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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, announced a rescheduled date for a Full Committee Markup of 26 bills. WHAT: Full Committee Markup of 26 Bills NEW DATE: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 TIME: 10:15 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 Alex Khlopin with the Committee staff at Alex.Khlopin@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Matthew VanHyfte at Matthew.VanHyfte@mail.house.gov . Items to be considered: H.R. 1442 , Youth Poisoning Protection Act H.R. 973 , Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act H.R. 633 , Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes On Websites and Networks (TAKE IT DOWN) Act   H.R. 1664 , Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025   H.R. 2444 , Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act of 2025   H.R. 2480 , Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act   H.R. 1402 , Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing (TICKET) Act   H.R. 1479 , Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025   H.R. 859 , Informing Consumers About Smart Devices Act  H.R. 2481 , Romance Scam Prevention Act   H.R. 617 , American Music Tourism Act of 2025  H. R. 2269 , Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act   H.R. 906 , Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency (FACT) Act  H.R. 2449 , Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhanced (FUTURE) Networks Act   H.R. 2458 , Secure Space Act   H.R. 866 , Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security (ROUTERS) Act   H.R. 2482 , National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Reauthorization Act of 2025   H.R. 2399 , Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025   H.R. 2037 , OpenRAN Outreach Act   H.R. 1717 , Communications Security Act H.R. 2483, SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 H.R. 2483 , SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 H.R. 1520 , Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act H.R. 2319 , Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025 H.R. 1669 , To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program. H.R. 1082 , Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act H.R. 2484 , Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (GA-01), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  Examining the FDA’s Regulation of Over-the-Counter Monograph Drugs. Subcommittee Chairman Carter's opening statement as prepared for delivery: “I want to welcome everyone to today’s hearing on the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program, referred to as “OMUFA.” I'm especially pleased that we're talking about the reauthorization of this program as almost 5 years to the date, the initial bill – sponsored by my good friend from Ohio, Representative Latta, as well as one of Georgia's finest, Senator Johnny Isakson – was signed into law by President Trump in March 2020. “The enactment of this program reformed and modernized the regulation of OTC monograph drugs and authorized the FDA to assess and collect user fees dedicated to OTC monograph drug activities. Industry and public health stakeholders supported these reforms, which have provided FDA with additional resources and tools to streamline the monograph process to increase access to quality commonly used drugs and self-care products for the American consumer. This program is designed to improve innovation, while maintaining the FDA ‘gold-standard’ of safety. “The current legislative authority for OMUFA expires September 30th, 2025 – at which point, new legislation will be required to reauthorize the Over-the-Counter Monograph User Fee program for another five-year term. “Over-the-counter medications are widely used to treat common ailments such as colds, headaches, and seasonal allergies. In fact, nearly 9 out of every 10 Americans use OTC medications regularly and trust these affordable remedies to get well and stay healthy. Safe, reliable, and affordable OTC drugs allow consumers to treat common ailments at home, usually without visiting a health care provider, saving the health care system billions annually. “Of particular note is a company called Symrise. They own and operate a manufacturing plant in Georgia’s First Congressional District. Symrise manufactures aroma molecules and fragrance ingredients, which are used in various consumer products across a number of product categories. They also manufacture two of the key UV filters that are commonly used in many OTC sunscreens on the market today.  “Sadly, Symrise’s Colonel’s Island plant experienced a serious fire in 2022. Symrise made the strategic decision to re-invest in the site and restore its capacity in my community, at a time when other companies were leaving. They successfully completed renovations and today, the plant is again fully operational, back at its pre-fire capacity. This is a real success story, and we are grateful for their commitment to Georgia. “We are also fortunate to have Mr. Kevin Menzel before our Committee today. Mr. Menzel is President of Focus Consumer Healthcare, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kobayashi Healthcare. Kobayashi was founded as a family company in 1886 in Japan. They established a presence in the United States in 1998, and maintain manufacturing and operations in Dalton, Georgia - employing 270 people with products ranging from OTC medicines and supplements, to recreational products like Hot Hands Hand Warmers. Georgia’s pro-business climate and infrastructure make it an ideal location for companies such as Kobayashi. In fact, just recently, Kobayashi began expanding its U.S. manufacturing footprint even further, with a significant announced investment in Georgia — doubling capacity to support ongoing growth and expand employment. “Success stories such as Symrise and Kobayashi highlight why it is critical for this Subcommittee to reauthorize the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program in a timely manner. This program demonstrated the ability to bring more jobs back to America, while increasing access to safe, reliable, and affordable OTC drugs. “I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today and working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reauthorize this program on time and through regular order.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  Aging Technology, Emerging Threats: Examining Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities In Legacy Medical Devices. Subcommittee Chairman Palmer's opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Good morning, and welcome to today’s hearing entitled 'Aging Technology, Emerging Threats: Examining Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Legacy Medical Devices.' “Legacy medical devices are medical devices that cannot be reasonably protected against current cybersecurity threats. In some instances, these are older devices that were made before existing cybersecurity requirements were established, but they can also be newer devices that have outdated software and lack the necessary cybersecurity protections required to defend against current threats.  “There is a broad range of medical devices that can be vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, but examples include patient monitors, infusion pumps, and imaging systems. With over 6,000 hospitals in the U.S., each housing a range of rooms and beds and an average of 10 to 15 connected devices per bed, it is clear how integral medical devices are to delivering health care in the U.S. “One challenge with these devices is that the hardware can last 10 to 30 years, but the software becomes obsolete much sooner. Patching and updating software are common ways to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities, but it is unlikely that such vulnerabilities can be sufficiently mitigated through these approaches due to outdated technology and compatibility issues.  “Moreover, merely replacing devices comes with financial and logistical challenges which leads many hospitals to retain these legacy medical devices well beyond their life expectancies – often without the software support to handle modern cybersecurity risks. This is particularly true in small, rural, or under-resourced facilities, making it crucial to find practical solutions. “It is also important to recognize that the health care sector is one of 16 critical infrastructure sectors in the U.S., and it has become a significant target for cyberattacks. For example, in 2017, the global WannaCry ransomware attack severely impacted the health care sector. In the U.S., medical device manufacturers rushed to patch affected devices after WannaCry showed that malware could jump from PCs to embedded medical devices. This attack demonstrated how unpatched, older Windows-based systems in medical devices can be immobilized by ransomware. “Additionally, the risk of harm to patients is a big concern because if a medical device’s vulnerability is exploited, the ability for a device to help monitor, diagnose, or treat a patient can be compromised.  “There are also national security concerns. On January 30th, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an alert about a Chinese-made patient monitor that had a hidden backdoor that could enable remote control and data exfiltration. While the vulnerability may have been unintentional, it raised concerns and highlighted the risk of nation-state actors pre-positioning destructive malware in our health care sector as part of a potential, large-scale cyberattack to disrupt one of our nation’s critical infrastructure sectors. “Progress was made to address legacy medical device issues in 2022, with the enactment of the PATCH Act which increased FDA's authority over medical device cybersecurity. The law now requires manufacturers to submit cybersecurity plans for new devices. Legacy medical devices that were on the market before this law took effect, however, still pose a significant risk. “Therefore, addressing cybersecurity threats in legacy medical devices is critical. Fortunately, thanks to the ongoing work of the experts represented by our witnesses today, we have valuable partnerships and coordinated efforts to help address these risks and threats. “I thank our witnesses for joining us today and sharing their expertise to guide the efforts in addressing these challenges, and I look forward to their testimony.  “I now recognize the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, Ms. Clarke, for her opening statement.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C . – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, announced a Full Committee Markup of 26 bills. WHAT: Full Committee Markup of 26 Bills DATE: Wednesday, April 2, 2025 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 at energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Alex Khlopin with the Committee staff at Alex.Khlopin@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Matthew VanHyfte at Matthew.VanHyfte@mail.house.gov . Items to be considered: H.R. 1442 , Youth Poisoning Protection Act H.R. 973 , Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act H.R. 633 , Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes On Websites and Networks (TAKE IT DOWN) Act   H.R. 1664 , Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025   H.R. 2444 , Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act of 2025   H.R. 2480 , Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act   H.R. 1402 , Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing (TICKET) Act   H.R. 1479 , Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025   H.R. 859 , Informing Consumers About Smart Devices Act  H.R. 2481 , Romance Scam Prevention Act   H.R. 617 , American Music Tourism Act of 2025  H. R. 2269 , Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act   H.R. 906 , Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency (FACT) Act  H.R. 2449 , Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhanced (FUTURE) Networks Act   H.R. 2458 , Secure Space Act   H.R. 866 , Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security (ROUTERS) Act   H.R. 2482 , National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Reauthorization Act of 2025   H.R. 2399 , Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025   H.R. 2037 , OpenRAN Outreach Act   H.R. 1717 , Communications Security Act H.R. 2483, SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025   H.R. 2483 , SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 H.R. 1520 , Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act   H.R. 2319 , Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025   H.R. 1669 , To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program.   H.R. 1082 , Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act  H.R. 2484 , Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, announced a Full Committee Markup of 26 bills. WHAT : Full Committee Markup of 26 Bills DATE : Wednesday, April 2, 2025 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 at energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Alex Khlopin with the Committee staff at Alex.Khlopin@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Matthew VanHyfte at Matthew.VanHyfte@mail.house.gov . Items to be considered: H.R. 1442 , Youth Poisoning Protection Act H.R. 973 , Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act H.R. 633 , Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes On Websites and Networks (TAKE IT DOWN) Act   H.R. 1664 , Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025   H.R. 2444 , Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act of 2025   H.R. 2480 , Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act   H.R. 1402 , Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing (TICKET) Act   H.R. 1479 , Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025   H.R. 859 , Informing Consumers About Smart Devices Act  H.R. 2481 , Romance Scam Prevention Act   H.R. 617 , American Music Tourism Act of 2025  H. R. 2269 , Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act   H.R. 906 , Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency (FACT) Act  H.R. 2449 , Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhanced (FUTURE) Networks Act   H.R. 2458 , Secure Space Act   H.R. 866 , Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security (ROUTERS) Act   H.R. 2482 , National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Reauthorization Act of 2025   H.R. 2399 , Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025   H.R. 2037 , OpenRAN Outreach Act   H.R. 1717 , Communications Security Act H.R. 2483, SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025   H.R. 2483 , SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 H.R. 1520 , Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act   H.R. 2319 , Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025   H.R. 1669 , To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program.   H.R. 1082 , Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act  H.R. 2484 , Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, issued the following statement regarding Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kennedy’s restructuring announcement in accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order, “Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Workforce Optimization Initiative.” “For decades, HHS and its sub-agencies have grown significantly, creating redundancies and—in some cases—conflicting objectives. It is critical that the department is in a position to accomplish its core and essential mission to support all Americans,”  said Chairmen Guthrie and Carter . “We look forward to working with Secretary Kennedy to protect patients, support innovations, and improve the health and wellbeing of the American people.” ###

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, issued the following statement after the House passed H.J. Res. 24 and H.J. Res. 75, to rescind Biden-Harris Administration rules that were on track to create costly new standards for commercial refrigerators and freezers. “The Biden-Harris Administration placed new and harmful regulations on commercial refrigeration units, yet another example of needless regulation raising prices for businesses and families while failing to provide cost savings or increasing food safety,”   said Chairmen Guthrie and Latta.  “These Congressional Review Act resolutions are a critical part of our work to eliminate costly and burdensome regulations that failed to serve the American people. Thank you to Congressman Goldman and Congresswoman Bice for your leadership on these important issues.”   Today, the House continues its efforts to repeal costly regulations imposed during the final months of the Biden administration,”  s aid Congressman Goldman .  “The passage of my resolution, H.J. Res. 75, is a key step in eliminating unnecessary regulations that would have increased costs for small businesses and consumers. I appreciate Chairman Guthrie and my colleagues on the House Energy and Commerce Committee for their support in rolling back excessive regulations on small businesses.” “Today, House Republicans acted to overturn more last-minute environmental regulations from the Biden Administration. Walk-in coolers and freezers are essential for pharmacies, convenience stores, food processing facilities, food banks, restaurants, and many other establishments nationwide,”  said Congresswoman Bice.  “This regulation, which had an estimated cost of a billion dollars, would have been crippling for businesses throughout the country, especially in rural areas. We must continue to push back against federal overreach, and I appreciate the support of my colleagues on this critical measure.” Background: H.J. Res. 24 ,  Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers,”  led by Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05), repeals the Biden-Harris Administration’s burdensome efficiency standards on the refrigeration units commonly used in grocery stores, convenience stores, and other businesses. These standards would have significantly harmed smaller stores and retailers, who may be forced to incur expensive electrical or structural upgrades to comply with the amended standard without significant benefits in efficiency. H.J. Res. 75 ,  Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy relating to “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers,”  led by Congressman Craig Goldman (TX-12), would repeal refrigeration standards put in place only three years ago that would lead to major new costs for businesses and families across the country, with the Biden-Harris Department of Energy itself estimating that at least one standard would have a payback period of more than 90 years, clearly demonstrating the absurdity of the regulation.  ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following op-ed by Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, appeared in The Washington Times this week. “From the lightbulb to the computer, Americans have dreamt, built, and scaled the most advanced machines and technologies, changing the trajectory of human history for the better. These advancements resulted from business leaders and government officials working together to empower our most creative and brilliant innovators to take the lead and push the frontier forward not from heavy-handed government mandates. “Sometimes folks in Washington, D.C., forget a basic truth: new technologies are an opportunity, not a threat. By embracing innovation, we have enabled generations of entrepreneurs to increase health and prosperity in our communities, create family-sustaining jobs, and ensure our nation’s continued success. “Now, with the rapid development of new artificial intelligence (AI) applications, it’s time to again embrace this uniquely American vision. Two principles that guide our work include providing access to affordable, reliable energy and rejecting suffocating regulation in favor of narrowly tailored governance of AI and digital technologies. If we strike the right balance, the United States will be well-positioned to dominate the industries of the future. “As chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I’ve talked with manufacturers, builders, and farmers who are using AI to increase productivity and enhance worker safety. I’m excited to see Americans use new and emerging technologies across a range of industries, from health care applications detecting disease, to transportation, where autonomous vehicles promise to reduce accidents attributable to human error, to cybersecurity applications that help keep critical infrastructure up and running in the face of threats. “For AI to be implemented at scale in the U.S., we must have a flexible, pro-innovation regulatory environment. While protections against harmful uses of AI are paramount, such as malicious deepfakes, federal and state lawmakers should avoid imposing duplicative and burdensome new regulations. Innovation not regulation will be key to U.S. AI dominance. “But to develop and deploy AI at scale, this burgeoning industry and its data centers require massive amounts of new energy production. We are converting energy into intelligence, and this calls for a generational change in how we produce affordable and reliable electricity. “With the dramatic expansion of AI data centers, the U.S. will need to double or triple our electricity load growth by 2028. In just two months, we have already held hearings on increasing energy availability, supporting our grid, and assessing implications for the AI economy. “Permitting reform is one way to help address the growing need for electricity. Today, 40% of electric generation in the U.S. comes from natural gas, but the way we permit isn’t sustainable thanks to archaic processes and bureaucratic delays. It took an act of Congress to complete the construction of the last major natural gas pipeline built in this country. When we are in control of our own energy development, production, and supply, we are more prosperous and secure and can maintain our competitive edge over the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). “Developing AI and securing our power grid are two of our best tools to respond to the aggression of adversaries such as the CCP. When bad actors attempt to undermine our supply chains and critical infrastructure, these technologies can help mitigate risks and respond to threats in real time. And if we fail to secure AI and energy leadership, China, who does not share our values, will fill the void. They will undoubtedly use AI to expand their surveillance state, disadvantage American innovators and workers, and undermine basic human rights. “If we don’t seize the opportunities offered by AI, we will cede our leadership not only in this foundational technology, but also in all the other industries and sectors that rely on it. But by embracing this new technology and leading its development, we can create jobs and revitalize existing industries. The choice is clear: the United States must win the AI race or risk losing all the other races that matter too. “The Committee on Energy and Commerce will continue to hold hearings across our subcommittees, pass legislation, and work with business leaders, energy providers, and regulators to ensure that AI development and adoption are supporting the needs of the American people. As chairman of Energy and Commerce, I’m focused on working with President Donald Trump and his administration to make these investments in our AI infrastructure and our energy future a reality. “The president has already secured multiple hundred-billion-dollar investments that will put America on track to be the global leader we need to be during this critical time. While common-sense, tailored protections may be necessary, AI and the energy powering this new form of intelligence are integral parts of the future of our economy. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and we won’t let it pass us by.” ###

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 hearing titled  The World Wild Web: Examining Harms Online. Subcommittee Chairman Bilirakis' opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Good morning, everyone and welcome to today’s subcommittee hearing to examine risks to Americans’ safety online.  “Today’s hearing is incredibly important, and I am thankful we are hitting the ground early this Congress to protect ourselves from dangers in the online world.  “Technology has created a wonderful tool to gather information and connect us to the world. But with every new, great tool, malicious actors have found a way to reconfigure technology to spread malice and harm people across the globe. While Congress has looked to build walls preventing these harms from occurring, we have failed to keep pace with technology. “Take for example the important work Congress did to combat the sexual exploitation of children.   “When Congress first worked on this issue, it was hard to imagine Artificial Intelligence could be used to create fake, but life-like, non-consensual intimate images of children. Worse still, it was hard to imagine anyone so vile who would actually do it.  “But today, detestable people are extorting children with technology, creating these images and uploading them online for the world to see. And it doesn’t stop with deepfakes either, criminals are masking themselves as friends or romantic partners to solicit intimate authentic images of children and ransoming these images for a quick buck. The pain these children experience is horrid, and it breaks my heart. “Yiota, thank you for your work at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and for providing your expertise. I’m looking forward to your testimony on why Congress must act immediately to stop this abhorrent practice. “Congress must take a holistic approach to establish protections online, which is why I’m so proud to see many of our members working on different mechanisms to protect our children. “I for one am eager to move the ball forward on the Kids Online Safety Act. While this is not a legislative hearing, I’m hoping we can use this hearing to improve the legislation and enact a law that provides parents with the tools they need while also targeting illegal content from ever making its way to children’s screens in the first place. Parents know their children the best, so we must adequately equip them with the tools they need to protect their families. “Unfortunately, it is clear the existing tools don’t work. I am tired of hearing Big Tech insist that solutions are already in place when it is clear they are not working. The very companies that have positioned themselves as the gatekeepers of our children’s online safety continue to let us down. Dawn and Clare, thank you for being here to share your experiences and your commitment to driving real change. “This hearing should not be partisan, it is far too important of an issue to use as a political circus. Many of us here today have introduced or are working on legislation to build protections from harms online – this is not partisan issue and impacts every one of our districts.  “In 2022, McKenna Brown, a 16-year-old from Tampa Bay, tragically took her life after being victimized by cyber-bullying through multiple social media apps and text messages. McKenna’s parents knew none of this until it was too late. Since then, her mother Cheryl, has been an advocate for change, urging lawmakers to give parents the tools necessary to keep kids safe.  “I also understand there are similarly situated parents in the audience. And I want to recognize your own stories, efforts, and commitment to protect children from online harms. “So, I am hopeful we can work with our friends across the aisle and use this hearing as the catalyst to move important protections for children across the finish line and bring about a safer online experience for all, but especially our children. The risks are too severe for us to fail. “Thank you to the witnesses for being here today and sharing your expertise with us. I yield back and recognize my friend, Ms. Schakowsky, the ranking member of the subcommittee.” ###