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WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, announced a hearing titled  An Examination of  How Reining in PBMs Will Drive Competition and Lower Costs for Patients . “As outlined in recent reports, significant consolidation in the PBM marketplace has led to fewer options for patients and employers and less competition to keep out-of-pocket drug costs in check,”  said Chairmen Guthrie and Carter.   “Over the past few years, this Subcommittee has led on a myriad of legislative solutions which will help guide our continued work toward delivering high quality heath care for the American people.” Subcommittee on Health hearing titled  An Examination of How Reining in PBMs Will Drive Competition and Lower Costs for Patients . WHAT: Subcommittee on Health hearing to examine PBM reform policies.  DATE:  Wednesday, February 26, 2025  TIME: 10:00 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building  This notice is at the direction of the Chairmen. 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 Emma Schultheis with the Committee staff at  Emma.Schultheis@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Christopher Krepich at Christopher.Krepich@mail.house.gov .  ###

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 Oversight & Investigations, announced the first hearing of the 119th Congress for the Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations titled  Examining the Biden Administration’s Energy and Environment Spending Push .  “In its final months, the Biden-Harris Administration handed out billions of dollars in energy and environment grants and loans at an unprecedented pace, exacerbating concerns that appropriate vetting and due diligence reviews may not have occurred for some of these awards,”  said Chairmen Guthrie and Palmer.   “This hearing will provide an opportunity for the Committee to examine this surge in spending and help identify potential misuse of federal funds.”    Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing titled  Examining the Biden Administration’s Energy and Environment Spending Push .  WHAT: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing examining Biden-Harris Administration energy and environment spending. DATE: Wednesday, February 26, 2025     TIME: 10:30 AM ET  LOCATION: 2322 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 Calvin Huggins at Calvin.Huggins1@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Zach Bannon at Zach.Bannon@mail.house.gov .  ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing titled AI in Manufacturing: Securing American Leadership in Manufacturing and the Next Generation of Technologies . “The manufacturing sector is crucial to the American economy as it spurs job creation, supports innovation, and contributes significantly to GDP. The manufacturing sector also plays a key role in exporting goods and ensuring global competitiveness. The industry faces new opportunities as it fully embraces the potential of artificial intelligence applications that improve efficiency through automation, optimize supply chains, and enhance product quality,"   said Chairman Bilirakis .  "Yesterday's CMT hearing provided thoughtful insight as to how this sector of the American economy can utilize AI technologies to ensure America’s continued dominance in the field by further streamlining operations and increasing domestic manufacturing. We look forward to working with the administration and industry to that harnesses this potential.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from yesterday’s hearing: Subcommittee Vice Chairman Russ Fulcher (ID-01): “Manufacturing is the core of our economy. It contributes to more applications, is more sophisticated, and operates in a highly competitive environment with countries like China. China's manufacturing value-add and contribution to global GDP continues to outpace the United States and China produces more goods in the US in 9 of the top 11 manufacturing industries. But the US could outcompete and outperform China or any other country if we fully utilize our technologies, resources, and personnel…We need to learn how AI can help improve the production process, empowering the line worker to catch defects, innovate processes, and improve safety.” Congressman John James (MI-10): “I recognize the grand opportunity that we have in front of us to pass real, substantive policy to benefit the American people as it pertains to AI and manufacturing. If we don't lead in AI, the Chinese Communist Party will have all the brain power because they've stolen our IP, and they will have all the manpower because they're using slave labor to end Western civilization without firing a shot. It's simply not enough to close our eyes and hope for the best.” Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07): “Back home in my district, in Florence, South Carolina, GE Healthcare manufactures some of the best MRI machines and systems in the world. These systems are used to provide a high-quality patient care in the US and around the world. And they leverage AI to enhance imaging speed and quality, helping doctors make faster and more accurate diagnoses. But AI's impact extends far beyond just healthcare. It is improving forecasting, planning, and process optimization at GE healthcare is manufacturing facilities, ensuring efficiency from the production line to the supply chain.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, led a hearing yesterday titled  Combatting Existing and Emerging Illicit Drug Threats . “One death due to illicit drugs is too many, and this hearing gave members the chance to hear from patient advocates and experts, including law enforcement and medical professionals. Solving the drug crisis will include everything from empowering law enforcement to crack down on drug traffickers to providing support to those struggling with substance use disorder,”  said Chairman Carter.  “This Subcommittee has led on proposing solutions to these problems in the last Congress, and this hearing shows signs that we will continue to do so moving forward.” Watch the full hearing  here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Rep. John Joyce (PA-13), Vice Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce: “Since the inauguration of President Trump, we have seen President Trump take immediate action to combat the growing threat of illicit fentanyl flowing through our borders. He designated the cartels in Mexico as a foreign terrorist organization and reached an agreement with the Mexican president to deploy her country's National Guard to help stop the transport of this deadly drug into our country. Unfortunately, these positive steps come only a few years after the inaction of the Biden Administration. And because of that delay, fentanyl poisoning has risen dramatically with seven out of 10 illicit fentanyl pills tested by the DEA in 2023 containing a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. That's seven out of 10, and go back just two years before that, it was only four out of 10. Why would I say only four out of 10 deadly pills? Ray Cullen, thank you for being here. Thank you for sharing the story of your son, Zach. Can you talk about how fentanyl poisoning is distinct from an accidental overdose?”  Ray Cullen:   “Thank you for the question. So, in my opinion, an accidental overdose is when someone takes something—whether prescribed or not—that’s more of what they were supposed to then the body could handle. Poisoning to me means that someone took something that had something in it. that they were not expecting. So, in our case Zach purchased cocaine—bad decision—but the coroner told me that there was more fentanyl and cocaine in his system. He did not die because he took too much cocaine.” Rep. Neal Dunn (FL-02), Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health: “Doctor Westlake, as a medical doctor, I'm interested to hear from you about how this issue presents in the emergency room. Can you speak from your own experience—how the presentations of drug overdoses have evolved over the last few years?”   Dr. Westlake:   “I think when, when we kind of saw the starting, it was with prescription opioid epidemic, and there were overdoses on prescription pills because of the overprescribing issue. That has pretty, pretty much, you know, at least in Wisconsin, and my understanding across the country is pretty much stopped. And now it's moved on to the illicit substances. And then once they became the counterfeit, counterfeit substances, initially it was people that knew they were using and were taking risks, and now moved into people that don't even know that they're that they're using. The majority of overdoses that I see are people that are not aware that they're taking fentanyl. The last 10 overdoses that I've seen in the last couple of months, all thought they were taking heroin, and when we tested it, there was no opioid, it was all pure fentanyl that was they were overdosing from.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  Combatting Existing and Emerging Illicit Drug Threats. "As we gavel in the first Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing, American families across the country continue to suffer from failures of the Biden-Harris Administration’s disastrous four years and its inability to address one of the greatest public health threats of our lifetimes: the illicit drugs pouring over our borders.  "Under the previous Administration, the United States experienced a historic rise of drug overdoses and poisonings, driven by an increased supply of synthetic opioids, such as illicit fentanyl and its analogs. "Last fiscal year, Customs and Border Protection confiscated over 21,000 pounds of fentanyl at our borders. That is enough fentanyl to kill every American several times over. And that’s just the drugs we know about.  "Under the Biden-Harris Administration, we saw rates of overdose and poisoning deaths skyrocket, peaking at nearly 108,000 in 2023, driven by the surge of fentanyl coming across our borders. Illicit fentanyl overdoses are now the number one cause of death among adults 18 to 45. Each year, more Americans are dying from illicit fentanyl than the number of American lives lost during the Vietnam War. "However, I believe we have a great opportunity to make significant and sustainable progress in combating this crisis. To do so we must continue to expand the availability of overdose reversal treatments like naloxone, removing the stigma associated with carrying it and making it as common as a fire extinguisher. Every school in America should have access to naloxone. "We must secure our borders to stop the scourge of illegal drugs, especially poisons like illicit fentanyl. President Trump has already made progress to address the fentanyl crisis by forcing Mexico and Canada to come to the negotiating table. With President Trump’s leadership, we must continue to crack down on China, Mexico, and anyone who smuggles fentanyl and other synthetic drugs across our borders with the sole intention of preying on Americans.  "Additionally, this Committee is already taking action to help keep illicit fentanyl out of our communities and save lives. Later today the House will vote on a bill developed by this Committee, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act, which will take the critical step of permanently scheduling all fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Services Act.  "These tools and solutions address today’s problem. But, like the evolution of the opioid crisis from the over prescribing of oxycontin to today’s scourge of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, we must prepare for what’s next. In this hearing we’ll hear from our witnesses not just on the illicit drugs threatening our communities today but potential new threats that if left unaddressed will be driving this crisis tomorrow. "I look forward to hearing that testimony and working alongside my colleagues on addressing these issues." ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, announced a hearing titled  AI in Manufacturing: Securing American Leadership in Manufacturing and the Next Generation of Technologies. “Our country’s rich manufacturing history has been a cornerstone of the American economy, driving entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic growth. New consumer-facing artificial intelligence applications have captured the public imagination, but the development and deployment of enterprise AI technologies has also transformed manufacturing in recent years. By fostering innovation, strengthening supply chains, and promoting a skilled workforce, we can secure American leadership in the next generation of manufacturing,”   said Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis.   “We look forward to rolling up our sleeves alongside workers in these industries to build a foundation for the next great American manufacturing revolution.” Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing titled  AI in Manufacturing: Securing American Leadership in Manufacturing and the Next Generation of Technologies. WHAT : Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing addressing technology in manufacturing. DATE : Wednesday, February 12, 2025 TIME : 10:00 AM ET LOCATION : 2123 Rayburn House Office Building This notice is at the direction of the Chairmen. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at  https://energycommerce.house.gov.  If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Alex Khlopin with the Committee staff at  Alex.Khlopin@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Daniel Kelly at  Daniel.Kelly@mail.house.gov . ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, announced a hearing titled Combatting Existing and Emerging Illicit Drug Threats .  “With hundreds of thousands of people dying of opioid-related causes over the past few years, nearly every American has been touched by the illicit drug crisis. Reported data shows a slight decrease in overdose deaths, yet new threats—like xylazine and nitazenes—are emerging, which threaten to reverse any progress,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Carter. “We look forward to picking up on the work this Subcommittee did last Congress to crack down on drug traffickers; provide support to those suffering from substance use disorder; and restore hope to families, law enforcement, and emergency medical personnel.”    Subcommittee on Health hearing titled Combatting Existing and Emerging Illicit Drug Threats .   WHAT : Subcommittee on Health hearing to discuss existing and emerging illicit drug threats.  DATE : Thursday, February 6, 2025  TIME : 10:00 AM ET  LOCATION : 2123 Rayburn House Office Building   This notice is at the direction of the Chairmen. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/ . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Emma Schultheis with the Committee staff at Emma.Schultheis@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Christopher Krepich at Christopher.Krepich@mail.house.gov .   ### 

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 the first hearing of the 119th Congress for the Subcommittee on Energy titled Powering America’s Future: Unleashing American Energy . “Affordable and reliable energy is key to America’s economic success and national security. Alongside President Trump, we will work to return our nation to energy dominance, lower prices at the gas pump, and help to create family-sustaining careers in the energy industry” said Chairmen Guthrie and Latta. “This hearing is an opportunity to hear from key stakeholders on ways to achieve our goals and return to a golden age of American energy.” Subcommittee on Energy hearing titled Powering America’s Future: Unleashing American Energy . WHAT : Subcommittee on Energy hearing to discuss unleashing American energy dominance. DATE : Wednesday, February 5, 2025    TIME : 10:15AM 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 https://energycommerce.house.gov/ . If you have any questions concerning this hearing, please contact Kaitlyn Peterson at Kaitlyn.Peterson@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Ben Mullany at Ben.Mullany@mail.house.gov . ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, delivered the following opening remarks at today’s hearing titled “Strengthening American Leadership in Wireless Technology.”   “Good morning, and welcome to the first hearing in the Communications and Technology subcommittee of the 119th Congress. “I am honored to serve as the Chairman of this subcommittee, where there’s a rich history of identifying and addressing the most pressing issues raised in the communications and technology sectors. “As technology continues to advance, this subcommittee will be at the forefront of solving tough issues. “The subcommittee has historically worked in a bipartisan manner to solve many of the issues before us, and I plan to continue that tradition working with my Ranking Member, Representative Matsui. “I have admired and respected her bipartisan work and accomplishments as a leader in this space and look forward to working together and learning from her. “I am grateful for the work Chairman Latta brought to this subcommittee and I’m looking forward to continuing it and learning from him as well. “I’m also excited to work with my Vice Chair Mr. Rick Allen, and all my colleagues on this subcommittee to advance important legislation this Congress.” U.S. Leadership “Our nation is the world’s economic powerhouse, and we lead the world in innovation.  “America is home to the best technology companies, both large and small. These companies lead in everything from next-generation wireless technology to all the emerging technologies that rely on connectivity, ranging from artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to NextGen 9-1-1 and precision agriculture. “Our country’s startup ecosystem is strong and should be fostered. This Committee must advance thoughtful policy that continues to grow American innovation and productivity rather than stifle it. “Next-generation wireless technology supports many of these technological advancements. It impacts nearly every sector of our economy, from powering everyday communication networks and advancements in healthcare and manufacturing, to being used for our national defense, something heavily present in my district at Fort Bragg, the home of our Special Forces and the largest military base in the world. “But if our wireless networks are going to keep pace with the speed of innovation, we need to make sure they have additional spectrum resources. “Spectrum is a crucial element for wireless technology to operate. Americans depend on connected devices in their everyday lives, and the congestion on our networks has skyrocketed. “Our wireless networks need to keep up. “As our wireless networks advance from 5G to 6G technology and beyond, the demand for spectrum will only continue to grow.” Spectrum Landscape “We must remember these important resources are finite. Managing these limited resources is vital to maintaining our economic dominance and protecting our national security. “We will take a balanced approach to making both licensed and unlicensed spectrum available. “This includes working with our federal partners such as the Department of Defense, which must have enough spectrum to defend the homeland, but also be held accountable to use their resources efficiently. “Last Congress, the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC’s, spectrum auction authority expired for the first time due to disagreements about how spectrum resources should be allocated. These auctions have historically brought in billions to our national economy, with the highest spectrum auctions raising over $80 billion from private companies. “It is simple economics: there is limited supply, unlimited demand, and a willingness to pay. We need to reauthorize the FCC’s spectrum auction authority immediately. “We must also continue looking for ways to make unlicensed spectrum available. Unlicensed spectrum unlocks the Internet of Things and smart device economy on which Americans rely, providing tremendous economic growth. “Under the first Trump Administration, more than 1,200 megahertz of unlicensed spectrum was made available in the 6 gigahertz band, leading to massive opportunities for innovation for our farmers, industrialists, and communities.” Securing our Networks “These successes are just a start. “However, as we progress, our adversaries are constantly trying to undermine our leadership in international standard setting bodies, through IP theft, and through cyberattacks. “The U.S. must remain resolute in defending our leadership to safeguard democratic values, and this happens by trusting in our private sector partners to address some of our nation’s most pressing challenges. “We recently learned about ‘Salt Typhoon,’ which may be the largest Chinese-backed telecommunications hack in our nation’s history. “As we deploy advanced networks and connected devices in an environment of Great Power Competition, we have to thoughtfully secure our networks every step of the way. “At the end of last year, I was glad to see Congress fund the removal of the remaining Chinese equipment in our communications networks. “China is producing cheap communications equipment at the cost of our national security, and that needs to change. We need trusted alternatives. “Companies are working to develop and deploy Open RAN technology, which is intended to promote an ecosystem of trusted vendors for communications network equipment, and I look forward to hearing an update on its progress today. “The key to our success is working together with all stakeholders to deploy and secure our networks. “As our adversaries seek to undermine U.S. leadership, we will continue to build a comprehensive spectrum policy in the United States and a unified position on the international stage. “I look forward to discussing these issues more in depth with our witnesses today and discussing the future of spectrum policy in the United States.” ###