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Blog Updates


Nov 21, 2023
Blog

E&C Republicans Demand Answers from TikTok over Terrorist and Antisemitic Content

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Communications and Technology Subcommittee Vice Chair Buddy Carter (R-GA), and 23 other Republican Committee members sent a letter to TikTok demanding answers regarding how the Chinese Communist Party is using the app as a tool to surveil and manipulate Americans.  From the letter: “ Disturbingly, millions of TikTok users have recently viewed videos glorifying Osama Bin Laden’s ‘Letter to America,’ which attempts to justify his horrific murder of 3,000 Americans in the September 11, 2001, attacks while also perpetuating ‘the antisemitic trope claiming the Jews ‘control your policies, media and economy.’” Key excerpts from exclusive reporting by FOX NEWS : “ A group of House Republicans is demanding more transparency from TikTok about how content is amplified and how much insight China has into those processes as accusations mount against the social platform that it’s boosting antisemitic videos. “‘On October 7, the Palestinian terrorist organization, Hamas, brutally attacked Israel and killed more than 1,400 people. Since this terrorist attack, disinformation related to the conflict has run rampant on your platform, stoking antisemitism, support, and sympathy for Hamas,’ they wrote to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. “The letter is being led by Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga. It comes just days after TikTok was under fire for facilitating a surge in viral videos expressing support for Usama bin Laden’s 2002 'Letter to America' written in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.” […] “National security hawks have been wary of TikTok’s connection to China, with its parent company ByteDance being based in Beijing.” […] “The lawmakers are demanding to know how many employees at TikTok have connections to ByteDance, how the platform screens for misinformation and anti-Israel content amid the conflict with Hamas, and how its algorithms are curated, among other queries. “‘Given that roughly half of TikTok’s U.S. user base is under 25 years old, American youth are being exposed to extremely violent and disturbing images and videos," they wrote. "This deluge of pro-Hamas content is driving hateful antisemitic rhetoric and violent protests on campuses across the country. The CCP has already co-opted your platform, and it seems TikTok and TikTok’s employees are resigned to becoming a mouthpiece for antisemites, terrorists, and propaganda.’” ICYMI: In October, Chair Rodgers called on multiple tech companies, including TikTok, to brief the Energy and Commerce Committee on their moderation policies regarding the spread of illegal content posted by Hamas. CLICK HERE to read the full letter. CLICK HERE to read the Fox News story on the letter.



Nov 15, 2023
Blog

Subcommittee Markup Recap: E&C Advances Bills to Improve Patient Access to Care and Support Providers

Washington D.C. — The Energy and Commerce Committee advanced proposals today to help seniors live longer, healthier lives. In a subcommittee markup , the Health Subcommittee forwarded to the Full Committee several pieces of legislation that improve patient access to care and support providers.  As Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) said , “We want Medicare to be able to support our loved ones’ access to the best treatment available, whether that be an FDA-approved curative medicine or a cutting-edge technology.”  Health Subcommittee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) also added , “Beyond lowering drug costs for seniors, we’re also working to enhance their access to services and providers, by making sure that payments to doctors can sustain the independent practice of medicine, and that the rules that determine coverage enhance, not restrict, patient access to the most up-to-date, best technology our health care ecosystem has to offer.” Legislative vote summary:  H.R. 5372 , the Expanding Seniors’ Access to Lower Cost Medicines Act of 2023 , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 2880 , the Protecting Patients Against PBM Abuses Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 5393 , To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure fair assessment of pharmacy performance and quality under Medicare part D, and for other purposes , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 5385 , the Medicare PBM Accountability Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 5386 , the Cutting Copays Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 4881 , To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to limit cost sharing for drugs under the Medicare program , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 5389 , the National Coverage Determination Transparency Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.  H.R. 133 , the Mandating Exclusive Review of Individual Treatments (MERIT) Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.  H.R. 5396 , the Coverage Determination Clarity Act of 2023 , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 5371 , the Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2023 , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 5555 , the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023 , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 16 Yeas to 12 Nays.  H.R. 1691 , the Ensuring Patient Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act of 2023 , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 21 Yeas to 6 Nays.  H.R. 5388 , the Supporting Innovation for Seniors Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 5380 , To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to increase data transparency for supplemental benefits under Medicare Advantage , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 3842 , the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2023 , was forwarded to the Full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.  H.R. 5397 , the Joe Fiandra Access to Home Infusion Act of 2023 , was forwarded to the Full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.  H.R. 6366 , To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to the work geographic index for physician payments under the Medicare program, and to revise the phase-in of clinical laboratory test payment changes under such program , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 6369 , To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend incentive payments for participation in eligible alternative payment models , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 6371 , the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act of 2023 , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 6364 , the Medicare Telehealth Privacy Act of 2023 , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.  H.R. 1352 , the Increasing Access to Biosimilars Act of 2023 , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote. 



Nov 14, 2023
Blog

Our Top Questions for POTUS Ahead of Today's Meeting with Xi

Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers: “The CCP does not share our values—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all—yet President Biden continues to push his radical agenda that increases our reliance on China.   “We cannot continue down this path. That's why the Energy and Commerce Committee is leading to hold President Biden accountable and reverse the consequences his agenda through solutions that bolster American leadership and promote freedom. It's how we ensure America beats China and wins the future.”  Ahead of President Joe Biden’s meeting with China’s Leader Xi Jinping, these are the top oversight questions Energy and Commerce Republicans have for President Biden. 1. What is President Biden's plan to safeguard American taxpayer dollars from flowing to companies with ties to the Chinese Communist Party?    Earlier this year, the Department of Energy announced that it had awarded a $200 million grant to Microvast, an electric vehicle battery manufacturer with ties to China. The Biden administration suddenly reversed its decision the night before our Oversight Subcommittee hearing with the DOE official that had signed off on the award. The DOE official did not show up to our hearing, and DOE has still not provided a sufficient explanation of what happened.   2. How many American jobs will be handed to China as a result of President Biden's forced transition to 100 percent electric vehicles?   President Biden and Democrats are forcing Americans to transition to electric vehicles within the next decade. China controls the vast majority of critical minerals mining, processing, and refining for electric vehicles, and it will continue to do so through 2032.  Earlier this year, China announced that it would restrict exports to the U.S. of several minerals that are critical for EVs, a warning of how they plan to use their grip on EV technology against America. Democrats and the Biden administration are playing right into China’s hands with top-down government mandates that force an EV transition. These will further strengthen China’s foothold in the American auto industry, send American jobs overseas , and could lead to vehicles from China being one of the only affordable options left for Americans by 2035.  3. Will President Biden confront President Xi for the Chinese Communist Party using TikTok to spy on and manipulate Americans?    TikTok is a tool of the Chinese Communist Party to spy on Americans and manipulate what we see. During Energy and Commerce’s hearing on TikTok, the company’s CEO, Shou Chew, admitted the CCP has access to Americans’ data . We’re leading on a national data privacy standard so we’re prepared to stop the next technological tool or weapon China will use for its own strategic gain.  4. What is President Biden’s plan to secure American supply chains and ensure none of the materials needed for his rush-to-green energy agenda are made using slave or child labor?   China controls more than 90 percent of the critical minerals that are used to make wind turbines, solar panels, and batteries for electric vehicles and grid storage. In April, Energy and Commerce held a hearing exposing the environmental, human rights, and national security risks of the Biden administration’s rush-to-green energy policies. As Subcommittee Chair Johnson said , “We cannot be morally selective. It is our duty to ensure that American energy supply chains do not rely on slavery or child labor.”  Bottomline: China is committing genocide and forcing millions of ethnic minority Muslims into slave labor. China also controls mineral mines in countries, like the Congo, where children are forced to work in inhumane conditions. At the same time, President Biden’s administration has shut down and delayed critical mining projects across the United States.  5. Will President Biden hold China accountable for the lies it spread during the COVID-19 pandemic that has killed more than one million Americans?   China has put the world in danger of future outbreaks because of the country’s refusal to cooperate with global investigations into the origins of COVID-19. Fully examining all available evidence to have a clearer picture of the origins of the pandemic is one of the greatest public health responsibilities of our lifetime. Energy and Commerce will continue to pursue the facts related to how NIH spends taxpayer dollars and to what extent it was involved in funding potentially dangerous research in China within a lab that was not at an adequate biosafety level.  6. Did President Biden direct or condone Secretary Granholm’s secret interactions with the Chinese government prior to releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve?   Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm had multiple conversations with the Chinese Communist Party’s top energy official just days before the Biden administration announced it would release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) in 2021. The Biden administration has helped support China’s national security at the expense of our own by using our strategic energy supplies to help the Chinese build up their own strategic reserves. Energy and Commerce led on H.R. 22 and H.R. 21 , both of which passed the House with bipartisan support, to protect against this abuse. In Case You Missed it : Check out Energy and Commerce’s roadmap that President Biden should follow to secure our competitive edge and beat China. 



Nov 13, 2023
Blog

The Roadmap Biden Should Follow to Secure our Competitive Edge

President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with China’s President Xi Jinping this week. China does not share America's values of celebrating life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all. This serves as a reminder that we MUST secure our competitive edge against China to win the future. Here’s how Energy and Commerce and the People’s House is leading to bolster American leadership, promote freedom, and beat China:  Enhancing Our Security: H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act , unleashes American energy production, reduces emissions, strengthens our national security, and secures our supply chains. Affordable, reliable, clean energy is key to America’s security. (Passed the People’s House with bipartisan support) H.R. 22, the Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act , prevents President Biden from further jeopardizing our national and energy security by selling off our Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) to the Chinese Communist Party. (Passed the People’s House with bipartisan support) H.R. 21, the Strategic Production Response Act , prevents President Biden from abusing the SPR through politically motivated, “non-emergency” sales. (Passed the People’s House with bipartisan support) H.R 3565, the Spectrum Auction Reauthorization Act of 2023 , extends spectrum auction authority and improves our national security by providing more than $3 billion to remove Huawei and ZTE from our networks. ( Passed out of Committee with bipartisan support) Promoting Freedom: E&C is leading on solutions to combat China’s growing influence in the global economy and reduce America's reliance on Chinese supply chains that use slave labor. We passed bills out of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee to support American manufacturing, secure our critical supply chains, and cement our leadership in deploying emerging technologies. E&C is investigating how data brokers surveil the American people and sell their data and sensitive information to anyone, including the Chinese Communist Party.  At our hearing with TikTok CEO Shou Chew , E&C exposed why Tik Tok must be banned to protect our national and personal security. Americans deserve to know how TikTok jeopardizes their privacy and manipulates what they see to benefit the Chinese Communist Party.  H.R. 750, the CAUTION Act , provides greater transparency over what mobile applications, like TikTok, have been banned for use on federal government devices. (Passed out of Committee)  H.R. 784, the Internet Application I.D. Act , and H.R. 742, the TELL Act , provide Americans with greater transparency over what information of theirs is accessible by the Chinese Communist Party. ( Passed out of Committee)  H.R. 3557, the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2023 , helps close the digital divide, encourages faster deployment of 5G technology, and strengthens American communications leadership by streamlining broadband permitting and expediting deployment. (Passed out of Committee)  Putting American Jobs and Innovation First:   E&C is leading to protect people’s data privacy and security, and ensure America leads in developing the standards and deploying artificial intelligence with our values—not China’s—built in. Our latest hearing series explores the role of AI across every sector of the economy, including healthcare, telecommunications, emerging technologies, and energy.   H.R. 813, the Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2023 , helps identify barriers that prevent investment from our allies into American companies and secures American leadership for emerging technologies. (Passed the People’s House with bipartisan support)  H.R. 1338, the Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act , promotes American innovation in the satellite communications marketplace. The bill will streamline the regulatory process for satellite communications networks to provide new and better communications service to Americans and improve American competitiveness. (Passed out of Committee)  H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act , stops President Biden from dictating the vehicles Americas can drive. Forcing Americans to switch to electric vehicles plays right into China’s scheme to control our automotive future. (Passed the People’s House) 



Nov 6, 2023
Blog

Op Ed: Chair Rodgers and Rep. Obernolte on How a National Data Privacy and Security Standard is Key to American AI Leadership

Washington D.C. — A recent Bloomberg Law op-ed by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) highlights why establishing a national data privacy and security standard is an essential first step towards ensuring American AI leadership. Key excerpts from Chair Rodgers and Rep. Obernolte: “Artificial intelligence is here to stay. This technology is both exciting and disruptive, offering advancements that could empower people, expand worker productivity, and grow the US economy. We need to ensure America leads in developing standards and deploying this emerging technology. A critical first step toward achieving AI leadership is passing a national data privacy standard." […] “Data powers all of these new tools. The more information companies can feed into their machine learning systems, the smarter those systems can become. Yet a lack of transparency into AI systems and the data used to train them raises serious concerns about how they operate and where they might potentially be abused.”   […] “Guarding against these risks while still enabling America to reap the benefits of AI will be one of the key challenges of our time. Achieving this balance will require a deliberate approach to AI. A national data privacy standard must be the first step. Establishing comprehensive protections on the collection, processing, transfer, and storage of our data should be foundational to AI regulation in Congress.   “Last year, the Energy and Commerce Committee worked in bipartisan fashion to advance comprehensive data privacy and security legislation, which passed out of the committee with near unanimous support. We’re building on that momentum this Congress. We continue to work toward legislation that would implement the most robust privacy protections to date in the US, putting people back in control of their data.”   […]   “By setting clear rules of the road that promote innovation, strengthen protections for people’s data privacy and security, and ensure companies are assessing the safety of their algorithms as AI is deployed, the US will continue to lead on this revolutionary technology.”    Don’t miss — A national data privacy and security law would put people back in control of their online data by:  Restoring Americans’ control over their data  Minimizing what data is collected and stored on all Americans, specifically children  Requiring assessments of Big Tech’s algorithms and how they harm children  Preventing data brokers from selling profiles of Americans, especially when it comes to governments looking to surveil people and violate their civil liberties  CLICK HERE to read the full op-ed.



Nov 2, 2023
Markups

Subcommittee Markup Recap: E&C Advances Bills to Enhance Product Safety, Transparency, Supply Chains, and American Tech Leadership

Washington D.C. — The Energy and Commerce Committee advanced proposals today to secure American technological leadership and improve people’s lives. In a subcommittee markup , the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee voted in favor of several pieces of legislation that enhance product safety, improve the resiliency of America’s supply chains, and bring much needed price transparency to the ticketing and lodging industries. As Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) said , “This is the next step in our process, and constructive feedback is welcome as we further review and refine our work. This committee has a rich history of coming together on behalf of those we serve. I hope we build on this legacy with bipartisan consensus and stakeholder support as we move these important solutions forward.” Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) also highlighted , “These proposals focus on the safety and transparency of consumer products and services that our constituents rely on every day.” Legislative vote summary: H.R. ___ , To establish a supply chain resiliency and crisis response program in the Department of Commerce, and for other purposes, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote. H.R. 5390 , the Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote. H.R. 5398 , the Advancing Tech Startups Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 21 to 0. H.R. 5146 , the Advancing Gig Economy Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 12 to 9. H.R. 3950 , the Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing (TICKET) Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote. H.R. ___ , the Speculative Ticketing Ban Discussion Draft, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote. H.R. ___ , the No Hidden Fees on Extra Expenses for Stays Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote. H.R. 6125 , the Online Dating Safety Act of 2023, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 11 to 8. H.R. 5202 , the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Reauthorization Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee, as amended, by a roll call vote of 20 to 0. H.R. 2964 , the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 5556 , the Reinforcing American-Made Products Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote. H.R. 1797 , the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee, as amended, by a roll call vote of 20 to 0. H.R. ___ , the Awning Safety Act of 2023, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote. H.R. 4310 , the Youth Poisoning Protection Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote. H.R. 4814 , the Consumer Safety Technology Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote. H.R. 906 , the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a voice vote.



Subcommittee Markup Recap: E&C Advances Bills to Secure Reliable, Clean, Affordable American Energy

Washington, D.C. — Energy and Commerce is leading to ensure that the United States continues to be a global energy leader. In a Subcommittee markup , the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee advanced solutions to unlock clean nuclear and hydropower energy, protect our electric grid from harmful regulations and supply chain shortages, and preserve people’s access to affordable housing and home appliances.   As Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) said , “By continuing to embrace our abundant resources, we can raise the standard of living, drive technological progress, and improve people’s health. These solutions—mostly bipartisan—will further unlock American energy and make sure people have an opportunity for a better life and an affordable energy future.”  Energy Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) also highlighted how, “Our shared goal in this committee is to advance bipartisan, durable policy.” Legislative vote summary:   H.R.___ , the Advanced Reactor Fee Reduction Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.  H.R.___ , the Advanced Nuclear Reactor Prize Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.  H.R.___ , the Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.  H.R.___ , the Strengthening American Nuclear Competitiveness Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.  H.R.___ , the NRC Mission Alignment Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.  H.R.___ , the Nuclear Licensing Efficiency Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.  H.R.___ , the Advanced Nuclear Deployment Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.  H.R.___ , the Modernize Nuclear Reactor Environmental Reviews Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.  H.R.___ , the Advancing Nuclear Regulatory Oversight Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.  H.R. 995 , the Global Nuclear Energy Assessment and Cooperation Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee, as amended, by voice vote.  H.R. 5718 , the Nuclear Fuel Security Act of 2023 , was forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.  H.R. 4528 , the Strengthening the NRC Workforce Act of 2023 , was forwarded to the Full Committee, as amended, by voice vote.  H.R. 4167 , the Protecting America’s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 17 to 13.   H.R. ___ , the Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 16 to 11.  H.R. ___ , the GRID Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 15 to 12.  H.R. ___ , the Affordable HOMES Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 15 to 12.  H.R. 4045 , the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act , was forwarded to the Full Committee, as amended, by a roll call vote of 16 to 12.



Oct 20, 2023
Blog

Why We Must Bolster American Energy Leadership and Security

Don’t miss this op-ed and report from Chair Rodgers and Ranking Member Barrasso Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY) wrote an op-ed in Newsweek exposing how the Biden administration’s radical climate agenda has led to massive government spending, increased reliance on China, and undermined American energy security and leadership. The op-ed includes findings from a new joint report by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The report, titled “Irresponsible, Reckless, Alarming: IRA Will Make the United States Poorer and China Richer,” highlights how the so-called Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is one of the most economically disastrous pieces of legislation ever enacted.  As mentioned in the op-ed, the Committee Leaders also sent a joint letter today to Director of the Department of Energy Loan Programs Office Jigar Shah following evidence of an apparent conflict of interest. An organization the Director founded apparently was offering exclusive access to his office for groups seeking loan approval. Check out highlights from the op-ed , report , and letter below. Key excerpts from the op-ed: “Since Joe Biden was inaugurated, he has undermined our sound energy policy and our national security. Emboldened adversaries are a predictable consequence of American weakness, and President Biden's anti-American energy policy has contributed to this weakness.” "But it's about to get worse. Last year, Democrats rammed through their so-called 'Inflation Reduction Act' (IRA), the stated goal of which is to supercharge the energy 'transition' at the core of President Biden's radical climate agenda. This energy transition from affordable, available, and reliable American energy is the wrong policy at the wrong time." [...] “As with the 2009 Obama-Biden stimulus, influential lobbyists and donors are already lining up to market their access to the administration's check writers. Yesterday, we sent a series of questions to Jigar Shah, Director of the Department of Energy Loan Programs Office. A public report indicated that the firm Shah founded—Cleantech Leaders Roundtable—is acting as a 'gatekeeper' and offering preferential access to Shah. One senior Cleantech official leads a company that has already been approved for a $3 billion partial loan guarantee.” [...] "It's not just financial awards that are concerning. Shocking as it may seem, the energy 'transition' in the IRA will reposition the United States away from the fuels and technologies we dominate and toward those China controls." [...] “China also controls the supply chains for many of the key minerals EV technologies require. Yet the administration has worked aggressively to block mining of these same minerals here at home. Even with more domestic mining, converting the U.S. auto fleet to EVs would mean importing massive amounts of critical minerals from China-backed companies.” [...] “We cannot surrender our energy security to our adversaries. Yet that is exactly what the Democrats' reckless policies will do.” CLICK HERE to read the full opinion piece in Newsweek .  Key excerpts from the report: Enriching China:   The IRA is the linchpin in the Biden administration’s strategy to force the United States to abandon the industries and supply chains American dominates and replace them with the industries and supply chains China controls. China also directly or indirectly controls the supply chains for many of the key minerals these technologies require. Yet the administration has blocked or proposed blocking future mining for these same minerals throughout the United States. Even with additional mining, large amounts of critical materials will have to be imported to convert the U.S. auto fleet to EVs. The contrast with America’s recent dominance of global oil, natural gas, and coal production could not be starker. It would be foolish to give up such an economic and geopolitical advantage, but that’s what IRA is designed to do. Jeopardizing America’s Leadership in Emissions Reductions:   IRA will not improve the environment and may even harm it. The U.S. produces some of the cleanest energy in the world. We have led in emissions reductions by embracing American ingenuity and innovation— particularly in cleaner energy sources like natural gas—all while maintaining some of the highest labor and environmental standards. The development of American natural gas helped reduce U.S. emissions in the power sector by 36 percent from 2005 and 2022. As a result, America’s energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, both total and power sector, are at their lowest level since the mid-1980s. The IRA’s natural gas tax threatens to reverse these trends while making life more unaffordable for people, who are still paying more to heat homes, cook, and manufacture thousands of essential products than when President Biden first came into office. This is a tax on every part of our economy, which harms communities and shuts down production. American Energy Dominance is Still Achievable: Republicans’ previous "all-of-the-above" energy strategy has been a success. This nation needs a comparable "all of the above" car policy that encourages investment and innovation in a variety of new and improved technologies. Thanks to America’s shale revolution, America became energy independent in 2019 for the first time since Dwight Eisenhower was president. A robust oil and gas industry more than pays for itself in greater economic growth, jobs, and revenues and lower energy costs for families. CLICK HERE to read the report.  Key excerpt from the letter: We write concerning a recent report about the close relationship between the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office, which you lead, and Cleantech Leaders Roundtable, a trade association you founded. The role that Cleantech Leaders Roundtable has assumed, appearing to act as a gatekeeper for companies seeking vital financial assistance from the LPO, warrants a thorough examination. CLICK HERE to read the letter.



Sep 29, 2023
Blog

E&C Republicans Celebrate National Clean Energy Week

America has led the world in reducing carbon emissions through innovation and entrepreneurship. Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans are building on that legacy with an all-of-the-above energy approach to lower energy costs and create jobs. Check out how Energy and Commerce Republicans celebrated National Clean Energy Week to ensure America unleashes affordable, reliable, and clean energy. Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) shared how America must lead with a strong energy mix of America’s abundant energy resources, including hydropower. Key except: “The Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act will help preserve our existing hydropower fleet and bring more power online as demand grows into the future. American energy production creates jobs, lowers prices, and increases grid reliability. To win the future and ensure American prosperity, we must expand hydropower as a part of an all-of-the-above energy approach.” Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH) and Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) highlighted the Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act, which would boost American natural gas production and help prevent adversaries like China, Russia, and OPEC from undermining U.S. energy and national security. Key excerpt : “The Biden administration continues to send mixed messages—at best—on whether or not it supports the development of reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy resources, like natural gas, here in the U.S. At a time of great global uncertainty, for America to not be sitting at the head of the global energy table is irresponsible and dangerous. It doesn’t have to be this way.”  Nuclear energy is another key ingredient to a clean energy future. Read recent op-eds in The Washington Times from Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) and Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) highlighting the benefits of nuclear power and the steps the Energy and Commerce Committee is taking to support investment in this vital energy source. Rep. Miller-Meeks (R-IA) also wrote in The Washington Times about the value of developing and refining critical minerals here in America, instead of relying on China. Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ) discussed the importance of hydrogen power for her home state of Arizona and for the country’s clean energy ambitions. Her bill, the Hydrogen Permitting Simplification Act, would ease the regulatory burden and unleash hydrogen power as a zero-carbon emission source. Strengthening our hydrogen pipeline infrastructure would make our energy grid more reliable and affordable. Embracing a clean energy future does not require America to choose between traditional energy sources and renewables. Reps. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA) make the case for embracing an all-of-the-above approach while also maintaining the highest environmental standards in the world.