Rep. Gus Bilirakis

R

Florida – District 12
representative

Leadership

Chairman Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade

119th Congress

News & Announcements

Apr 8, 2026
Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade

Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis Announce Hearing on the Semiconductor Ecosystem and Supply Chain

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 hearing titled Computing Power and Competition: Examining the Semiconductor Ecosystem.

“Semiconductors are foundational to modern life, powering everything from cars, computers, and phones to basic household appliances like toasters and refrigerators, along with critical tools essential for our national defense. Vulnerabilities in the semiconductor supply chain underscore the need for robust oversight of the semiconductor ecosystem to prevent significant economic disruptions and protect national security,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis. “Especially as technologies such as artificial intelligence drive our future, we must ensure our supply chains are reliable and secure, supporting and expanding America’s technological competitive edge.”

Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing titled Computing Power and Competition: Examining the Semiconductor Ecosystem.

WHAT: Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing on semiconductor and advanced technology supply chains.

DATE: Wednesday, April 15, 2026

TIME: 2:00 PM ET

LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

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 with the Committee staff at Jackson.Rudden@mail.house.gov. If you have any press-related questions, please contact Daniel Kelly at Daniel.Kelly@mail.house.gov.

Mar 5, 2026
Markups

Full Committee Markup Recap: E&C Advances Eight Bills to the Full House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, led by Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), reported eight pieces of legislation to the full House of Representatives. “As people, as a Committee, and as a Congress, there are few things that are more essential than our responsibility to protect our nation’s children,” said Chairman Guthrie. “We are taking the meaningful steps forward to empower parents and protect children and teens online. We owe it to parents. We owe it to communities. And most importantly, we owe it to the kids who are counting on us to get this right.” “Empowering parents to better protect their children—especially amid the near-constant barrage of digital threats—remains one of our most solemn and important responsibilities,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “Today, we took meaningful action to advance that mission by moving forward several key measures, including the Kids Online Safety Act, designed to strengthen safeguards and increase transparency in the online space. I remain steadfast in my commitment to ensuring that children can safely navigate the digital world, while holding technology companies accountable for the platforms they operate. Protecting our kids must always come before protecting corporate profits.” Legislative Vote Summary: H.R. 7757 , Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act, was reported to the full House as amended by a roll call vote of 28 yeas – 24 nays. H.R. 2657 , Sammy’s Law was reported to the full House as amended by a roll call vote of 36 yeas – 16 nays. H.R. 3149 , App Store Accountability Act was reported to the full House as emended by a roll call vote of 26 yeas – 23 nays. H.R. 7258 , Energy Emergency Leadership Act was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 50 yeas – 0 nays. H.R. 7266 , Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 49 yeas – 0 nays. H.R. 7257 , Securing Community Upgrades for a Resilient Grid (SECURE Grid) Act was reported to the full House as amended by a roll call vote of 47 yeas – 0 nays. H.R. 7272 , Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 48 yeas – 0 nays. H.R. 7305 , Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026 was reported to the full House as amended by a roll call vote of 47 yeas – 0 nays. Watch the full markup here . Below are key excerpts from today’s markup: Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01) on H.R. 2657, Sammy’s Law: “This is absolutely necessary because the harms that our children are confronting on social media are severe, and our children simply do not yet have the development skills to protect themselves alone. If this bill helps even one family avoid what happened to Sammy Chapman, then it will be worth it. As the proud grandfather of eight beautiful grandkids, I want to know that their parents and all other parents across the country have the best safety tools possible when protecting their innocent loved ones. What happened to Sammy is a travesty that no parent should experience, and we can prevent it today by passing this bill.” Congressman John James (MI-10) on H.R. 3149, the App Store Accountability Act:  “The App Store Accountability Act holds big tech companies to the same standard as local corner stores. It protects the next generation by empowering parents and making clear that when it comes to safeguarding children, no one gets a free pass. How many studies, how many congressional hearings do we need to know the status quo is broken? How many heartbreaking stories do we need to hear from parents? So many of us on this committee are parents ourselves. We see with our own eyes the threat that Big Tech poses to children every single day. Our nation's children deserve better, and we will act.” Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) on H.R. 6489, the SAFE BOTs Act: “We're in the middle of a chatbot revolution. Children are on the front lines. Kids today aren't just scrolling feeds, they're forming emotional bonds with AI companions that simulate empathy, mimic authority figures, and are available at any hour. And in too many cases, those kids don't even know they're talking to software. We saw a tragic illustration of this when a 14-year-old lost his life after months of conversations with a chatbot that validated his most troubling thoughts, rather than routing him to real help, that can't be the norm. The SAFE BOTs Act creates common sense, baseline guardrails. It prohibits AI from impersonating licensed professionals. It requires age-appropriate disclosure, so minors always know they're talking to an AI, not a human. It mandates that platforms provide a crisis hotline when a minor raises self-harm or suicide, it requires reasonable take-a-break prompts after extended interactions, and directs the NIH to study long-term mental health effects of chatbots on minors.” Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08) on H.R. 7305, the Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026: “The Energy Threat Analysis Center plays an essential role in safeguarding critical infrastructure that ensures economic growth and national security. It brings together the Department of Energy, national labs, and private sector utilities, and provides early threat detection and coordinated analysis of threats to our energy generation and transmission networks. Colorado's own National Lab of the Rockies, hosts ITAC and is leading the way in this vital work, which protects our infrastructure's reliability, security, and ultimately, affordability. We know that terrorism and sophisticated cyber threats are on the rise, and this mission is not abstract, it's urgent. I'm especially proud this bill passed the subcommittee unanimously, which is a clear sign that protecting our nation's energy systems is a shared priority.”

Feb 10, 2026
Press Release

Chairman Bilirakis Delivers Opening Statement at CMT Subcommittee Markup of Legislation to Strengthen Motor Vehicle Safety and Advance U.S. Automotive Leadership

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.”

Letters

Apr 8, 2026
Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade

Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis Announce Hearing on the Semiconductor Ecosystem and Supply Chain

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 hearing titled Computing Power and Competition: Examining the Semiconductor Ecosystem.

“Semiconductors are foundational to modern life, powering everything from cars, computers, and phones to basic household appliances like toasters and refrigerators, along with critical tools essential for our national defense. Vulnerabilities in the semiconductor supply chain underscore the need for robust oversight of the semiconductor ecosystem to prevent significant economic disruptions and protect national security,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis. “Especially as technologies such as artificial intelligence drive our future, we must ensure our supply chains are reliable and secure, supporting and expanding America’s technological competitive edge.”

Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing titled Computing Power and Competition: Examining the Semiconductor Ecosystem.

WHAT: Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing on semiconductor and advanced technology supply chains.

DATE: Wednesday, April 15, 2026

TIME: 2:00 PM ET

LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

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 with the Committee staff at Jackson.Rudden@mail.house.gov. If you have any press-related questions, please contact Daniel Kelly at Daniel.Kelly@mail.house.gov.

Apr 8, 2026
Health

Chairmen Guthrie and Griffith Announce Legislative Hearing on Solutions Aimed at Improving the Health of Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, announced a hearing titled Healthier America: Legislative Proposals to Improve Public Health.

“In the last election, voters across the country sent a resounding message of support for the Trump Administration’s pledge to build a healthier America. To continue delivering on this agenda, the Health Subcommittee is holding a legislative hearing next week to discuss policies promoting the health and well-being of Americans,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Griffith. “During this hearing, we are going to be considering several pieces of legislation to bolster health resources for rural communities, incentivize disease research and prevention efforts, and increase access to care across the country. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce will continue working alongside the Trump Administration to support the public health priorities of Americans.”

Subcommittee on Health hearing titled Healthier America: Legislative Proposals to Improve Public Health.

WHAT: Subcommittee on Health hearing on legislation addressing various areas of public health, including disease research and prevention efforts, bolstering resources for rural medical services and health care providers, promoting healthy activities, and increasing access to care.

DATE: Wednesday, April 15, 2026

TIME: 10:15 AM ET

LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

The hearing will focus on the following bills:

  • H.R. 4348, To reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act, and for other purposes. (Reps. Smith-NJ and Doggett)
  • H.R. 4541, EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2025 (Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Miller-Meeks)
  • H.R. 3747, Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training Act (Reps. Balderson and Barragán)
  • H.R. 8209, School-Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act of 2026 (Reps. Tonko and Balderson)
  • H.R. 5160, Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 (Reps. Smith-NJ and Matsui)
  • H.R. 8205, Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026 (Reps. Quigley and Calvert)
  • H.R. 6121, Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act (Reps. Moore and Panetta)
  • H.R. ____, [Nutrition Education and Chronic Disease Prevention in Community Health Centers Act of 2026] (Rep. Harshbarger)
  • H.R. 8201, Expanding Community Access to Health Services Act (Rep. Lee-NV)
  • H.R. ____, [Digital Health Screeners Act of 2026] (Rep. Balderson)

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 Annabelle Huffman with the Committee staff at Annabelle.Huffman@mail.house.gov. If you have any press-related questions, please contact Katie West at Katie.West@mail.house.gov. ###

Apr 2, 2026
Press Release

Chairman Guthrie Leads E&C Republicans in Letter to Secretary Duffy Praising Proposed Rule on CAFE Standards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, led a letter along with 28 Republican members of the Committee to Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in support of the Trump Administration’s proposed rule to address the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards.

The proposal from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reversing the overreach created by standards issued by the Biden-Harris Administration and ensuring that families—not politicians—pick the car that best serves their needs.

“The Biden-Harris Administration’s NHTSA established unlawful fuel economy standards that served as a de facto electric vehicle mandate,” said Chairman Guthrie. “The rule instituted aggressive fuel economy targets that could only be achieved through broad vehicle electrification, made improper assumptions on vehicle electrification, expressly considered ‘dedicated automobiles,’ and allowed consideration of the fuel economy credit program in establishing fuel economy standards.”

Key excerpt from the letter:

“In June 2025, NHTSA appropriately concluded that the previous Administration’s approach contradicted EPCA and exceeded the agency’s authority. NHTSA’s new proposal appropriately brings the CAFE program back in statutory compliance and aligns with congressional intent in establishing the program through setting achievable fuel economy targets, not picking winners and losers in the marketplace, and addressing credit trading.

“Even during a time when Americans were already struggling to afford groceries due to Biden-inflation, the Biden-Harris Administration plowed ahead with CAFE standards that were projected to increase the average cost of new motor vehicles. By contrast, your Department’s proposed standards are estimated to save American families approximately $109 billion over the next five years. Regulatory costs often price consumers out of newer vehicles, meaning fewer Americans would have access to new motor vehicle safety technologies. The current proposal is estimated to save more than 1,500 lives and prevent nearly 250,000 serious injuries by improving access to newer vehicles.”

BACKGROUND:

  • The Biden Administration used the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to impose de-facto EV mandates, driving up prices and reducing options for American families.

  • When drivers aren’t incentivized with taxpayer subsidized handouts to purchase an EV, their sales have plummeted. According to data from Cox Automotive, EVs totaled nearly 12% of the U.S. market in September, a record high. In January, that share dropped to 6%.

  • By addressing fuel economy standards, President Trump and his administration are ensuring that Americans are not forced into purchasing costly EVs that they do not want to buy.

  • By reducing costs and making newer, safer vehicles more affordable, this proposal is projected to save more than 1,500 lives and prevent nearly 250,000 serious injuries.

CLICK HERE to read the full letter.
###