News

Hearings Updates


Mar 11, 2026
Press Release

Chairmen Guthrie and Griffith Announce Third Hearing in Series to Improve Health Care Affordability for All Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, announced a hearing titled Lowering Health Care Costs for All Americans: An Examination of the U.S. Provider Landscape.   “The third hearing in the Committee’s health care affordability series will examine the role that providers and hospitals play in shaping the cost of care for Americans,” said Chairman Guthrie.  “Hospitals, physicians, and health care practitioners play a vital role in delivering health care services to patients. This hearing will explore how payment policies, competition, transparency, and other incentives shape patient access and the cost of care. We look forward to hearing from the panelists on potential solutions as the Committee continues working to make health care more affordable for the American people.”   “From consolidation in the insurance marketplace to predatory practices in the pharmaceutical drug supply chain, the Health Subcommittee continues to examine all angles in our push to lower health care costs for American patients,” said Chairman Griffith. “Accordingly, our next hearing will address the role of hospital providers to better understand what can be done to make health care more affordable for all Americans.”   Subcommittee on Health hearing titled  Lowering Health Care Costs for All Americans: An Examination of the U.S. Provider Landscape .   WHAT:  Subcommittee on Health hearing on the role that providers play in making health care more affordable for all Americans.  DATE:  Wednesday, March 18, 2026   TIME:  10:15 AM ET  LOCATION:  2123 Rayburn House Office Building   This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. This hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed at  energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions about this hearing, please contact Annabelle Huffman with the Committee staff at  Annabelle.Huffman@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Katie West at  Katie.West@mail.house.gov .  ###



Mar 11, 2026
Energy

Chairmen Guthrie and Latta Announce Hearing to Discuss Lessons Learned from Winter Storm Fern

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – 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 hearing titled Winter Storm Fern Lessons: Supplying Reliable Power to Meet Peak Demand . “As Winter Storm Fern swept across the country and energy needs were at their highest, it was baseload, dispatchable power sources like coal, nuclear power, and natural gas that kept the lights on for millions of American families,”  said Chairmen Guthrie and Latta.  “As we look to expand our grid to meet the moment for the AI race and reshoring manufacturing, this hearing will provide an opportunity to examine lessons learned from the storm that will support the reliable supply of power to the grid, especially during peak demand.” WHAT:  Subcommittee on Energy hearing to discuss the lessons learned from Winter Storm Fern.  DATE:  Tuesday, March 17, 2026   TIME:  10:00 AM ET   LOCATION:  2123 Rayburn House Office Building This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Seth Ricketts with the Committee staff at  Seth.Ricketts@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Ben Mullany at Ben.Mullany@mail.house.gov .  ###



Chairmen Guthrie and Joyce Announce Oversight and Investigations Hearing on Ongoing Investigation into Medicare and Medicaid Programs Nationwide

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, announced a hearing titled Protecting Patients and Safeguarding Taxpayer Dollars: The Role of CMS in Combatting Medicare and Medicaid Fraud. “Last month, the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee held a hearing where we heard from experts about common fraud schemes in Medicare and Medicaid and discussed programs that are particularly vulnerable to fraud. At the start of this month, the Committee expanded our ongoing investigation into Medicaid fraud by sending ten additional letters to states across the country to better understand how states are safeguarding Medicaid programs,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Joyc e. “This hearing will continue our work to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid. We look forward to hearing from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services about its efforts toward that shared goal.” Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing titled Protecting Patients and Safeguarding Taxpayer Dollars: The Role of CMS in Combatting Medicare and Medicaid Fraud. WHAT: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing on what the Trump Administration is doing to proactively tackle Medicare and Medicaid fraud, as well as continuing conversations surrounding common fraud schemes and programs that are vulnerable to fraud. DATE: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 TIME: 2:00 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 Annabelle Huffman with the Committee Staff at Annabelle.Huffman@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Katie West at Katie.West@mail.house.gov . ###



Mar 9, 2026
Press Release

Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson Announce Hearing on the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, announced a hearing titled Securing U.S. Leadership of Communications Technology .  “To compete, innovate, and succeed in the 21st century, the United States must lead the development and deployment of cutting-edge digital devices and services,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson. “Despite taking place in Shanghai, China, in 2027, the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) is a critical opportunity to pursue American interests and shape global communications policy. Constructive, bipartisan discussions, such as next week’s hearing, will help inform Congress on the challenges and opportunities ahead, in order to develop a unified vision for WRC-27.”   Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing titled Securing U.S. Leadership of Communications Technology.   WHAT:  Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing on the World Radiocommunication Conference.  DATE:  Wednesday, March 18, 2026  TIME:  2:00 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 Noah Jackson with the Committee staff at  Noah.Jackson@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Daniel Kelly at Daniel.Kelly@mail.house.gov . ###



Mar 4, 2026
Energy

Chairman Latta Delivers Opening Statement at Hearing on PHMSA Pipeline Safety Program Reauthorization

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  America’s Energy Infrastructure: Authorizing Pipeline Safety . Subcommittee Chairman Latta’s opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Good morning and welcome to today’s Energy Subcommittee hearing to discuss legislation authorizing the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s pipeline safety program.  “I’d like to welcome our witness, the Honorable Paul Roberti, Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, or PHMSA, and thank him for appearing before us today. “Your perspective will inform our legislative effort and update us on the Administration’s priorities for maintaining the safety of America’s pipeline infrastructure and enabling the safe expansion of it. “It is good to have a Senate confirmed Administrator leading this vital safety agency after the record long vacancy under the Biden-Harris Administration.  “PHMSA is an agency under the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that develops and enforces federal safety regulations for the nation’s pipeline infrastructure and the transportation of hazardous materials. “PHMSA works closely with industry and pipeline operators to ensure the safe delivery of nation’s most abundant energy resources, from natural gas and crude oil, to propane, jet fuel, gasoline, and other refined petroleum products. “States also play an essential role in carrying out PHMSA’s pipeline safety program, acting as “boots on the ground” to help inspect and oversee the safety of the over 3.3 million miles of both liquid and gas pipelines in PHMSA’s jurisdiction. In fact, States inspect and enforce pipeline safety regulations for over 85 percent of the infrastructure under PHSMA’s safety authority. “Pipelines continue to be the safest and most efficient mode of transport for the energy American families and our economy depend on. “Reliable, affordable natural gas makes up almost half of our country’s resource mix for power generation, and more than half of American families rely on natural gas to heat their homes, cook their food, and power their lives. Pipeline infrastructure in this country is essential to ensure the safe delivery of energy to fuel our country.  “To advance PHMSA’s mission to oversee the safety of our pipeline infrastructure, we will review the discussion draft before us today. “The draft legislation before us focuses on safety, exactly as Congress originally intended with PHMSA’s mission. This discussion draft reauthorizes PHMSA for 5 years, enabling PHMSA to continue modernizing and enhancing its pipeline safety program. “The draft would codify several important provisions to improve the efficiency and safety of the agency. “For example, the bill would: Remove duplicative regulations that do not improve safety, Clarify that PHMSA’s cost-benefit analysis focuses on safety and not anti-energy agendas,  Reduce red tape so special permit programs can efficiently focus on pertinent safety requirements, Strengthen penalties for pipeline safety violations that impair pipeline operations, Establish a voluntary information sharing program to advance good safety practices among pipeline operators, and Ensure state damage prevention programs adopt best practices to reduce the leading cause of pipeline damage incidents. “The United States’ energy system is at a turning point. We’re witnessing unprecedented energy demand not seen in decades, and demand is only expected to increase over the next several years. “Safe, efficient development and oversight of our gas and liquid pipeline system is key to providing reliable energy and power to American families. “For too long, sound pipeline safety policy has been hijacked by the environmental left, intent on stymying pipeline expansion and limiting its massive benefits to the nation. “I look forward to working with PHMSA, pipeline operators, and relevant stakeholders to make sure the pipeline safety program is efficient, predictable and focused on safety priorities that promote confidence and enable the safe expansion of our pipeline system. “I hope to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance legislation that provides for durable and focused safety oversight appropriate to pipeline infrastructure. “Again, thank you for being here and testifying Administrator Roberti. With that, I yield back.” ###



Mar 4, 2026
Energy

Energy and Commerce Weekly Look Ahead: The Week of March 2nd, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – This week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is holding two Subcommittee Hearings and one Full Committee Markup. Read more below.  SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING:  The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy is holding a hearing to discuss legislation to reauthorize the PHMSA pipeline safety program.  DATE:  Wednesday, March 4, 2026   TIME:  10:15 AM ET  LOCATION:  2123 Rayburn House Office Building  SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING:  The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment is holding a hearing to examine legislative proposals supporting the remediation and redevelopment of America’s Brownfields Sites.   DATE:  Wednesday, March 4, 2026  TIME:  2:00 PM ET  LOCATION:  2123 Rayburn House Office Building  FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP:  The Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold a markup of nine bills.   DATE:  Thursday, March 5, 2026  TIME:  10:00 AM ET  LOCATION:  2123 Rayburn House Office Building   ###



Mar 4, 2026
Energy

Subcommittee on Energy Holds Legislative Hearing on PHMSA Pipeline Safety Program Reauthorization

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, led a hearing titled America’s Energy Infrastructure: Authorizing Pipeline Safety . “Reliable, affordable natural gas makes up almost half of our country’s resource mix for power generation, and more than half of American families rely on natural gas to heat their homes, cook their food, and power their lives,” said Chairman Latta. “Pipeline infrastructure in this country is essential to ensure the safe delivery of energy to fuel our country.” Watch the full hearing here .     Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11): “Pipelines are the safest delivery method in the world. We appreciate what you're doing. In a state like Texas, we have almost half a million miles of pipeline that transport the vast majority of our oil and natural gas, CO2, and other things, and our national security depends on that. We’re seeing that play out with the situation in Iran, we need to continue to build out this network because it is the safest network...The ERCOT grid relies heavily on natural gas fired generation to meet the peak demand and maintain grid stability, an adequate pipeline capacity and timely infrastructure development are directly tied to reliability and affordability.” Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL): “Speaking about the partnership with the states, and having been a regulator, we operated on behalf of PHMSA for some of the programs. I thought it was a great way to have folks who are committed to our state and really care deeply about what happens there focus on pipeline safety. So, I think it’s a brilliant program. Tell me about the benefits of the state partnerships, and if you have enough money for that, and if you think that you could save money and have more safety by expanding that model of cooperative federalism and more state inspectors.” Administrator Roberti: “It is a great program. Our state partners cover 80% of the natural gas pipelines — the distribution pipelines. I think there’s 1.3 million miles of distribution mains, another almost a million miles of service lines. And they are front and center with their inspections. We work hard to train them, work cooperatively to share information.” Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08): “How do burdensome environmental regulations and climate mandates in blue states like Colorado actually prevent the safe and consistent maintenance of pipeline infrastructure?” Administrator Roberti: “Well, every time — and this is right now a state-by-state issue — many states are trying to eliminate pipelines...States that are pursuing decarbonization are saying, ‘Hold on, let’s take a time out. We won’t need these pipelines anymore.’ Unfortunately, whether the regulators or the legislators, they’re operating in a world of delusion. These pipelines will be necessary for decades to come.” ###



Mar 4, 2026
Press Release

Environment Subcommittee Holds Legislative Hearing to Discuss the Potential of America’s Brownfields Sites

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, led a hearing titled  Ready for Reuse: Legislative Proposals to Unleash the Potential of America’s Brownfields Sites.   “In order to address the challenges our country is facing, strengthen our economy, and deliver jobs to communities back home, we need to increase our domestic capacity to manufacture crucial products, produce a reliable supply of energy, and secure our position in the global artificial infrastructure race,”  said Chairman Palmer.  “While not all Brownfields Sites are appropriate for ALL uses, we should be looking for opportunities to accomplish the compatible goals of siting crucial infrastructure that is a good fit for a particular location, and encouraging remediation and reuse of idle or underutilized properties.”    Watch the full hearing  here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13):   “As we’ve held hearings this Congress to examine how policy can help spur economic growth while balancing environmental protection needs, it is becoming incredibly clear that federal investment works best when used to leverage local resources and development interests. Development of brownfields is a prime example of this dynamic. These sites would be ripe for redevelopment if not for the additional challenges represented by the use of these brownfields. They are more difficult and resource intensive, an additional burden to development that is especially challenging for under-resourced areas like those that I represent. When a community is interested in turning a brownfield site from an abandoned or underutilized property into a viable economic engine, the EPA’s brownfields program can help lessen that burden and provide the initial push needed for private investment to take interest.”   Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15):  “In my own community, I am deeply committed to working with my constituents, the EPA, and our state and local government partners to address significant brownfield issues. I have visited homes in my district adjacent to heavily contaminated areas and have seen firsthand the damage it causes to families. Cleaning up these areas and making them safe and habitable is a priority, and I look forward to working with the EPA to achieve that.” Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL): “Step back a little bit. I think there’s an awful lot of demonizing that’s going on everywhere in our country right now as it relates to data centers and their development. These facilities are manufacturing intelligence for us for the betterment of human beings. We need to do this in our country. This isn’t a choice between one or the other. We can do both. We can develop this industry. We can protect local communities, and we can protect our national security and create more opportunities for the future.”   ###



Mar 4, 2026
Press Release

Chairman Palmer Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Environment Hearing to Discuss the Potential of America’s Brownfields Sites

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  Ready for Reuse: Legislative Proposals to Unleash the Potential of America’s Brownfields Sites. Subcommittee Chairman Palmer’s opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Our country is facing a novel set of challenges, and the global economic and security landscape is shifting. Having to rely on adversaries such as China for critical materials jeopardizes our national security and economy. In order to address these challenges, strengthen our economy, and deliver jobs to communities back home, we need to increase our domestic capacity to manufacture crucial products, produce a reliable supply of energy, and secure our position in the global artificial infrastructure race.    “As we heard at a Subcommittee hearing a year ago, our country is home to thousands of sites known as brownfields, which are underutilized, idled, or abandoned property where redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination. These sites can be environmental hazards and a nuisance to local communities, but they can also be opportunities.    “While not All Brownfields Sites are appropriate for ALL uses, we should be looking for opportunities to accomplish the compatible goals of siting crucial infrastructure that is a good fit for a particular location, and encouraging remediation and reuse of idle or underutilized properties.    “To that end, we plan to discuss four bills.    “The Brownfields Revitalization for a Better Tomorrow Act reauthorizes both the EPA Brownfields Grants Program and the state response program through Fiscal Year 2031. It also builds on a previous discussion draft of reauthorization legislation considered at a hearing last Congress. This draft again includes expanding eligibility for brownfields grants to certain private entities, as well as a program to assist rural communities with developing competitive grant applications. It incorporates requests from brownfields stakeholders, such as increased award amount limits and expanded eligible uses for funding. It also updates the criteria EPA shall consider when ranking applications to support reuse for nationally significant infrastructure projects, such as critical mineral and semiconductor facilities, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and energy generation from all power resources. The existing criteria only supports renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.    “The second bill, the Brownfields Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, creates a new loan program, similar to the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act ‘WIFIA’ and Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act ‘TIFIA’ programs used to finance water and transportation infrastructure projects.    “The third bill is the Brownfields Inventory and Permitting Efficiency Act, which directs the EPA and states to work together to compile a list of sites suitable for nationally significant infrastructure projects. It also streamlines permitting for projects on certain brownfields sites, and requires EPA to provide guidance to other federal agencies on how to conduct more efficient reviews of these previously disturbed and often previously studied sites. Finally, it directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct a review of impediments to timely and efficient removal of Superfund sites from the National Priorities List.    “Lastly, we have the Brownfields Reauthorization for an Affordable and Revitalized America Act offered by the minority. While this bill increases some grant award limits and directs the EPA to waive cost share requirements in certain circumstances, it also significantly increases the authorization of appropriations for both the Brownfields Grant Program and the state response programs.    “We have four witnesses here today to help us analyze these proposals.    “First, we have Mr. Chris Wells, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, and the current President of the Environmental Council of the States to provide the state perspective.    “We also welcome Mr. Gerald Pouncey, Jr., Senior Counsel at Taft Stettinius & Hollister. Mr. Pouncey has led numerous efforts to permit and finance redevelopment of industrial sites, ports, and former military facilities.    “Also joining us is the Honorable Alan Tomson, Mayor of Davis, West Virginia, and representing the National Brownfields Coalition, who will speak to the impact of the Brownfields Program in local communities.    “Finally, we have Mr. David Robinson, Executive Vice President of Strategic Development, for Aligned Data Centers, whose testimony will address his company’s work on brownfields sites.    “I’d like to reiterate that these bills are all discussion drafts, so I look forward to hearing robust discussion on these proposals, both today and on future occasions.    “Thank you.”   ###