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, the 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 support 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.