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Revelations come following release of new Committee report Washington D.C. — This weekend, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) joined Fox & Friends to discuss a new Committee Report on the failures of the Biden-Harris Clean School Bus Program. Highlights and excerpts from the interview below: On Defending American Leadership:   “This is a so-called clean school bus program, and it’s just another part of the Biden-Harris administration’s rush-to-green [agenda]. “We’ve seen them mandating electric vehicles, banning gas stoves, really shutting down American energy.   “But unfortunately, it’s an agenda where the Chinese Communist Party is leading, and America is dependent upon China because they control 90 percent of supply chains for electric batteries.   “This is not the agenda that America needs. We need an agenda of American innovation and free markets, not one where we are dependent upon China. ”  On the Exorbitant Price Tag of Electric Buses:   “Whether it’s Wisconsin or North Dakota or Washington State, they are unreliable.   “We do not have the infrastructure [to support electric school buses], and they are expensive.   “This is a program where the Biden-Harris administration wanted to hand out free school buses across the nation, but unfortunately, they’re not free.   “They’re very expensive, as you mentioned—$381,000.   “These are hard-earned taxpayer dollars that are going to fund part of their so-called green energy agenda.  “There are other clean alternatives, if it really was a clean bus program, that are about $140,000.   “But unfortunately, the administration is mandating this agenda that is expensive, unreliable, and also makes us even more dependent upon the Chinese Communist Party because they control 90 percent of the supply chains.”   CLICK HERE to read more about the Clean School Bus report.

Washington D.C. — Energy and Commerce Republicans are leading to stop the Biden-Harris administration from imposing unaffordable electric vehicle mandates that will jeopardize our auto industry and hand China the keys to our energy future. Members spoke on the House Floor in support of H.J. Res. 136, led by Rep. John James (R-MI), which passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 215-191. The legislation will end the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) unrealistic tailpipe emissions rule, which, by the EPA’s own admission, would effectively require at least two-thirds of all new cars in the United States to be electric by 2032. As Chair Rodgers said , “Over and over again, the Biden-Harris Environmental Protection Agency has doubled down on its radical rush-to-green energy agenda. The EPA’s latest tailpipe emissions rule is not really about reducing air pollution—it’s about forcing Americans to drive electric vehicles.” Don’t miss these key moments from E&C Republicans:

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) issued the following statement after the House passed nine health bills:  “These bipartisan bills will help improve the health and wellbeing of the American people, including individuals battling Alzheimer’s and children suffering from rare diseases, as well as those living with a disability. I’m grateful to my Energy and Commerce colleagues for moving the bills through regular order and will work to see them signed into law.”  BACKGROUND :  H.R. 8108 – To amend title XIX of the SSA to add a Medicaid State plan requirement with respect to determination of residency of certain individuals serving in Armed Forces:   Led by Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)  Requires States to continue to provide Medicaid coverage for (or retain waiting list placement for) active-duty military families who are receiving home and community-based services (or are on the waitlist to receive such services) in the event that the family moves out of state for military relocation.  Passed the House unanimously.  Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on September 18, 2024.  S. 133 – NAPA Reauthorization Act :  Led by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)  Reauthorizes and makes improvements to the National Alzheimer’s Project including expanding the membership of the project’s advisory council.   Passed the House unanimously.  House companion (H.R. 619), led by Reps. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Chris Smith (R-NJ), passed out of the House Energy and Committee unanimously on March 20, 2024.  S. 134 – Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act :  Led by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)  Requires the NIH to continue to submit an annual budget estimate to Congress to achieve the initiatives and goals included in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease.  Passed the House unanimously.  House companion (H.R. 620), led by Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Paul Tonko (R-NY), passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on March 20, 2024.   H.R. 6829 – HEARTS Act :  Led by Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ)  Promotes student access to AEDs and CPR in schools, including educational materials, training programs, and equipment.  Passed the House unanimously.  Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on March 20, 2024.  H.R. 3884 – Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act :  Led by Reps. Michael Burgess, M.D., (R-TX) and Danny Davis (D-IL)  Reauthorizes programs and activities under the CDC and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) aimed to support research, prevention, and treatment for sickle cell disease and other heritable blood disorders through fiscal year 2028.  Passed the House unanimously.  Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on July 19, 2023.  H.R. 2706 – Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act :  Led by Reps. Kat Cammack (R-FL) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI)  Prohibits health care providers and other entities from denying or restricting an individual's access to organ transplants solely based on an individual's disability, except in limited circumstances.  Passed the House unanimously.  Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on March 20, 2024.  H.R. 5526 – Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act :  Led by Reps. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)  Amends the physician self-referral law to permit Medicare patients to receive prescription drugs via caregivers picking up drugs on the patient’s behalf or via mail or couriers delivering the drug to the patient in instances when a provider prescribes a drug to be dispensed by a pharmacy that falls under the self-referral law’s definition of an in-office ancillary service.  Passed the House unanimously.  Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on June 12, 2024.  H.R. 3433 – Give Kids a Chance Act :  Led by Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA)  R eauthorizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rare pediatric disease priority review voucher (PRV) program through fiscal year 2029.  Requires the FDA to establish an office in an Abraham Accord country.  Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect registration fees and distribute these fees to support the operation of Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.  Passed the House unanimously.  Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on September 18, 2024.  H.R. 7189 – Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act :  Led by Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Darren Soto (FL)  Reauthorizes and makes improvements to the national congenital heart disease research, surveillance, and awareness program at the CDC through fiscal year 2029.  Passed the House unanimously.  Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on March 20, 2024. 

H.R. Res 136 ends the Biden-Harris EPA’s de facto EV mandate Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) spoke on the House Floor today in support of H.J. Res 136, which will end the Environment Protection Agency’s (EPA) unreasonable tailpipe emissions rule. Her prepared remarks are below: “I rise in strong support of H.J. Res. 136, led by Energy and Commerce Republican Member John James. “Over and over again, the Biden-Harris Environmental Protection Agency has doubled down on its radical rush-to-green energy agenda. “The EPA’s latest tailpipe emissions rule is not really about reducing air pollution—it’s about forcing Americans to drive electric vehicles. “By the EPA’s own estimation, the new rule will effectively require at least two-thirds of all new cars in the United States to be 100 percent electric by 2032—not hybrids, not plug-in hybrids, not hydrogen, not any other clean technology. “This unreasonable rule is just another example of how the Biden-Harris administration’s rush-to-green agenda is handing China the keys to America’s energy future, jeopardizing our auto industry, and forcing people to buy unaffordable EVs they do not want. “Here are the facts: In May, the average fully electric model was $17,326 more expensive than the average gas-burning compact crossover. “At the beginning of this year, nearly 5,000 American car dealers sent a letter to the President demanding he 'hit the brakes' on the EPA’s unrealistic agenda after EVs stacked up on their car lots. “And recently, J.D. Power cut its projected sales of EVs by 25 percent—citing increased competition in the market for gasoline-powered vehicle alternatives. “Despite all of this, the Biden-Harris EPA has continued its de facto EV mandates, undeterred by the reality of what Americans actually want. “Instead of forcing Americans to spend more money on vehicles that they don’t want to buy—on vehicles that only advance a political agenda—let's get back to the work of making sure that people have access to affordable, reliable, and functional means of transportation. “To ensure Americans drive what vehicle best suits their needs, vote YES on H.J. Res 136 to put an end to the EPA’s unreasonable tailpipe emissions rule.”

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Chair Buddy Carter (R-GA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s hearing titled “Holding the Biden-Harris EPA Accountable for Radical Rush-to-Green Spending."  “I am pleased to welcome our sole witness today, the Inspector General of the Environmental Protection Agency, Sean O’Donnell.  “Mr. O’Donnell has held the position of Inspector General since early 2020 and is here to testify before this Subcommittee on the spending and activities of the Agency, especially those connected to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or IIJA and the misnamed Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA.”  MASSIVE INCREASE IN EPA BUDGET   “For context, the Environmental Protection Agency’s entire non-IIJA, non-IRA annual budget for fiscal year 2024 is $10.136 billion. This amount reflects an increase of 10.4 percent over EPA’s Fiscal Year 2021 funding level of $9.085 billion.  “The IIJA, alone, provided EPA $60 billion over five fiscal years or $12 million dollars in annual appropriations to EPA. Not only was it the single largest appropriation ever provided to EPA, but it also more than doubled annual spending at the Agency during the Biden-Harris administration.  “The IRA later came along and gave EPA another $41.5 billion dollars in new and expanded programs at EPA.  “That’s two bills, an additional $101.5 billion, and roughly ten times the amount of money normally dropped off at EPA to spend.  “This is a massive infusion of funding and outrageous level of spending and pressure on our national debt, particularly for many of my Republicans colleagues who represent almost two-thirds of congressional districts in America where the average median income is below the national average and whose children will be asked to pay for this spending.”  RIGOROUS OVERSIGHT PROTECTS AGAINST WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE   “Regardless of if you voted for these bills, though, I hope you will agree with me that it is imperative that Congress conducts robust oversight of all this money given to EPA and the other agencies—it is the right thing to do.  “That said, I realize that there may be some limits to how much information the Inspector General has for us today and may be able to get for us in the future.  “Congress clearly directed his office to oversee IIJA funding and gave his office $53 million a year to do it. Unfortunately, IRA provided the IG no requirement to police that spending and Congress has approved no funding to do it.  “Regardless, fulfilling these directives—or lack thereof—are dependent upon the willingness of EPA to allow real oversight to occur.  “The Committee has had uneven results in its own investigating of these programs.  Sometimes we have had success, sometimes we have met resistance, and usually we’ve been made to wait a long time to find out which it is.  “When Administrator Regan testified earlier this year, he assured us that he talks with the IG all the time when we asked him if he was fully cooperating on the oversight. I look forward to finding out if the Inspector General’s experience has been different than the Committee’s.  “If his experience is less than satisfactory, I would like to know what legal constraints he faces and what he needs from EPA to be successful.”  LEARNING FROM THE PAST   “I also think it is important to find out if EPA implemented any lessons that it should have learned from its spending experiences with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  “And, if EPA made any changes based on this experience, what difference, if any, it made.  “We should know more about how much of the allocated IRA funding has already been spent, what type of quality control EPA and its grantees are placing on this on the disbursement and use of this funding—including by third-party vendors on the use of the money, and what objective measurements are being used to measure the results.  “Finally, I hope we are able to explore some of EPA’s interactions with the States, which also have a significant burden with these funds.  “This is especially important in light of the aggressive regulatory push by this Administration and it’s non-governmental, ideological allies.  “I look forward to an insightful discussion with our witness.” 

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee hearing titled “Holding the Biden-Harris EPA Accountable for Radical Rush-to-Green Spending.”  “American families are struggling to make ends meet.  “The Biden-Harris administration’s radical rush-to-green energy policies have fueled out-of-control inflation, which has driven up prices by more than 20 percent and destroyed the economic stability American families deserve.  “While American families are increasingly worried about unaffordable costs, the Biden-Harris administration is working relentlessly to expand its radical energy agenda.  “Today we’ll examine the Biden-Harris EPA—the most radical EPA to date—and its rush-to-green spending spree, as well as how we can hold them accountable for the American people.”  MASSIVE NEW EPA BUDGET   “In November of 2021, the Biden-Harris administration signed into law the so-called ‘Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,’ authorizing $1.2 trillion in spending.  “$60 billion dollars of this taxpayer funding was provided to the EPA—the single largest grant of funding EVER at one time to the agency—doubling their overall budget for five straight years.  “Not even one year later, in August of 2022, the Biden-Harris administration provided another $41.5 billion to the EPA in the so-called ‘Inflation Reduction Act.’  “As Republicans warned, the ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ did not lower inflation. It made already surging inflation worse.  “Recently, President Biden admitted that the goal of the bill was to fund his radical rush-to-green agenda, calling it ‘the most significant climate change law ever.’”  LEARNING FROM THE PAST   “Spending at this pace and scale for any agency should raise concerns, but especially for an agency like the EPA with a known track record of waste, fraud, and abuse.  “Fifteen years ago, the Obama administration doled out $787 billion in taxpayer money to pay for a slew of left-wing programs and pet projects.  “The EPA was given roughly $7.2 billion—nearly doubling its annual budget at the time.  “Even at that level, the EPA was not able to responsibly manage the spending.  “The Inspector General at the time found funding that violated various federal requirements, poor guidance from the agency to states and recipients of the money, and problems with managing, monitoring and verifying where the money was being spent.  “That is why it is incredibly alarming that since President Biden took office, the EPA has been given $109 billion in additional funding and grown its workforce to over 15,000 employees.  “The amount of funding and the scope of these laws demand consistent and rigorous oversight by Congress and independent bodies like the Inspector General, especially considering the failures of the past.  “Anything less is a disservice to taxpayers.”  EPA’S RADICAL TAX AND SPEND AGENDA   “The EPA cannot continue to fund the most radical parts of a rush-to-green agenda—one that puts America on a dangerous path—threatens our economic and national security and enriches our adversaries, like China.  “Take, for example, the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which is just a $27-billion slush fund of taxpayer money that is vulnerable to waste, fraud, and abuse.  “At an Oversight Subcommittee hearing we held earlier this year the EPA could not confirm whether or not the Chinese Communist Party could receive money from this fund.  “Additionally, the EPA has issued stringent and burdensome regulations on coal and natural gas-fired power plants, while also dragging their feet in processing carbon capture permits, which are needed to comply with these power plant regulations.  “The EPA is imposing harsh government mandates, and then making it even harder for plants to adjust to the new rules.  “There are countless examples of EPA’s radical rush-to-green spending and regulatory policies like these. “It is troubling that the Democrat-led Inflation Reduction Act did not provide the Office of Inspector General—the office that ensures accountability and integrity at the EPA—funding to conduct necessary oversight. “In addition to greater accountability and transparency, the EPA must also return to its core statutory functions, which do not include undermining the economic prosperity of the United States or driving costs up across the board for Americans. “Sunshine is the best disinfectant, and I look forward to shining more light on what is happening at the EPA during today’s hearing.”

Letter comes following allegation student was delayed care due to Israeli heritage Washington, D.C. — In a new letter to Columbia University Interim President Katrina Armstrong, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce (E&C) and House Committee on Education and the Workforce (E&W) are demanding answers regarding ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic harassment and intimidation at the University and its associated medical school and centers. The letter, signed by E&C Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), E&C Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY), E&C Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA), E&W Chair Virginia Foxx (R-NC), and E&W Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development Chair Burgess Owens (R-UT) requests that Columbia University respond to the Committees’ questions by no later than October 2, 2024.  It is part of Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-LA) House-wide  effort  to crack down on antisemitism on college campuses.  KEY EXCERPTS : “A report from the Columbia University Antisemitism Task Force highlighted how the hostility on Columbia University campuses had spilled over into the medical center and medical services as well. For example, an Israeli student reported that when she went to health services in July 2024, no one came into the room to see her, and she overheard a discussion between two health care professionals in another room in which one said they would not treat her because she was Israeli. She sat in the room for another ten minutes until someone finally came to address her health needs.”  [...]  “Failing to comply with basic safety protections for members of the Columbia University community and to respond appropriately to and prevent harassment and discrimination, no matter the cause, may be grounds to withhold federal funds from the university and its associated medical centers. Congress has an obligation to ensure compliance with Title VI. If Congress determines an institution of higher education is in violation, it may consider rescinding research and development funds previously appropriated. Similarly, if Congress determines a medical facility is in violation, it may consider rescinding the right to participate in federal health care programs.”  CLICK HERE to read the full letter.  BACKGROUND :  Beginning on April 17, 2024, an encampment sprung up on Columbia University’s campus with hundreds of protestors and tents.  Banners and signs vandalized the campus—including residence halls—with antisemitic sentiments and even support for the terrorist organization Hamas.  Chants and statements by those within the encampment also supported messages of violence and hate towards Jewish students, with a leader of the encampment filmed stating that, “Zionists don’t deserve to live.”  Professors at Columbia University have also openly made antisemitic and pro-Hamas statements—including more than 100 professors signing a letter in support of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas—adding to the harassment of Jewish students.  An English professor held his classes inside the encampment, despite the fact that it was an uncomfortable and unsafe environment for some of the students in the class, who did not attend.  A prominent rabbi at Columbia University warned Jewish students to remain off-campus during the end of the academic year in Spring 2024 due to fears that the university and New York City police could not keep students safe.  Jewish students on campus also expressed concerns over their safety on campus and the mental and psychological toll the hostile environment was taking on their ability to work and learn. Despite over 100 arrests, the protests progressed to the occupation of a campus building and physical attacks of Jewish students, leading campus officials to move some classes online for the remainder of the academic year.  Columbia University also has a medical school, as well as several affiliated medical centers. Antisemitism has no place in an institution where students go to learn how to be the next generation of medical professionals caring for patients of all religions and ethnic backgrounds.  An interview with students at Irving Medical Center, where Columbia University’s medical school is housed, emphasized the extent to which Jewish students felt excluded and unable to openly identify as Jewish or express their Jewish identity on campus.  A nursing student, for example, stated that the sheer number of antisemitic policy violations that are minimized and go unpunished have made the behavior a norm and that the “Columbia nursing [school] is not a place for Jews.”

Washington, D.C. — In a new letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce (E&C) and House Committee on Education and the Workforce (E&W) issued a request for documentation related to the Committees’ ongoing investigation into how the department is preventing and responding to antisemitism at grantee institutions. The letter follows up on a May 23, 2024, letter to which HHS failed to respond to adequately and is signed by E&C Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), E&C Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY), E&C Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA), E&W Chair Virginia Foxx (R-NC), and E&W Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development Chair Burgess Owens (R-UT). KEY EXCERPT :  “Responding on your behalf in an August 22, 2024, letter, the HHS Assistant Secretary for Legislation stated that, “The HHS Office for Civil Right (OCR) enforces federal civil rights laws prohibiting various forms of discrimination in HHS-funded programs and activities […]” and that “OCR takes this duty seriously.” Despite this declaration, the lacking response from HHS failed to provide specific information about how HHS OCR or the NIH have taken steps to ensure that institutions and universities receiving funding from HHS are complying with federal civil rights laws amongst these extensively reported acts of antisemitism, and whether HHS OCR or the NIH have received any complaints regarding potential violations of federal law as it pertains to antisemitism.” The Chairs requested the following documents by no later than October 2, 2024: A list of all misconduct allegations at NIH-funded institutions relating to alleged antisemitic incidents from fiscal year 2023 to present received by HHS OCR and/or the NIH, showing:   the date;   which agency received the allegation;   a brief description of the incident;   role of the alleged perpetrator and victim (e.g., student or faculty) with their names redacted;  institution;   entity responsible for reviewing the case (including whether the complaint is an official Title VI case);   case status;   actions taken by the institution; and   actions taken by HHS/NIH.  All documents and communications, including but not limited to, text messages, emails, and electronic messages, to or from HHS OCR/to or from the NIH referring or related to misconduct allegations or concerns over actions at NIH-funded institutions from fiscal year 2023 to present, referring or relating to, alleged antisemitic incidents; targeting of Jews, Israelis, Zionists, or Zionism; university encampments; and/or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  All documents and communication between HHS OCR and other agencies regarding assistance with Title VI compliance, particularly related to antisemitism (shared ancestry).  All documents and communication between HHS OCR and NIH-funded institutions related to Title VI compliance reviews related to antisemitism (shared ancestry).    From fiscal year 2023 to present, all documents, communications, and guidance provided from HHS OCR and the NIH to grantee institutions and individuals at grantee institutions regarding Title VI responsibilities and protections, including those specific to protections for those of Jewish faith and heritage, and all documents or communications regarding HHS/NIH’s stance on antisemitism, the events occurring on university campuses, and/or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict generally.  CLICK HERE to read the full letter.

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee hearing titled “Federal Trade Commission Practices: A Discussion on Past Versus Present.”  “Thank you to our distinguished witnesses who are here today to discuss the current state of an agency we all want to be there for us if we’ve been defrauded or deceived.  “The FTC’s core mission is to be at the forefront of protecting Americans, making it critical that they earn and keep the public’s trust and respect.”  DECADES OF BIPARTISANSHIP AND FOCUS   “I have been clear from the start of this Congress about my concern that the current FTC is heading in the wrong direction.  “Prior to the Biden-Harris administration, the FTC always worked to build consensus and champion bipartisanship.  “Certainly, there were differences of opinion—not every decision ended in a five to zero vote.  “However, at that time, commissioners and staff embraced a culture where they could freely exchange ideas and feel heard.  “Those open and honest discussions allowed the FTC to act in the American people’s best interest and garner the public’s trust.  “Disappointingly, this 40-year tradition and culture has been lost.  “The FTC has long acted as a ‘cop-on-the beat,’ not as a sector specific regulator in the way the Food and Drug Administration is, for instance.  “Unfortunately, the Commission has assumed more power and become a heavy-handed economy-wide regulator.  “This change in direction has led to many contentious and expensive court battles.  “I worry that the time spent in courtrooms—defending departures from past practices—is undermining the FTC’s core mission and overall success.  “I’m not alone in this view. The Supreme Court has concluded in unanimous decisions that the FTC’s historically commonly used tools have been expanded to become controversial and exceed their statutory authority.”  FTC NORMS AND PRACTICES   “Most notably, we have seen a breakdown in norms and practices that were considered commonplace in previous Democratic and Republican administrations.  “By removing ‘without unduly burdening legitimate business activity’ from its mission statement, the Commission has sent a clear message that it wants to be feared, instead of being a good-faith regulator.  “Job creators across the country now live in fear of receiving a letter out of blue threatening them on behavior they may not even be engaged in.  “Additionally, FTC Commissioners' rights have steadily eroded and access to important FTC business has been more shielded than ever.  “The Commission must take simple steps to start correcting course.  “For example, a cost benefit analysis should be done for all rules, 6B reports, and enforcement actions and commissioners and staff should have direct access to the economists working on it.”  DANGEROURS BRIAN DRAIN   “I’m hopeful that with a full set of commissioners, such access to the Econ Bureau and its specialists will again be the norm.  “Sadly, many career staff have chosen to leave or retire due to the decline of the agency's culture and disregard for its true mission.  “Respected surveys have shown employee morale and confidence in senior Commission leadership has steeply declined.  “Prior to Chair Khan’s appointment to the FTC, 87 percent of surveyed FTC employees agreed that senior agency officials maintained high standards of honesty and integrity.  “That number quickly dropped to 53 percent after just one year, then down to 47 percent a year later.  “It is also alarming that full time positions that Congress authorized for the FTC’s fraud prevention mission have been re-tasked to other areas.  “This is wrong and a clear attempt to bypass Congress and utilize the EU to impose more influence over U.S. companies since the Biden-Harris administration couldn’t find consensus here at home.  “Congress needs to reassert its Article I authority and act to stop this ongoing erosion of norms and longstanding Commission practices and restore the once strong processes of the FTC.  “While we have proposed legislation in the past, some of it has quickly become dated. I look forward to hearing from the experts here today on what Congress can do to put the FTC back on track and set the Commission up for success. “I know we share these goals, and I hope we can work together to achieve them.”