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Subcommittee Chairman Latta’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:   Welcome to today’s hearing 'Powering America’s Future: Unleashing American Energy.' Today, we are discussing the state of our nation’s energy system, reviewing Biden administration actions that have undermined our economic and national security, and, importantly, looking forward to how our subcommittee will meet our ever-expanding need for more energy.    Unleashing American Energy  "Welcome to today’s hearing “Powering America’s Future: Unleashing American Energy. "Today, we are discussing the state of our nation’s energy system, reviewing Biden administration actions that have undermined our economic and national security, and, importantly, looking forward to how our subcommittee will meet our ever-expanding need for more energy. "In the last Congress, I asked our witnesses: do we need more or less energy?  "Every witness responded by saying “we need more energy, and we need it now”.  "The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that the United States will consume record amounts of electricity in 2024 and 2025. The Department of Energy’s Berkeley Lab estimates that U.S. data center load growth, which already encompasses half the data centers in the world, is projected to double or triple by 2028.  "Last Congress, we heard extensive testimony from grid experts and operators about the impacts of burdensome regulations like the Clean Power Plan 2.0 that will drive out resources that are essential to keeping the lights on and our economy flowing.  "Households and businesses alike continue to struggle under high energy prices that have followed excessive federal spending and anti-fossil fuel policy decisions of the Biden administration.  "In 2008, House Republicans first showcased the “all-of-the-above” energy strategy that supports this diverse mix of energy sources without the government picking winners and losers – which is better for meeting demand and better for the environment.  "Intermittent energy sources, such as solar and wind, have a role to play in a diverse energy mix. However, we must maintain our baseload power that is delivered from fossil fuels, nuclear, and hydropower.  "While resources are strained, the next generation economy will require massive amounts of reliable, affordable, and abundant energy. My district in Ohio is home to over 86,000 manufacturing jobs and is seeing the data center energy demand arrive. "When it comes to winning the AI race, all energy solutions need to be on the table: small modular nuclear reactors, traditional nuclear power, intermittent renewables, batteries, natural gas, and fuel cells, just to name a few.  "But our nation’s energy future is at a turning point, and the world is not waiting for us." Maintaining Global Leadership  "Adversarial nations actively seek to exploit our energy demand to undermine our position on the world stage. "Unfortunately, misguided actions from the Biden administration, like the LNG export ban, handicapped diplomatic tools of energy abundance. "Instead, the Biden administration’s “electrification or nothing” and “rush to green” approach has only emboldened adversaries like communist China who manipulate critical mineral markets and limit exports of key materials for our manufacturing sector and defense industrial base.  "Meanwhile, China is doubling down on their efforts to gain a leadership position in the global race for AI development and the next generation economy.  "Here’s the good news: it’s a new day in America and President Trump has led a necessary reset of our national energy strategy.  "As we look to the future of our nation’s energy needs, this subcommittee will be essential to ensure our electric grid is secure against physical and cyber-attacks and natural disasters. We will unlock our abundant resources through permitting reforms that can ensure innovations and advancements are happening here in America. "We will build on the bipartisan success of the ADVANCE Act and the Nuclear Fuel Security Act to usher in next generation nuclear, discuss innovative solutions for spent fuel like recycling and storage, and expand America’s nuclear fuel infrastructure to restore our global nuclear leadership. "This committee must address the growing energy demand, and all of the issues that come with it. I look forward to the constructive dialogue today as we embark on a path to reassert North American energy dominance.  "With that, I yield 30 seconds of my time to the gentleman from Colorado." ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement after Chris Wright was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as Secretary of the Department of Energy. “Maintaining affordable and reliable energy will be key to both our economic success and national security in the years ahead. Secretary Wright understands the importance of utilizing our domestic energy resources to secure the grid, lower prices, and create family-sustaining jobs,”   said Chairman Guthrie .  “I congratulate Secretary Wright on his confirmation and look forward to working with him to restore American energy dominance.” ###

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 Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement after Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “For far too long, EPA policies have picked winners and losers, limited economic growth, and driven up costs for working families. With the confirmation of Administrator Zeldin, the American people will once again have a leader at the EPA who will work to promote commonsense environmental stewardship focused on protecting human health while course-correcting the agency back to its core mission by cutting overreaching regulations,”  said Chairman Guthrie.  “I congratulate Administrator Zeldin on his confirmation and look forward to working with him to enact policies that put Americans first.” ###

Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, led a hearing titled Strengthening American Leadership in Wireless Technology . “Effectively allocating spectrum to meet the ever-growing need is critical to promoting American innovation and protecting our national security,” said Chairman Hudson. “Today’s hearing underscored the importance of building a comprehensive spectrum policy that ensures the United States continues leading in the global economy.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing : Subcommittee Vice Chairman Rick Allen (GA-12): “Access to telecommunications isn't just a luxury. It's something Americans depend on every single day. Students need it to finish their homework. Folks of all ages, especially in rural communities, rely on it for telehealth visits with their doctors, and small businesses use it to reach customers and keep the doors open. And let's not forget, we all use it to stay in touch with friends and loved ones. Additionally, when natural disasters strike, access to reliable communication becomes even more critical.” Congressman John Joyce (PA-13): “Spectrum is a finite resource, and we must ensure that we're being innovative and thoughtful when forming any spectrum legislation moving forward. Solving this spectrum auction authority lapse and generating new spectrum policy is my top priority on this subcommittee, and I look forward to working with Chairman Hudson on getting this across the finish line.” Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09): “While we may not realize it, spectrum directly impacts the ways in which millions of Americans go about their daily lives both at home and at work. From listening to the radio to watching television, to using cell phones and browsing the internet, spectrum determines how these devices carry data. That said, it is a limited resource, and I recognize that the United States must play a leading role in innovation relative to spectrum to maintain our position as the world's leader in new technology.” ###

TUNE IN: The House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, led by Chairman Richard Hudson (NC-09), is holding a hearing at 10:00 AM to discuss a strategic spectrum policy that empowers our innovators and can launch a new era of American leadership.   Who You’ll Hear from: Michael Powell, President and CEO, NCTA – The Internet and Television Association: “Wireless technologies are central to bringing high-speed internet to our customers and have allowed us to enter the competitive mobile broadband market. As a relatively new entrant, we have quickly become the Nation’s fourth largest wireless carrier.” Brad Gillen, Executive Vice President, CTIA: “The wireless industry can play a key role in addressing many of the core challenges facing our country today—from helping families with everyday household costs and creating more good paying jobs to competing more effectively against China and connecting all Americans." Diane Rinaldo, Executive Director, Open RAN Policy Coalition: “To navigate these challenges, the U.S. must reassert its leadership by restoring spectrum auction authority, strengthening collaboration across sectors, and advancing a clear, coordinated national strategy for telecommunications with competition and cybersecurity at its heart.” Additional Witness: Chris Lewis, President & CEO, Public Knowledge CLICK HERE to watch live or tune in to Channel 37 on the internal House network. ###

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.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement after the White House announced a $500 billion investment by private companies in U.S. AI infrastructure: “This massive investment in American infrastructure makes clear that the United States is prepared to lead the world in next-generation technologies. The Committee on Energy and Commerce is already working on addressing the many challenges that accompany increased investment in AI technology, including the exponentially increasing demand for energy, the need for permitting reform, and the importance of securing Americans’ data, among many others,”  said Chairman Guthrie .  “The commitment announced this week is proof that industry leaders are ready to work with Congressional Republicans and President Trump to spark an economy that creates jobs, supports our communities, and provides opportunities for all Americans.” ###