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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 Legislative Solutions to Protect Children and Teens Online . “For too long, tech companies have failed to adequately protect children and teens from perils online. One week from today, this Committee will begin advancing a suite of online safety bills to address the challenges facing our kids in the digital age,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis. “Parents and lawmakers both agree on the importance of enacting meaningful protections that can stand the test of time, so we look forward to this important first step.” Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing titled Legislative Solutions to Protect Children and Teens Online. WHAT: Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing to examine ways to protect children and teens online. DATE: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 TIME: 10:15 AM ET LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building The hearing will focus on the following bills: H.R. 6291 , Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (Reps. Walberg and Lee)  H.R. ____ , Kids Online Safety Act (Rep. Bilirakis)  H.R. ____ , Reducing Exploitative Social Media Exposure for Teens (RESET) Act (Rep. Houchin)  H.R. 2657 , Sammy’s Law (Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Carter-GA)   H.R. 3149 , App Store Accountability Act (Rep. James)  H.R. 1623 , Shielding Children's Retinas from Egregious Exposure on the Net (SCREEN) Act (Rep. Miller-IL)   H.R. 6290 , Safe Social Media Act (Reps. Bentz and Schrier)  H.R. 6253 , Algorithmic Choice and Transparency Act (Rep. Cammack)  H.R. 6259 , No Fentanyl on Social Media Act (Reps. Evans and Dingell)  H.R. 6289 , Promoting a Safe Internet for Minors Act (Reps. Lee and Soto)  H.R. ____ , Safeguarding Adolescents From Exploitative (SAFE) Bots Act (Reps. Houchin and Auchincloss)  H.R. ____ , Kids Internet Safety Partnership Act (Rep. Fry)  H.R. 5360 , AI Warnings And Resources for Education (AWARE) Act (Reps. Houchin and Auchincloss)  H.R. 6265 , Safer Guarding of Adolescents from Malicious Interactions on Network Games (GAMING) Act (Rep. Kean)  H.R. ____ , Assessing Safety Tools for Parents and Minors Act (Reps. Fulcher and Landsman)  H.R. 6273 , Stop Profiling Youth and (SPY) Kids Act (Rep. Miller-Meeks)  H.R. 6257 , Safe Messaging for Kids Act (Rep. Dunn)   H.R. 6292 , Don’t Sell Kids’ Data Act of 2025 (Rep. Pallone)  H.R. ____ , Parents Over Platforms Act (Reps. Auchincloss and Houchin) 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 Alex Khlopin 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 Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, announced a hearing titled Securing America’s Energy Infrastructure: Addressing Cyber and Physical Threats to the Grid . “Ensuring that our energy infrastructure, including the electric grid, can provide reliable power is one of our Committee’s top priorities,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Latta. “Protecting against threats of malicious cyber or physical attacks to our grid infrastructure is essential for national security, economic security, and the safety of tens of millions of Americans. This hearing will offer our members the chance to hear from experts who understand the realities of grid security threats and who can inform Congress about what is necessary to secure the electric grid.” Subcommittee on Energy hearing titled Securing America’s Energy Infrastructure: Addressing Cyber and Physical Threats to the Grid.   WHAT: Subcommittee on Energy hearing to discuss the cyber and physical security of our electric grid.  DATE: Tuesday, December 2, 2025   TIME: 10:30 AM ET LOCATION: 2141 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 Calvin Huggins at Calvin.Huggins1@mail.house.gov . If you have an y press-related questions, please contact Ben Mullany at Ben.Mullany@mail.house.gov . ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, led a hearing titled Daylight and Destinations: Examining Time, Travel, and Tourism. “Travel and tourism are vital engines for local communities across the country and for our national economy. During this week’s CMT hearing, we discussed the importance of programs such as Brand USA and how Congress can strengthen the travel and tourism industries,”  said Chairman Bilirakis. “We also examined a range of perspectives on Daylight Saving Time—a practice that touches nearly every American and merits careful evaluation. Our discussion focused on its real-world impacts and the factors Congress must consider as we assess potential reforms. It was a productive and insightful dialogue.” Watch the full hearing here. Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congressman Tom Kean (NJ-07): “Miss Maietta, the state of New Jersey is pleased to host eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The hospitality industry is critical to hosting these important matches. Could you please share how the hospitality industry is preparing for these highly anticipated events?” Ms. Rosanna Maietta: “We are accustomed to holding and hosting big events all the time, but of course, bringing in so many people at the same time does present some unique challenges, but also opportunities. Right now, our industry is working very closely with law enforcement, city officials, and all stakeholders involved to ensure that we are prepared. I would encourage those lines of communication to stay open. Thank you for serving on the [2026 FIFA World Cup] Caucus. We commend the administration for setting up task forces around these events to ensure that they go off without a hitch.” Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07): “We have roughly 790,000 people that live in the district, but every year the Myrtle Beach area sees 18 million come to our area. If you take it proportionally, there are 20 visitors for every one resident. Tourism in the Grand Strand generates tens of billions of dollars in economic impact and supports tens of thousands of jobs. In the district, we talk about tourism, but we’re really talking about the livelihoods of the folks that I represent.” Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08): “What happens at the local level when a hotel or some other sort of lodging venue closes? Can you speak on the impact that that has on a local economy?” Ms. Maietta: “Operating costs have risen four times faster than revenue in the last five years. What we are seeing is small businesses—our industry is primarily made up of small businesses—simply can’t afford to stay open. So, we’ve seen closures, and that impacts jobs and the local community that relies on the hotel to create more economic flow.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled Daylight and Destinations: Examining Time, Travel, and Tourism. Subcommittee Chairman Bilirakis’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:  “Good morning, and welcome to today’s hearing examining time, travel, and tourism and how they can strengthen our economy and our communities. Thank you to our witnesses for their testimony. “For me, this topic hits home. I grew up in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where the Sponge Docks and our annual Epiphany celebration have welcomed visitors from around the world for generations. In Florida’s 12th District of Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties—tourism supports family-owned restaurants, hotels, and outfitters, helping to sustain our Nature Coast way of life.  “In Crystal River you can swim with the manatees. In Weeki Wachee Springs, you can see the famous live Mermaid show. And in Pasco County is home to a vibrant sports tourism industry with countless kayaking waterways and the AdventHealth Ice Rink. “To further highlight the importance of tourism to the State of Florida, I’d like to introduce for the record a study commissioned by Visit Florida showing tourism’s economic impact in the state; as well as Visit Florida’s Marketing Effectiveness survey revealing tourist preferences and ways to boost demand. (so ordered). “Nationwide, travelers spent roughly $1.3 trillion last year, generating nearly $3 trillion in economic output and supporting over 15 million jobs. International visitors alone spent over $250 billion. As we prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, we have a once-in-a-generation runway to welcome the world and spread those benefits to communities large and small. “A critical tool here is Brand USA, our public-private partnership that markets American destinations abroad. I was proud to author the bipartisan Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act of 2014 to reauthorize Brand USA, because it helps attract visitors without relying on taxpayer dollars for funding. We should ensure Brand USA remains strong and accountable as the global competition for travelers intensifies. To achieve that, I filed legislation yesterday with Mrs. Castor to increase funding for Brand USA, as we gear up for the America 250 celebrations. “Today we’ll also examine the tradeoffs to commerce, health, and safety that come with Daylight Saving Time and any adjustments to our clock changing practices. Many argue that more evening daylight boosts consumer activity and tourism; others raise valid concerns about sleep, road safety, and school routines. “Our job is to take actions that help American workers, businesses, and visitors alike, so we can deliver wins for communities like mine and yours—giving families and businesses opportunity and certainty, whether we ‘lock the clock’ or maintain the status quo.” ###

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.  – 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.  – This week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is holding two Subcommittee Hearings and two Subcommittee Markups. Read more below. SUBCOMMITTEE MARKUP: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology will hold a markup of 28 bills to streamline broadband permitting. DATE: Tuesday, November 18, 2025  TIME: 10:15 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations is holding a hearing to examine the risks and benefits of AI chatbots. DATE: Tuesday, November 18, 2025  TIME: 2:00 PM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building SUBCOMMITTEE MARKUP: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy will hold a markup of eight bills to reform appliance and building policies. DATE: Wednesday, November 19, 2025  TIME: 10:15 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade is holding a hearing to examine time, travel, and tourism. DATE: Thursday, November 20, 2025  TIME: 10:00 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building ###

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 . ###

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 subcommittee hearing titled Daylight and Destinations: Examining Time, Travel, and Tourism . “Travel and tourism are key drivers of both our local and national economies, and it’s essential that Congress explore the best ways to strengthen and capitalize on these opportunities for our country,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis. “We also will examine the various perspectives surrounding Daylight Saving Time, a practice that touches nearly every American and warrants careful consideration by Congress. This hearing will provide an important opportunity to assess its real-world impacts and determine the best path forward.” Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing titled Daylight and Destinations: Examining Time, Travel, and Tourism . WHAT : Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing on time, travel, and tourism. DATE: Thursday, November 20, 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 Alex Khlopin at Alex.Khlopin@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Daniel Kelly at Daniel.Kelly@mail.house.gov .  ###