committee, without amendment, by a vote of 26-0.    The Information and Communication Technology Strategy Act ( H.R. 1354 ), led by Rep. John Joyce (R-PA), was forwarded by the subcommittee to the full committee, without amendment, by a vote of 28-0.    The Communications Security Act ( H.R. 1370 ), led by Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), was forwarded by the subcommittee to the full committee, without amendment, by a vote of 26-0.     The American Cybersecurity Literacy Act ( H.R. 1360 ), led by Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA), was forwarded by the subcommittee to the full committee, without amendment, by a vote of 26-0.     The Open RAN Outreach Act ( H.R. 1340 ), led by Rep. Collin Allred (D-TX), was forwarded by the subcommittee to the full committee, without amendment, by a vote of 26-0.    The ITS Codification Act ( H.R. 1343 ), led by Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA), was forwarded by the subcommittee to the full committee, without amendment, by a vote of 27-0.    The Promoting U.S. Wireless Leadership Act ( H.R. 1377 ), led by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), was forwarded by the subcommittee to the full committee, without amendment, by a vote of 28-0.     The Spectrum Coordination Act ( H.R. 1341 ), led by Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH), was forwarded by the subcommittee to the full committee, without amendment, by a vote of 26-0.    

Washington, D.C. — Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) delivered opening remarks at today’s Full Committee markup of 20 bills. Excerpts and highlights below: CEMENTING AMERICAN LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY “I want to thank my good friend, Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, for her inclusion of five Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee bills on today’s markup, some of which have been introduced and circulated for years and finally are getting a vote out of committee. “The bills we’re considering today are essential to cementing American leadership in technology and providing Americans with greater transparency regarding the websites and applications they use. “Americans are the most innovative people in the world, and we must eliminate government barriers to ensure American innovators are empowered to push the frontiers of innovation. “One way to do this is to encourage foreign direct investment from responsible and trusted countries. “Another way is to increase transparency by providing consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions. “I want to thank Mr. Pence and for his leadership on the Global Investment in American Jobs Act. “This bill will help us understand the barriers to increasing investment from friendly nations and ultimately lead the globe in emerging technologies. “I also want to thank my friend Ms. Cammack for her bipartisan work with Mr. Soto on the CAUTION Act, which requires app stores to clearly disclose if an app has been banned on federal devices. “Americans should know when they are downloading an application deemed a security threat by the federal government. “Mr. Fulcher’s Internet App ID Act would require apps to disclose if they are owned by the CCP or a business domiciled in the People’s Republic of China. “Failure to disclose Chinese ownership would be subject to penalties enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. “The TELL Act, introduced by Mr. Duncan, would require tech companies to notify their users if their platform stores data in the People’s Republic of China. “If an app or website is sending or storing data in China–Americans should know it. “As we continue to advance legislation to improve American competitiveness on the world stage, I want to reemphasize this Committee’s priority to pass a national privacy and data security law. “We are committed to getting that legislation across the finish line.”

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Full Committee markup of 20 bills. Excerpts and highlights below: PROSPERITY OVER ENERGY POVERTY “We will consider twenty bills from three of our subcommittees—to help secure our energy future and global competitive edge. “In 15 of the bills, we are leading to ensure reliable, secure, clean, and affordable delivery of energy. “Energy is foundational to everything. “For centuries it has driven human progress and development and it is why America has done more to lift people out of poverty and raise the standard of living than anywhere else. “According to data from 2017, 3.7 billion people are living in energy poverty. That is half the world. “They have a 10-year lower life expectancy—35 percent fewer years of education—and many don’t have electricity at all. “Our goal today is to celebrate how our abundant energy resources have unleashed prosperity and invited people from across the globe to come to America to achieve their hopes and dreams. “We’ve accomplished this as a leader in reducing emissions and with the highest environmental and labor standards in the world. “We cannot afford to move backwards with a reckless command-and-control so-called climate agenda that forces people to pay more and go without reliable energy.” HIGH ENERGY COSTS HURT AMERICANS “Unfortunately, that is what we see right now and what President Biden has pursued since his first day in office. “From the gas station to the grocery store, his war on American energy is making life harder and more expensive for the hardworking people of this country. “Families on average have been forced to pay $10,000 more over the last two years for everyda y goods and services. “More than a third of households say they have forgone food and medicine in order to pay their energy bills. “It shouldn’t be this way.” BECOMING DANGEROUSLY RELIANT ON CHINA “President Biden is also weakening our security and making us dangerously reliant on China’s supply chains that are more harmful to the environment and use slave labor. “China’s overall share of energy minerals processing surpasses OPEC’s share of oil markets in many key areas—from 40% to 100% of key materials and processing. “DOE has noted, that China’s control of key materials in renewable energy is quote ‘across the board.’ “To win the future, we cannot allow our energy security to be surrendered the CCP.” REPUBLICAN SOLUTIONS TO AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE AND SECURE ENERGY “Our energy and climate solutions before us today are just the beginning of our work to unleash American energy, lower costs, and secure our supply chains. “We want to lift barriers to expanding our energy supplies, remove red tape over exportation and importation of LNG, and build more pipelines with our North American allies and across the states. “We also want to repeal taxes that will harm communities, shut down production, and raise prices across the entire economy. “We are leading to prevent bans on key energy technologies and stop the administration from closing off markets that would increase prices even more. “All of this will help open critical markets for energy to boost production and help drive down costs.” STRENGTHENING CRITICAL MATERIAL SUPPLY CHAINS “Other bills focus on securing the critical energy materials to be less reliant on Chinese supply chains. “That includes bolstering the Department of Energy’s responsibilities to assess, identify, and address supply chain vulnerabilities. “Further, several bills today reduce regulatory red tape for onshoring critical minerals processing and refining facilities without compromising environmental protections. “That’s how we beat China and advance prosperity for America.” PROMOTING AMERICAN LEADERSHIP AND BEATING CHINA “In addition to these energy and environment bills, we are also taking action today on several solutions from our Innovation, Data, and Commerce subcommittee. “We know the CCP wants to replace us as a global economic and technological leader. “We must protect American data from CCP's malicious behaviors and make sure the technologies of tomorrow are developed with our values. “That is why we are leading on five solutions that will bolster our competitive edge and help secure people’s personal information from the CCP. “Overall, I look forward to our mark up today and I thank all my colleagues for their hard work. “We have a long list of bills to work through that I know will improve the lives of those we serve and secure a better future here at home.”

House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans are leading on solutions to reverse the damage of President Biden’s war on American energy from day one to shut down our energy production and make us reliant on China. Last week, the committee advanced 16 bills to the full committee that will help unleash American energy, lower prices, secure our supply chain, and address climate issues. The Committee will hold a Full Committee markup on Thursday, March 9, to advance these solutions to the House floor.  WATCH Chair Rodgers on Fox Business’ Larry Kudlow discussing E&C Republicans’ robust agenda to end President Biden’s war on American energy.  Chair Rodgers: We must reverse President Biden's war on American energy, and this week in committee, we started the process.   We have several bills that we voted on in [our] subcommittees.   Our goal is to have a very significant down payment on the House floor at the end of this month.   We want to get this out of the House to unleash American energy [which is] just so foundational to our economy, our geopolitical standing, our leadership... to bring down gas prices, and secure our supply chains.   The Washington Examiner : House Republicans voted Tuesday to advance bills aimed at expanding U.S. energy production and reining in Biden-era environmental regulations.   The legislation would undo some of the administration's most prized bills and regulations related to climate change.   The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on the Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Minerals and the House Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security convened separately to approve 16 bills aimed at restoring U.S. energy dominance and reducing what Republicans argue are overly burdensome regulations imposed by the Biden administration.   "We must create an energy system in the United States that is affordable, reliable, and secure while maintaining our high environmental standards to ensure clean air, water, and soil, and these bills do just that," House Energy and Commerce Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers said Tuesday at the outset of the hearings.    The 16 bills will advance to the full committee for a vote.   The Daily Signal : House Republicans want to roll back a $27 billion “green bank,” the largest grant program in the massive spending bill dubbed the Inflation Reduction Act and passed in August by the Democrat-controlled Congress.   Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Ala., chairman of the Republican Policy Committee and a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee under the new GOP-controlled House, introduced legislation to get rid of the “slush fund” set up for use by President Joe Biden. The House panel plans to mark up the bill next week.    “There is a lack of accountability. This was done in the dark of night,” Palmer told The Daily Signal. “It’s a slush fund meant to benefit one constituency, but not anyone else. There will be a lot of cronyism.”   […]   Palmer said he fears that the EPA’s green bank will result in something like the $535 million loan made by the Obama administration to the politically connected solar power company Solyndra, which ended up going bankrupt and was investigated by the FBI.    “This reminds me of Solyndra. That was $500 million down the tubes,” the Alabama Republican said.    Moreover, Palmer noted, this effort would boost America’s top adversary.    “For solar panels, 70% of materials come from China. We don’t have a lot of rare earth elements,” Palmer said.   See what leading energy and environment experts are saying about E&C Republican solutions:  American Chemistry Council (ACC)   CLICK HERE to read ACC’s letter of support for E&C energy solutions.  Heather Reams, President, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES)   The United States is the gold standard for energy production and generation, and the legislation advanced today by the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee demonstrates Republicans’ commitment to American energy leadership,” said CRES President Heather Reams. “When the United States supplies more of our world’s energy, global emissions go down. CRES commends the work of Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Committee Republicans who are working to increase American energy production. We will continue to advocate for commonsense policies to improve permitting and licensing, incentivize domestic development, and unleash our energy resources. Letter from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce   The Chamber applauds the subcommittee’s focus on the broken federal permitting process. We support the legislation being considered that would draw attention to this problem and would ensure greater predictability and transparency for the development of critical infrastructure. Specifically, the Chamber supports several bills aimed at enhancing domestic energy security and supporting America’s leading role in innovation and the reduction of carbon emissions:  H.R. 1068, the “Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act”  H.R. 1085, the “Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining (REFINER) Act”  H.R. 1130, the “Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act”  H.R. 1115, the “Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act”  Letter from the American Petroleum Institute   API remains focused on working in a bipartisan manner to find common-sense, economically-sound solutions to not only maintain our energy independence, but also assist our allies around the world as they grapple with energy uncertainty resulting from Russia’s war in Ukraine. The “Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2023”, is a strong step in this direction.  CLICK HERE to read more about E&C Republican energy solutions. 

President Biden’s war on American energy is making life unaffordable, including for David Hickman, a fifth-generation farm owner and operation from Horntown, Virginia.  He told the Energy and Commerce Committee in January, “this is the most perilous time... for American agriculture.”     WATCH David explain further why we need to unleash American energy to lower prices:  “We had never seen prices increases like we had in 2022. Everyone has to realize that agriculture runs on energy, whether it be petroleum, diesel fuel, or natural gas . A lot of people don’t realize that natural gas is in so many other products than just fuel.   “This potato bag, for example, is a five-pound bag that goes to all our supermarket customers. It was 12 cents in 2021. 16 cents in 2022. That 4 cents might not sound like a whole lot but when you buy half a million that is $20,000 just in the packaging.   “Food prices are directly related to high energy costs. This country needs a stable, affordable supply of energy because so much of agriculture is dependent upon energy. As long as energy is high priced and in short supply, it will translate in higher food prices and shortages in the supermarket.”   David is right. Energy is foundational to everything.    For the farmers who grow our food, manufacturers who make products we need, to truck drivers who make deliveries, grocers who struggle to keep their shelves stocked, and for Americans who are stretching their budgets to feed their families—energy touches every part of our economy and way of life.  That’s why Energy and Commerce Republicans are leading on energy solutions to increase production, boost refining capacity, build more pipelines, and repeal the Democrats’ natural gas tax.   TUNE IN now to today’s Energy and Commerce markup. 

Washington, D.C. — Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Chairman Jeff Duncan (R-SC) and Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Chair Bill Johnson (R-OH) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Full Committee markup of 20 bills. Excerpts and highlights below from Subcommittee Chair Duncan: PUTTING AMERICAN ENERGY BACK ON TOP “I am excited to be here at our first Full Committee markup to take up a set of bills we moved through regular order and out of the Energy, Climate, and Grid Reliability Subcommittee just last week. “These bills will help increase American energy production and restore energy leadership. “The United States has incredible energy potential. “We have vast reserves of oil, natural gas, and other critical minerals essential for energy dominance. “Only a few years ago, we achieved energy independence, which benefits our economic and national security. “There is no national security without energy security. “Unfortunately, the radical energy agenda imposed by the Biden administration the last couple of years has disincentivized private sector investment in our energy infrastructure by implementing top-down government regulation on the energy sector. “This has led to decreased energy production and energy infrastructure development. “In fact, according to the Energy Information Administration, in 2022, the least amount of interstate natural gas pipeline capacity was added since it began tracking that data in 1995. “This is a direct consequence of the Biden administration’s anti-energy policies. “My state of South Carolina has seen its population grow in recent years because it has been a haven for manufacturing. “We worry if we can maintain this reputation over the next several years solely due to the inability to build out essential energy infrastructure. “We have an abundance of natural gas in the Northeast and Appalachia, but unfortunately, under the current regulatory structure, it only takes one state to block access to this safe and reliable energy source that will ensure continued growth and prosperity in my state. “Unfortunately, this issue is not unique to South Carolina.” REPUBLICAN SOLUTIONS ON ENERGY “The good news is Republicans have solutions to reassert our energy dominance and lower prices. “The energy bills we are taking up today will protect American energy production from federal bans, work to ease energy infrastructure permitting from pipelines to cross-border infrastructure, ensure the importance of American energy exports around the world; assess our critical energy resources supply chains–which are key to wind, solar, batteries, and EV technologies, explore ways to expand U.S. refining capacity, and condemn the actions of the Biden Administration in the cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline. “We all agree that affordable, reliable, and resilient energy is essential for all Americans. It’s time to work towards that goal by increasing American energy production and restoring energy leadership. “I urge all my colleagues to support the bills in front of us today so we can achieve this goal.” Excerpts and highlights below from Subcommittee Chair Johnson: ENDING THE OUTSOURCING OF OUR ENERGY NEEDS “Last week, the Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials favorably forwarded seven bills to the full committee for consideration and each of these bills will be marked up today. “These bills are part of an effort to end the outsourcing of our short and long-term energy security needs to foreign countries, particularly those that do not like us and actively leverage their resources against the United States and its allies. “Before critics claim these bills would harm the environment, I’d ask them to consider: Is the goal to lower emissions or to eliminate specific types of energy sources? “Does outsourcing mining and manufacturing activities for green technologies to countries with poor environmental and labor standards improve the environment? “Can America have reliable, resilient, available, and affordable energy for our grid and transportation if we don’t have the energy resources to make that a reality and will we do anything to solve that issue? “We’ve learned over the last few years that we need to do something more than just throw money at a problem. “Today, we’ll do just that.” SOLUTIONS TO SECURE SUPPLY CHAINS AND LOWER PRICES “For instance, Representative Carter’s bill addresses permitting for refining and processing of critical energy resources. Right now, there is NO refining of critical minerals in the United States. “Representative Curtis’s legislation addresses innovation in cleaner energy systems, technology, and sources that are currently languishing on the desks of bureaucrats at the EPA. “On the issue of national security, Representative Pence’s legislation gives the EPA explicit, though limited, authority, to address both energy and national security needs. “This legislation is patterned after the Federal Power Act and is in line with 22 other waiver authorities in the Clean Air Act. “Representative Crenshaw’s bill tackles the practical and economic problems posed by an EPA regulation on gasoline refining that could intentionally destroy our domestic refining capacity and increase prices at the pump. “For synchronizing U.S. energy spending and policy, we’re considering legislation to clarify the use of EPA’s existing flexible permit program for critical energy resources, end the natural gas tax, and address the Democrats’ ‘Big Green’ slush fund that was jammed through the last reconciliation package. “I want to clarify that this isn’t all that needs to be done in these and other areas to better unleash American energy, reinvigorate innovation in energy technologies, and bolster our domestic supply chains. “But it is a big step in the right direction. “I look forward to reporting these bills to the House Floor and working with members on both sides to address these challenges going forward.”

Washington, D.C. — Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee markup of 13 bills. Excerpts and highlights below: WORKING TOGETHER ON 13 BIPARTISAN BILLS “We will be considering 13 pieces of legislation that will promote innovation and security in our communications networks. “I would like to thank members on both sides of the aisle for their work to make the legislation for today’s markup bipartisan.” UPDATING REGULATIONS FOR SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS “We will begin by considering five pieces of satellite legislation that take steps to update regulations that govern our satellite communications systems. “First, we will consider the Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act, legislation introduced by the Chair of the full committee, to establish a streamlined framework for the Federal Communications Commission to license commercial satellite communications services. “Additionally, we will be considering the Secure Space Act, legislation introduced by the Ranking Member of the full committee to ensure satellite technologies that serve American homes and businesses will not pose an unacceptable risk to our national security. “We will also consider H.R. 682, the Launch Communications Act, led by the gentlemen from Florida’s 9th and 2nd districts. “This bill would streamline the process for receiving authorization to use spectrum for launch and re-entry of commercial space vehicles. “Next, we will consider the ALERT Parity Act, legislation introduced by Representatives Johnson and Schrier that would require the FCC to establish a process for emergency connectivity service providers who seek approval to provide lifesaving emergency alerts and 9-1-1 from satellites in areas without connectivity. “Finally, we will examine my legislation, the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act, which I am pleased to have introduced with the gentlelady from Illinois’ 2nd district. “This legislation would require the FCC to review its rules governing certain satellite services and determine if changes to those rules would promote precision agriculture.” SECURING AMERICA’S WIRELESS LEADERSHIP “In addition to the satellite legislation, there are eight bills on today’s agenda that will improve the security of our communications networks and supply chains as well as improve America’s wireless leadership. “The NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act, led by the gentleman from Utah, would codify and rename the office of Policy Analysis and Development at NTIA to strengthen the agency’s policy development and coordination mission. “The ICT Strategy Act, led by the gentleman from Pennsylvania’s 13th district would direct NTIA to report on the state of economic competitiveness of trusted vendors in the communications supply chain. “The American Cybersecurity Literacy Act, introduced by the gentleman from southern California, would require NTIA to develop and conduct a cybersecurity literacy act to improve Americans’ understanding of common cybersecurity risks. “The Open RAN Outreach Act, led by Representatives Allred and Hudson, would direct NTIA to conduct outreach to small communications network providers to raise awareness about Open RAN networks. “The Communications Security Act, led by Representatives Slotkin and Walberg, would codify the communications security, reliability, and interoperability advisory council at the FCC. “This body would advise the commission on recommendations to improve the security, reliability, and resiliency of communications networks. “The Promoting U.S. Wireless Leadership Act, led by the gentleman from Michigan’s 5th district and the gentlelady from Michigan’s 6th District, would require NTIA to encourage participation in wireless standards setting bodies. “This legislation has passed the House of Representatives the past two Congresses, and it is time for it to get signed into law. “The ITS Codification Act, led by the gentleman from Georgia’s 1st district, would codify the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, which plays an important role in supporting the technical work impacting spectrum policy decisions. “Finally, we will be considering the Spectrum Coordination Act, introduced by the gentleman from Ohio’s 12th district, which would require the FCC and NTIA to continue updating its memorandum of understanding on coordination of federal spectrum management activities. “I would like to thank the members for their hard work on these measures, and I look forward to advancing them swiftly to the full committee.”