News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, delivered the following opening statement at today’s markup of a bill to reauthorize FirstNet.

Subcommittee Chairman Hudson’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Good morning, and welcome to today’s subcommittee markup on the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act. I’m excited about our progress and taking this next step towards reauthorizing this important program.

“Last week we heard from a great panel of witnesses who shared their expertise and experience with FirstNet and provided input on how this legislation would improve the network and ensure it operates in the best interest of public safety.

“We heard directly from NTIA that not only is the FirstNet Board protected in statute, but they have no intention of dismantling or casting aside the FirstNet Board. It’s actually quite the opposite. NTIA relies on the Board to provide crucial expertise and direction on the needs of public safety. This legislation not only keeps the Board, but strengthens public safety’s voice by requiring 2 additional seats on the Board be dedicated to public safety.

“I want to note this vote today does not signify we’re done working on this legislation. We are continuing to gather feedback from public safety groups and stakeholders about certain provisions in this legislation, and we have a lot of work in the coming weeks to ensure that this bill is the best possible version it can be before it reaches the House floor.

“Reliable communications are absolutely essential for our first responders in emergencies. While a lot has been done to stand up this first-of-its-kind public safety communications network, there is more work to do to ensure the promise of FirstNet is fulfilled. In my home state of North Carolina, first responders have shared their frustrations about FirstNet not working during Hurricane Helene. The reforms included in the legislation before us today are intended to ensure that FirstNet delivers a reliable, interoperable communications network to our first responders and the FirstNet Authority acts in the best interests of the public safety community it serves.

“I want to thank my colleagues for their continued commitment to this issue and for their work developing this proposal. I look forward to reauthorizing the First Responder Network Authority.”

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 markup of twelve bills to strengthen automotive safety, affordability, and leadership.

Subcommittee Chairman Bilirakis’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Today we will be advancing legislation aimed at modernizing and ensuring motor vehicle safety, promoting innovation, and ensuring affordability.

“The Members of this subcommittee understand better than anyone that there is no partisan way to save lives. In 2024, nearly 40,000 people died on our roadways. That number is staggering—but what matters most is what it represents: families forever changed, milestones never reached, and seats left empty around kitchen tables. That reality should drive our work here today.

“Meeting this moment requires practical solutions to strengthen motor vehicle safety and empower NHTSA to succeed in its mission. I would like to highlight three solutions to bolster motor vehicle safety.

“First, we must address the growing risks that electric vehicle battery fires present to vehicle occupants, firefighters, and the public at large. These fires have led to serious fatalities and created dangerous conditions for firefighters, made worse by inconsistent vehicle designs and a lack of standardized response protocols. This is an area where Congress can and must bring together first responders, safety experts, NHTSA, and industry to develop real solutions.

“This issue has had tragic consequences, and I want to again thank Florida State Rep. Meg Weinberger for her leadership in bringing attention to this problem and working with me on potential solutions. I’m grateful to the Chairman for partnering with me to include a new provision in the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act that strengthens fire rescue capabilities and improves safety for first responders on the front line.

“Second, we are considering the SELF-DRIVE Act, which establishes a federal framework for the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles. I want to commend Mr. Latta for his years of dedication to this issue.

“Autonomous vehicles hold enormous potential, not just as a technological advancement, but as a tool to save lives. By reducing human error, which is responsible for most crashes, AVs can prevent accidents before they happen. They also offer new mobility and independence for seniors and people with disabilities.

“Finally, accessibility must remain central to our approach to mobility. Today, millions of wheelchair users rely on outdated and non-standardized securement systems that are often unreliable. This has led to preventable injuries, restricted travel, and unnecessary dependence on caregivers.

“The Motor Vehicle Modernization Act takes an important step forward by directing NHTSA to prioritize research into automated wheelchair securing systems. I thank the Chairman for recognizing the importance of this issue and including this impactful provision.

“I am confident that, working together, we can advance legislation that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and American automotive leadership. I look forward to our discussion today on how we can achieve these goals by moving these bills to the next stage of the legislative process.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, led a markup of twelve bills to strengthen automotive safety, affordability, and leadership.

“The twelve bills we considered address a wide range of priorities from improving vehicle safety technology to modernizing our transportation regulations. Each of these measures reflects a commitment to keeping Americans safe on the road, while supporting the competitiveness and innovation of our domestic automotive industry,” said Chairman Bilirakis. “Ensuring safe, affordable, and reliable transportation is critical for families, businesses, and communities alike, and today’s markup is another step toward saving lives and preparing our automotive industry for the challenges and opportunities of the future.”

Legislative Vote Summary:

• H.R. 1566, Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.
• H.R. 7390, Safely Ensuring Lives Future Deployment and Research In Vehicle Evolution (SELF DRIVE) Act of 2026, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 12 yeas – 11 nays.
• H.R. 7389, Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a voice vote.
• H.R. 5221, PART Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.
• H.R. 2110, Safe Vehicle Access for Survivors Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.
• H.R. 6688, ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.
• H.R. 3360, Driver Technology and Pedestrian Safety Act, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a voice vote.
• H.R. 3385, To direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue certain regulations to update the definition of motorcycle, and for other purposes, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.
• H.R. 7372, Safety Is Not for Sale Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.
• H.R. 7377, Know Before You Drive Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.
• H.R. 6947, Securing Accessible Functional Emergency (SAFE) Exit Act of 2026, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.
• H.R. 7353, Magnus White and Safe Streets for Everyone Act of 2026, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.

Watch the full markup here.

Below are key excerpts from today’s markup:

Congressman Craig Goldman (TX-12) on H.R. 7390, the Safely Ensuring Lives Future Deployment and Research In Vehicle Evolution (SELF DRIVE) Act of 2026: “The SELF DRIVE Act takes a clear approach to regulating autonomous vehicles by pairing innovation with clear, enforceable safety expectations. […] A chaotic web of over 30 state laws breeds confusion, stalls deployment, undermines consistent safety, and erodes consumer confidence. The SELF DRIVE Act cuts through this red tape with a unified national framework, unleashing innovation nationwide.”

Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) on H.R. 7389, the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026: “Our primary tasks here today are to strengthen motor vehicle safety, modernize, and unlock innovation in the automotive industry. The Motor Vehicle Modernization Act advances all three of these objectives.”

Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08) on H.R. 5221, the PART Act: “Law enforcement groups have gone on the record to state that including tracing in legislation is critical to helping deter the theft and trafficking of stolen catalytic converters, making it easier to prosecute the criminals committing these crimes. […] My constituents deserve real solutions, which the PART Act helps to deliver with a national framework to combat catalytic converter theft.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, led a markup of a bill to reauthorize FirstNet.

“Reliable communications are absolutely essential for our first responders in emergencies. While a lot has been done to stand up this first-of-its-kind public safety communications network, there is more work to do to ensure the promise of FirstNet is fulfilled. In my home state of North Carolina, first responders have shared their frustrations about FirstNet not working during Hurricane Helene,” said Chairman Hudson. “The reforms included in the legislation before us today are intended to ensure that FirstNet delivers a reliable, interoperable communications network to our first responders and the FirstNet Authority acts in the best interests of the public safety community it serves.”

Legislative Vote Summary:

• H.R. 7386, The First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.

Watch the full markup here.

Below are key excerpts from today’s markup:

Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02): “We are continuing to hear from public safety groups and other stakeholders about ways to improve certain provisions in this legislation, and we will continue to work with them in good faith to improve the bill. We want to ensure that our first responders have the most reliable communications network when they need it most.”

Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02): “When Congress created the First Responder Network Authority, there was a clear mandate to have a public safety preemptive network that would be used exclusively for first responders on the ground. Our nation's heroes and public servants alike, who are the first to respond, the first people to put their lives on the line, deserve a robust communication system. This is a very clear mandate to give our local communities the resources they need to respond to tragedies.”

Congressman Craig Goldman (TX-12): “In my district, FirstNet is not some abstract policy. It's a daily necessity. Local first responders rely on FirstNet every day to maintain secure, reliable communication during emergencies, natural disasters, and major incidents in Tarrant County. FirstNet also plays an important role in supporting the District Attorney's Office by ensuring smooth coordination with law enforcement and public safety partners, particularly during high-risk operations and large-scale investigations.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is holding one Subcommittee Hearing and two Subcommittee Markups. Read more below.

SUBCOMMITTEE MARKUP: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade will hold a markup of twelve bills to strengthen automotive safety, affordability, and leadership.

• DATE: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
• TIME: 10:15 AM ET
• LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

SUBCOMMITTEE MARKUP: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology will hold a markup of a bill to reauthorize FirstNet.

• DATE: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
• TIME: 2:00 PM ET
• LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health is holding a hearing on exploring the role that the prescription drug supply chain plays in health care affordability.

• DATE: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
• TIME: 10:15 AM ET
• LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued a statement after President Trump signed H.R. 7148 into law this week, which included the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act.

“H.R. 1262, the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act, builds on current programs to accelerate research and drug development for rare pediatric diseases, including cancer,” said Chairman Guthrie. “The bill reauthorized the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program that has led to over 50 new treatment approvals for nearly 40 different rare pediatric diseases, many of which had no treatment options prior to the existence of the program. The positive impact is profound for patients, and I am grateful to the many champions of this legislation and their commitment to promoting research and addressing gaps in pediatric therapeutics.”

Background:

• H.R. 1262, the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act, was reported to the full House from the Committee on Energy and Commerce, as amended, by a vote of 47 yeas and 0 nays and passed the full House by voice vote.
• H.R. 1262 was incorporated into H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, which was passed by the full House on February 3, 2026, and signed into law by President Trump.

The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act:

• Reauthorizes the FDA Rare Pediatric Disease (RPD) Priority Review Voucher (PRV) Program through Fiscal Year 2029;
• Provides the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with additional authority to require pediatric cancer trials for new combinations of drug therapies;
• Authorizes the FDA to take enforcement action against companies that fail to meet pediatric study requirements under the Pediatric Research Equity Act (PREA);
• Directs the FDA to establish an office in an Abraham Accord country to enhance facilitation with the agency; and
• Requires FDA to disclose to certain generic drug applicants if any ingredients cause a drug to be quantitatively or qualitatively different from the listed drug, speeding up patients access to more affordable medications.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, announced a subcommittee markup of twelve bills to strengthen automotive safety, affordability, and leadership.

WHAT: Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade markup of twelve bills.

DATE: Tuesday, February 10, 2026

TIME: 10:15 AM ET

LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

Items to be considered:

• H.R. 5221, PART Act (Reps. Baird and McCollum)
• H.R. 2110, Safe Vehicle Access for Survivors Act (Reps. Dingell and Crenshaw)
• H.R. 6688, ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act (Reps. Harshbarger, Obernolte, Vazquez, and Torres-CA)
• H.R. 3360, Driver Technology and Pedestrian Safety Act (Rep. Mullin)
• H.R. 3385, To direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue certain regulations to update the definition of motorcycle, and for other purposes. (Rep. Van Orden)
• H.R. 1566, Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act (Reps. Dunn and Perez)
• H.R. 7389, Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026 (Chairman Guthrie)
• H.R. 7390, Safely Ensuring Lives Future Deployment and Research In Vehicle Evolution (SELF DRIVE) Act of 2026 (Rep. Latta)
• H.R. 7372, Safety Is Not for Sale Act (Ranking Member Pallone)
• H.R. 7377, Know Before You Drive Act (Rep. Schrier)
• H.R. 6947, Securing Accessible Functional Emergency (SAFE) Exit Act of 2026 (Rep. Kelly-IL)
• H.R. 7353, Magnus White and Safe Streets for Everyone Act of 2026 (Rep. Clarke)

This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at energycommerce.house.gov. If you have any questions concerning this hearing, please contact Jackson Rudden at Jackson.Rudden@mail.house.gov. If you have any press-related questions, please contact Daniel Kelly at Daniel.Kelly@mail.house.gov.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Just one day after President Trump signed into law the most comprehensive pharmacy benefit manger (PBM) reform in American history, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reached a historic settlement with one of the nation’s largest PBMs, Express Scripts, Inc., along with affiliated entities (ESI collectively), requiring them to change current business practices to drive down drug costs for patients and employers.

The settlement directly addresses many of the harmful pharmaceutical middlemen practices that the House Committee on Energy and Commerce has called attention to for years and supports a key commitment of President Trump’s new health care agenda, The Great Healthcare Plan, to lower prescription drug prices.

Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement:

“This week has marked many successes when it comes to transparency and affordability of prescription drugs for American patients,” said Chairman Guthrie. “The House Committee on Energy and Commerce supports President Trump’s efforts and will continue this work by calling in representatives across the entire prescription drug supply chain next week to continue our commitment to lowering the cost of care for all Americans. This is just another way Republicans are working to implement meaningful relief for American families when it comes to health care affordability.”

Background:

ESI, under the FTC’s proposed consent order, has agreed to:

• Stop preferring on its standard formularies high wholesale acquisition cost versions of a drug over identical low wholesale acquisition cost versions;
• Provide a standard offering to its plan sponsors that ensures that members’ out-of-pocket expenses will be based on the drug’s net cost, rather than its artificially inflated list price;
• Provide covered access to TrumpRx as part of its standard offering upon relevant legal and regulatory changes;
• Provide full access to its Patient Assurance Program’s insulin benefits to all members when a plan sponsor adopts a formulary that includes an insulin product covered by the Patient Assurance Program unless the plan sponsor opts out in writing;
• Provide a standard offering to all plan sponsors that allows the plan sponsor to transition off rebate guarantees and spread pricing;
• Delink drug manufacturers’ compensation to ESI from list prices as part of its standard offering;
• Increase transparency for plan sponsors, including with mandatory, drug-level reporting, providing data to permit compliance with the Transparency in Coverage regulations, and disclosing payments to brokers representing plan sponsors;
• Transition its standard offering to retail community pharmacies to a more transparent and fairer model based on the actual acquisition cost for a drug product plus a dispensing fee and additional compensation for non-dispensing services;
• Promote the standard offerings to plan sponsors and retail community pharmacies; and
• Reshore its group purchasing organization Ascent from Switzerland to the United States, which will bring back to the United States more than $750 billion in purchasing activity over the duration of the order.
• The settlement is projected to ** save American patients $7 billion ** in out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs over a decade.

Click HERE to read the full settlement.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, announced a subcommittee markup of a bill to reauthorize FirstNet.

WHAT: Subcommittee on Communications and Technology markup of one bill.

DATE: Tuesday, February 10, 2026

TIME: 2:00 PM ET

LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

Item to be considered:

• H.R. 7386, The First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act (Reps. Dunn and McClellan)

This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at energycommerce.house.gov. If you have any questions concerning this hearing, please contact Noah Jackson at Noah.Jackson@mail.house.gov. If you have any press-related questions, please contact Daniel Kelly at Daniel.Kelly@mail.house.gov.