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On the House Floor Updates


Mar 22, 2024
On the House Floor

Chair Rodgers on the Floor: America’s Energy Legacy is Under Threat

Vote YES on H.R. 1023 to Repeal the EPA’s Green Slush Fund and the Harmful Natural Gas Tax Washington D.C. —   House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) spoke on the House Floor in support of H.R. 1023, the Cutting Green Corruption and Taxes Act . The bill, led by Energy and Commerce Republican Gary Palmer (R-AL), will repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) $27 billion green bank slush fund and stop it from imposing a tax on natural gas. Chair Rodgers prepared remarks: “I rise in support of H.R. 1023, the ‘Cutting Green Corruption and Taxes Act.’ “I want to thank the bill sponsor, Mr. Gary Palmer of Alabama, and the Members of the Energy and Commerce. “The U.S. has been blessed with tremendous natural resources, which we’ve been able to harness as a result of free market principles and an entrepreneurial spirit that’s uniquely American. “We’ve harnessed the power of nuclear energy, electrified millions of rural American’s homes with clean hydropower, and ushered in the Shale Revolution—which continues to create millions of new jobs, bring manufacturing back to the U.S., and revitalize communities across the country. “As a result, America is more energy secure today than ever before. “This legacy is under threat. Since day one, President Biden has been taking steps to shut down American energy. “On his first day in office he ended the Keystone XL Pipeline. “He’s actively taking steps to ban gas stoves and liquefied natural gas exports, tear down hydropower dams, force electric vehicle mandates on Americans, and impose a tax on natural gas. “His so-called ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ provided the EPA with tens of billions of taxpayer dollars to launder to extreme, liberal special interest allies—who will ultimately make us more reliant on China by forcing Americans to rely on cheap Chinese batteries and solar panels manufactured with slave labor and the worst environmental standards on the planet. “H.R. 1023 is an important step towards ending the President’s radical rush to green agenda. “It repeals the EPA’s $27 billion-dollar Green Bank slush fund, and it’s recently proposed natural gas tax. “The EPA doesn’t want Congress or the American public to know how their taxpayer dollars are spent, so they give it to radical environmentalists to spend in secret. “This legislation will also repeal the EPA’s recent proposed natural gas tax. “This tax drives up costs on everything from our grocery bills to our energy bills. “It will force good-paying American jobs overseas and make us more dependent on foreign energy sources. “I strongly support H.R. 1023, the ‘Cutting Green Corruption and Taxes Act,’ which promotes American energy leadership and security—something that’s vital to building on our legacy of improving lives, helping to lift people out of poverty, and raising the standard of living across the country and the world. “I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in voting YES on this important bill.”



Rodgers and Pallone Celebrate House Passage of Legislation to Protect Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries

The legislation would prohibit data brokers from selling Americans’ sensitive personal information to our foreign adversaries Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr., (D-NJ) released the following joint statement today after the House passed H.R. 7520, the Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 , by a vote of 414 - 0: “Today’s overwhelming vote sends a clear message that we will not allow our adversaries to undermine American national security and individual privacy by purchasing people’s personally identifiable sensitive information from data brokers. H.R. 7520 is another key step towards strengthening data protections and safeguarding our nation from foreign adversaries. “The legislation builds on our efforts in the House last week to pass H.R. 7521—with overwhelming and bipartisan support—and serves as an important complement to more comprehensive national data privacy legislation, which we remain committed to working together on. We're encouraged by today’s strong vote, which should help build momentum to get this important bipartisan legislation, as well as more comprehensive privacy legislation, signed into law this Congress.” Rodgers and Pallone introduced H.R. 7520 earlier this month, and it is cosponsored by Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Subcommittee Ranking Member Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), as well as Reps. Rick W. Allen (R-GA), and Lori Trahan (D-MA). The bill passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee with a unanimous vote of 50-0. Bill text of H.R. 7520 is available HERE . 



Mar 13, 2024
Press Release

Chair Rodgers Statement on House Passage of H.R. 7521

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released a statement applauding H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act , which passed out of the House today with a strong bipartisan vote of 352-65. “H.R. 7521 is the result of diligent and bipartisan efforts to protect Americans’ data and address the serious national security threat posed by our enemies. Applications controlled by foreign adversaries can be weaponized to target, manipulate, and surveil millions of Americans. This cannot continue. I commend Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) as well as our colleagues, Reps. Gallagher and Krishnamoorthi, for their leadership on this important legislation. I urge our colleagues in the Senate to act as swiftly as the House and advance this bill to the President’s desk.” 



Mar 13, 2024
On the House Floor

Chair Rodgers on the House Floor: We Will not Tolerate our Adversaries Weaponizing our Freedoms Against Us

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in support of H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act . The bipartisan legislation will protect Americans by preventing foreign adversaries, such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), from targeting, surveilling, and manipulating the American people through applications, like TikTok. “I rise today in support of H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. “Foreign adversaries, like the Chinese Communist Party, pose the greatest national security threat of our time. “TikTok’s access to 177 million American users makes it a valuable propaganda tool for the CCP to exploit. “Over the past week, we saw in real time how CCP-controlled TikTok used its influence and power to force users to contact their representatives if they wanted to continue using the app. “This is just a small taste of how the CCP weaponizes applications it controls to manipulate tens of millions of people to further its agenda. “Today’s legislation will end this abuse by preventing apps controlled by foreign adversaries from targeting, surveilling, and manipulating the American people. “We have given TikTok a clear choice: Separate from your parent company ByteDance, which is beholden to the CCP, and remain operational in the United States, or side with the CCP and face the consequences. “The choice is TikTok’s. “Companies controlled by a foreign adversary, like the CCP, will NEVER embrace American values like freedom of speech, human rights, the rule of law, and a free press. “If given the choice, they will always choose the path for more control, more surveillance, and more manipulation. “And in the case of TikTok, we wouldn’t even know. “Today we will send a clear message that we will not tolerate our adversaries weaponizing our freedoms against us.”



Mar 7, 2024
Press Release

Chair Rodgers Applauds House Passage of Bipartisan E&C Health Bills

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) issued the following statements after the House passed six bipartisan health bills within the Committee’s jurisdiction:   On H.R. 498, t he 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act , which passed the House unanimously:  “Americans in crisis must be able to reach the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline without delays. This bipartisan legislation, led by Rep. Obernolte, will strengthen cybersecurity at the Department of Health and Human Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to better protect the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline from hacks or disruptions, better ensuring Americans can access this critical service in their moment of need.”  Note : H.R. 498 was passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee by a vote of 46 to 0 on March 24, 2023.  On H.R. 3838, the Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act, which passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 382 to 12:  “The United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed nations, often from causes that are entirely preventable. This crucial legislation will help s upport mothers throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum . I commend Reps. Burgess, Carter, and Cammack for their work on this bipartisan legislation.”   Note : H.R. 3838 was passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee by a vote of 50 to 0 on July 19, 2023.  On H.R. 3821, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act, which passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 413 to 7:  “Firefighters regularly put their lives in harm's way to protect their community. Their work often exposes them to toxic substances, tragically leading to higher rates of cancer. This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes a voluntary registry for firefighters who are battling cancer, which helps researchers better study the links between toxic exposures and cancer. I thank Rep. Fitzpatrick for his leadership on this bipartisan bill.”  Note : H.R. 3821 was passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee by a vote of 51 to 0 on July 19, 2023.  On H.R. 3836, the Medicaid Primary Care Improvement Act , which passed the House unanimously:  “It’s critical that patients can access their primary provider for everything from routine checkups to referrals for more intensive health issues. Access to primary care generally leads to better health outcomes in the long run. I thank Rep. Crenshaw for his leadership of this bipartisan bill, which clarifies that states can innovate in providing primary care services in their Medicaid programs.”  Note : H.R. 3836 was passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee by a vote of 51 to 0 on July 19, 2023.  On H.R. 3843, the Action for Dental Health Act , which passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 391 to 32:  “Dental health is an important component of individuals’ overall health. This legislation will support state and local efforts to bolster the dental workforce help prevent the predicted shortages in this crucial field. I thank Dr. Simpson for his leadership of this bipartisan legislation.”  Note : H.R. 3843 was passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee by a vote of 50 to 0 on July 19, 2023.  On H.R. 3391, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 , which passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 384 to 4:  “While major advancements in health care diagnostics and treatments have improved the cancer survival rate among children, we still have more work to do. This bipartisan legislation directs the National Institutes of Health to prioritize and better coordinate pediatric research. This is another important step in our efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of our nation’s children. I’m grateful to Reps. Cole and Bilirakis for their leadership of this effort.”  Note : H.R. 3391 was passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee by a vote of 50 to 0 on July 19, 2023. 



Chair Rodgers Speaks on House Floor to Advance American Nuclear Energy Leadership

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in support of H.R. 6544, the Atomic Energy Advancement Act . The bipartisan legislation, led by Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) and Subcommittee Ranking Member Diana DeGette (D-CO), will encourage and support advancements in nuclear energy by modernizing and improving the current processes at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.  “I urge support of the Atomic Energy Advancement Act.” “I rise in strong support of this legislation, H.R. 6544, the ‘Atomic Energy Advancement Act.’  “We have worked very hard, and most agree that a robust and growing nuclear industry is critical for reducing emissions, providing reliable, affordable, clean energy to Americans.  “Nuclear energy can help us build durable economic and strategic relationships around the world, especially as the influence of China and Russia in this industry grows.    “We know our allies are eager for American leadership and technology, and our nuclear industry is ready to lead.   “The Energy and Commerce Committee has a rich history of plowing the hard ground necessary to legislate and coming together on solutions that improve people’s lives and make our country stronger and prosperous.  “H.R. 6544 continues that leadership, and I’m grateful for the leadership of the Chairman of the Subcommittee, Jeff Duncan, as well as the Ranking Member, Diana DeGette, and the Ranking Member of the Full Committee, Frank Pallone, for working together so we can move this legislation forward and help maintain a robust and growing nuclear industry, which is vital to delivering reliable, affordable, and clean energy to all Americans.    “This much needed modernization of our regulatory framework will restore America’s nuclear dominance, encourage innovation, enable industry to deploy safe, reliable nuclear energy, and usher in a new era of U.S. energy leadership.



Feb 16, 2024
Blog

E&C Republicans Lead Bipartisan Passage of Bill to Reverse President Biden’s LNG Export Ban

This week, the House passed H.R. 7176, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act, to reverse President Biden’s U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) export ban. Unleashing American LNG will lower energy costs, advance U.S. energy security and the security of our allies, as well as reduce emissions. The bill, led by Energy and Commerce Member Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 224 to 200. As Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) said , “President Biden’s decision to impose a ban on issuing permits to export natural gas is just the latest example of his administration caving to environmental activists and putting politics over the American people. This ban will harm the American economy, jeopardize good paying jobs, weaken our energy security, and threaten the security of our friends and allies.” Rep. Pfluger added , “President Biden’s ban on LNG is radically short-sighted when it comes to the environmental risk. Clean natural gas is a major reason why the U.S. has reduced emissions more than any other nation.” Don't miss this from Fox Business:



Feb 15, 2024
Press Release

Chair Rodgers on the House Floor: We Must Reverse President Biden’s LNG Export Ban

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor during debate of H.R. 7176, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024 . The legislation, led by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), will reverse President Biden’s liquified natural gas (LNG) export ban and unleash American LNG to lower energy costs, advance U.S. energy security and the security of our allies, as well as reduce emissions.  “I rise today in support of H.R. 7176, the ‘Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024,’ introduced by my friend Representative August Pfluger. “President Biden’s decision to impose a ban on issuing permits to export natural gas is just the latest example of his administration caving to environmentalist activists and putting politics over the American people.   “This ban will harm the American economy, jeopardize good paying jobs, weaken our energy security, and it threatens the security of our friends and allies. “America has become the number one producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas in the world.  “This has strengthened our economy, reduced costs for the American people, and enabled the United States to lead in reducing emissions more than any other nation, both here at home and abroad. “American LNG has been a lifeline, especially our European allies, since Russia invaded Ukraine. “Since the invasion, American LNG has helped them reduce their natural gas prices by over 83% and reduce their dependence on Russia.  “President Biden’s ban sends a signal to our allies that we’re no longer a dependable energy partner. “This is unacceptable. “H.R. 7176 will immediately reverse the President’s decision, allowing the U.S. to export more and encouraging domestic production here at home, which will then reduce American energy supply vulnerabilities. “This will reduce American energy supply vulnerabilities and encourage investments in other industries, like manufacturing. “Some estimate that LNG exports could add as much as $73 billion to our economy and more than 450,000 American jobs by 2040. “LNG is vital to America’s energy leadership, our security, and our future.  “I urge my colleagues to support this bill.”  READ MORE:  Biden’s LNG Export Ban is Based on Politics, Not Science   Myth vs. Fact: Biden's LNG Export Ban   E&C Republicans: President Biden's LNG Export Ban is Reckless and Politically Motivated   More than 150 House Republicans Demand Biden End His De Facto Ban on American LNG Exports   Biden’s LNG Export Ban is a Gift to Putin Chair Rodgers Rebukes Biden’s Decision to Indefinitely Pause LNG Exports



Feb 15, 2024
Press Release

Chair Rodgers’ Statement on House Passage of H.R. 7176, the Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released the following statement after the House’s consideration of H.R. 7176, the Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024, to reverse President Biden’s American LNG export ban. The bill, led by Energy and Commerce Member August Pfluger (R-TX), passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 224-200.    “The President’s decision to impose a ban on new permits for clean U.S. liquefied natural gas exports puts the interests of radical environmentalists ahead of the best interests of the United States and its allies. This ban will harm the American economy, jeopardize good paying jobs, weaken U.S. energy security, and threaten the security of our allies. I applaud the passage of H.R. 7176, led by Rep. Pfluger, to immediately reverse President Biden’s ban and protect America’s economic and national security, and that of our allies.”