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Press Release Updates


Mar 18, 2024
Press Release

Chair Rodgers Announces Full Committee Markup of 28 Bills

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) today announced a Full Committee markup. The Committee will consider legislation from the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security; Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials; Health; and Communications and Technology subcommittees.  Chair Rodgers released the following statements:  On the Energy and Environment bills:  “The Energy and Commerce Committee has a rich history of enacting solutions that improve people’s livelihoods and freedom, all while maintaining America’s global energy and environmental leadership. We look forward to building on this legacy with solutions that modernize our pipeline infrastructure, enhance air quality standards and public health, and ensure Americans are free to choose the home appliances that work best for their lives.”  On the Health bills: “Americans are counting on us to deliver on bipartisan solutions that will help improve their health and wellbeing. We’re proud of the hard work that Members both on and off the Energy and Commerce Committee have done to bring forth these proposals to support patients and caregivers across America.”  On the Communications and Technology bills:  “In order to win the future, it is vital that our communications networks are secure. Continuing to rely on technology sourced from foreign adversaries jeopardizes people’s homes, schools, hospitals, our financial system, and the military. That is why Energy and Commerce Republicans are leading on solutions to remove dangerous equipment from our communications infrastructure and help cement America's technological and economic leadership for generations to come.”   WHAT: A Full Committee Markup of 28 bills.  DATE: Wednesday, March 20, 2024   TIME: 10:00 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building   Legislation to be considered :  H.R. 7655 , Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Expansion Act of 2024 (Rep. Duncan)  H.R. 7673 , Liberty in Laundry Act (Rep. Ogles)  H.R. 7645 , Clothes Dryers Reliability Act (Rep. Ezell)   H.R. 7637 , Refrigerator Freedom Act (Rep. Miller-Meeks)   H.R. 7626 , Affordable Air Conditioning Act (Rep. Crenshaw)   H.R. 7700 , Stop Unaffordable Dishwasher Standards (SUDS) Act (Rep. Langworthy) H.R. 7650 , Air Quality Standards Implementation Act of 2024 (Rep. Carter) H.R. 619 , NAPA Reauthorization Act (Rep. Tonko) H.R. 620 , Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (Rep. C. Smith)  H.R. 7218 , Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act of 2024 (Rep. Guthrie)  H.R. 4581 , Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2024 (Rep. Hinson)    H.R. 2706 , Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act (Rep. Cammack)   H.R. 4646 , SIREN Reauthorization Act (Rep. D. Joyce)  H.R. 6160 , To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a lifespan respite care program (Rep. Molinaro)  H.R. 6960 , Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Rep. Carter)    H.R. 7153 , Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act (Rep. Wild)  H.R. 7251 , Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Rep. Chavez-DeRemer)  H.R. 7224 , To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program (Rep. Cohen)  H.R. 7208 , Dennis John Beningo Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Rep. Pascrell)   H.R. 6829 , Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, and Research, and AED Training in the Schools (HEARTS) Act of 2024 (Rep. Pallone)    H.R. 7189 , Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Rep. Bilirakis)  H.R. 7406 , DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2024 (Rep. McMorris Rodgers)  H.R. 3916 , SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2024 (Rep. Morelle)    H.R. 5074 , Kidney PATIENT Act (Rep. Carter)  H.R. 2864 , Countering CCP Drones Act (Rep. Stefanik)  H.R. 820 , Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act (Rep. Stefanik)  H.R. 1513 , Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhancing (FUTURE) Networks Act (Rep. Matsui)  H.R. 7589 , Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security (ROUTERS) Act (Rep. Latta)  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 Kaitlyn Peterson with the Committee staff at Kaitlyn.Peterson@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Sean Kelly at Sean.Kelly@mail.house.gov and Christopher Krepich at Christopher.Krepich@mail.house.gov



Mar 14, 2024
Press Release

Chairs Rodgers and Griffith Announce Oversight Hearing on U.S. Center for SafeSport

Hearing to evaluate safety measures implemented to protect athletes at all levels, from youth leagues to the Olympics and Paralympics Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today announced a subcommittee hearing titled "Timeout: Evaluating Safety Measures Implemented to Protect Athletes." “Congress created SafeSport to protect young athletes so predators like Larry Nassar will never harm children again. However, there have been hurdles to implementing the safety measures provided by the SafeSport program, including a lack of transparency to athletes who have submitted claims. This hearing will give Members an opportunity to hear from SafeSport, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, USA Softball, and the U.S. Soccer Federation as we examine how best to protect athletes from abuse and what challenges the SafeSport program faces to accomplish that goal. We must ensure athletes in our communities are healthy and safe from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse,” said Chairs Rodgers and Griffith.   Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing titled “Timeout: Evaluating Safety Measures Implemented to Protect Athletes.”   WHAT : A subcommittee hearing to discuss oversight of SafeSport’s ability to protect athletes, from youth sports to the Olympics.  DATE : Thursday, March 21, 2024   TIME : 10:30 AM ET  LOCATION : 2322 Rayburn House Office Building   WITNESSES :  Ms. Ju’Riese Colón, Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Center for SafeSport  Ms. Nicole Deal , Senior Vice President for Security and Athlete Safety, United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee   Mr. Craig Cress, Chief Executive Officer, USA Softball, Inc.  Ms. Mana Shim, Chair, U.S. Soccer Federation Participant Safety Task Force, U.S. Soccer Federation  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 Lauren Eriksen with the Committee staff at Lauren.Eriksen@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Christopher Krepich at Christopher.Krepich@mail.house.gov .  



Mar 14, 2024
Press Release

Chairs Rodgers and Guthrie Announce Health Subcommittee Hearing on Regulation of Diagnostic Tests

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 hearing titled "Evaluating Approaches to Diagnostic Test Regulation and the Impact of the FDA’s Proposed Rule." “Patients and providers increasingly rely on the results of diagnostics to detect, guide treatment decisions, and monitor a host of medical conditions and illnesses. The FDA has proposed a rule that relies upon dubious and misguided legal, economic, and public health arguments and has provided limited opportunities for stakeholders to offer input. The proposed rule extends far beyond the scope of any legislative proposals and would threaten access to reliable tests for children and patients with rare diseases. Any paradigm-shifting changes to the current regulations must come from Congress—not the Executive Branch,” said Chair Rodgers and Guthrie.   Subcommittee on Health hearing titled "Evaluating Approaches to Diagnostic Test Regulation and the Impact of FDA’s Proposed Rule."   WHAT : A hearing to discuss the FDA’s proposed rule to regulate lab developed tests and alternative approaches to diagnostic regulation.  DATE : Thursday, March 21, 2024    TIME : 10:00 AM    LOCATION : 2123 Rayburn House Office Building    WITNESSES :  Susan Van Meter , President, American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA)   Zach Rothstein, JD , Executive Director, AdvaMedDx   Donald S. Karcher, MD, FCAP , President of the College of American Pathologists (CAP)  Jeff Allen , PhD, President and CEO, Friends of Cancer Research    Dara L. Aisner, MD, PhD , Medical Director, Colorado Molecular Correlates Laboratory, Professor of Pathology, University of Colorado; Representative of the Academic Coalition for Effective Laboratory Developed Tests  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 Emma Schultheis with the Committee staff at Emma.Schultheis@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Christopher Krepich at Christopher.Krepich@mail.house.gov



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 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.” 



Subcommittee Chair Latta Opening Remarks at Communications and Technology Subcommittee Markup of Four Bills

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Subcommittee markup of four bills to secure American communications networks from foreign adversaries. CCP TECHNOLOGY THREATENS AMERICA “We are considering four pieces of legislation to counter the significant threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to communications networks in the United States and around the world. “The CCP poses a significant threat to American security and economic leadership. One significant area where we see this is in the communications sector. “China is aggressively trying to overtake the United States as the global leader in communications and technology. “They export their heavily subsidized equipment to developing countries, try to dominate international standards forums, and can exploit security vulnerabilities in equipment to spy on Americans and disrupt our networks. “As Americans increasingly rely on connectivity in everyday life, the security of the equipment they use becomes paramount. “Given the known vulnerabilities in many technologies produced by companies with ties to the CCP, it is imperative to take steps to mitigate the widespread availability of this equipment." SECURING NETWORKS FROM FOREIGN ADVERSARIES   “For years, this subcommittee has prioritized addressing the threat posed by the CCP. This includes passing the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, which created a program to rip-and-replace Huawei and ZTE equipment from our networks.  “I am frustrated, however, that we still have not found a way to fully fund this program.  “Today’s markup builds on our bipartisan tradition with four important pieces of legislation.  “The first bill we are considering is H.R. 2864, the Countering CCP Drones Act , which would add equipment produced by DJI Technologies to the FCC’s covered list, effectively banning it from the United States. DJI is another company that has ties to the CCP, making their products a significant threat to our national security.  “We will also consider H.R. 820, the Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act , which would require the FCC to annually publish a list of entities with ties to China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia that hold an FCC license or authorization.  “Next, we will consider H.R. 1513, the FUTURE Networks Act , introduced by the Ranking Member, the gentlelady from California, which would require the FCC to establish a 6G Task Force made up of both the public and private sectors to develop a report on the standards development process and possible uses of sixth-generation technology.  “Finally, I am pleased to lead H.R. 7589, the ROUTERS Act . This legislation would require NTIA to study whether certain routers and modems produced by companies with ties to our adversaries pose an unacceptable risk to our national security.  “Chinese state-sponsored companies make unsecured routers that are easily susceptible to cyberattacks and serve as entry points for bad actors into consumers’ homes, networks, and devices.  “Fortunately, the US has taken strong steps to keep Huawei and ZTE out of our homes and networks, and I’m proud that this bill builds on those efforts.  “I would like to thank the members of the subcommittee for their work on these bills, and I am pleased that we are able to move forward on this legislation today.” 



Mar 12, 2024
Press Release

Subcommittee Chair Guthrie Opening Remarks at Health Subcommittee Markup of 19 Legislative Proposals to Improve Health for Patients

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Health Subcommittee markup of 19 bills to improve the health and wellbeing of patients and caregivers.  “The legislation before us today will help to detect, diagnose, and treat chronic diseases and health conditions at earlier stages, improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families, help ensure Americans in rural communities have access to life-saving care, and provide additional resources to assist in the development of cutting-edge innovation. “Last month, we heard from numerous public health experts about how these programs are functioning and whether there are any gaps that need to be addressed in these programs to improve research and health outcomes for patients across the country. The bills before us today will help ensure these critical programs continue.”  THE BOLD ACT   “To help better detect, diagnose, and treat Alzheimer’s Disease, I am proud we are marking up my bipartisan bill, H.R. 7218, the Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Reauthorization Act of 2024, or the ‘BOLD Act.’  “The BOLD Reauthorization also includes educational resources to help ease the challenges for those caring for loved ones with this vicious disease. These continued investments for caregivers are even more important now that we have treatments to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and will help to ensure patients and their families have more meaningful time together.  “I would like to thank Representative Tonko for leading this legislation with me, and I urge my committee colleagues to vote ‘yes’ on this legislation.”  THE INCLUDE PROJECT   “We are also considering the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act, led by Chair Rodgers, which will allow current programs at the National Institutes of Health to continue cutting-edge research on Down syndrome.  “The INCUDE Project will continue to facilitate improved coordination across NIH and build upon research that will improve the quality of life for those individuals living with Down syndrome and can lead to medical knowledge that benefits all patients.”  STOPPING ORGAN TRANSPLANT DISCRIMINATION   “To support patients and caregivers, we’re marking up legislation led by Representative Cammack, the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act. The legislation will prohibit health care providers and other entities from denying or restricting an individual's access to organ transplants solely on the basis of the individual's disability.  “Over a decade ago, Charlotte Woodward received a heart transplant and has committed her life’s work to breaking down unnecessary and discriminatory barriers for individuals with disabilities in need of an organ transplant. Thanks to Charlotte’s fierce advocacy, we’re one step closer to ensuring individuals and their families don’t have to go through what too many have faced when seeking this life-saving treatment.   “Other bills being considered today are designed to improve access to critical emergency services for children and for those living in rural communities.   “The SIREN Reauthorization Act, by Representative David Joyce, will continue providing resources for rural emergency health providers to ensure they can maintain their essential services. I know we are still working through some policy considerations, but I am confident we can come to a resolution before the program expires on September 30.   “Next is the bipartisan Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act. It’s often said that children are not just ‘little adults’—this bill will continue programming designed to ensure EMS providers have the proper training and equipment to care for children in emergency situations.   “Finally, we’re marking up two pieces of legislation that we heard about in the Fall, the Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act, led by Representative Harshbarger, and the Kidney PATIENT Act, led by Mr. Carter.  “The Seniors’ Access to Critical Medication Act would allow cancer patients to continue receiving the necessary care in the safest and most convenient way possible. I look forward to working with my committee colleagues to advance these two bills out of the subcommittee today and to addressing any additional outstanding issues before full committee.  “Thank you to all of my colleagues who worked hard to get the legislation before us today and for their leadership on these policies.”



Mar 12, 2024
Hearings

Chair Rodgers Opening Remarks at Communications and Technology Subcommittee Markup of Four Bills

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee markup of four bills to secure American communications networks from foreign adversaries.  “Today, we are marking up four important pieces of legislation that will secure communications networks from threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party and promote U.S. technological leadership. “I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their work on these bills.” CHINA’S THREAT “China poses a significant threat to the security of our communications networks. “Companies with ties to the CCP operate in an environment tightly intertwined with the Chinese government, raising serious concerns about the level of influence and potential for exploitation by the CCP. “Under China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law, these companies are required to support, provide assistance to, and cooperate with China’s national intelligence work, wherever they operate, which could jeopardize equipment used in American communications networks. “Relying on these technologies comes with significant risk to our national security. “This isn’t the first time we’ve worked to address these threats. “In 2020, we passed the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act to remove Huawei and ZTE entirely from our networks. “Yet more work is needed to thoroughly address these threats. “Vulnerabilities in consumer equipment, such as routers and drones, could be exploited by adversaries to spy on the public.” LEGISLATIVE SOLUTIONS “That’s why I’m pleased that we are marking up Mr. Latta’s ROUTERS Act, which would direct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to study what consumer routers and modems pose security risks. “We are also considering legislation from Ms. Stefanik to add the drone manufacturer DJI, which also has ties to the CCP, to the Federal Communications Commission’s Covered List, which would prevent these drones from operating in the United States. “We should also know when CCP-influenced companies have communications licenses and equipment authorizations in the United States, which is why today we are considering H.R. 2864. “This transparency is important to understanding which adversaries are present in our communications networks as well as the threat they pose. “Finally, we are marking up Ms. Matsui’s Future Networks Act, which would direct the FCC to establish a 6G Task Force to develop a report on sixth-generation wireless technology. “Carriers are deploying 5G across the country, and we must look to the future and make sure we are leading the development of these emerging technologies. “This task force will ensure that the U.S., both industry and government, are doing what is needed to cement our leadership in 6G and win the future.” “The United States faces exceedingly complex threats from China and other adversaries that require a comprehensive and coordinated response. “This response must include efforts to secure critical supply chains, protect our allies, strengthen cybersecurity defenses, and engage in strategic competition with China in key technologies. “Failure to address these challenges not only jeopardizes our economic competitiveness and national security but also risks ceding ground to an adversarial power intent on reshaping the global order in its favor. “That’s why I’m proud of the impressive bills on today’s agenda, which address these issues and continue the bipartisan tradition of the Energy and Commerce Committee. “I want to thank all of the sponsors and staff for their hard work, and I look forward to moving these bills to the full committee.”



Mar 12, 2024
Press Release

Chair Rodgers Opening Remarks at Health Subcommittee Markup of 19 Legislative Proposals to Improve Health for Patients

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Health Subcommittee markup of 19 bills to improve the health and wellbeing of patients and caregivers.  “I am glad we are here today moving so many important pieces of legislation that will strengthen the health and wellbeing of the American people—almost all of which have broad, bipartisan support.    “This committee continues to prioritize examining programs set to expire, making changes if necessary, and reauthorizing those programs in advance of their expiration.”  REAUTHORIZING VITAL PROGRAMS “Many of the bills before us today reauthorize important programs that are due to expire September 30, and I am hopeful we can renew them in advance of that deadline, through regular order.  “This Committee has a rich history of plowing the hard ground necessary to legislate, including our bipartisan work to ensure we are moving forward timely reauthorizations, as well as new efforts—like the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act.   “I look forward to seeing all of these important initiatives be signed into law.”  SUPPORTING THE ‘INCLUDE PROJECT’ “I am especially excited we are considering my legislation to authorize the INCLUDE Project at the National Institutes of Health, which signals to appropriators that it should continue and receive robust support.  “My mission of improving the lives of individuals with disabilities is no secret and is deeply personal.   “At the time INCLUDE was established, Down syndrome was among one of the least studied and funded genetic conditions at the NIH, despite it being one of the most common chromosome abnormalities.   “Now, INCLUDE has funded over 200 awards and helps to coordinate Down syndrome research and resources across 20 NIH institutes and centers.  “One of the most incredible things about the INCLUDE Project is its potential, not just to benefit those individuals with Down syndrome, but for all patients with that suffer from cancer, Alzheimer’s, and many other conditions that occur often in those with Down syndrome.   “I am proud of this bill and the work the INCLUDE Project has already accomplished and ask for your support in helping everyone with Down syndrome, their families, and many more live their lives to their fullest potential.  “My legislation, as drafted, increases the authorized level over what is currently appropriated.   “I will continue to explore all options to ensure we are authorizing this program in a fiscally responsible manner.  “That said, I would like to move forward with a voice vote today as we continue to work on how to best address the important funding for this program.”  INCREASING ACCESS TO CARE   “Additionally, we’ll be considering Rep. Harshbarger’s bipartisan Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act, which has been cosponsored by a number of members from both sides of the aisle on this Committee.  “I know that there is more work to be done regarding technical assistance and offsetting any costs associated with the bill, but I am hopeful that we will be able to resolve those issues before consideration by the full committee.  “We are also considering Rep. Carter’s bipartisan bill, the KIDNEY Patient Act.   “As we discuss this bill, I would note that Congress has delayed putting these drugs into the ESRD bundle in previous laws with bipartisan support, and just last week a version of this policy passed last week of out the Ways and Means Committee with only one no vote.   “I hope my colleagues support the bill today and, if necessary, we can continue working on technical issues before the full committee markup.   “I won’t take the time to discuss in detail the other important bills before the subcommittee today on issues such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease research, and emergency care, but this markup is an example of how this Committee continues to lead the way in showing how to get work done for the American people.  “I’m proud of what we continue to accomplish when we work together, and I look forward to furthering this important work with all of you.”