Rep. Richard Hudson

R

North Carolina – District 9
representative

Leadership

Chairman Communications and Technology

119th Congress

News & Announcements

Apr 10, 2026
Energy

Chairman Guthrie at CERA Week: Advancing an American Energy Agenda

Recently, Chairman Guthrie joined CERA week in Houston, TX, to discuss the Committee on Energy and Commerce's work to unleash reliable and affordable energy.

The trip provided the opportunity to hear directly from the job creators who are building and operating the energy infrastructure that Americans depend on. The conversations at CERA Week reinforced what’s been said during our hearings: that permitting delays and regulatory uncertainty are holding back the investment we need to support dispatchable, baseload power.

Meeting with industry leaders gave the Chairman the opportunity to discuss the challenges facing our grid in real time, from the lessons of Winter Storm Fern to the energy demand needed to ensure America continues to win the race for AI dominance and onshoring of advanced manufacturing.

The discussion also provided an opportunity to highlight House Republicans’ efforts to reduce energy costs and strengthen grid reliability. Throughout this Congress, Committee members have advanced commonsense legislation to address affordability, reform the permitting process, and prevent the premature retirement of baseload power plants that keep the lights on—around the clock, every day of the year—for millions of Americans.

Streamlining Permitting and Unleashing American Energy

H.R. 1047, the Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable Power (GRID Power) Act—Rep. Balderson (OH-12)

  • The GRID Power Act provides Regional Transmission Organizations and Independent System Operators with the authority to prioritize projects in the interconnection queue that improve grid reliability and resiliency. By fortifying our grid with reliable sources of energy such as natural gas, coal, nuclear, and hydropower, we can reduce the risk of blackouts or brownouts and ensure we have the energy needed to meet our power demands.
    tweet-2.png

H.R. 3062, the Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act—Rep. Fedorchak (ND-AL)

  • To secure our nation's energy dominance, House Republicans are fighting to streamline the cross-border permitting process. Establishing a more uniform process to authorize the construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of international border-crossing facilities is vital to supporting the import and export of oil and natural gas as well as the transmission of electricity.
    tweet-2.png

H.R. 3668, the Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act—Rep. Hudson (NC-09)

  • Under current law, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is designated as the lead agency for coordinating necessary environmental reviews and associated federal authorizations for interstate natural gas pipelines. Unfortunately, pipeline infrastructure approvals are often delayed due to a lack of coordination — or inaction — among states and other federal agencies involved in the process. In 2026, the U.S. Energy Information Administration expects natural gas demand to reach an all-time high. Now more than ever, it is critical we expand our natural gas pipeline capacity to meet that demand.

  • This legislation modernizes the federal permitting process for interstate natural gas pipelines by bolstering FERC’s role as the lead agency for environmental reviews as the coordinator of Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality reviews. This legislation will help lower energy costs, provide natural gas to power our economy, and strengthen our nation's energy security.-
    tweet-3.png

H.R. 1949, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025—Rep. Pfluger (TX-11)

  • The U.S. has emerged as the world’s number one producer of oil and natural gas and top exporter of LNG, contributing to domestic energy security, substantial economic benefits, and significant diplomatic leverage abroad. H.R. 1949 amends the Natural Gas Act to repeal all DOE restrictions on the import and export of natural gas, effectively overturning the Biden-Harris Administration's attempt to undermine U.S. domestic energy production.
    tweet-4.png

H.R. 3109, the Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining (REFINER) Act—Rep. Latta (OH-05)

  • Refinery expansion is key to lowering costs for Americans, unleashing our abundant energy, and bolstering our energy security. The REFINER Act would help ensure we can produce the reliable oil and gas needed to ensure American energy dominance.
    tweet-4.png

Protecting Baseload Power and Grid Reliability

H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act—Rep. Balderson (OH-12)

  • This legislation addresses the threat of rolling blackouts caused by the Biden-Harris Administration's over reliance on wind and solar power by improving federal rulemaking to ensure that future federal regulations that impact power generation will not harm electric reliability.

  • The bill amends the Federal Power Act to require FERC review and comment on any federal rules that impact electricity generation during periods of high reliability risks, like the extreme cold we saw this winter, to ensure new rules will not harm electric power reliability.
    tweet-5.png

H.R. 3632, the Power Plant Reliability Act—Rep. Griffith (VA-09)

  • This legislation enhances existing tools for states and grid operators to contest the closure of power plants in neighboring states if there is an impact to grid reliability. The bill also requires power plants to provide a 5-year notice of any plans to retire.

  • The states with the highest electricity prices are overwhelmingly the same states with the most aggressive forms of renewable portfolio standards, and this legislation will help to ensure that baseload power plants don't go offline in the places that need them most.
    tweet-6.png

H.R. 3628, the State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act—Rep. Evans (CO-08)

  • This legislation would require state Public Utility Commissions to consider requirements for utilities to have sufficient generation from reliable and dispatchable energy sources, such as natural gas, nuclear, coal, and hydropower, over a 10-year period.

  • The ongoing reliability crisis facing our nation stems from Democrat policies designed to drive out baseload generation in favor of intermittent wind and solar, harming our ability to onshore manufacturing and burdening households with higher costs.

  • Running a grid on wind and solar is akin to paying for two parallel grids, in part, because these energy sources require backup resources when the wind does not blow or the sun does not shine. Residential ratepayers bear the financial burden of these choices.
    tweet-7.png

H.R. 3015, the National Coal Council Reestablishment Act—Rep. Rulli (OH-06)

  • Permanently reestablishing the National Coal Council supports the baseload power that can provide abundant, affordable, and reliable energy to communities across the United States.
    tweet-8.png

Securing Supply Chains for America’s Energy Future

H.R. 3638, the Electric Supply Chain Act—Rep. Latta (OH-05)

  • The bill would direct the Department of Energy to conduct periodic assessments of supply chain constraints or vulnerabilities that could impact the bulk power system.

  • The Biden-Harris Administration’s misguided energy agenda furthered our reliance on adversarial nations like China for critical materials and manufacturing for wind turbines, solar panels, and grid components that are needed for intermittent generation resources.

  • As our nation's electric system is under strain from premature retirements of baseload power and historic demand increases due to manufacturing growth and emerging technologies, we must ensure our federal government and policy makers are equipped with the necessary tools to protect the affordability and reliability of the bulk power system.
    tweet-7 1.png

H.R. 3617, the Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act—Rep. James (MI-10)

  • This legislation requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to assess critical energy resource supply chains and to strengthen the supply chains that are vulnerable to disruption or overreliance on adversarial nations.

  • Energy supplies are the linchpin to U.S. global leadership in next generation technologies and industries, job growth in communities across the country, and a robust defense industrial base.

  • Despite vast domestic natural resources, the United States remains heavily reliant on foreign adversaries for critical energy resources that are essential to our economic and national security. The U.S. is 100 percent reliant on imports for 12 critical minerals and 50 percent import reliant on an additional 28 critical minerals.
    tweet-9.png

The Path Forward

The message from CERA Week was clear, America has the resources to lead the world in energy when burdensome regulations aren’t standing in the way. Chairman Guthrie and the Energy and Commerce Committee will continue advancing legislation that cuts red tape, protects reliable baseload generation, and ensures American families and job creators have access to the affordable, reliable power they need.

Mar 26, 2026
Communications & Technology

C&T Subcommittee Holds Hearing to Review the 1996 Telecom Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, led a hearing titled The Telecommunications Act of 1996: 30 Years Later . “The world of 1996 looks nothing like the world of today, and it’s time we update our laws to reflect that,” said Chairman Hudson. “Congress needs to consider how we should modernize our communications policy framework to reflect the technologies of today in a way that will also work for the technologies of tomorrow.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05): “Can we maintain a light-touch regulatory approach to ensure we maintain that lead globally when we talk about telecommunications in the United States?” Mr. Pickering: “Yes, I believe we can take a light-touch approach, building on the lessons from the ’96 Act. That approach now applies to both energy and telecommunications, including broadband—the critical infrastructure for AI that converges at the data center. You’re in a great position as Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee, working with Chairman Hudson, to advance permitting reform this session. We’re in a race against China, and the clock is ticking. Their advantages could swing the race in their favor if we don’t act in this Congress. We need to build new energy networks and capacity, as well as achieve the fiber connectivity that distributes AI applications and uses across the country.” Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01): “30 years is a long time. Think of what has changed in 30 years, particularly when you talk about telecommunications. And don’t get me wrong—the Telecommunications Act of 1996, we all agree, was great. It unleashed competition and innovation, but it was different then. We need to make sure we are dealing with the [modern] times.” Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11): “I’d like to ask how Congress should update the framework of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to match the work Chairman Carr is doing, such as deleting obsolete, technology-specific rules and moving toward a more technology-neutral approach.” Mr. Thierer: “The ‘delete, delete, delete’ proceeding is a good example of how we can move in that direction. We should have been doing that a long time ago. Instead, Congress, in the Telecommunications Act, delegated broad forbearance authority and hoped the FCC would voluntarily loosen the chains—and it hasn’t worked out that way.” ###

Mar 26, 2026
Press Release

Chairman Hudson Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Hearing to Review the 1996 Telecom Act

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled The Telecommunications Act of 1996: 30 Years Later . Subcommittee Chairman Hudson’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:   “Good morning, and welcome to today’s hearing examining the Telecommunications Act of 1996.    “It’s hard to believe that 1996 was 30 years ago. That February, I was a student at UNC Charlotte. I won’t ask my colleagues where they were at that time – or staff if they were even born yet. Here in Washington, right across the street at the Library of Congress, members of Congress celebrated the passage of the Telecommunications Act. I have to admit, this event was not on my radar as a senior in college.    “However, the Telecom Act was a huge milestone when it was enacted. It was the first major rewrite of communications policy since the Communications Act of 1934. The law was designed to deregulate the market, unleash competition, and open opportunities for new technologies and services. In many ways, it succeeded. By eliminating certain monopoly-era laws and preempting state and local barriers, the Telecom Act opened the communications ecosystem to new players, leading to competition and innovation that ultimately benefited consumers.    “Competitors could enter local phone markets, telephone companies could now provide video, cable companies could provide voice service, and they could do this while entering markets they previously could not serve. It also enshrined the principles of universal service that are so important to rural America. Finally, it included what we now know as Section 230—26 words that created the internet economy we know today.    “But the world has changed significantly since 1996. Back then, the Internet was a new technology. We were just beginning to hear the familiar, but now extinct, dial-up tone and use web browsers like Netscape. None of us could have predicted the technological revolution that was coming.   “The Telecom Act unfortunately did not foresee how essential broadband would be to our lives. Nor did it see the rise of new ways to communicate. Back then, everyone relied on their home landline to make calls. Cell phones were considered a luxury. But today, we all have a computer in our pocket that among other things is a very quality cell phone. I’m not sure if any of us even still have a home phone...if we do, I wonder how many can even remember their number.    “And if we wanted to talk with someone on the other side of the world in 1996, we had to rely on a long-distance carrier to place an expensive, charge-by-the-minute call, whereas today, we can connect with anyone, anywhere via a cell phone call, a video call, a text message, or through social media.    “The world of 1996 looks nothing like the world of today, and it’s time we update our laws to reflect that. That’s why we are holding this hearing. Today’s hearing is an opportunity to look back at the Telecom Act—as well as the law it amended, the Communications Act of 1934—and find out what continues to work and what does not.    “For example, does it still make sense to regulate communications technologies in different silos? Do we still need an entire section on payphone service?  Is it time to revisit Section 230? And how should we address media ownership as broadcasters must now compete for engagement and revenue against platforms that did not exist in 1996?  Congress needs to consider how we should modernize our communications policy framework to reflect the technologies of today in way that will also work for the technologies of tomorrow.    “We have an esteemed panel of witnesses here today—some of whom were intimately involved with drafting the Telecom Act. I look forward to hearing from them, and I look forward to this discussion.”   ###

Letters

Apr 10, 2026
Energy

Chairman Guthrie at CERA Week: Advancing an American Energy Agenda

Recently, Chairman Guthrie joined CERA week in Houston, TX, to discuss the Committee on Energy and Commerce's work to unleash reliable and affordable energy.

The trip provided the opportunity to hear directly from the job creators who are building and operating the energy infrastructure that Americans depend on. The conversations at CERA Week reinforced what’s been said during our hearings: that permitting delays and regulatory uncertainty are holding back the investment we need to support dispatchable, baseload power.

Meeting with industry leaders gave the Chairman the opportunity to discuss the challenges facing our grid in real time, from the lessons of Winter Storm Fern to the energy demand needed to ensure America continues to win the race for AI dominance and onshoring of advanced manufacturing.

The discussion also provided an opportunity to highlight House Republicans’ efforts to reduce energy costs and strengthen grid reliability. Throughout this Congress, Committee members have advanced commonsense legislation to address affordability, reform the permitting process, and prevent the premature retirement of baseload power plants that keep the lights on—around the clock, every day of the year—for millions of Americans.

Streamlining Permitting and Unleashing American Energy

H.R. 1047, the Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable Power (GRID Power) Act—Rep. Balderson (OH-12)

  • The GRID Power Act provides Regional Transmission Organizations and Independent System Operators with the authority to prioritize projects in the interconnection queue that improve grid reliability and resiliency. By fortifying our grid with reliable sources of energy such as natural gas, coal, nuclear, and hydropower, we can reduce the risk of blackouts or brownouts and ensure we have the energy needed to meet our power demands.
    tweet-2.png

H.R. 3062, the Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act—Rep. Fedorchak (ND-AL)

  • To secure our nation's energy dominance, House Republicans are fighting to streamline the cross-border permitting process. Establishing a more uniform process to authorize the construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of international border-crossing facilities is vital to supporting the import and export of oil and natural gas as well as the transmission of electricity.
    tweet-2.png

H.R. 3668, the Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act—Rep. Hudson (NC-09)

  • Under current law, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is designated as the lead agency for coordinating necessary environmental reviews and associated federal authorizations for interstate natural gas pipelines. Unfortunately, pipeline infrastructure approvals are often delayed due to a lack of coordination — or inaction — among states and other federal agencies involved in the process. In 2026, the U.S. Energy Information Administration expects natural gas demand to reach an all-time high. Now more than ever, it is critical we expand our natural gas pipeline capacity to meet that demand.

  • This legislation modernizes the federal permitting process for interstate natural gas pipelines by bolstering FERC’s role as the lead agency for environmental reviews as the coordinator of Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality reviews. This legislation will help lower energy costs, provide natural gas to power our economy, and strengthen our nation's energy security.-
    tweet-3.png

H.R. 1949, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025—Rep. Pfluger (TX-11)

  • The U.S. has emerged as the world’s number one producer of oil and natural gas and top exporter of LNG, contributing to domestic energy security, substantial economic benefits, and significant diplomatic leverage abroad. H.R. 1949 amends the Natural Gas Act to repeal all DOE restrictions on the import and export of natural gas, effectively overturning the Biden-Harris Administration's attempt to undermine U.S. domestic energy production.
    tweet-4.png

H.R. 3109, the Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining (REFINER) Act—Rep. Latta (OH-05)

  • Refinery expansion is key to lowering costs for Americans, unleashing our abundant energy, and bolstering our energy security. The REFINER Act would help ensure we can produce the reliable oil and gas needed to ensure American energy dominance.
    tweet-4.png

Protecting Baseload Power and Grid Reliability

H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act—Rep. Balderson (OH-12)

  • This legislation addresses the threat of rolling blackouts caused by the Biden-Harris Administration's over reliance on wind and solar power by improving federal rulemaking to ensure that future federal regulations that impact power generation will not harm electric reliability.

  • The bill amends the Federal Power Act to require FERC review and comment on any federal rules that impact electricity generation during periods of high reliability risks, like the extreme cold we saw this winter, to ensure new rules will not harm electric power reliability.
    tweet-5.png

H.R. 3632, the Power Plant Reliability Act—Rep. Griffith (VA-09)

  • This legislation enhances existing tools for states and grid operators to contest the closure of power plants in neighboring states if there is an impact to grid reliability. The bill also requires power plants to provide a 5-year notice of any plans to retire.

  • The states with the highest electricity prices are overwhelmingly the same states with the most aggressive forms of renewable portfolio standards, and this legislation will help to ensure that baseload power plants don't go offline in the places that need them most.
    tweet-6.png

H.R. 3628, the State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act—Rep. Evans (CO-08)

  • This legislation would require state Public Utility Commissions to consider requirements for utilities to have sufficient generation from reliable and dispatchable energy sources, such as natural gas, nuclear, coal, and hydropower, over a 10-year period.

  • The ongoing reliability crisis facing our nation stems from Democrat policies designed to drive out baseload generation in favor of intermittent wind and solar, harming our ability to onshore manufacturing and burdening households with higher costs.

  • Running a grid on wind and solar is akin to paying for two parallel grids, in part, because these energy sources require backup resources when the wind does not blow or the sun does not shine. Residential ratepayers bear the financial burden of these choices.
    tweet-7.png

H.R. 3015, the National Coal Council Reestablishment Act—Rep. Rulli (OH-06)

  • Permanently reestablishing the National Coal Council supports the baseload power that can provide abundant, affordable, and reliable energy to communities across the United States.
    tweet-8.png

Securing Supply Chains for America’s Energy Future

H.R. 3638, the Electric Supply Chain Act—Rep. Latta (OH-05)

  • The bill would direct the Department of Energy to conduct periodic assessments of supply chain constraints or vulnerabilities that could impact the bulk power system.

  • The Biden-Harris Administration’s misguided energy agenda furthered our reliance on adversarial nations like China for critical materials and manufacturing for wind turbines, solar panels, and grid components that are needed for intermittent generation resources.

  • As our nation's electric system is under strain from premature retirements of baseload power and historic demand increases due to manufacturing growth and emerging technologies, we must ensure our federal government and policy makers are equipped with the necessary tools to protect the affordability and reliability of the bulk power system.
    tweet-7 1.png

H.R. 3617, the Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act—Rep. James (MI-10)

  • This legislation requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to assess critical energy resource supply chains and to strengthen the supply chains that are vulnerable to disruption or overreliance on adversarial nations.

  • Energy supplies are the linchpin to U.S. global leadership in next generation technologies and industries, job growth in communities across the country, and a robust defense industrial base.

  • Despite vast domestic natural resources, the United States remains heavily reliant on foreign adversaries for critical energy resources that are essential to our economic and national security. The U.S. is 100 percent reliant on imports for 12 critical minerals and 50 percent import reliant on an additional 28 critical minerals.
    tweet-9.png

The Path Forward

The message from CERA Week was clear, America has the resources to lead the world in energy when burdensome regulations aren’t standing in the way. Chairman Guthrie and the Energy and Commerce Committee will continue advancing legislation that cuts red tape, protects reliable baseload generation, and ensures American families and job creators have access to the affordable, reliable power they need.

Apr 9, 2026
Energy

Chairmen Guthrie and Latta Announce Hearing on Department of Energy FY2027 Budget

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, announced a hearing titled The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Energy Budget.

“Under President Trump and Secretary Wright, the Department of Energy has worked hard to meet our nation’s energy needs, strengthen the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, protect against cyber attacks, secure our electric grid, and maintain the nation’s nuclear weapons deterrent,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Latta. “As we look ahead to 2027, it is essential we continue to fortify American energy dominance while lowering prices for hardworking families. This hearing will offer a chance for our Committee to discuss what steps we can take to produce and generate baseload power that is both reliable and affordable, while ensuring the Department of Energy continues to carry out its mission on behalf of the American people.”

Subcommittee on Energy hearing titled The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Energy Budget.

WHAT: Subcommittee on Energy hearing to discuss the Department of Energy FY2027 Budget.

DATE: Thursday, April 16, 2026

TIME: 10:00 AM 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 live streamed online at energycommerce.house.gov. If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Seth Ricketts with the Committee staff at Seth.Ricketts@mail.house.gov. If you have any press-related questions, please contact Ben Mullany at Ben.Mullany@mail.house.gov.

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.