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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, led a markup of eight bills. “Burdensome regulations have driven up costs and put home ownership out of reach for millions of Americans,” said Chairman Latta. “Today, the Subcommittee on Energy advanced legislation that will cut through the red tape and make housing more affordable. From protecting consumer choice to addressing the rising prices of critical home appliances, these bills offer common-sense solutions for working families.” Legislative Vote Summary: H.R. 3474 , Federal Mechanical Insulation Act, was reported to the full committee by a voice vote. H.R. 3699 , Energy Choice Act, was reported to the full committee by a voice vote. H.R. 5184 , Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards (Affordable HOMES) Act, was reported to the full committee by a voice vote. H.R. 4690 , Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, was reported to the full committee by a roll call vote of 16 Yeas to 14 Nays. H.R. 4593 , Saving Homeowners from Overregulation With Exceptional Rinsing (SHOWER) Act, was reported to the full committee by a roll call vote of 17 Yeas and 14 Nays. H.R. 4758 , Homeowner Energy Freedom Act, was reported to the full committee by a roll call vote of 16 Yeas and 14 Nays. H.R. 4626 , Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act, was reported to the full committee by a roll call vote of 17 Yeas to 14 Nays. H.R. 1355 , Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025, was reported to the full committee by a voice vote. Watch the full markup here . Below are key excerpts from today’s markup: Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) on H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act: “This legislation addresses a critical flaw in federal energy policy, one that has real world consequences for reliability, national security, and cost-effective infrastructure planning. As it stands today, the federal building standards and certification systems actively discourage or penalize the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels, even when those systems are proven to be cleaner, more resilient, and more affordable in certain applications. Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act effectively phases out fossil fuels in their use in federal buildings, forcing a one-size-fits-all electrification mandate regardless of regional climate, mission critical facility needs, or impacts on the grid. These policies don’t just drive up construction and operational costs, they undermine energy security for facilities that must never go dark. Think about federal installations like VA hospitals, military bases, research labs, DHS facilities, and emergency response centers. These buildings require assured energy reliability not just during normal operations, but during extreme weather, cyber threats, or grid failures. Localized backup generation and hybrid energy systems are essential to resilience. And yet, under current policy, these assets are treated as liabilities simply because they rely on natural gas or other fuels.” Congressman Craig Goldman (TX-12) on H.R. 4758, the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act: “The Biden-Harris Administration spent billions in taxpayer dollars to mandate, I repeat, to mandate green energy appliances in new homes. Some home builders estimate that these policies have increased the cost of new homes by $31,000. These policies put home ownership and the American dream out of reach for many families. My bill, the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act, would help address home affordability by repealing several costly and burdensome programs in the so-called Inflation Reduction Act.” Congressman Rick Allen (GA-12) on H.R. 4626, the Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act: “Over the last several years, under the Biden administration, DOE has gone beyond its scope of statutory authority — setting arbitrary and capricious standards as found by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and finalizing rules that do not meet the specific statutory criteria. In fact, egregious appliance standards have caused homeowners to spend 34 percent more on appliances than they did 15 years ago, while having to replace them at a faster rate. When I’m home in the district, people want to know why replacing their air conditioning system cost $10,000 more today than it did four years ago. Furthermore, the previous administration proposed standards that discouraged the use of natural gas in favor of the electrification of appliances. Regardless of the cost to the consumer, the American people want choice, and these decisions need to be market-driven and not government-driven. My legislation, the Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act, will make much needed statutory reforms to energy efficiency standards for appliances by eliminating DOE’s requirements to review and update energy conservation standards every six years.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, delivered the following opening statement at today’s markup of eight bills. Subcommittee Chairman Latta’s opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Welcome to today’s Energy subcommittee markup of 8 bills to restore consumer choice, reduce energy and housing costs, and remove burdensome regulatory structures. “When selecting appliances or equipment for their home or business, Americans take many factors into consideration: cost, reliability, size, and durability to name a few. It is imperative consumers have a wide range of products so they can choose what works best for their needs. “Under the last administration, nearly 30 energy efficiency standards were issued, totaling over $60 billion in costs and removing products from the market, resulting in fewer options for Americans. “H.R. 4626, the Don’t Mess with My Home Appliances Act, would amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to reform the statutory procedures for issuing or amending energy efficiency standards. “This will result in standards that truly meet the statutory requirements of EPCA and provide both manufacturers and consumers with certainty. “Especially as we head into winter, consumers must have access to durable, affordable appliances to perform critical functions, like home heating, while still prioritizing energy efficiency and associated cost-savings. “Airtight building envelopes are also important for consumers, especially in the colder months, to keep warmth in and utility bills low. That is why the subcommittee will be considering H.R. 4758, the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act, to repeal sections of the Inflation Reduction Act that essentially bribed states to recklessly adopt unamended building codes.    “Brian Tebbenkemp, a witness in September’s legislative hearing, said it best, ‘I think we can all agree that American families deserve safe, strong, and efficient homes, but we need a better pathway forward that gives local control, encourages innovation, and keeps homes within the reach of Americans. “The passage of H.R. 4758 is an important step towards accomplishing that shared goal. “The subcommittee will also consider H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, to repeal section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act, which required DOE to phase out fossil fuel use in federal buildings across the country. “This policy, which was opposed by even the Obama Administration, not only poses a significant national security risk, but it could in fact increase energy consumption as the direct use of natural gas is about 92 percent efficient, compared to 33 percent for electricity. That is a significant delta. “Energy efficiency, not bans, are important to prioritize for our federal buildings. I look forward to considering H.R. 3474, the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act, which is bipartisan legislation to require an assessment of whether mechanical insulation should be installed or updated in federal building energy audits. This is a commonsense measure that truly prioritizes energy efficiency. “The subcommittee will also consider H.R. 3699, the Energy Choice Act, which prohibits any state or local policy from banning access to an energy service based on the type or source of energy that is sold. States like New York, which banned natural gas use, are forcing consumers to incur significant costs while jeopardizing their reliability during the winter months. This must change. “Duplicative standards and regulations have also impacted housing, appliance, and equipment affordability for millions of Americans. H.R. 5184, the Affordable HOMES Act, will repeal duplicative energy efficiency standards for manufactured housing, and H.R. 4593, the SHOWER Act, will codify a simple definition of a showerhead, providing more options for consumers. “Lastly, the subcommittee will consider H.R. 1355, the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025, with the understanding that we hope to reach a bipartisan agreement prior to a Full Committee markup. I thank the gentleman from New York and minority professional staff for continuing to work with us towards a compromise. “The suite of legislation before us today represents an opportunity for this Committee to implement reforms that re-prioritize energy efficiency policies towards the items that matter most to consumers: affordability, availability, and durability. I urge all my colleagues to support these pieces of legislation.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, led a hearing titled Innovation with Integrity: Examining the Risks and Benefits of AI Chatbots . “AI chatbots are increasingly integrated into the lives of many Americans, and yesterday’s hearing offered the opportunity to have a balanced, frank conversation about the potential benefits and harms of AI chatbots to Americans,” said Chairman Joyce, M.D. “It is important that we consider the implications of these technologies as we promote AI innovation while protecting the most vulnerable among us.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from yesterday’s hearing: Congressman Rick Allen (GA-12): “We’ve seen cases of teens who spend hours a day on AI chatbots. Some of these conversations are mundane. [But] there are examples [of] self-harm and sexualized material. A growing number of teens are becoming emotionally dependent on these. From a clinical standpoint, are there design practices or guardrails that platforms should consider, especially for entertainment or companionship, to prevent minors from forming unsafe or addictive relationships from these systems?” Dr. Torous: “We’re still learning about these parasocial relationships where people make these relationships with these bots. These are not objects; these are not people. And in some ways, I think a useful analogy I can tell patients is think of an AI like a self-help book. [...] I think where it crosses the line is when the self-help book stops giving basic self-help, starts getting too personal, starts talking about deeper issues. So, I think it’s possible for the bots to operate as self-help books by having very clear guardrails where they stop and where they hand you off to a person.” Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01): “Kids are wired to form attachments with things that act friendly. What we don’t want happening is a chatbot taking the role of teaching a child right and wrong. With AI utilization increasing in children, are you concerned that children may look up to a faceless chatbot as a sort of parental authority or figure? And how do we propose that parents and educators prevent that from happening?” Dr. Wei: “A lot of times, teens and children turn to AI chatbots first for homework or for useful purposes, and then it can shift. And that’s where that shift is. We don’t know the long-term effects of AI companions and chatbots in terms of emotional relationships. It’s a frictionless relationship. It doesn’t offer the same kinds of moral guidance like you referenced or the complexity of human dynamics. So, we still need to understand better how to help kids navigate that, while still being able to use AI for good purposes.” Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09): “Kids deserve the same safety mindset online that we bring to car seats, playgrounds, and stranger danger. Unfortunately, we have seen heartbreaking stories recently that are cause for concern and action by this committee. Our job is to set clear guardrails so the best ideas can scale safely.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, led a markup of several broadband permitting bills.  “There is no better time than now to enact these bills. We are on the verge of closing the digital divide. After four years of delays caused by the Biden-Harris Administration, deployment will soon begin through the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (or BEAD) program , ”   said Chairman Hudson.   “But for this program to succeed, permitting reform is essential. Otherwise, all this money will be tied up in unnecessary reviews and bureaucratic delays. We cannot let the millions of unserved and underserved Americans continue waiting for the connectivity they need simply because we failed to modernize outdated rules.” Legislative Vote Summary: H.R. 1343 , Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act, was forwarded without amendment to the Full Committee, by a voice vote. H.R. 1588 , Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act, was forwarded without amendment to the Full Committee, by a voice vote. H.R. 1665 , DIGITAL Applications Act, was forwarded without amendment to the Full Committee, by a voice vote. H.R. 1681 , Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Act, was forwarded without amendment to the Full Committee, by a voice vote. H.R. 1731 , Standard FEES Act, was forwarded without amendment to the Full Committee, by a voice vote.  H.R. 6046 , the Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a voice vote. H.R. 2289 , Proportional Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act , was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 16 Yeas to 12 Nays. NOTE:  21 bills that had been noticed were included in an amendment to H.R. 2289, the Proportional Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act. Watch the full markup  here .  Below are key excerpts from today’s markup: Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01) on the Proportional Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act:  “This straightforward reform will remove a key barrier to broadband deployment, especially on federal lands, where reviews can take more than two years. This amendment combines legislation led by every one of my Republican colleagues on this committee, and I would like to thank them for their thoughtful proposals to bring affordable broadband to their communities quickly and ensure that taxpayer dollars are not wasted on more red tape.”  Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) on the Federal Broadcast Deployment Tracking Act:   “At the last hearing we had on this issue, we heard several detailed examples from providers across telecommunications spectrum outlining the urgent need for this legislation. [...] Passing the federal broadband deployment tracking act would be a crucial step towards fixing this process and closing the digital divide, creating a more connected future for all Americans.” Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) on the CABLE Competition Act:   “The bottom line is competition lowers prices and certainly attracts capital. The CABLE Competition Act delivers both, allowing consumers to keep the contract, cut the delays and delivering families better service at a better price.”  ###

Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing titled  Innovation with Integrity: Examining the Risks and Benefits of AI Chatbots . WHAT:  Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing investigating the safety of AI chatbots. DATE:  Tuesday, November 18, 2025 UPDATED TIME:  1:30 PM ET LOCATION:  2123 Rayburn House Office Building This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning this hearing, please contact Jackson Rudden at Jackson.Rudden@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Daniel Kelly at  Daniel.Kelly@mail.house.gov . ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, delivered the following opening statement at today's hearing titled Innovation with Integrity: Examining the Risks and Benefits of AI Chatbots. Subcommittee Chairman Joyce’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:  "Good afternoon, and welcome to today's hearing entitled 'Innovation with Integrity: Examining the Risks and Benefits of AI Chatbots' “Generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are computer programs powered by large language models that simulate human conversation with a user. AI chatbots are increasingly integrated into the devices we use daily. For example, chatbots are built into search engines, social media platforms, and even some vehicle onboard software systems.    “Moreover, chatbots are widely accessible and easy to use. A user simply enters a prompt—usually in the form of a command or question—and the chatbot responds almost instantaneously with human-like responses. With advanced processing capabilities, chatbots can summarize complex concepts, streamline customer service inquiries, and generate content on demand. Beyond their practical research and business uses, chatbots are also utilized for entertainment, therapy, and companionship by both adults and young people.    “With continual prompts, users can cultivate a dialogue with a chatbot that can feel like a real interpersonal relationship. Through natural language processing, chatbots are designed to effectively engage with users in a human-like way that can instill a sense of comfort and companionship for the user.    “Additionally, Americans are increasingly engaging with chatbots for mental health support. For some, turning to a chatbot for therapy can be helpful in limited circumstances when they have nowhere else to go. Under the wrong circumstances, however, these chatbot relationships can go wrong.    “First, users can feel a false sense of anonymity with chatbots, sharing personal or sensitive information that is not protected by confidentiality obligations. Moreover, chatbots retain data to enhance their ‘memory,’ which improves the quality of their interactions with users. This data is also used to train the chatbot’s base model to improve the accuracy of responses across the platform.    “In addition to chatbots retaining data to improve their models, AI chatbots have been subject to data breaches and if conversation data falls into the wrong hands, sensitive personal information can be obtained by malicious actors.    “Second, chatbots are designed to maximize engagement with users. As a result, sycophantic chatbots have been found to affirm harmful or illogical beliefs, providing vulnerable users with perceived support for unhealthy behaviors such as self-harm, eating disorders, and suicide. For children and adults with a propensity for mental illness, this can be particularly problematic.    “Many of us are familiar with recent cases where a relationship with chatbots has proven harmful –sometimes deadly—for some users. Since AI chatbots emerged, there have been cases of adults and teens attempting or committing suicide after long-term relationships with chatbots. In some cases, the chatbots encouraged or affirmed suicidal ideations.    “Two months ago, the Federal Trade Commission launched an inquiry to understand what steps seven major AI chatbot companies are taking to protect children and teens from harm.1 I am hopeful that this inquiry will shed light on ways that these technologies can be improved to keep children safe.    “My goal today is to have a balanced, frank conversation about the potential benefits and harms of AI chatbots to Americans. It is important that we consider the implications of these technologies as we balance the benefits of AI innovation with protecting the most vulnerable among us.    “I want to thank the witnesses for being here today, and I look forward to hearing from you on this important topic.”    ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, delivered the following opening statement at today’s markup of 28 bills to streamline broadband permitting. Subcommittee Chairman Hudson’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:  “Good morning, and welcome to today’s subcommittee markup of legislation to streamline broadband permitting. We are considering 28 bills that reduce or eliminate barriers to broadband deployment so we can finally close the digital divide.  “For years, this subcommittee has discussed the importance of ensuring that every American has access to reliable, high-speed broadband. Work, education—even healthcare and checking in on loved ones—requires a broadband connection. Yet too many Americans still lack access to this essential service. “Reaching the final unserved and underserved Americans requires funding, but it also requires permitting reform. Too often, broadband deployment is prevented or delayed because of burdensome, opaque and expensive permitting processes that exist at every level of government—federal, state, and local. These unnecessary obstacles not only increase costs for deployment, but they also delay progress for communities that have already waited far too long. “We need to address these challenges if we hope to close the digital divide once and for all. The legislation we are marking up today does just that. First, we streamline the state and local permitting process by implementing clear timelines, or ‘shot clocks,’ on application reviews and capping excessive fees. Next, we exempt certain projects—mostly those on previously disturbed lands—from having to perform cumbersome and duplicative environmental and historic preservation reviews. Finally, we reduce barriers to deployment on federal lands and increase coordination among different federal agencies. Together, these reforms will add much-needed certainty, predictability, and accountability to the broadband permitting process and help expedite deployment. “Many of these ideas are not new. In fact, some have already been enacted by the Federal Communications Commission. Under then-Chairman Ajit Pai, the FCC reformed state and local permitting by implementing shot clocks on reviews, capping fees, and removing other barriers to deployment. These reforms accelerated the rollout of 5G infrastructure and showed how streamlining this process can make a real difference. Congress needs to codify and build on these reforms so they last. “There is no better time than now to enact these bills. We are on the verge of closing the digital divide. After four years of delays caused by the Biden-Harris Administration, deployment will soon begin through the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (or BEAD) program. But for this program to succeed, permitting reform is essential. Otherwise, all this money will be tied up in unnecessary reviews and bureaucratic delays. We cannot let the millions of unserved and underserved Americans continue waiting for the connectivity they need simply because we failed to modernize outdated rules. “Five of the bills we are marking up today are bipartisan. I am pleased that we have found common ground on these reforms. I hope we can continue working together to make the remaining bills bipartisan as well. Closing the digital divide has always been a shared goal of this subcommittee, regardless of which party holds the gavel. We should not allow red tape and outdated bureaucracy stand between Americans and the connectivity they need to work, learn, innovate, and thrive. “I want to thank my colleagues for their continued commitment to this issue and for their work developing these proposals. I look forward to moving these bills through committee and onto the floor so we can deliver results for the American people.”

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – In President Trump’s historic Working Families Tax Cuts, House Republicans implemented provisions that protect our federal health care programs for the traditional Medicaid population—our expectant mothers, their children, low-income seniors, and individuals with disabilities. FACT: The enactment of the Working Families Tax Cuts emphasized the need for and importance of guardrails to stabilize and strengthen the Medicaid program for the vulnerable Americans it was designed to serve and assist for generations to come. Republicans remain adamantly opposed to Democrat policies that allow illegal immigrants, able-bodied adults choosing not to work, and people who aren’t actually qualified for Medicaid (or at times people who are dead or enrolled in two state programs at the same time) to continue consuming resources from a rapidly growing system. The Republican solution invests billions into long-term care for our seniors and people with disabilities by establishing a new pathway for states to offer home and community-based services to more people who are in need. The new investment will lead to an increase in tens of billions of new dollars in long-term care spending, while also diverting and delaying the eventual need for more expensive, acute care. Democrats’ continued efforts to mislead Americans through false claims that the traditional Medicaid population will lose their care because of this bill are simply not true. Nothing in the Working Families Tax Cuts law would change benefits for pregnant women, children, seniors, or individuals who are disabled. Instead, the bill included numerous commonsense provisions that reduce abuse in the program and allow Medicaid resources to help uplift the traditional Medicaid population and ensure Medicaid remains a safety net for generations to come. “Time and again, Republicans have fought for strengthening, sustaining, and securing the Medicaid program for our most vulnerable Americans—expectant mothers, children, low-income seniors, and individuals living with disabilities,” said House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie . “No matter how many times we emphasize the point, the truth of the Working Families Tax Cuts law stays the same: despite the claim of left-wing media, members of the traditional Medicaid population will not lose coverage due to this law. Republicans are enabling the Medicaid program to serve its intended purpose, and we will continue to fight for solutions that protect the program for generations to come.” “House Republicans advanced a legislative product that lowers health care premiums, promotes community engagement and delivers fairness and accountability to our health care system. The Working Families Tax Cuts increases oversight efforts as part of a larger package of Medicaid program integrity measures to more precisely serve the traditional Medicaid and the Medicaid Expansion populations,” said Health Subcommittee Chairman Morgan Griffith . “Progressive Democrats and their Congressional allies are desperate as they try to pan the Working Families Tax Cuts as devastating to the traditional Medicaid population, which is not true! The traditional Medicaid population, which includes expectant mothers, low-income seniors, children and individuals with disabilities, is not affected by our bill!” “AFP proudly supported the Working Families Tax Cut Act, and we’ll defend it to our dying day. With this landmark law, Republicans averted the biggest tax hike in American history, secured the border, and unleashed America’s energy abundance, and delivered on some of the most important, pro-patient health care reforms in a generation. We especially applaud Republicans for disregarding Democrats’ hyperbolic claims and histrionic scare tactics aimed at blocking any change to Medicaid, a vital part of our nation’s health care safety net. Years of Democratic neglect and profligacy have allowed Medicaid to become swollen with waste, fraud, and abuse, including billions in ‘free’ health care for illegal immigrants. Republicans have come to the rescue, preserving Medicaid for low-income, disabled, and other vulnerable Americans—refocusing it on those who need it most. And they did it without cutting benefits in any way. We also applaud the new law because it boldly advances a Personal Option—affordable health care you can trust,” said Senior Health Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity, Dean Clancy. “Only a few months old, it’s already increasing the quality and accessibility of health care by expanding access to powerful tools like tax-free Health Savings Accounts and exciting new options like direct primary care, which gives patients affordable, round-the-clock access to the doctors they trust—without insurance company meddling. On behalf of our thousands of grassroots activists, we applaud President Trump and his fellow Republicans for taking the first big leap toward the affordable, personalized health care system Americans want and deserve.” “The Working Families Tax Cuts rightfully refocuses Medicaid on low-income children, pregnant women, the elderly, and the disabled. It does this by preserving federal health programs for citizens and lawful residents. It requires able-bodied, working-age adults to work, go to school, or volunteer to receive benefits. It cracks down on corporate-welfare schemes that direct billions of dollars to wealthy, politically connected insurers and hospitals. And it reduces waste, fraud, and abuse that divert resources from those that truly need it,” said President of Paragon Health Institute, Brian Blase, Ph.D. “As Director of Able Americans, I’m encouraged to see the Working Families Tax Cuts (WFTC) include two key provisions that will directly improve the lives of Americans with disabilities. “First, the WFTC incorporates the Helping Communities with Better Support (HCBS) Act, which expands access to Medicaid home- and community-based services for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. This provision increases transparency and accountability for those waiting for care—an essential step toward dignity and choice. “Next, the bill strengthens ABLE Accounts by extending vital tax provisions that help people with disabilities save for their futures without fear of losing benefits like Medicaid. It codifies a $1,000 savers credit and allows families to roll over 529 education savings accounts into ABLE Accounts—promoting financial security, independence, and flexibility for those navigating work and long-term care needs. “Importantly, the WFTC protects the future of Medicaid for the most vulnerable it was intended to serve. WFTC adds critical protections against abuse of the program and adds a community engagement requirement for expansion-population, able-bodied adults. Those who are unable to work because of their disability or who are receiving medical care are not included in this requirement,” said Director of the National Center’s Able Americans Program, Rachel K. Barkley. What Republicans Did Under the Working Families Tax Cuts: The law made historic investments for the most vulnerable.   Through the $50 billion dollar investment from the Rural Health Transformation Program, states have the opportunity to bolster their ability to care for the vulnerable by:   Helping maintain essential services like emergency room care, labor and delivery services, and behavioral health care;   Funding rural emergency medical services (EMS) and support training for new EMS personnel; and/or   Investing in technology infrastructure to help communities better access care, to name only a few examples.   The Working Families Tax Cuts law also implemented the largest ever investment in Home and Community Based Services, which are vital for members of the traditional population such as seniors and individuals who are disabled. Republicans reinstated States’ ability to conduct more frequent eligibility redeterminations for able-bodied adults.   This strengthens program integrity by requiring states to check eligibility every six months to ensure enrollees—particularly the able-bodied, working-age adult expansion category—are unable to take advantage of a system that was created to protect our most vulnerable.   This law also takes action to prohibit Medicaid from wasting money covering beneficiaries who have died, or the same individual enrolled in multiple states. WFTC cracked down on States’ capacity to provide Medicaid coverage to non-citizens.   States should not be granted more federal funding for providing care to non-citizens then they are for our pregnant women, their children, low-income seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The law increased personal accountability for able-bodied, unemployed adults within the expansion population to lift Americans out of poverty and re-enter society.  Establishing work requirements for able-bodied adults who are choosing not to work helps ensure that Medicaid is there to continue to support future generations of Americans most in need—our expectant mothers, low-income seniors, children, and individuals with disabilities. The Working Families Tax Cuts law set a $1 million limit on the home value people can keep when applying for Medicaid, ensuring help goes to those who truly need it.   The bill includes commonsense policies to ensure resources are focused on those who need it the most, not on people with million-dollar homes. The legislation reduced States’ reliance on gimmicks that shift costs of care for members of the expansion population onto the federal taxpayer, making sure states are paying their fair share.   States have been taking advantage of federal taxpayers to inflate their Medicaid programs, especially in expanding care for able-bodied adults. Our legislation holds state accountable. CLICK HERE to read the Fox News article, Republicans, health experts push back on Democrats’ Medicaid ‘scare tactics’ ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, announced a subcommittee markup of eight bills. WHAT : Subcommittee on Energy markup of eight bills. DATE: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 TIME: 10:15 AM ET LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building Items to be considered: H.R. 3474 , Federal Mechanical Insulation Act (Rep. Weber) H.R. 3699 , Energy Choice Act (Rep. Langworthy) H.R. 5184 , Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards (Affordable HOMES) Act (Rep. Houchin)  H.R. 4690 , Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act (Rep. Langworthy) H.R. 4593 , Saving Homeowners from Overregulation With Exceptional Rinsing (SHOWER) Act (Rep. Fry)  H.R. 4758 , Homeowner Energy Freedom Act (Rep. Goldman) H.R. 4626 , Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act (Rep. Allen) H.R. 1355 , Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025 (Rep. Tonko) This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The markup will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning this hearing, please contact Calvin Huggins at Calvin.Huggins1@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Ben Mullany at Ben.Mullany@mail.house.gov . ###