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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, led a markup of 13 bills focused on securing our grid and unleashing American energy. “American families and businesses rely on the abundant and affordable power we produce here at home,” said Chairman Guthrie. “The legislation advanced today will help us meet our energy goals of securing our grid, bringing more baseload power online, and powering the data centers we need to win the race for AI. Thank you to Chairman Latta, and all the members who have worked on these bills that will help provide the energy we need.” Legislative Vote Summary: H.R. 3616 , Reliable Power Act, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 28 yeas – 23 nays.     H.R. 1047 , Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable Power (GRID Power) Act, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 28 yeas – 23 nays. H.R. 3632 , Power Plant Reliability Act of 2025, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 25 yeas – 21 nays.      H.R. 3638 , Electric Supply Chain Act, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 33 yeas – 16 nays. H.R. 3157 , State Energy Accountability Act, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 26 yeas – 20 nays. H.R. 3628 , State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 25 yeas – 23 nays.     H.R. 3657 , Hydropower Relicensing Transparency Act, was reported to the full House as amended by a roll call vote of 47 yeas – 0 nays. H.R. 3015 , National Coal Council Reestablishment Act, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 25 yeas – 20 nays.     H.R. 3617 , Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act, was reported to the full House as amended by a roll call vote of 23 yeas – 21 nays.     H.R. 3109 , Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining (REFINER) Act, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 28 yeas – 20 nays.     H.R. 3062 , Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 28 yeas – 23 nays.     H.R. 1949 , Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 26 yeas - 23 nays. H.R. 3668 , Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 27 yeas – 23 nays. Watch the full markup here . Below are key excerpts from today’s markup: Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) : “My legislation, the Unlocking our Domestic Energy Potential Act, would ensure that a ban is never again placed on LNG exports. LNG exports unequivocally benefit our economy and domestic prices, and Congress must act to remove the politics from energy exports just as this committee did in 2015 when it lifted the crude oil export ban. The IEA expects global gas demand to reach record highs in the coming years, underscoring the need for new LNG supply, and it must be the United States, not Iran, not Russia, nor any other adversarial country that, that meets that demand and supplies affordable, clean, and abundant energy to the world.” Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-13): “If we want to fuel our nation forward, lower costs for consumers, win the AI race against China, and strengthen our position as an energy superpower. It is critical we have regulatory and statutory processes in place to build infrastructure in this country. This is a race we cannot lose. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on the Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act.” Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08): “The State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act is a common sense measure that will help incentivize better energy policy in Colorado and across the nation. The bill will help states lower the financial burden that constituents like mine are facing by encouraging states to consider implementing policy that focuses on long term energy reliability, which of course encourages affordability for working class families. Countless folks in my district are working tirelessly, tirelessly to put food on the table and achieve the American dream. But one of the biggest hurdles that my constituents are facing right now is skyrocketing utility costs.” ###

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) announced a subcommittee hearing on policies to improve patient access to care and support providers. “Our health care sector continues to find new innovative treatments—yet seniors on Medicare can be left without access to the best care. Further, Congress must continue working on proposals that ensure Medicare beneficiaries can receive physician care and laboratory testing services where they live,” said Chairs Rodgers and Guthrie. “This markup takes the next step toward delivering solutions, and we thank our Members for leading on policies that will help seniors lead longer, healthier lives.”  WHAT : A Subcommittee on Health markup of 21 legislative proposals. DATE : Wednesday, November 15, 2023 TIME : 10:00 AM EDT LOCATION : 2123 Rayburn House Office Building  This notice is at the direction of the Chair. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/ . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Jolie Brochin with the Committee staff at Jolie.Brochin@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Christopher Krepich at Christopher.Krepich@mail.house.gov . Legislative proposals to be considered :  H.R. 5372 , Expanding Seniors’ Access to Lower Cost Medicines Act of 2023 (Reps. Joyce and Peters)  H.R. 2880 , Protecting Patients Against PBM Abuses Act (Reps. Carter and Blunt Rochester)  H.R. 5393 , To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure fair assessment of pharmacy performance and quality under Medicare part D, and for other purposes (Reps. Griffith and Carter)  H.R. 5385 , Medicare PBM Accountability Act (Reps. Landsman and Harshbarger)  H.R. 5386 , Cutting Copays Act (Reps. McGarvey and Bilirakis)  H.R. 4881 , To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to limit cost sharing for drugs under the Medicare program. (Reps. Malliotakis and Wenstrup) H.R. 5389 , National Coverage Determination Transparency Act (Reps. Guthrie and Kelly)  H.R. 133 , Mandating Exclusive Review of Individual Treatments (MERIT) Act (Reps. Buchanan and Barragan)  H.R. 5396 , Coverage Determination Clarity Act of 2023 (Rep. Bucshon)  H.R. 5371 , Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2023 (Reps. Joyce and Phillips)  H.R. 5388 , Supporting Innovation for Seniors Act (Reps. Balderson and Buchanan)  H.R. 5380 , To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to increase data transparency for supplemental benefits under Medicare Advantage (Rep. Sarbanes)  H.R. 3842 , Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2023 (Reps. Schrier, Bilirakis, and Bucshon)  H.R. 5397 , Joe Fiandra Access to Home Infusion Act of 2023 (Reps. Fitzpatrick, Dunn, and Soto)  H.R. 6366 , To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to the work geographic index for physician payments under the Medicare program, and to revise the phase-in of clinical laboratory test payment changes under such program (Rep. Hudson)  H.R. 6369 , To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend incentive payments for participation in eligible alternative payment models (Reps. Schrier and Dunn)  H.R. 5555 , DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023 (Reps. Miller-Meeks and Tonko)  H.R. 6371 , Provider Reimbursement Stability Act of 2023  (Reps. Murphy, Burgess, Kelly, Wenstrup, Buschon, Van Drew, Miller-Meeks, Harris, Babin, Joyce, Jackson, McCormick, Ferguson, Dunn, and Carter)  H.R. 6364 , Medicare Telehealth Privacy Act of 2023 (Reps. Balderson, Dunn, Schweikert, Carey, and Johnson)  H.R. 1352 , Increasing Access to Biosimilars Act of 2023 (Rep. Hudson)  H.R. 1691 , Ensuring Patient Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act of 2023 (Reps. Wenstrup, Bilirakis, Cardenas, Guthrie, and Eshoo) 

Washington, D.C. — In a Full Committee markup today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced solutions that will strengthen America's public health preparedness and resilience. Members discussed bills to bolster treatment and prevention programs for substance use disorders, prepare for the next public health security threat, take care of mothers and infants, and fund the Children’s Hospital program to train the next generation of world-class pediatricians. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers said : “We’re doing the hard work necessary to review and reauthorize programs and deliver results to the American people. “We are making sure moms and their babies get the support they need in all phases of their lives. “In addition, we are reauthorizing key authorities to help protect Americans from chemical, radiological, biological, nuclear, and cyber-attacks. “We are moving Mr. Hudson’s legislation today to make sure America is equipped to respond to public health threats. “I hope Democrats will work with me on our comprehensive approach to address the root causes of drug shortages , including looking at FDA authorities and how Medicare and Medicaid pay for medicines. “Today’s SUPPORT Act reauthorization includes a number of key bipartisan wins , including agreements on lifting the IMD Exclusion, helping people in our criminal justice system, and caring for foster youth in need. “I’m proud of the work on this, and I’m looking forward to advancing it today .” Health Subcommittee Chair Brett Guthrie said on the SUPPORT Act: “Among these reauthorizations, H.R. 4531 includes a reauthorization of CORCs, the Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers program, which I led in establishing when we first passed the SUPPORT Act. It would also reauthorize targeted workforce training grants for individuals in recovery. “I am also proud to report that we were able to reach compromises on key issues for members of the committee and ensure these policies are fully offset. “This includes, permanently lifting the IMD Exclusion for substance use disorder and permitting Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs) to bill Medicaid for health care services provided outside the walls of these facilities, giving vulnerable children access to more comprehensive health care services.” […] “ I remain optimistic that our continued bipartisan efforts will help us turn the tide and change lives. “I thank my colleagues for joining me and I look forward to advancing this legislation to the full House today.” Legislative Vote Summary: H.R. 824 , the Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023, led by Rep. Tim Walberg, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 29 to 20. H.R. 3226 , the  Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act of 2023,  led by Rep. Anna Eshoo, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 48 to 0.  H.R. 3838 , the  Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023,  led by Rep. Michael Burgess, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 50 to 0.  H.R. 3843 , the  Action for Dental Health Act of 2023,  led by Rep. Robin Kelly, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 50 to 0.  H.R. 3884 ,   the  Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2023,  led by Rep. Michael Burgess, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 50 to 0.  H.R. 3821 , the  Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act of 2023,  led by Rep. Bill Pascrell, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 51 to 0.  H.R. 3391 , the  Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0,  led by Rep. Jennifer Wexton, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 50 to 0.  H.R. 3836 ,   the  Medicaid Primary Care Improvement Act,  led by Rep. Dan Crenshaw, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 51 to 0.  HR 4531 , the  Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act,  led by Rep. Brett Guthrie, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 49-0.  H.R. 4529 , the Public Health Guidance Transparency and Accountability Act of 2023, led by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 25 to 21.  H.R. 4381 , the  Public Health Emergency Congressional Review Act,  led by Rep. Greg Murphy, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 28 to 21.  H.R. 3813 ,  the  CDC Leadership Accountability Act of 2023,  led by Rep. Brett Guthrie, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 27 to 20.  H.R. 4421 , the  Preparing for All Hazards and Pathogens Reauthorization Act,  led by Rep. Richard Hudson, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 28 to 23.  H.R. 4420 , the  Preparedness and Response Reauthorization Act  led by Rep. Richard Hudson, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 27 to 22.  H.R. 3887 , the  Children’s Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2023  led by Rep. Dan Crenshaw, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 27 to 17. 

Washington, D.C. – In a subcommittee markup today, the Subcommittee on Health advanced solutions for the American people that will provide crucial support for individuals who need help recovering from substance use disorder, combat the fentanyl crisis, ensure our nation is better prepared against all forms of hazards and public health security threats, and bolster health care for vulnerable populations.  Excerpts from House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers’s (R-WA) remarks:   “Not only are we ensuring federal programs are accountable to those we serve, we are helping to improve people’s lives.  “For example, we are making sure moms and their babies get the support they need in all phases of their lives.  “We’re reauthorizing important programs to rescue people from despair and recover from substance use disorders.  “We’re building on our work to stop fentanyl poisonings.  “We’re making sure hospitals can train the next generation of pediatricians and we’re also bringing accountability to the CDC.  “In addition to all this, we are making progress today on reauthorizing key authorities to help protect Americans from chemical, radiological, biological, nuclear, and cyber-attacks.  “For months, we’ve been working to bring everyone to the table for this to be a bipartisan bill.  “These programs to ensure America is ready to respond to all hazards has expired before, and I made clear my top priority was doing all I can do get these programs reauthorized on time.”  Excerpts from Health Subcommittee Chair Brett Guthrie's (R-KY) remarks:    “First, we will be marking up legislation that I am leading alongside Representative Kuster to reauthorize key provisions from the 2018 Support for Patients and Communities Act before their expiration on September 30.  “This bill, H.R. 4531, the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2023, would provide access to life-saving treatment and recovery support services, prevention programming, and long-term recovery services for individuals seeking help overcoming their substance use disorder.  “This bill includes the scheduling of Xylazine.  “Xylazine, also known as Tranq, is an animal tranquilizer that is increasingly found in illicit opioids and other drugs.  “It does not respond to overdose reversal medications, like naloxone, which can make overdoses more fatal.  “This bill places Xylazine in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, which will help our law enforcement keep this substance off our streets while maintaining access for veterinarians and ranchers to use on animals.  “The bill would also lift unnecessary barriers to treatment for vulnerable populations, by promoting sustained access to medication assisted treatment for Medicaid beneficiaries and access to long-term recovery services for individuals.”  Legislative Vote Summary:   H.R. 824 ,  the  Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Tim Walberg, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote for 16-11. H.R. 3226 ,  the  Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Anna Eshoo, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 26-0.    H.R. 3838 , the Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Michael Burgess, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 28-0. H.R. 3843 ,  the  Action for Dental Health Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Robin Kelly, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 27-0. H.R. 3884 , the  Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Michael Burgess, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 28-0. H.R. 3821 , the  Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Bill Pascrell, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 28-0. H.R. 2365 , the  National Plan to End Parkinson’s Ac t , was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 3391 , the  Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 , led by Rep. Jennifer Wexton, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 27-0. H.R. 4421 , the  Preparing for All Hazards and Pathogens Reauthorization Act , led by Rep. Richard Hudson, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 17-11. H.R. 4420 , the  Preparedness and Response Reauthorization Act , led by Rep. Richard Hudson, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 16-12. H.R. 4529 , the  Public Health Guidance Transparency and Accountability Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 14-11. HR 4381 , the  Public Health Emergency Congressional Review Act , led by Rep. Greg Murphy, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 14-12. HR 3813 ,  the  CDC Leadership Accountability Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Brett Guthrie, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 14-12. H.R. 3836 ,  the  Medicaid Primary Care Improvement Act , led by Rep. Dan Crenshaw, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 28-0. HR 4531 , the  Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act , led by Rep. Brett Guthrie, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 4056 , the  Ensuring Medicaid Continuity for Foster Care Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Gus Bilirakis, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 17-9. H.R. 3887 , the  Children’s Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2023 , led by Rep. Dan Crenshaw, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 15-12.

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) today announced a subcommittee legislative hearing titled “Legislative Solutions to Bolster Preparedness and Response for All Hazards and Public Health Security Threats.” “As public health threats and hazards evolve, so must our efforts to prepare and respond—whether they be chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, a cyberattack, or another emerging infectious disease. We must take lessons learned from past experiences as well as advice from experts in emerging fields to secure the safety and wellbeing of the American people. We look forward to discussing solutions to prepare for the next generation of threats and hazards that we may face,” said Chairs Rodgers and Guthrie.   Subcommittee on Health hearing titled “Legislative Solutions to Bolster Preparedness and Response for All Hazards and Public Health Security Threats.”   WHAT: A subcommittee legislative hearing to discuss solutions for preparedness and response to public health security threats and hazards.  DATE : Tuesday, June 13, 2023   TIME : 10:30 AM EDT   LOCATION : 2322 Rayburn House Office Building   WITNESSES : Witnesses will be announced and are by invitation only.  LEGISLATION AND PROPOSALS UNDER CONSIDERATION :  H.R. __ , To reauthorize certain programs under the Public Health Service Act with respect to public health security and all-hazards preparedness and response, and for other purposes. (Rep. Richard Hudson)  H.R. __ , the Public Health Guidance Transparency and Accountability Act (Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers)  H.R. __ , the PHEMCE Advisory Committee Act (Rep. Richard Hudson)   H.R. __ , the PHE Congressional Review Act of 2023 (Reps. Greg Murphy and Brett Guthrie)  H.R. __ , the Improving Contract Transparency for the SNS Act (Rep. Morgan Griffith)   H.R. __ , the Improving Contract Transparency at BARDA Act (Rep. Morgan Griffith)   H.R. __ , the Biosecurity Infrastructure for Operational (BIO) Early Warning Act (Reps. Dan Crenshaw and Scott Peters)   H.R. 3813 , the CDC Leadership Accountability Act (Rep. Brett Guthrie)    H.R. 3631 , the State Strategic Stockpile Act of 2023 (Reps. Buddy Carter and Chrissy Houlahan)  H.R. 3577 , the Medical and Health Stockpile Accountability Act of 2023 (Reps. Richard Hudson and Josh Gottheimer)  H.R. 3837 , the Improving Public Health Preparedness Act (Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks)  H.R. 3832 , the Disease X Act of 2023 (Reps. Lori Trahan, Michael Burgess, Dan Crenshaw, and Susie Lee)  H.R. 3613 , the Doctors at the Ready Act (Reps. Kim Schrier and Bill Johnson)  H.R. 2416 , To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a military and civilian partnership for trauma readiness grant program. (Reps. Michael Burgess and Kathy Castor)  H.R. 3840 , the Ensuring Sufficient Supply of Testing Act (Reps. Neal Dunn and Debbie Dingell)  H.R. 3795 , To amend the Public Health Service Act to require the development of a diagnostic testing preparedness plan to be used during public health emergencies, and for other purposes. (Reps. Greg Pence, Kim Schrier, Larry Bucshon, and Andre Carson)  H.R. 3703 , the Helping Evaluate Appropriate Logistical Infrastructure for National Government (HEALING) Response Act of 2023 (Reps. Bob Latta and Robin Kelly)  H.R. 3742 , To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to evaluate the Federal Government’s collection and sharing of public health data to respond to public health emergencies. (Reps. Scott Peters and Brett Guthrie)   H.R. 3820 , To amend the Public Health Service Act to strike the requirement that the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention be appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate (Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr.)  H.R. 3794 , the Fast-Track Logistics for Acquiring Supplies in a Hurry (FLASH) Act of 2023 (Rep. Robert Garcia)  H.R. 3791 , the Improving Data Accessibility Through Advancements (DATA) in Public Health Act (Reps. Lauren Underwood, Ami Bera, Kathy Castor, and Rosa DeLauro)  This notice is at the direction of the Chair. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/ . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Jolie Brochin with the Committee staff at Jolie.Brochin@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Christopher Krepich at Christopher.Krepich@mail.house.gov .

Washington, D.C. —  House Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered remarks at today’s Health Subcommittee markup on five bills. Excerpts and highlights from her prepared remarks: AREAS OF BIPARTISAN COOPERATION “I’ll start where we agree. “Mr. Hudson and Ms. Herrera Beutler’s H.R 5141, the MOBILE Act will ensure that community health centers could use their grant funding for mobile units. “This will help people in rural communities all across this country access care they need. “In addition, Mr. Upton worked tirelessly on H.R. 3655 to reform the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. “We are taking a small step to improve the program, and I look forward to working with Chairman Pallone for an offset before this moves to the floor. “I appreciate the changes made to Mr. O’Halleran’s legislation that reauthorizes a trauma center grant program, but I still have outstanding concerns about changes to the state matching requirements. “I thank Chairman Pallone for continuing to work with me on this before the full committee markup.” IMPROVING SENIORS’ TIMELY ACCESS TO CARE ACT “We are also moving H.R. 3173, which is a top priority for Dr. Bucshon, and I’m grateful for his hard work and leadership. “We had a hearing in the oversight subcommittee and many members raised concerns about denials and prior authorization delaying the care seniors need. “This bill requires standardization and timely responses and will give seniors more information about how those claims are often denied. “However, just last night, the Congressional Budget Office released an estimate that costs to Medicare will go up by billions over the next 10 years. “My hope is to get this score settled and ultimately offset as we move this important legislation that improves care for seniors while also making sure Medicare is solvent for seniors in the future.” THE FLINT REGISTRY REAUTHORIZATION ACT “The bill I have the most concerns with is the Flint Registry Reauthorization Act. “We have not had a hearing in this Congress to reassess the health harms created by the governmental fiasco and dangerous tragedy that occurred in Flint. “It was a failure at all levels of government — local, state, and federal. “We, we right here, have a responsibility to properly review this and ensure solutions will improve people’s lives and actually prevent a crisis like this from happening again. “People in every part of this country should be able to trust that the water coming out of their taps is safe, that it’s safe for them and their children to drink. “We’re seeing other examples of localities mismanaging their water supply, like the terrifying situation in Jackson, Mississippi. “I understand the railroad labor dispute is threatening clean water around the country too. “These are challenges that deserve this committee’s attention. “Unfortunately, that is not our focus with H.R. 6737. “This bill will add an authorization of another $50 million for quote ‘a city exposed to lead contamination in the local drinking water system.’ “Based on the title and text, that applies only to Flint, Michigan when there are other localities that need our attention too. “It doesn’t include any oversight or review of current state and federal efforts in Flint but it does spend tens of millions of dollars to quote ‘establish’ a registry that’s already been established. “The program has already received more funding than authorized, and it isn’t clear where the money has been spent. “The Flint registry touts, for example, spending money on unrelated costs like shipping 60,000 masks during COVID-19. “My colleagues and I have amendments filed so we can properly debate and bring oversight to this program. “For accountability, we should have had this discussion at a hearing first and worked toward a solution we could all support. “I hope that we can come together to help other communities in America benefit from a registry— communities like Jackson, Mississippi — that are dealing with its own government failures that have led to unsafe drinking water, as well as other areas of the country where this has been an issue. “Overall, I know we will have a robust discussion. “As we head into the full markup, my colleagues and I are eager to ensure the Energy and Commerce Committee is leading for proper oversight that helps us move the best legislation forward.”

Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans are leading on solutions to strengthen our nation’s health care, including access to care in rural communities. Today’s Health Subcommittee markup included five bills.  Legislative Summary:   H.R. 3173, Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2021, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 3655, the Vaccine Injury Compensation Modernization Act of 2021, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a voice vote.   H.R. 5141, the Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment for (MOBILE) Health Care Act, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a vote of 29-0.  H.R. 8163, the Improving Trauma Systems and Emergency Care Act, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 6737, the Flint Registry Reauthorization Act, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a vote of 16-12.  Democrats  blocked  the following Republican-led amendments to H.R. 6737, the Flint Registry Reauthorization Act:  Health Ranking Member Brett Guthrie’s (R-KY) amendment to allow for registries to be established in more than one city.   Rep. Buddy Carter’s (R-GA) amendment to allow for registries to be established in more than one city, including Jackson, Mississippi, and other affected cities and counties in Washington, Minnesota, and West Virginia. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’s (R-FL) amendment to require non-Federal recipients of aid under this section to pay a matching amount as a condition of receiving federal aid. Highlights and key excerpts from Leader Rodgers during the markup:  On H.R 5141, the MOBILE Act:  “Mr. Hudson and Ms. Herrera Beutler’s H.R 5141, the MOBILE Act will ensure that community health centers could use their grant funding for mobile units. This will help people in rural communities all across this country access care they need.” On H.R. 3173 ,  Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2021:  “We are also moving H.R. 3173, which is a top priority for Dr. Bucshon, and I’m grateful for his hard work and leadership … My hope is to get this score settled and ultimately offset as we move this important legislation that improves care for seniors while also making sure Medicare is solvent for seniors in the future.”  On H.R. 6737, the Flint Registry Reauthorization Act:  “I hope that we can come together to help other communities in America benefit from a registry — communities like Jackson, Mississippi — that are dealing with its own government failures that have led to unsafe drinking water, as well as other areas of the country where this has been an issue.” On H.R. 3655, the Vaccine Injury Compensation Modernization Act of 2021: “ Mr. Upton worked tirelessly on H.R. 3655 to reform the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. We are taking a small step to improve the program, and I look forward to working with Chairman Pallone for an offset before this moves to the floor.”  On H.R. 8163,   the Improving Trauma Systems and Emergency Care Act:  “I still have outstanding concerns about changes to the state matching requirements. I thank Chairman Pallone for continuing to work with me on this before the full committee markup.” CLICK HERE  for Leader Rodgers’ full opening statement. CLICK HERE  for Health Subcommittee Leader Guthrie (R-KY) opening statement.