House Committee on Energy and Commerce

All Updates

Sep 16, 2026

Ratepayer Protection Act Passes House with Strong Bipartisan Support

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, and Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08), applauded House passage of H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, by a vote of 417 to 3. The legislation would require state public utility commissions to consider a strategy to make data centers pay their own way, instead of passing costs onto American consumers.

“When done responsibly, data center development leads to longer term investments and broader infrastructure improvements in the communities where they’re built. The Ratepayer Protection Act helps to safeguard these benefits by ensuring that the companies who are building data centers—and not American families and small businesses—are paying for the electricity they use,” said Chairman Guthrie. “U.S. leadership in the race to AI dominance is critical to our economic prosperity and national security, so we need to keep building the needed infrastructure with appropriate accountability measures. I'm grateful to Congressman Evans for his tireless work—on a bipartisan basis—to protect ratepayers while ensuring that America continues to lead the world in innovation.”

“I am proud to vote for the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, led by Representative Gabe Evans, which will protect ratepayers from increased electricity costs caused by data centers. Across the country, communities are seeing proposals for new data centers that will bring jobs, investment and new technological capabilities, but also raise important questions about how these facilities will affect local electric grids and the nearby communities,” said Chairman Latta. “One question should have a clear answer: American families should not have to pay higher electricity bills so large technology companies can build and operate data centers. I urge the Senate to swiftly consider this legislation and send it to the President’s desk.”

“Hardworking families should not have to subsidize the energy demands of data centers. America needs the infrastructure to lead the world in AI and outcompete Communist China, but we cannot have that growth at the expense of hardworking families, farmers, seniors, and small businesses,” said Congressman Evans. “My bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act ensures large data centers pay for the infrastructure they require while giving states the flexibility to determine what works best for their communities. I’m incredibly proud to lead the charge on this pivotal issue, ensure our ratepayers are protected, and keep American innovation moving forward.”

BACKGROUND:

H.R. 9340 would protect consumers from rate increases resulting from data center construction by having state utility commissions consider large-load standards for data centers drawing more than 100 MW of power, which would ensure they pay for the full incremental costs to serve their loads.
By drawing on existing Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act authorities (Sec. 111(d)), this light touch approach provides a federal recommendation while preserving state power to regulate electricity markets, drawing on what 24 states are already doing to protect residential homes and small businesses.
By establishing large-load standards, states can ensure that American families are not left footing the bill for AI data center growth, while still encouraging industry growth.

Sep 16, 2026

Press Release

Chairman Guthrie Delivers Opening Statement at Full Committee Markup to Enhance American Technological Development and Strengthen Communications Networks

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, delivered the following opening statement at today’s Full Committee markup of 16 bills to enhance American technological development and strengthen communications networks.

Chairman Guthrie’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Good morning, and welcome to today’s Full Committee Markup.

“Many of the bills we are discussing today equip American consumers and businesses to confidently make use of the technologies we need to lead the 21st Century. From the outset of the 119th Congress, we have prioritized setting a policy course that will ensure American global leadership for the next 250 years.

“Bills like the AI Open-Source Leadership Act and the American Quantum Competitiveness Act ensure that American companies can develop and deploy advanced technologies that will determine the future of the global economy.

“While our job creators across all sectors of the economy are the envy of the world, some of our allies across the Atlantic use punitive regulations beyond their authority to hold back American success. The PROTECT USA Act protects American businesses from heavy-handed foreign regulations that will drive up costs for American consumers.

“We will also consider Ranking Member Pallone’s and my bill, the SAT Streamlining Act, to keep America at the leading edge of the space economy. We appreciate the feedback we received from stakeholders and the FCC to align this bill with the FCC’s Space Modernization item adopted in July. We are looking forward to advancing this bill on a bipartisan basis, continuing American leadership in the space economy.

“And to fully take advantage of this era of innovation, every American deserves access to fast, secure, and reliable networks that will power advanced computing and digital applications. By updating broadband maps to include agricultural areas and creating a national broadband plan, we are getting closer to connecting every community so they can fully participate in the digital economy and pursue the American Dream.

“I urge my colleagues to support these and all of the other bills before us today.”

Sep 16, 2026

Press Release

House Passes Resolutions to Overturn Biden-Harris EPA’s Costly California Maritime Waivers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Environment, applauded the House passage of H.J. Res 210 and H.J. Res. 213 to overturn the Biden-Harris Administration’s EPA waivers that harmed the ability of ocean-going vessels and commercial harbor craft to operate in California ports.

“The Biden-Harris Administration’s EPA approved waivers allowing California to impose costly and burdensome emissions mandates—without meaningful reductions in emissions—on ocean-going tankers docked in California waters and on the ferries, tugboats, work boats, and commercial fishing boats our national economy relies on due to the importance of West Coast ports to interstate commerce. These rules are both impracticable and expensive; ultimately, they fail to achieve their emissions goals while putting new burdens on American businesses,” said Chairman Guthrie. “These waivers have a national impact, and it is important for Congress to use oversight tools like the Congressional Review Act to protect American consumers. Throughout this Congress, our Committee has continued to stand up to California’s far-left environmental overreach, and H.J. Res. 210 and H.J. Res. 213 continue that important work. Thank you to Congressman Fong and Congressman Gallagher for your leadership to overturn these unworkable California waivers.”

“California should not be allowed to dictate national environmental policy or impose its radical agenda on families and businesses across the country,” said Chairman Palmer. “As Chairman of the Environment Subcommittee, I am proud of our continued work to rein in Biden-era regulatory overreach. Passage of these resolutions will protect critical supply chains and prevent costly, impractical mandates from being passed on to American consumers.”

BACKGROUND:

Clean Air Act section 209 generally preempts states from regulating emissions from motor vehicles and other mobile sources, unless EPA grants California a waiver of preemption based on a determination that the state standards are at least as stringent as federal standards and are needed by the state “to meet compelling and extraordinary conditions.” The Clean Air Act allows other states to adopt California standards.

H.J. Res. 210:

The resolution overturns the Biden-Harris EPA’s approval of a Clean Air Act waiver allowing California to regulate emissions from ocean-going tanker ships while docked at marine terminals in California.
California regulated emissions from ocean-going container, passenger, and refrigerated cargo vessels in 2010, and the Obama EPA granted a waiver of preemption allowing those regulations to go into effect in 2011. In 2020, California amended its regulations to also cover tanker ships and roll-on/roll-off ships. EPA approved a new waiver in 2023.
These state regulations are disrupting oil imports to the state and further contributing to closures of refineries, including ones that supply critical jet fuel for military use and commercial transportation.
The technology needed to comply with state regulations does not reliably and affordably exist yet for oil tankers, making the rules impracticable and compliance virtually impossible.

H.J. Res. 213:

The resolution overturns the Biden-Harris EPA’s 2025 approval of California emissions regulations for commercial harbor craft, including ferries, tugboats, work boats, and commercial fishing boats.
The California regulations at issue require all ferries and new excursion vessels to install zero-emission and advanced technologies. For other categories of commercial harbor craft, both existing and new, the California rules would require compliance with the most stringent federal marine emission standards and use of control technologies such as diesel particulate filters that are not widely available, making compliance exceptionally difficult.
The California rules are impracticable, costly, and likely to cause unintended safety risks. Industry estimates expect the rules to impose more than $2.5 billion in costs to maritime operators and consumers without a meaningful reduction in emissions.

Sep 16, 2026

Press Release

E&C Advances 16 Bills to Enhance American Technological Development and Strengthen Communications Networks

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, led by Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), reported 16 bills to the full House of Representatives.

“The bills we advanced today equip American consumers and businesses to confidently make use of the technologies we need to lead the 21st Century. From the outset of the 119th Congress, we have prioritized setting a policy course that will ensure American global leadership for the next 250 years,” said Chairman Guthrie. “Today’s bills continue that work so every American can fully and safely enjoy the benefits of this era of innovation.”

Legislative Vote Summary:

H.R. 10158, the Automotive National and Economic Security Act of 2026, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 33 yeas to 0 nays.
H.R. 6832, the Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act of 2025, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 25 yeas to 18 nays.
H.R. 7502, the Recycled Materials Attribution Act, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 28 yeas to 19 nays.
H.R. 9385, the PROTECT USA Act of 2026, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 25 yeas to 20 nays.
H.R. 10170, the Memory Chip Competitiveness Assessment Act, was reported to the full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 45 yeas to 0 nays.
H.R. 10152, the Open-Source AI Leadership Act, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 26 yeas to 21 nays.
H.R. 6207, the Chip EQUIP Act, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 39 yeas to 0 nays.
H.R. 10163, the American Quantum Competitiveness Act, was reported to the full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 36 yeas to 0 nays.
H.R. 7945, the Nitrous Oxide Safety Act of 2026, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 36 yeas to 0 nays.
H.R. 2713, the Mitigating Automated Internet Networks for (MAIN) Event Ticketing Act, was reported to the full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 36 yeas to 0 nays.
H.R. 5967, the Strategic Task Force on Scam Prevention Act, was reported to the full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 36 yeas to 0 nays.
H.R. 8255, the Satellite and Telecommunications (SAT) Streamlining Act, was reported to the full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 35 yeas to 0 nays.
H.R. 7294, the AI for Secure Networks Act, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 37 yeas to 0 nays.
H.R. 6152, the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 37 yeas to 0 nays.
H.R. 2805, the PLAN for Broadband Act, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 35 yeas to 0 nays.
H.R. 4950, the Data BRIDGE Act, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 35 yeas to 0 nays.

Watch the full markup here.

Below are key excerpts from today’s markup:

Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14)

Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) on H.R. 6832, the Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act of 2025: “The PACK Act creates a nationally consistent framework for voluntary recyclable, compostable, and reusable claims on consumer product packaging. It gives consumers clearer, more trustworthy information, replacing differing state requirements with one federal framework. [...] Why does this matter? Consumer clarity, affordability, manufacturing certainty, recycling, and innovation.”

Congressman Tom Kean (NJ-07)

Congressman Tom Kean (NJ-07) on H.R. 7945, the Nitrous Oxide Safety Act of 2026: “In my home state of New Jersey, I've heard from constituents who spoke firsthand about the dangers of a product found at gas stations and convenience stores across the country: nitrous oxide canisters, or ‘whippets.’ [...] In recent years, there's been a sharp increase in the misuse of nitrous oxide as an inhalant, giving users a ‘high.’ Its abuse can lead to heart attacks, nerve damage, muscle spasms, numbness, birth defects, paralysis, and even death. It is concerning that nitrous oxide canisters are being sold on local store shelves without restriction. [...] I'm pleased to partner with Representative Mullin on the Nitrous Oxide Safety Act, because I believe it is necessary that Congress address this issue and remove laughing gas from convenience store shelves.”

Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08)

Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08) on H.R. 10152, the Open-Source AI Leadership Act: “In the two weeks since this bill passed the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee, artificial intelligence has dominated headlines in the United States and across the world — from leading AI labs wading into policy discourse on their own technology, to AI helping solve a Millennium Prize problem. [...] American leadership is not optional — it's necessary for the protection of Americans and their financial, consumer, health, and other private data. That's why my bill tackles this challenge head-on. [...] We lie at a crossroads: we can either confront these challenges head-on by fostering American ingenuity and leadership in AI, or we can forever cede the ground to Communist China and become dependent on them for our daily needs.”

Sep 16, 2026

Press Release

WTAS: The Ratepayer Protection Act Safeguards Hardworking Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, today highlighted widespread support for the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would require state public utility commissions to consider a strategy to make data centers pay their own way, instead of passing costs onto American consumers.

Don’t miss what ratepayer advocates are saying:

Matt Chase, CEO and Executive Director, National Association of Counties:

“The rapidly expanding data center industry presents significant challenges to counties from rising power and water demands, complex land use challenges, and evolving tax implications. The Ratepayer Protection Act reinforces that while grid investments and infrastructure upgrades are necessary to meet rising energy demands, the financial burden should not fall on counties or individual ratepayers. Counties thank Rep. Evans and Rep. Castor for introducing this bipartisan legislation that will provide greater certainty and transparency to counties and ratepayers about the costs associated with increased energy needs and urge its swift passage.”

Clarence Anthony, CEO and Executive Director, National League of Cities:

“The National League of Cities supports efforts from House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie, Energy Subcommittee Chairman Bob Latta, Congressman Gabe Evans and Congresswoman Kathy Castor to reduce energy cost burdens on communities and ratepayers. As energy affordability concerns grow and as local leaders are grappling with what data center development is best for their community, we applaud Congressional efforts to ensure that new energy infrastructure costs and generation related to data centers are not passed onto households, small businesses and communities.”

David Terry, President, National Association of State Energy Officials:

“The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) endorses HR 9340, the ‘Ratepayer Protection Act.’ NASEO represents the 56 governor-designated State and Territory Energy Offices across the nation, and we support a balanced national energy policy. HR 9340 is carefully crafted legislation which does not mandate a specific approach in each state and instead calls for state ‘consideration’ of a standard for large-load data centers that results in data centers paying the full, incremental costs of electric system upgrades. The amendments to 111(d) and 112 of PURPA constitute a practical approach to a difficult problem.”

Statement from the America First Policy Institute:

“Large new electricity customers should pay their own way, without additional costs falling on American families and small businesses. Provisions in the Ratepayer Protection Act reflect this. These provisions create a process for state regulators to consider standards to ensure large-load customers cover incremental grid costs. Protecting ratepayers while expanding reliable, affordable power is essential to American leadership in AI.”

Brent Gardner, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Americans for Prosperity:

“To be clear, the condition of the grid does not preclude action by Congress—rather, it necessitates it. Governors, localities, and states across the country, on both sides of the aisle, increasingly recognize the need to reform respective permitting processes to meet growing energy demands. These same state and local leaders are now calling on Congress to act at the federal level...[W]e urge your support for the...Ratepayer Protection Act (Reps. Evans (CO) and Castor), to require certain load amounts to cover costs affiliated with grid buildout.”

Sep 15, 2026

Press Release

House Passes Energy and Commerce Bills to Safeguard Communities, Lower Energy Costs, and Protect AM Radio

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued a statement following House passage of 14 bills.

“Today, the House passed vital legislation that aims to protect Americans from illicit drug threats, secure our grid, strengthen our domestic supply chains, and ensure every American driver has access to AM radio,” said Chairman Guthrie. “Through the diligent work of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, we are preserving the public health and safety of our communities, lowering electricity prices for hardworking families, and promoting a vibrant tourism industry that uplifts communities across the country.”

BACKGROUND:

S. 195, American Music Tourism Act of 2025 — Sen. Blackburn (TN):

S. 195 directs the National Travel and Tourism Office to promote domestic and international travel and tourism to U.S. sports attractions, concert venues, and other music-related attractions and locations.
S. 195 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.

S. 2398, Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act — Sen. Collins (ME) and Sen. Smith (MN):

S. 2398 reauthorizes the National Strategy and Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) cooperative agreements with health departments in areas at high risk of vector-borne diseases through Fiscal Year 2030.
S. 2398 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.

H.R. 1266, Combating Illicit Xylazine Act — Rep. Pfluger (TX-11) and Rep. Panetta (CA-19):

H.R. 1266 places xylazine in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act and amends the definition of “ultimate user” to allow xylazine to continue to be lawfully administered for legitimate veterinary purposes. This bill requires a report to Congress on the prevalence and proliferation of xylazine trafficking and misuse in the United States.
H.R. 1266 passed the House under suspension of the House rules by voice vote.

H.R. 2004, Tyler’s Law — Rep. Latta (OH-05) and Rep. Lieu (CA-36):

H.R. 2004 directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to complete a study and issue guidance on whether hospital emergency departments should implement fentanyl testing as a routine procedure for patients experiencing an overdose.
H.R. 2004 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.

H.R. 8005, Stop Pills That Kill Act — Rep. Evans (CO-08):

H.R. 8005 seeks to prevent the misuse of pill press machines and their critical parts for the illicit manufacture of a controlled substance, by strengthening the DEA’s ability to conduct regulatory oversight of pill press machines and their critical parts.
H.R. 8005 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.

H.R. 2846, To amend title II of the Public Health Service Act to include as an additional right or privilege of commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (and their beneficiaries) certain leave provided under title 10, United States Code to commissioned officers of the Army (or their beneficiaries) — Rep. Houlahan (PA-06):

H.R. 2846 entitles officers of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps to the same leave benefits currently available to the rest of the uniformed services forces. Specifically, the types of leave this bill would make available to USPHS officers would include parental leave, emergency leave, and rest and recuperation leave.
H.R. 2846 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.

H.R. 979, AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 — Rep. Bilirakis (FL-12):

H.R. 979 directs the Department of Transportation to issue a rule that requires automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio devices as standard equipment in their vehicles in a way that is easily accessible for consumers, and without a separate or additional payment, fee, or surcharge.
H.R. 979 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.

H.R. 6633, High-Capacity Grid Act — Rep. Fedorchak (ND-AL):

H.R. 6633 directs FERC to establish a best-available transmission conductor standard and to apply the standard to new FERC jurisdictional transmission lines and upgrades, modifications, or replacements. The legislation would establish that a utility is precluded from recovering any costs for conductors, except for conductors meeting the standard, unless the utility can demonstrate that use of such conductors is not prudent and the associated costs are not just and reasonable.
H.R. 6633 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.

H.R. 9332, Load Forecasting Enhancement Act — Reps. Balderson (OH-12) and Menendez (NJ-08):

H.R. 9332 directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to hold regional joint boards with state public utility commissions to study and identify best practices for electric load forecasting that enhance the reliability and affordability of electric service to customers, and to develop best practices related to load forecasting. The legislation requires a FERC report to Congress with recommendations from the joint boards and requires each state regulatory authority to consider incorporating the report’s recommendations regarding load forecasting. Further, the legislation would amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to include in state energy conservation plans procedures and programs to improve accuracy, oversight, and transparency to stakeholders of load forecasting by electric utilities.
H.R. 9332 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.

H.R. 9339, Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act — Reps. Harshbarger (TN-01) and Mullin (CA-15):

H.R. 9339 directs the Department of Energy, in consultation with FERC and NERC, to study and report to Congress on opportunities to utilize AI and other high-performance computing technologies to enhance the capacity, reliable operation, and operational efficiency of the bulk power systems, and provide recommendations to facilitate adoption of such technologies with respect to grid operation.
H.R. 9339 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.

H.R. 9616, EMRTAI Authorization Act of 2026 — Reps. Pfluger (TX-11) and Landsman (OH-01):

H.R. 9616 authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to investigate, evaluate, and support processes, methods, and systems which may be utilized to identify sources of critical materials at contaminated sites as well as recovery of such critical materials.
H.R. 9616 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.

H.R. 9617, CHARM Act — Reps. Palmer (AL-06) and Tonko (NY-20):

H.R. 9617 directs the EPA Administrator, in consultation with the heads of other federal agencies, to develop and carry out a National Critical Mineral Recovery Strategy to coordinate federal efforts to recover critical minerals from discarded materials.
H.R. 9617 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.

H.R. 9615, BRACE Act — Rep. Miller-Meeks (IA-01):

H.R. 9615 allows destination facilities, which are not allowed to store lithium-ion batteries under existing universal waste regulations without a full hazardous waste permit, to store those batteries prior to recycling them. It specifies that these destination facilities shall do so in accordance with certain regulations for universal waste handlers, which are allowed to store lithium-ion batteries. The bill also updates the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act’s language preempting state regulation of rechargeable batteries to reference current regulations
H.R. 9615 passed the House under suspension of the House rules.

H.R. 2140, Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2025 — Rep. Langworthy (NY-23):

H.R. 2140 amends section 797(a) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to extend the authorization of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant program to 2029.
H.R. 2140 passed the House under suspension of the House rules by a roll call vote of 343 yeas - 79 nays.

Sep 15, 2026

Press Release

Health Subcommittee Holds Hearing Examining Policies to Address Medicare Provider Payment Challenges and Strengthen Cybersecurity Efforts in Our Nation’s Health Care System

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, led a hearing titled Examining Legislative Proposals to Reform Medicare Provider Payment and Bolster Health Care Cybersecurity.

“Today’s hearing furthered our efforts in finding ways to improve the Medicare payment system, provide greater stability for health care providers across the country, and expand access to resources to help combat growing cybersecurity threats,” said Chairman Griffith. “I look forward to continuing to work on the important policies discussed today that safeguard rural hospitals and practitioners, modernize the Medicare physician payment schedule, and expand Medicare coverage for certain pharmacist services.”

Watch the full hearing here.

Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing:

09.15 Harshbarger.png

Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01) on H.R. 5737, the Radiology Outpatient Ordering Transmission (ROOT) Act: “It’s called the ROOT Act, and it’s expected to save approximately $2 billion in reduced Medicare spending and produce $1.5 billion in savings for Medicare beneficiaries over ten years. Since 2023, the [Appropriate Use Criteria] program has been indefinitely paused because it became clear its requirements were not working as intended. The ROOT Act will make the necessary fixes to address these problems so providers will have the clinical support tools at the point of care, strengthening appropriate imaging utilization, and provide meaningful program evaluation for future improvements.”

09.15 Joyce.png

Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) on H.R. 9693, the Patients First Act of 2026: “Today, only 1 in 5 doctors is not an employee of a major health system or a large corporate entity. We have left far too many seniors without access to a primary care provider and pushed more care delivery into more expensive settings through decades of declining reimbursement under the Medicare physician fee schedule. To address these issues, both the GOP Doctors Caucus and the Democrat Doctors Caucus have delivered bipartisan reform to alleviate these issues to ensure better primary care access for seniors to create stability for smaller and rural practices. H.R. 9693, the Patients First Act, authored by me, Doctor Schrier and Doctor Murphy, is a necessary first step, and I am pleased to see that it is included in today’s hearing.”

09.15 Houchin.png

Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) on H.R. 9908, the Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act: “Every cyberattack has the potential to impact hundreds, thousands, or even millions of individuals, and in health care, the consequences go much farther than a simple stolen password or a compromised computer system. Recent cyberattacks, including those in my district, have resulted in canceled surgeries and appointments, payment system outages, and even an inability to provide emergency care. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has reported a staggering 329 reported breaches this year involving hacking or information technology incidents at health care providers and health plans. These threats pose even greater risks to rural hospitals, which may serve as the only source of care for miles and often have fewer financial and personnel resources to prevent and respond to cyberattacks. And the reported breaches are only those of a 500 patient impact. That’s why I’m pleased to see H.R. 9908, the Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act, included in today’s hearing, and I want to thank my colleague, Congresswoman Schrier, for her partnership on this bipartisan bill. Our bill takes a targeted approach by directing HHS to develop a comprehensive rural hospital cybersecurity workforce strategy, expand cybersecurity training resources, and improve preparedness against these growing threats.”

Sep 15, 2026

Press Release

Chairman Guthrie Delivers Remarks on 15 Pieces of Legislation to Strengthen Public Health Efforts, Enhance American Travel, and Support Energy Affordability

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, delivered remarks on the House floor for 15 bills aimed at promoting the health and wellbeing of Americans across the country, supporting tourism and AM Radio, and protecting against rising energy costs.

Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, as prepared for delivery:

“I rise in support of H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, sponsored by my colleague and friend from Colorado, Congressman Evans.

“This bill encourages states to protect our neighbors and small businesses from footing the bill for infrastructure investments needed for the AI race, while protecting existing state authorities.

“The evidence is clear – when states have the proper processes in place to protect households, interconnecting large load data centers have positive benefits for the communities in which they reside.

“Data center growth can be a catalyst for investment in an aging grid, strengthen the tax base to fund essential public services, and anchor tenants for utilities that lower rates for everyone else.

“Electricity demand is growing at a pace not seen since World War II, and communities are rightly concerned about what this might mean for their daily lives.

“As this industry continues to develop—and I want to be absolutely clear that we need it to develop here at home and not in China—H.R. 9340 takes action on behalf of our constituents so that we can keep costs low while ensuring the U.S. leads in the next generation economy.

“If we cede the race to AI dominance to China, then China will set the standards for future technology. This bill strikes the right balance of providing a modest but important level of accountability as we continue to support this vital industry.

“I want to thank my friend from Colorado again for his tireless, bipartisan leadership on this issue. He is bringing together both sides of the aisle on a critical issue.

“I urge my colleagues to support the legislation.”

Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on H.R. 2846, legislation To amend title II of the Public Health Service Act to include as an additional right or privilege of commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (and their beneficiaries) certain leave provided under title 10, United States Code to commissioned officers of the Army (or their beneficiaries), as prepared for delivery:

“I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2846, led by my colleague, Representative Houlahan.

“The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is one of the eight uniformed services in the U.S. and is first in line to defend our nation’s public health against any threat.

“This bill closes the gap in benefits between Public Health Service Officers and other civilian and uniformed public servants by aligning their leave policies with those of the other uniformed services.

“The dedicated men and women of the Public Health Service Corps have my respect and gratitude, and they deserve the same benefits and protections afforded to their fellow uniformed service members.

“With that, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.”

Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on H.R. 6633, the High-Capacity Grid Act, as prepared for delivery:

“I rise in support of H.R. 6633, the High-Capacity Grid Act, sponsored by my colleague Congresswoman Fedorchak from North Dakota.

“The High-Capacity Grid Act will leverage advancements in transmission conductors to more cost-effectively expand our grid and meet the electricity demands of our next generation.

“Advanced conductors can significantly increase the number of electrons that we can put on our system to power households and businesses of all kinds.

“H.R. 6633 will bring savings to households on their electric bills while more efficiently meeting the demands of our next generation economy, ensuring the U.S. is a global leader in innovation.

“I urge my colleagues to support the legislation.”

Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on H.R. 9332, the Load Forecasting Enhancement Act, as prepared for delivery:

“I rise in support of H.R. 9332 the Load Forecasting Enhancement Act, sponsored by my colleague Congressman Troy Balderson from Ohio.

“Simply put, this legislation will improve the accuracy of electricity demand projections.

“We all know electricity demand is increasing at a rapid pace not seen since World War II.

“But until our load forecasting models can more accurately determine the levels of growth, we risk overbuilding a system that is funded by households and businesses.

“H.R. 9332 encourages federal and state partnerships to keep the lights on at an affordable price for our communities.

“I urge my colleagues to support the legislation.”

Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on H.R. 9339, the Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act, as prepared for delivery:

“I rise in support of H.R. 9339, the Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act, sponsored by my colleague Congresswoman Harshbarger of Tennessee.

“This bill directs the Secretary of Energy to develop a report on the opportunities to use artificial intelligence to enhance the reliability and affordability of our electric system.

“The nation’s electric grid is replete with complex operational challenges, a network of millions of miles of wires, and thousands of generators to keep the lights on every minute of every year.

“That makes it a particularly important use case for AI models that are designed to handle such complexities.

“I urge my colleagues to support the legislation.”

Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on S. 195, the American Music Tourism Act of 2025, as prepared for delivery:

“I rise today to speak in support of S. 195 the American Music Tourism Act of 2025.

“Music is one of the truest expressions of who we are as a country. It's part of the fabric of American life in every region and every community.

“This bill simply directs the Department of Commerce to do what it already does for other forms of tourism: build a plan to promote it and then keep Congress informed. It asks for no new taxpayer dollars. It creates no new bureaucracy. It just puts music tourism on at the same level as other national attractions.

“I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.”

Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on H.R. 979, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, as prepared for delivery:

“I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 979, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.

“Tens of millions of Americans tune into broadcast AM radio every day. Farmers use AM radio for weather forecasts, local information, and crop reports, while older Americans rely on it for local news and programming.

“Most importantly, AM radio is a critical tool for emergency communications. When a disaster hits and a broadband network goes dark, AM radio can continue providing critical emergency information to communities.

“This bipartisan bill has broad support from stakeholders including broadcasters, the Farm Bureau, former FEMA Administrators, and first responders.

“I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.”

Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on S. 2398, the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act, as prepared for delivery:

“I rise today in strong support of S. 2398, the Senate companion to bipartisan legislation recently advanced by the Energy and Commerce Committee, led by Senator Collins and Congressman Chris Smith.

“Vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas can carry life-threatening diseases, and anyone can contract a vector-borne disease with potentially debilitating consequences.

“This bill reauthorizes the National Strategy and Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease as well as the CDC’s cooperative agreements with health departments in high-risk areas for vector-borne diseases.

“Preventing these diseases and responding to vector-borne threats is a bipartisan issue that I hope we can all support.

“With that, I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.”

Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on H.R. 1266, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, as prepared for delivery:

“I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1266, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, led by my colleagues, Representatives Panetta and Pfluger.

“Xylazine is a veterinary drug used to sedate large animals, but it has no legitimate use in humans and is quickly becoming one of the deadliest drugs on our streets.

“This bill would place xylazine in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, while ensuring an exemption for appropriate use within the veterinary and ranching industries.

“The decision to place xylazine in Schedule III is the product of extensive bipartisan work spanning two Congresses and two administrations, supported by both DEA and HHS.

“It is critical that we pass this commonsense bill to strengthen our ability to crack down on illicit xylazine distribution while preserving its legitimate veterinary and ranching uses. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.”

Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on H.R. 2004, Tyler’s Law, as prepared for delivery:

“I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2004, led by my colleagues, Representatives Lieu and Latta.

“Tyler’s Law is named after Tyler Shamash, who suffered from a fatal fentanyl poisoning after doctors did not test for fentanyl when he was admitted to the hospital emergency room.

“This bill would honor Tyler’s memory by helping prevent more tragedies and ensure providers are able to apply the best practices when treating cases of potential drug overdoses.

“I encourage my colleagues to support this bill to honor his legacy and the many families who have suffered similarly.”

Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on H.R. 8005, the Stop Pills That Kill Act, as prepared for delivery:

“I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8005, the Stop Pills That Kill Act, led by my friend and colleague, Representative Gabe Evans.

“The threat posed by illicit pill presses has risen as drug traffickers continue to press fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other illicit drugs into pills. In 2025 alone, DEA seized over 47 million fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills.

“This bill makes important regulatory changes to strengthen DEA’s ability to stop bad actors from misusing pill presses, tableting and encapsulating machines, and their critical components to illicitly manufacture controlled substances to poison our communities.

“This bill will make our streets safer. I applaud the tireless efforts of my friend from Colorado to protect Americans from these threats. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.”

Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on H.R. 9616, the EMRTAI Authorization Act of 2026, as prepared for delivery:

“There are thousands of contaminated sites across the United States, and the waste materials present at these sites may be rich sources of critical materials that can be recovered with the right technology.

“That’s why my colleagues, Representatives Pfluger and Landsman have introduced the Environmental Monitoring and Remediation Technology Assessment Initiative or ‘EMRTAI’ Authorization Act of 2026.

“EPA already operates a similar program through general authorities.

“But this legislation formally authorizes the program, expands it to include other types of contaminated sites, and provides guidance to EPA in selecting which projects to support.

“This legislation enjoyed broad bipartisan support at the Committee level, and I urge my colleagues in the House to support its passage.”

Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on H.R. 9617, the CHARM Act, as prepared for delivery:

“I thank my colleagues on the Environment Subcommittee, Chairman Palmer and Ranking Member Tonko, for introducing H.R. 9617, the Coordinating and Harnessing America’s Recovery of Minerals or “CHARM” Act.

“Throughout this Congress, our Committee has examined opportunities to recover critical minerals from discarded materials, such as mine waste, coal combustion materials, end-of-life electronics, and produced water. The CHARM Act is a product of a lot of this hard work.

“This bill directs the EPA, in consultation with other federal agencies, to develop a National Critical Mineral Recovery Strategy in coordination with other federal agencies.

“EPA already has expertise in recovery of valuable materials from discarded materials, and the agency is well positioned to lead these efforts.

“I urge my colleagues in the House to support the passage of this bipartisan legislation.”

Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on H.R. 9615, the BRACE Act, as prepared for delivery:

“End-of-life batteries are a strategic source of nickel, cobalt, and copper, with the volume of batteries available for recycling is expected to triple over the next ten years.

“The Battery Recycling for America’s Competitive Economy Act, or ‘BRACE’ Act, introduced by my colleague, Representative Miller-Meeks, would address an unnecessary limitation in the EPA’s current regulations by allowing destination facilities that recycle lithium-ion batteries to store the batteries prior to recycling.

“The legislation would also require EPA to conduct a rulemaking to establish lithium-ion batteries as a separate category of universal waste within 18 months, providing greater regulatory clarity and certainty to support the growth of the domestic battery recycling industry.

“The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced this bill by unanimous vote of 46 to zero (46-0). I urge my colleagues in the House to support this bipartisan legislation.”

Chairman Guthrie’s remarks on H.R. 2140, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2025, as prepared for delivery:

“The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) of 2025—led by two Members of our Committee, Representatives Matsui and Langworthy—reauthorizes a longstanding and successful bipartisan program.

“This EPA program provides funding assistance to accelerate replacements and upgrades of older diesel engines. It has supported U.S. manufacturing jobs through the development and deployment of a wide range of technologies, leading to improved air quality and economic growth across the country.

“It is estimated that for every federal dollar received, the DERA program has leveraged about $2.30 in outside funding, resulting in over 572 million gallons of fuel saved and the program has upgraded 76.900 vehicles and engines.

“I urge you to support this bipartisan legislation with a track record of proven results, through 2029.”

Sep 15, 2026

Press Release

Chairman Latta Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Energy Hearing on Affordable Nuclear Energy to Power America

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing to discuss America’s nuclear fuel policy in support of American energy dominance.

Subcommittee Chairman Latta’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Today the Energy Subcommittee will examine the Department of Energy’s work to develop what are called Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses.

“These campuses represent a new and fresh effort by DOE and the Administration to [quote] ‘transform the nuclear fuel cycle.’

“The program intends to support the nation’s nuclear policy ambitions as well as to begin to address the federal government’s statutory responsibility for disposal of nuclear waste.

“This involves taking spent fuel from reactors around the nation to a state that volunteers to host the campus, where the fuel can be stored, recycled, and related waste disposed.

“When it comes to increasing reprocessing, my view is: it is about time. Our policy should be to use our technological abilities to take fuller advantage of the remaining usefulness of spent fuel—and this, in turn, reduces the waste that must be placed in a permanent repository.

“Maximizing the remaining energy and other useful isotopes from spent fuel presents an attractive financial incentive for taking a more wholistic look at the full fuel cycle.

“This explains why six states so far are stepping up to negotiate how to develop, in partnership with DOE, lifecycle innovation campuses.

“And, as we will hear this morning, it may well offer a workable path for updating our nuclear waste policy.

“But of course, there is a long way to go to develop durable state agreements—and durability is key.

“The idea of consolidating spent fuel from sites under a federal program with voluntary host states is not a new one.

“Congress authorized a nuclear waste negotiator to set up something like that in the early 1990s. For various reasons, that did not work out—as have other efforts with respect to attracting durable state support.

“What must be done differently this time around?

“There are also commercial and economic realities when it comes to our fuel cycle that factor into what may eventually develop.

“This hearing will help us identify what Congress must do to enable continued work on these campuses, given their potential.

“Our focus should be on policies that complement existing law—and the designated federal disposal site at Yucca Mountain—and protect the interests of ratepayers and taxpayers under that law. This means not rushing to restart fees on nuclear power generation or irresponsibly raiding the nuclear waste fund.

“We should not forget that our bi-partisan legislative work in 2018 provided substantial changes to the law that would have incentivized completion of the Yucca license, enhanced host state benefits, and accelerated the type of program envisioned in the current proposal.

“Those reforms passed the House by a vote of 340-72. Unfortunately, politics obstructed the potential for the reforms.

“Perhaps with tremendous new support of nuclear in recent years means we’re in a different place today.

“We will take testimony from two panels.

“On the first panel, we will hear from the Department of Energy. Assistant Secretary of Energy Ted Garrish, who heads the Office of Nuclear Energy and can explain the program, state interactions, and what Congress may do to help enable its progress forward.

“Our second panel will provide perspective from key stakeholders.

“We will hear from Stacy Paradis, an Illinois public utility commissioner speaking on behalf of NARUC. Electric ratepayers, under the law, are responsible for paying for the ultimate disposal of nuclear waste and she can speak to the importance of protecting ratepayer funding and the nuclear waste fund.

“Maria Korsnick will provide the perspective of the Nuclear Energy Institute on the fuel cycle, and on the policies surrounding storage and disposition of spent nuclear fuel.

“Jared des Rosiers (day-roe-sher), will speak on behalf of the Decommissioned Plants Coalition, which represents closed nuclear plants that continue to store spent fuel.

“And, finally, Greg White, also a former state utility commissioner, will provide the perspective of the Nuclear Waste Strategy Coalition, which represents a range of stakeholders that seek to get our nuclear waste policy back on track.

“We welcome the witnesses and I yield back the balance of my time.”