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WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement after President Trump signed the HALT Fentanyl Act into law.  “Today, America celebrates the passage of legislation that equips law-enforcement officers with necessary tools needed to combat the fentanyl crisis, promotes effective research of schedule I substances, and works to keep extremely lethal and dangerous drugs off of our streets,” said Chairman Guthrie . “I want to thank President Trump for his continued commitment to keeping illicit substances out of our country, and the HALT Fentanyl Act works directly in line with that mission. As the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I’m proud to have been a part of creating such critical legislation that permanently places fentanyl-related substances into schedule I of the Controlled Substance Act to ensure law enforcement can crack down on drug traffickers that have wrought havoc on our communities for too long.”   ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled Legislative Proposals to Maintain and Improve the Public Health Workforce, Rural Health, and Over-the-Counter Medicines. Subcommittee Chairman Griffith’s opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Today’s legislative hearing is necessary to continue essential programs that are vital to our health care infrastructure.  “Many of the bills before us expire at the end of this fiscal year and must be reauthorized.   “One of the bills that will be discussed today is H.R. 4273, the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Amendments, led by Mr. Latta and Ranking Member DeGette.   “The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which passed in 2020, modernized the regulation of over-the-counter monograph drugs and products. It also created a new user fee program to support this new framework, also known as OMUFA.   “Generally, a company can market an over-the-counter drug if they either submit a new drug application or go through the over-the-counter monograph process.   “Prior to 2020, this involved a lengthy, burdensome three-phase, rulemaking process.  “This led to Congress creating a new regulatory framework that allows FDA to issue administrative orders determining that a product is generally recognized as safe and effective, or GRASE, and simultaneously establishing a new user fee program to help ensure this process is effective and streamlined.   “This is the first reauthorization of OMUFA.  “We hope to work in a bipartisan way to address any outstanding issues to ensure this program is functioning how Congress initially intended, including minimizing regulatory burdens, supporting innovation, and increasing access to products in a safe and efficient manner.   “We will also consider other legislation that will help encourage the FDA to be more flexible in their review processes.   “H.R. 3686, the SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act, led by Dr. Joyce and Mrs. Dingell, would require the FDA to consider the use of certain real-world, evidence-based and non-animal testing methods when it comes to evaluating new sunscreen active ingredients in the United States.   “We are behind other countries in bringing innovative sunscreens to market, and this bill would help to bridge that gap.  “During our last hearing on OMUFA, we had a robust discussion around the need for more innovative sunscreens to be available in the United States.   “I look forward to the discussion around these policies today.  “Along similar lines, the FDA must keep pace with current technological advancements, which includes greater utilization of non-animal testing methods.   “H.R. 2821, led by Reps. Carter and Barragan, would help support FDA’s efforts to do just that.   “Congress gave FDA this ability in 2022 when the FDA Modernization 2.0 was signed into law, but the FDA has failed to fully implement these practices.   “This legislation would require the FDA to finally update its regulations to account for non-animal testing. “This bill does not require non-animal testing; it simply provides the option if companies wish to pursue less costly methods, such as computer AI modeling or organ chip testing.   “There are also two important reauthorizations in front of us today that serve a vital role in helping our medical workforce, which are the Title VII and Title VIII reauthorizations.   “These programs allocate resources for scholarships and educational assistance, so students from underserved backgrounds, who are often from rural areas, can pursue medical careers and help support the medical workforce that Americans widely rely upon.   “It is crucial for Congress to take a close look at these programs to ensure resources are going to areas and patients who need it most.  “We are also discussing legislation that will continue grants for certain health care services in rural areas and help to increase the use of telehealth, so patients can access care more easily.  “Reauthorizing the Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Program will support our telehealth infrastructure that has become a lifeline for both providers and patients across the country– especially in rural areas.   “Considering each of these reauthorizations is an important step forward to ensure each program is working as intended.  “I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today regarding the importance of these programs, and to ensure they are reauthorized in a timely manner.”   ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, led a hearing titled Legislative Proposals to Maintain and Improve the Public Health Workforce, Rural Health, and Over-the-Counter Medicines .   “Today’s legislative hearing is necessary to continue essential programs that are vital to our health care infrastructure. Many of the bills before us expire at the end of this fiscal year and must be reauthorized,” said Chairman Griffith. “Considering each of these reauthorizations is an important step forward to ensure each program is working as intended.”   Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02): “We’re estimated to be over 170,000 physicians short in the next decade. Title VII and Title VIII were created to help increase participation in the health care workforce. How can these programs be improved?” Dr. Candice Chen, MD, MPH: “I think the most important thing is that they are reauthorized. These programs have been very impactful. We find that our health profession training programs rely on them to support training that is focused on areas of need– whether it's specialties and professions, as well as integrating content into curriculum and training.” Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05): “Five years ago, I worked with my Energy and Commerce colleagues to modernize how the FDA regulates most OTC medicines with the enactment of the OMUFA program. These revolutionary changes made the 40-year-old system more efficient, transparent, and open to innovation. I'm very proud to once again be leading this reauthorization of such a critical program. The OMUFA program has drastically reduced the burden on our health care system by lowering the number of visits consumers need to make to a doctor to obtain a prescription for a simple treatment.” Congressman Michael Rulli (OH-06): “I’m proud to join as an original co-sponsor to Chairman Carter's bipartisan H.R. 2493, the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act. It extends grants and helps rural residents who have trouble accessing health care. I think this is a really interesting bill for myself because I think this is one of the first times that I've actually seen on the hill– versus the state House years that I did– where we have bipartisan support for our cause. I think it's really reassuring and refreshing to see such a bipartisan approach to this problem.”   ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman-Designate of the Subcommittee on Health, announced a hearing titled Legislative Proposals to Maintain and Improve the Public Health Workforce, Rural Health, and Over-the-Counter Medicines.   "These vital public health programs play a critical role in improving health care for Americans,” said Chairman Guthrie and Chairman-Designate Griffith . “Programs like the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program are crucial to ensure patient access to safe over-the-counter products. The Health Subcommittee remains committed to priorities like bolstering health care workforce development, as well as lifting up rural communities to ensure all Americans can live healthier lives."   Subcommittee on Health hearing titled Legislative Proposals to Maintain and Improve the Public Health Workforce, Rural Health, and Over-the-Counter Medicines.   WHAT: Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Preserving Access to Timely and Affordable Care.  DATE: Wednesday, July 16, 2025  TIME: 10:00 AM ET LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building.  This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning this hearing, please contact Annabelle Huffman at Annabelle.Huffman@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Katie West at Katie.West@mail.house.gov .   ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board wrote the following op-ed this week in defense of the commonsense provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.   Key Takeaways:   Medicaid spending has risen by roughly 60 percent since 2019, and the bill’s intent is to slow Medicaid spending amidst continued growth in the program.  In a letter penned last month about the House bill, CBO said 4.8 million individuals covered by Medicaid won’t comply with the bill’s part-time work requirement. That should be a warning about the country’s social condition.  The work requirement provisions don’t apply to anyone who is disabled, pregnant or caring for a child younger than age 14. You will still receive Medicaid coverage by volunteering 20 hours a week or enrolled in school.  Don’t buy the Democratic talking point that the working poor will be lost in red tape as they try to prove they’re on the job; these provisions are intended to protect our most vulnerable Americans.   Since the Biden Administration waved millions onto health entitlements, the GOP bill includes sensible measures such as asking states to check their Medicaid expansion rolls every six months and more scrutiny on Obamacare subsidies.   America is a generous society that cares for the vulnerable. But it should also be a land of opportunity, not a European welfare state.  In Case You Missed It…   “Democrats and their media collaborators always distort GOP policy, but the coverage about the big budget bill has kicked free of the earth. Allow us to temper the histrionics about gutting the social safety net with a few facts about Medicaid, food stamps and Republican priorities.   “By now you’ve seen the headline in every outlet: The Republican law will soon toss millions from Medicaid and cut the program to the bone. But annual spending on the health entitlement will grow over the next decade even with the bill’s roughly $1 trillion in estimated savings. Medicaid spending has risen by roughly 60% since 2019, and the bill’s intent is to try to bend Medicaid’s trajectory closer to the bad old days of 2020.   “Democrats and some Republicans have offered cynical distortions that pregnant women in poverty and disabled children will suffer. But Republicans are trying to address the program’s enormous ObamaCare expansion to prime-age adults above the poverty line, and note the details of those who will allegedly lose coverage.   “CBO, in an letter last month about the House bill, said 4.8 million won’t comply with the bill’s part-time work requirement. That should be a warning about the country’s social condition. The work requirement doesn’t apply to anyone who is disabled, pregnant or caring for a child younger than age 14. Volunteering 20 hours a week or enrolled in school? You can get Medicaid.   “Don’t buy the Democratic talking point that the working poor will be lost in red tape as they try to prove they’re on the job. States have handled work requirements in food stamps and cash assistance for decades.   “As the Foundation for Government Accountability notes, when Arkansas experimented with such requirements in Medicaid, enrollees only had to report work once, and it was easy to do so. The state cross-referenced wage and employment data and folks could also self-attest online or call a hot line. The Democratic position is that Medicaid should be a free universal benefit for men who refuse to work.   “The other main provision is tamping down state scams to hoover up more federal dollars. The main losers here are large hospital systems that have been doing well on the largesse.   “The GOP bill also includes sensible measures such as asking states to check their Medicaid expansion rolls every six months and more scrutiny on ObamaCare subsidies. That is necessary because the Biden Administration waved millions onto health entitlements. The Paragon Institute estimates that 6.4 million people are enrolled in fully subsidized ObamaCare plans but don’t meet the eligibility criteria. Apparently this is what Democrats support.   “The bill’s changes to food stamps are also modest and rooted in the tenet that work is central to upward mobility. As a refresher, the program currently requires able-bodied adults without dependents to work about 20 hours a week—or lose benefits after three months. That 90-day dispensation allows those who suffer a setback time to get back on their feet.   “But here is the not at all radical reform proposition: More of those who rely on benefits for longer need to be working. The GOP bill would expand the current work requirement to cover more able-bodied adults, including some parents with older children in school and those in their 50s and early 60s. The law also tries to tighten up waivers that states have abused to eliminate the work rules. The other major change is asking states with high improper payment rates to have skin in the game and pick up a share of benefit costs, which are currently billed 100% to the federal taxpayer.   “These are common-sense ideas that have public support, though most voters aren’t hearing a defense from Republicans. Here is the abiding lesson for the GOP: Ducking the hardest reforms, public groveling, the bill’s eleventh-hour $50 billion blowout for rural hospitals—none of it will stop dishonest Democratic attacks. There is no substitute for defending your own ideas.   “Democrats think they can ride the Medicaid scare into a midterm victory, but there’s still time for the GOP to lay out the facts. Roughly a quarter of Americans are on Medicaid, which is worse than private insurance. Food aid tops $100 billion a year and no longer shrinks as it once did when the economy is growing.   “America is a generous society that cares for the vulnerable. But it should also be a land of opportunity, not a European welfare state.”   ### 

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – The following op-ed by Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, appeared in the New York Post this week. In Case You Missed It:  "President Donald Trump has asked Congress to follow through on his domestic-policy agenda by extending tax cuts for Americans, investing in our military and border security and cutting waste, fraud and abuse in entitlement spending, which threatens the solvency our nation’s safety-net programs.   “For my House Committee on Energy and Commerce, this meant hitting a 10-year savings target of $880 billion across our jurisdiction — energy, environment, telecommunications and health care — which I knew could only be reached through careful consideration and resolve.   “The committee came through, and then some: The most recent estimate from the Congressional Budget Office found that our efforts will save nearly $1.1 trillion.   “More than a quarter of this amount, $344 billion, comes from new community-engagement rules (i.e., work requirements) for able-bodied adults who receive Medicaid benefits but choose not to work.   “The rules will promote greater accountability and refocus Medicaid to better serve the most vulnerable.   “What exactly do these community-engagement requirements consist of?   “If you’re an able-bodied, unemployed adult who receives Medicaid, they ask that you demonstrate that you are either working, volunteering, in job training or in school for an average of 80 hours per month.   “Health care and work are inextricably linked in this country: Nearly half of all Americans get their health insurance through their jobs, seniors get Medicare after years of contributing payroll taxes and members of our military and our veterans get their coverage through their service to our country.   “To require Medicaid recipients who are able-bodied and unemployed to either work, go to school or volunteer in their communities in order to continue receiving subsidized health insurance should be a no brainer.   “You may have heard misinformation that work requirements are really just a sneaky way to take health care away from hard-working Americans, or even people with disabilities.   “Let me set the record straight: This policy applies only to able-bodied, unemployed adults who have chosen not to work.   “Our bill couldn’t be clearer about that; it includes a long list of exempted individuals. For instance:   If you’re pregnant, a member of a federally designated tribe, a caregiver or parent, under 19 or over 65, you’re exempt from the requirements.  You’re exempt if you’re medically frail, which includes anyone who’s blind, disabled, battling a chronic substance-use disorder or living with a serious and complex medical condition like cancer.  If you meet work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (welfare), you’re also relieved of the requirements.  If you’re in jail, prison or were released from incarceration within the past 90 days, you’re exempt.  And if you’re a former foster youth under 26, the requirements don’t apply.  “Plainly, the policy is targeting just a subset of fully able adults who are voluntarily choosing not to work or give back to their communities.   “There are strong grounds for this policy: A new study from the American Enterprise Institute found that able-bodied, unemployed adult Medicaid recipients without dependents average 6.1 hours a day — 184 hours a month — watching television and socializing.   “That figure is 50% higher than for employed beneficiaries.   “These individuals spend less than a combined one hour a day looking for work or caring for others.   “And we’re only asking that, in return for their Medicaid coverage, they choose from an array of options — work, go to school or volunteer — for just 80 hours per month.   “That’s eminently reasonable, and can help them become more self-reliant and productive.   “Note, too, that a sizable number — 38% of beneficiaries, per a new White House Council of Economic Advisors study — are able-bodied, working-age adults.   “There’s no good reason for them not to be contributing to their communities or at least on a path to becoming productive.   “Americans are smart enough not to fall for the false narratives, lies and smears against work requirements.   “They share Republicans’ desires to purge government programs of rampant waste, fraud and abuse.   “Our requirements help do just that, strengthening Medicaid for those who truly need it.”   ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  The Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Health and Human Services Budget Subcommittee Chairman Carter's opening statement as prepared for delivery: “It is my pleasure to begin today’s hearing by welcoming the Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to the House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Health.  “Thank you, Secretary Kennedy, for coming before the Committee to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 budget for the U.S. Department of Health an d Human Services.  “ In 2023, our nation spent an estimated $4.9 trillion on health care. That’s nearly 20 percent of our Gross Domestic Product. And when it comes to per-person health care spending, the United States far surpasses every other nation in the world.  “ And yet, America’s health outcomes still lag behind our peers. Life expectancy in the U.S. is lower than in other developed economies, and rates of infant and maternal mortality, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are higher. At the same time, public trust in government health agencies has eroded.  “ The results of our record-breaking spending speak for themselves — and they’re unacceptable.   “ The system isn’t just expensive — it’s failing the very people it’s meant to serve.  “ Currently, in the United States, three in four adults experience one or more chronic conditions. In 2013, no state had adult obesity prevalence at or above 35 percent. Fast forward to 2023, 23 states had 35 percent or higher adult obesity rates. According to the CDC, in my home state of Georgia, 35 percent of adults are obese, and one in ten adults are living with three or more chronic conditions.    “ During my time as a pharmacist, I saw first-hand the toll that diet-related chronic diseases can have on individuals and families, due to rising health care premiums, out-of-pocket-costs, and missed work. The financial impact is astronomical – not to mention how taxing the physical, emotional, and mental burdens can be.   “ Just looking at the impact of diabetes, the United States spends more than $327 billion each year combatting the disease–with $237 billion spent on medical costs and another $90 billion in productivity losses.  “ America needs a new prescription — a clear, bold vision for the future. We can no longer afford to simply throw more money at this problem and hope for change. It is time to break from the old ways and embrace innovative, courageous ideas that will truly Make America Healthy Again.  “ I am looking forward to hearing more about how HHS is working to improve health care access for American patients and reduce provider burnout by leading on necessary changes to fix the broken health insurance prior authorization process.  “ I am also looking forward to hearing more about your agency’s plan to reduce unnecessary animal testing. So many of us here today are committed to a more efficient drug development process, and I am encouraged by the FDA’s Roadmap to reduce animal testing in preclinical safety studies through the use of innovative 21st-century science. “ As a supporter of the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 and the lead author of the FDA Modernization Act 3.0, I am excited to see that, under your leadership, the Department of Health and Human Services is building off of these proposals and leading the charge for the development of safe, effective treatments and therapies without unnecessary animal suffering. “ I look forward to hearing additional details of the Secretary’s proposal, and to continuing the dialogue between HHS and the Energy and Commerce Committee as we begin the budget process in earnest.  “ Again, I appreciate you being here today. I look forward to hearing how the proposed HHS budget will advance President Trump’s mission of Making America Healthy Again." ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, led a hearing titled The Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Health and Human Services Budget. “America needs a new prescription — a clear, bold vision for the future. We can no longer afford to simply throw more money at this problem and hope for change,” said Chairman Carter . “It is time to break from the old ways and embrace innovative, courageous ideas that will truly Make America Healthy Again.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-09): “One important tool in promoting drug development is the FDA's Rare Pediatric Disease Designation and Priority Review Voucher Program, which has led to the approval of over 50 treatments for 39 different rare, pediatric diseases - 36 of which had no FDA approval treatments before the program began. I was very pleased to see the president's FDA budget allocate funding for this priority review voucher program, and I have bipartisan legislation that would fully reauthorize the program for years to come.” Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02): “I was just wondering if you can explain how HHS will be investing in rural America and specifically rural Iowa to ensure that Americans still have access to vital health care services.” Secretary Kennedy: “ We have a number of programs for expanding healthcare in rural areas. One of those that I'm most excited about are these innovations in telemedicine and AI nursing. That is going to deal with some of the treatment [and] the diagnosis issues. I've seen the systems in action, and they're extraordinary.” Congresswoman Kat Cammack: (FL-03): “Under the previous administration of Joe Biden, maternal health deserts expanded significantly, leaving over 2.5 million women without access to any sort of maternal health care. In fact, I believe it was 1 in 25 maternal health clinics [that] closed under the previous administration. And you've pointed out that there are more than 40 different maternal health programs scattered across HHS. From where I sit, that sounds like a lot of bureaucracy, and I want us to focus on patient outcomes and improving those, like you do.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – The following op-ed by Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, appeared in the New York Post this week.   “President Donald Trump has asked Congress to follow through on his domestic-policy agenda by extending tax cuts for Americans, investing in our military and border security and cutting waste, fraud and abuse in entitlement spending, which threatens the solvency our nation’s safety-net programs.   “For my House Committee on Energy and Commerce, this meant hitting a 10-year savings target of $880 billion across our jurisdiction — energy, environment, telecommunications and health care — which I knew could only be reached through careful consideration and resolve.   “The committee came through, and then some: The most recent estimate from the Congressional Budget Office found that our efforts will save nearly $1.1 trillion.   " More than a quarter of this amount, $344 billion, comes from new community-engagement rules (i.e., work requirements) for able-bodied adults who receive Medicaid benefits but choose not to work.   “The rules will promote greater accountability and refocus Medicaid to better serve the most vulnerable.     “What exactly do these community-engagement requirements consist of?     “If you’re an able-bodied, unemployed adult who receives Medicaid, they ask that you demonstrate that you are either working, volunteering, in job training or in school for an average of 80 hours per month.    " Health care and work are inextricably linked in this country: Nearly half of all Americans get their health insurance through their jobs, seniors get Medicare after years of contributing payroll taxes and members of our military and our veterans get their coverage through their service to our country.     “To require Medicaid recipients who are able-bodied and unemployed to either work, go to school or volunteer in their communities in order to continue receiving subsidized health insurance should be a no brainer.     “You may have heard misinformation that work requirements are really just a sneaky way to take health care away from hard-working Americans, or even people with disabilities.     “Let me set the record straight: This policy applies only to able-bodied, unemployed adults who have chosen not to work.     “Our bill couldn’t be clearer about that; it includes a long list of exempted individuals. For instance:   If you’re pregnant, a member of a federally designated tribe, a caregiver or parent, under 19 or over 65, you’re exempt from the requirements.  You’re exempt if you’re medically frail, which includes anyone who’s blind, disabled, battling a chronic substance-use disorder or living with a serious and complex medical condition like cancer.  If you meet work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (welfare), you’re also relieved of the requirements.  If you’re in jail, prison or were released from incarceration within the past 90 days, you’re exempt.  And if you’re a former foster youth under 26, the requirements don’t apply.  "Plainly, the policy is targeting just a subset of fully able adults who are voluntarily choosing not to work or give back to their communities.   “There are strong grounds for this policy: A new study from the American Enterprise Institute found that able-bodied, unemployed adult Medicaid recipients without dependents average 6.1 hours a day — 184 hours a month — watching television and socializing.   “That figure is 50% higher than for employed beneficiaries.   “These individuals spend less than a combined one hour a day looking for work or caring for others.   “And we’re only asking that, in return for their Medicaid coverage, they choose from an array of options — work, go to school or volunteer — for just 80 hours per month.   “That’s eminently reasonable, and can help them become more self-reliant and productive.   “Note, too, that a sizable number — 38% of beneficiaries, per a new White House Council of Economic Advisors study — are able-bodied, working-age adults.   "There’s no good reason for them not to be contributing to their communities or at least on a path to becoming productive.   “Americans are smart enough not to fall for the false narratives, lies and smears against work requirements.    “They share Republicans’ desires to purge government programs of rampant waste, fraud and abuse.   “Our requirements help do just that, strengthening Medicaid for those who truly need it.”   ###