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Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s markup of 23 legislative proposals to extend Americans’ access to telehealth services, strengthen and preserve Medicaid, and encourage innovation to help children with rare diseases.  “Over the past several weeks, the Health Subcommittee has led the way bringing forward solutions to address some of the biggest challenges facing patients and our health care system. “Today we’re continuing that effort by advancing critical legislation that will help patients access life-saving cures, enable seniors to continue receiving care from the comfort of their homes, strengthen the Medicaid program for vulnerable patients, and support our workforce so that every American can get the care that they need. “We now have FDA approved therapies that in many instances are the only treatments available for rare disease patients and their families. “Part of the reason for the rapid development of these therapies is because of the congressionally established Pediatric Rare Disease Priority Review Voucher program in 2012. “Over 50 vouchers have been awarded as a result of this program, 39 for pediatric rare diseases and over half of which have been awarded over the past five years. “That’s why I am glad we’re considering legislation which would continue life-saving access to therapies for kids living with rare diseases who currently lack access to any treatments. “I would like to thank Representative Bilirakis for his leadership on this legislation and encourage my colleagues to support advancing the bill to the full committee today.” CONTINUING TELEHEALTH SERVICES FOR MEDICAID RECIPIENTS “The acceleration of telehealth has also transformed our health care system, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. “Over 30 million seniors on Medicare utilized telehealth services throughout the first few months of the pandemic, giving beneficiaries the chance to have routine health care visits from the comfort of their homes. “Congress extended these flexibilities beyond the Public Health Emergency, but they are set to expire at the end of this year. “I would like to thank Representative Carter for his steadfast leadership on H.R. 7623, The Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024. “This legislation serves as an important guidepost to the work we’re doing today. “This policy extends the current telehealth flexibilities in our committee’s jurisdiction for an additional two years and includes other reforms. “While we have seen a number of positive developments in health over the past decade, not everything has been positive. “We have seen an explosion in the rate of improper payments in the Medicaid program, reaching $50 billion in improper payments in 2022 alone.” STEPS TO ADDRESS STATE MEDICAID PROGRAM INTEGRITY “The Energy and Commerce Committee has done extensive work over the past several years to address these challenges, most recently considering a number of legislative solutions to stabilize the program. “Among these ideas, we will be considering four bills that take steps to addressing key program integrity issues facing the Medicaid programs, such as increasing the frequency that State Medicaid programs check to make sure that they are not paying for deceased beneficiaries and requiring regular updates of address information for beneficiaries so that we don’t pay for care for people who live out of state. “I would like to thank Representatives Bilirakis, D’Esposito, Garcia, and Miller-Meeks for leading these bills and encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.” IMPROVING CARE FOR OUR SENIORS AND PATIENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY “Last, but certainly not least, we will be considering legislation to support our workforce and improve access to care for Americans across the country. “This includes the Accelerating Kids Access to Care Act, which will cut red tape for pediatricians, and my bill, H.R. 468, the Building America’s Healthcare Workforce Act, which will help build a more robust workforce pipeline for our nation’s nursing homes. “Both bills come at a critical moment for our country. “Our health care system is facing stark workforce shortages that existed before the pandemic but have only grown more severe in recent years. “Since 2020, over 500 nursing homes have closed across the United States and another 150,000 nurses are needed to reach pre-pandemic staffing levels. “In closing, I would like to thank my colleagues for bringing forth the solutions we’re advancing today. “Patients, providers, and taxpayers will all greatly benefit from the important bipartisan work we are doing today.” 

Washington D.C. — The Energy and Co mmerce Committee advanced proposals today that will extend Americans’ access to telehealth services, strengthen and preserve Medicaid, and encourage innovation to help children with rare diseases. In a Subcommittee markup, the Health Subcommittee forwarded 21 pieces of legislation to the Full Co mmittee for consideration.  As Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) said , “Telehealth has proven to be vital for patients across the country—especially in rural areas, like my district in Eastern Washington. “I look forward to advancing this legislation today and am committed to continue working to address any outstanding concerns and to ensuring the legislation is fully paid for before we consider them at the Full Committee. “I am also pleased we are considering several bipartisan bills to support and build upon efforts to increase access to care, raise awareness, and improve coordination across our federal government for programs related to autism and lung cancer.”  Health Subcommittee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) added , “We will be considering legislation to support our workforce and improve access to care for Americans across the country. “This includes the Accelerating Kids Access to Care Act , which will cut red tape for pediatricians, and my bill, H.R. 468, the Building America’s Healthcare Workforce Act , which will help build a more robust workforce pipeline for our nation’s nursing homes. “Both bills come at a critical moment for our country.” Legislative Vote Summary: H.R. 3227 ,  the Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act , was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 13 Yeas to 12 Nays. H.R. 468 ,  the Building America’s Health Care Workforce Act , was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 14 Yeas to 8 Nays. H.R. 3433 ,  the Give Kids a Chance Act , was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 16 Yeas to 11 Nays. H.R. 7188 ,   the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act , was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 27 Yeas to 0 Nays. H.R. 6020 ,  the Honor Our Living Donors Act , was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 24 Yeas to 0 Nays. H.R. 455 ,  to amend the Controlled Substances Act to fix a technical error in the definitions , was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 24 Yeas to 0 Nays. H.R. 7213 ,  the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act of 2024 , was forwarded, as amended, by a roll call vote of 22 Yeas to 0 Nays. H.R. 4534 ,  the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2023 , was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 21 Yeas to 0 Nays. H.R. 670 ,  the Think Differently Database Act , was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 20 Yeas to 0 Nays. H.R. 8084 ,  the LIVE Beneficiaries Act , was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 18 Yeas to 0 Nays. H.R. 7858 ,  the Telehealth Enhancement for Mental Health Act of 2024 , was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 22 Yeas to 0 Nays. H.R. 8111 ,   the To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to ensure the reliability of address information provided under the Medicaid program , was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 22 Yeas to 0 Nays. H.R. 8089 ,   the Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act of 2024 , was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 22 Yeas to 0 Nays. H.R. 8112 ,  To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to further require certain additional provider screening under the Medicaid program , was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 23 Yeas to 0 Nays. H.R. 6033 ,  the Supporting Patient Education And Knowledge (SPEAK) Act of 2023 , was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 23 Yeas to 0 Nays. H.R. 7623 ,  the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024 , was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 21 Yeas to 0 Nays. H.R. 1406 ,  the Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home Act , was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a voice vote. H.R. 7856 ,  the PREVENT DIABETES Act , was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a voice vote. H.R. 5394 ,  the Expanding Remote Monitoring Access Act , was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a voice vote. H.R. 1199 ,   the Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023 , was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 4758 ,  the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act , was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a voice vote. 

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening re marks at today’s Health Subcommittee markup of 23 legislative proposals to extend Americans’ access to telehealth services, strengthen and preserve Medicaid, and encourage innovation to help children with rare diseases.  “Today we will consider bipartisan legislation to extend telehealth flexibilities that are set to expire at the end of this year.    “While continuing these flexibilities for seniors will require an investment by Congress, it is crucial that we continue to allow seniors to access health care via telehealth if they choose.” EXTENDING ACCESS TO TELEHEALTH “The bills we are considering today will protect seniors access to telehealth for an additional two years. “They improve upon the bipartisan work of past Congresses by adding new program integrity safe-guards, and some of the bills will also expand how seniors can benefit from telehealth. “I commend Representatives Carter, Joyce, Balderson, James, Bilirakis, and the many other members on both sides of the aisle for their continued hard work on advancing these policies. “Telehealth has proven to be vital for patients across the country—especially in rural areas, like my district in Eastern Washington. “I look forward to advancing this legislation today and am committed to continue working to address any outstanding concerns, and to ensuring the legislation is fully paid for, before we consider them at the full committee. “I am also pleased we are considering several bipartisan bills to support and build upon efforts to increase access to care, raise awareness, and improve coordination across our federal government for programs related to autism and lung cancer.” ENCOURAGING INNOVATION THROUGH THE FDA “Lastly, the committee is working on a six-year reauthorization of the rare pediatric disease priority review voucher program ahead of its Sept. 30 expiration. “We've heard testimony on the importance of this program, and this week the Dion family has been meeting with offices to share their story. “When Peter and Maggie Dion were born, they were each discharged from the hospital with a clean bill of health and initially seemed to hit their developmental milestones. “Peter loved to fish for tuna with his dad. Maggie enjoyed dance and running with her mom. “Everything changed when Peter was almost 10 and was struggling to climb up a set of stairs. “Peter was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy, limb-girdle type 2C. “Later that year, his then six-year-old sister Maggie was also diagnosed with the same disease. “This type of muscular dystrophy is a rapidly progressive muscle wasting disease, and there is currently no cure. “As their father put it, there are so many genetic variations, doctors ran out of letters in the alphabet to identify the condition. “The prevalence of the disease is low as is. “And with over 30 subtypes of the disease, each requiring a different gene replacement therapy, spurring the much-needed research and development proves challenging without additional incentives. “Without the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program, Maggie and Peter’s parents say their chances of getting treatments for their kids becomes almost impossible. “For anyone who doubts why this program is needed, I urge you to consider the Dion family and their story. “And, sadly, it is a story known to many families.” RARE DISEASE RESEARCH “Just this week, the National Organization of Rare Diseases, which represents patients with rare diseases and their families, released analysis of the importance of the PRV program. “It is clear from their analysis that the program is successful, but the report also provides important insights on how long it can take to see that success. “Drugs take years—and hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars—to develop. “While the rare pediatric PRV program was started in 2012, more than half of the designations, awards, and voucher redemptions came in the last four years. “I want to thank Mr. Bilirakis, Ms. Eshoo, and many others for all their work on the rare disease legislation being considered today. “These bills will strengthen the orphan drug pathway, make sure drugs are studied for children battling cancer, and continue the important PRV program. “I am proud of all the work and patient voices reflected in the legislation before us today. “I also know that more can and should be done. “This subcommittee has heard testimony on many other proposals, such as my legislation to improve access to home and community-based services in Medicaid. “I look forward to continuing to work with members to move those forward in the future.” 

Title : Chairs Rodgers and Guthrie Announce Health Subcommittee Markup of 23 Bills  Washington, D.C. — House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) today announced a subcommittee markup of 23 bills. “Strengthening the American health care system—particularly for those most in need—has been a bipartisan goal of this Committee,” said Chairs Rodgers and Guthrie. “We will continue advancing this agenda by considering legislation to extend Americans’ access to telehealth services, which is crucial for our seniors and those in rural and underserved areas. We will also examine bills that strengthen and preserve Medicaid for those most in need who the program was designed to help, encourage innovation to help children with rare diseases, and strengthen the health and wellbeing of the American people.”  WHAT : A Subcommittee on Health markup of XX legislative proposals.   DATE : Thursday, May 16, 2024   TIME : 10:00 AM ET   LOCATION : 2123 Rayburn House Office Building  Legislative proposals to be considered :  H.R. 3433 ,  Give Kids a Chance Act  (Reps. McCaul and Eshoo)  H.R. 7383 , Retaining Access and Restoring Exclusivity (RARE) Act  (Reps. Matsui and Bilirakis)  H.R. 7384 Creating Hope Reauthorization Act of 2024  (Reps. McCaul and Eshoo)  ,  H.R. 7188 ,   Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act (Reps. Moolenaar and Dingell)  H.R. 6033 ,  Supporting Patient Education And Knowledge (SPEAK) Act of 2023  (Reps. Steel and Gomez)  H.R. 7858 ,  Telehealth Enhancement for Mental Health Act of 2024  (Reps. James and D.G. Davis)  H.R. 7623 ,  Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024  (Reps. Carter and Blunt Rochester)  H.R. 1406 ,  Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home Act  (Reps. Joyce and Peters)  H.R. 7856 ,  PREVENT DIABETES Act  (Reps. DeGette and Bilirakis)  H.R. 5394 ,  Expanding Remote Monitoring Access Act  (Reps. Balderson and Porter)  H.R. 1199 ,   Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023  (Reps. Dunn and Peters)  H.R. 6020 ,  Honor Our Living Donors Act  (Reps. Obernolte and DelBene)  H.R. 455 ,  To amend the Controlled Substances Act to fix a technical error in the definitions  (Reps. Burchett and Cohen)  H.R. 7213 ,  Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act of 2024  (Reps. C. Smith and Cuellar)   (Reps. Boyle and Fitzpatrick)  ,  H.R. 670 ,  Think Differently Database Act  (Reps. Molinaro and Sherrill)  H.R. 8084 ,  LIVE Beneficiaries Act  (Reps. Bilirakis and Craig)  H.R. 8089 ,   Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act of 2024  (Reps. Garcia and Peters)  H.R. 8111 ,   To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to ensure the reliability of address information provided under the Medicaid program  (Reps. Miller-Meeks and Cartwright)  H.R. 8112 ,  To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to further require certain additional provider screening under the Medicaid program  (Rep. D’Esposito)  H.R. 4758 ,  Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act  (Reps. Trahan and Miller-Meeks)  H.R. 3227 , Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act  (Reps. Estes and Connolly)  H.R. 468 ,  Building America’s Health Care Workforce Act  (Reps. Guthrie and Dean) 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 .

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Full Committee markup of 28 bills. “Today the Committee on Energy and Commerce is taking action on important legislation to improve the lives of the American people. “This includes solutions to modernize our critical pipeline infrastructure, make important improvements to our air quality standards process, strengthen the health and wellbeing of patients and caregivers, and secure America's communications infrastructure from foreign adversaries, like China. “The breadth of solutions we’re considering is just the latest example of the Energy and Commerce Committee working together to deliver real results for the American people. “I applaud my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their hard work on all of these bills.” SECURING NETWORKS FROM FOREIGN ADVERSARIES “We will begin by considering legislation that will protect our communications infrastructure from threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party and other foreign adversaries. “China poses a serious threat to America’s national security across the board, including to our critical communications infrastructure. “We know that the CCP will utilize every tool at its disposal to exploit vulnerabilities in our communications networks, which is why this Committee has taken decisive action in these areas. “Failure to address these exceedingly complex threats not only jeopardizes our economic competitiveness and national security, but also risks ceding ground to an adversarial power intent on undermining American leadership. “Today, we will continue to build on our efforts this Congress to make our communications networks safer and more resilient to attacks by our adversaries.” SUPPORTING PATIENTS “Next, we will advance over a dozen bipartisan pieces of legislation that will strengthen the health and wellbeing of the American people. “Many of these bills reauthorize important programs that are due to expire September 30. This Committee is doing its job to renew them in advance of that deadline, through regular order. “I am especially excited we are considering my legislation to authorize the INCLUDE Project at the National Institutes of Health. “The INCLUDE Project has already accomplished so much, and this bill will further help people with Down syndrome live their lives to the fullest potential and inform research efforts for all Americans affected by diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.” ENSURING AMERICAN ENERGY LEADERSHIP “We will conclude the markup with important legislation to further advance America’s energy infrastructure and economic and environmental leadership. “To meet growing domestic and international energy demands, we must modernize and expand our pipeline infrastructure. “The Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Expansion Act , led by Chairman Duncan, will reduce energy prices for the American people, strengthen pipeline and LNG facility safety, and drive innovation in new technologies. “It’s an opportunity to lay the foundation for America’s energy leadership for decades to come. “We will also advance the Air Quality Standards Implementation Act of 2024 led by Subcommittee Chair Carter. “This legislation ensures efficient, effective implementation of air quality standards for states and will ensure that measures to implement health protections are realistic and balanced in their approach. “Protecting public health and our economy are not mutually exclusive goals, but to achieve this requires that we rethink how to address pollution levels that are outside our control. “For decades, America has been the number one place to do business, while maintaining the best air quality in the world. “This legislation is essential to ensuring we continue that legacy for decades to come. “Throughout the 118th Congress, this Committee has led on solutions to make life better for the American people. We are doing the work the American people sent us here to do. “I am proud of what we have done, and what we continue to accomplish, as we plow the hard ground necessary to legislate. “Today, we will add to those accomplishments. “Thank you to all of the members and staff for their hard work and service. I look forward to advancing these bills to the full House.” 

The Energy and Commerce Committee advanced 28 bills to the Full House today to support patients, secure communications infrastructure from adversaries, and further American energy and environmental leadership. As Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) said : “The breadth of solutions we’re considering is just the latest example of the Energy and Commerce Committee working together to deliver real results for the American people. I applaud my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their hard work on all of these bills.” Legislative Vote Summary: Communications and Technology Subcommittee: H.R. 2864 , the Countering CCP Drones Act , led by Rep. Stefanik,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 43 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 820 , the Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act, led by Rep. Stefanik,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 44 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 1513 , the Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhancing (FUTURE) Networks Act , led by Rep. Matsui,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 44 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 7589 , the Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security (ROUTERS) Act , led by Rep. Latta, was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 43 Yeas to 0 Nays. Health Subcommittee: H.R. 619 ,  the NAPA Reauthorization Act , led by Rep. Tonko,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 43 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 620 ,  the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act, led by Rep. C. Smith,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 43 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 7218 ,  the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act of 2024 , led by Rep. Guthrie,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 44 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 4581 ,  the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2024, led by Rep. Hinson,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 44 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 2706 , the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act , led by Rep. Cammack,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 46 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 4646 ,  the SIREN Reauthorization Act , led by Rep. D. Joyce,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 46 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 6160 , To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a lifespan respite care program, led by Rep. Molinaro, was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 46 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 6960 , the Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act of 2024, led by Rep. Carter,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 48 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 7153 ,  the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act , led by Rep. Wild,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 48 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 7251 ,  the Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024, led by Rep. Chavez-DeRemer,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 47 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 7224 , T o amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program , led by Rep. Cohen,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 45 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 7208 ,  the Dennis John Beningo Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2024, led by Rep. Pascrell,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 44 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 6829 ,  the Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, and Research, and AED Training in the Schools (HEARTS) Act of 2024 , led by Rep. Pallone,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 42 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 7189 ,  the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024 , led by Rep. Bilirakis,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 43 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 7406 ,  the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2024 , led by Rep. McMorris Rodgers,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 45 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 3916 ,  the SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2024 , led by Rep. Morelle,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 46 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 5074 ,  the Kidney PATIENT Act, led by Rep. Carter, was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 36 Yeas to 10 Nays.  Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee: H.R. 7655 ,  the Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Expansion Act of 2024 , led by Rep. Duncan,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 27 Yeas to 18 Nays.  H.R. 7673 ,  the Liberty in Laundry Act , led by Rep. Ogles,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 22 Yeas to 19 Nays.  H.R. 7645 ,  the Clothes Dryers Reliability Act , led by Rep. Ezell,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 25 Yeas to 20 Nays.  H.R. 7637 ,  the Refrigerator Freedom Act , led by Rep. Miller-Meeks,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 25 Yeas to 21 Nays.  H.R. 7626 ,  the Affordable Air Conditioning Act , led by Rep. Crenshaw,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 24 Yeas to 21 Nays.  H.R. 7700 ,  the Stop Unaffordable Dishwasher Standards (SUDS) Act , led by Rep. Langworthy,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 25 Yeas to 21 Nays.  Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittees: H.R. 7650 ,  the Air Quality Standards Implementation Act of 2024 , led by Rep. Carter, was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 26 Yeas to 21 Nays.

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 . 

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce 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.”

Washington, D.C. — The Energy and Commerce Committee advanced proposals today that will enhance the security of American networks and protect our vital infrastructure from relying on equipment sourced from our adversaries. In a Subcommittee markup, the Communications and Technology Subcommittee forwarded to the Full Committee four pieces of legislation.  As Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) said : “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.”  Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) also added : “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."  Legislative vote summary:  H.R. 2864 , the Countering CCP Drones Act , led by Rep. Stefanik, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 21 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 820 , the Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act, led by Rep. Stefanik, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 22 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 1513 , the Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhancing Networks (FUTURE) Networks Act , led by Rep. Matsui, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 23 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 7589 , Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security (ROUTERS) Act, led by Rep. Latta, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 23 Yeas to 0 Nays.