House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Press Release Updates

May 21, 2026

E&C Advances 16 Bills to Full House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, led a markup of 16 bills.

“I want to thank all of the members who have worked diligently to bring these bills to the Committee so that we can advance member priorities for consideration by the Full House,” said Chairman Guthrie. “This legislation reflects the tradition of bipartisanship of this committee and demonstrates the ability to address big issues that our constituents care about.”

Legislative Vote Summary:

• H.R. 2145, the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act, was reported to the Full House by a roll call vote of 48 yeas to 0 nays.
• H.R. 7389, the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026, was reported to the Full House as amended by a roll call vote of 48 yeas to 1 nay.
• H.R. 4348, to reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act, and for other purposes, was reported to the Full House by a roll call vote of 48 yeas to 0 nays.
• H.R. 4541, the EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2025, was reported to the Full House as amended by a roll call vote of 48 yeas to 0 nays.
• H.R. 3747, the Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act, was reported to the Full House by a roll call vote of 48 yeas to 0 nays.
• H.R. 8209, the School-Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act of 2026, was reported to the Full House by a roll call vote of 46 yeas to 0 nays.
• H.R. 5160, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025, was reported to the Full House as amended by a roll call vote of 46 yeas to 0 nays.
• H.R. 2001, to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a grant program for addressing dental workforce needs, was reported to the Full House as amended by a roll call vote of 44 yeas to 0 nays.
• H.R. 1493, to reauthorize and make improvements to Federal programs relating to the prevention, detection, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries, and for other purposes, was reported to the Full House by a roll call vote of 43 yeas to 0 nays.
• H.R. 3491, the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2025, was reported to the Full House by a roll call vote of 46 yeas to 0 nays.
• H.R. 6238, the NIH IMPROVE Act, was reported to the Full House as amended by a roll call vote of 46 yeas to 0 nays.
• H.R. 8205, the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026, was reported to the Full House as amended by a roll call vote of 46 yeas to 0 nays.
• H.R. 2715, the Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act, was reported to the Full House as amended by a roll call vote of 43 yeas to 0 nays.
• H.R. 2821, the FDA Modernization Act 3.0, was reported to the Full House by a roll call vote of 44 yeas to 0 nays.
• H.R. 5347, the Health Care Efficiency Through Flexibility Act, was reported to the Full House by a roll call vote of 44 yeas to 0 nays.
• H.R. 1703, the Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025, was reported to the Full House by a roll call vote of 45 yeas to 0 nays.

Watch the full markup here.

Below are key excerpts from today’s markup:

5.21 MMM.jpg

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) on the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2025: “At its core, the Recycling Infrastructure and Accountability Act establishes a pilot grant program for communities like many in my district — places that don't have a recycling facility within 75 miles. This legislation has earned broad support from industry, environmental groups, and manufacturers alike, because they all understand the same thing: recycling infrastructure is manufacturing infrastructure, and a strong domestic material supply is economic security.”

5.21 Evans.jpg

Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08) on the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026: “I served as a police officer in the Denver metro area for over a decade, and I was actually one of the officers in charge of forensic accident reconstruction on the west side of the Denver metro area. As someone who often responded to accidents [ranging] from fender benders to serious and fatal accidents, driver and pedestrian safety has long been important to me. That's why I'm so proud to see so many of the different vehicle safety provisions included in today's title—from tire regulatory reform to studies on flammability standards to the Magnus White and Safe Streets for Everyone Act. I'm confident that the good, bipartisan work of this committee is going to help protect the next generation of Americans.”

5.21 Hudson.jpg

Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) on the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2025: “This act will ensure that people with Down syndrome are valued, respected members of society and that NIH is supporting their health — enabling them to live their lives to their full potential with no barriers, bias, or obstacles standing in their way. I'm honored to continue and grow research efforts for our beloved neighbors in the Down syndrome community. I urge a yes vote on H.R. 393491, and I ask all my colleagues to join Representative DeGette and me in sending a strong message to the Down syndrome community: we support you, we love you, we value you, and we are committed to funding the research that will ensure you have a long and healthy life.”

May 21, 2026

Press Release

Chairman Guthrie Delivers Opening Statement at Full Committee Markup of 16 Bills

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, delivered the following opening statement at today’s Full Committee Markup of 16 bills.

Chairman Guthrie’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Good morning and thank you all for attending today’s markup of 16 bills, touching on issues across the Committee’s jurisdiction.

“Today’s markup includes the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act, sponsored by Congresswoman Miller-Meeks, which establishes a pilot program at EPA to help build out recycling infrastructure in areas that currently lack household recycling. The bill also includes provisions to improve the collection of data regarding recycling rates and help identify areas for improvement.

“We have also worked across the aisle on our title of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization, and I want to commend the Members and staff across the whole Committee for their hard work to get us to where we are.

“This package modernizes the automotive industry and ensures that NHTSA has the tools it needs to ensure motor vehicle safety.

“The package also includes important priorities for many of our members ranging from modernizing tire regulations to strengthening flammability standards for automobiles.

“But having a thriving, American-based automotive supply chain is also a core national security interest, which is why we included a bipartisan ban on Chinese vehicles in this bill. The Chinese Communist Party has made clear that their government will use every tool at their disposal to surveil, influence, and manipulate Americans for their own gain.

“Our bipartisan mission today is to support a vibrant automotive industry, enhance safety, and repel the threats coming from our adversaries in Beijing. This package makes progress on all three of those goals, and I’m proud we were able to work together on this.

“Further, today’s markup builds upon the Health Subcommittee’s work last week to advance ten bills that increase flexibility to patients and providers, strengthen FDA's oversight of our supply chains, and ensure vital public health programs continue to serve Americans.

“A handful of the bills before us at the Committee today—including the EARLY Act, the AADAPT (ADAPT) Act, and the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act to name just a few—focus on reauthorizing critical public health programs supporting patients by meeting them where they’re at.

“Finally, we’ll also advance bills to modernize FDA’s review and enforcement authorities, and we will also support two important patient access bills—the Choices for Increased Mobility Act and the Health Care Efficiency Through Flexibility Act—which seek to reduce administrative burdens and increase flexibility for both patients and providers.

“I look forward to the productive discussion on these 16 bills and voting to report them to the Full House.”

May 20, 2026

Health

Health Subcommittee Holds Hearing Examining Medicare Physician Payment Issues and Reforms Enacted in MACRA

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, led a hearing titled Examining the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, MACRA, and Opportunities for Payment Reforms.

“Our discussion today built on the Affordability Series that we have been working on throughout the year and allowed us to better understand how provider payment challenges can impact health care affordability,” said Chairman Griffith. “Physicians, nurses, and other health care providers are critical to our health care system, and their work remains essential to ensuring patients have access to timely, high-quality care in every community. Maintaining a stable and sustainable physician payment system is important not only for supporting providers, but also for preserving competition, affordability, and access to care for patients.”

Watch the full hearing here.

Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing:

5.20 Bilirakis.jpg

Congressman Gus Bilirakis, (FL-12): “How does the current Medicare reimbursement structure affect the ability of independent practices to staff appropriately, invest in technology, and continue offering quality services to patients?” Dr. Snyder: “It’s making it very challenging to maintain an office or staff. Frequently, our staff are looking—it’s always greener on the other side—our staff are going to other hospital-employed models because they can offer more because of reimbursement [because] there is more. And it’s having a significant impact on our ability to see as many patients in the office as we as we would like to.” Congressman Bilirakis: “If these reimbursement challenges remain unresolved, what would that mean for patient choice, access to community-based care, and overall health care costs? The bottom line.” Dr. Snyder: “If these go unabated, we are experiencing what I like to affectionately call the “Our-physicians-are-entering-the-physician-transfer-portal,” and going to a hospital employment. And frequently, their patients will follow them, but we see they come back. Because, “Yes, I wanted to follow Dr. Jones, I've known him for a long time. We have a very good relationship. But when I went to go get my annual test, my annual echocardiogram or guideline indicated stress test, it is two to three times the cost.” And they're on the hook for that, and they will come back frequently.” Congressman Bilirakis: “So, there’s no patient choice in a lot of cases.”

5.20 Joyce V2.jpg

Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13): “Dr. Fox, you stated specifically, in your area in Virginia, that you have seen independent primary care practices being bought up by hospital systems. Do you feel that when that occurs, the ensuing vertical integration leads to less personalized care, less access for the seniors who, as I said, paid into this Medicare system for their entire working lives?” Dr Fox: “I do, Dr. Joyce. I’m seeing vertical integration occurring all around me, and I have for the last several decades, as practices in my community are being sold to private equity or being acquired by the health care system.” Congressman Joyce: “Delve into that a little bit more. Once we're sold to a private equity firm, do you find the physicians have less time to spend with their patients?” Dr. Fox: “Well, we know from studies that vertical integration leads generally to higher costs.” Congressman Joyce: “Do you feel that it affects the ability of the physician—you, the physician sitting across the table from this patient, to refer them to the best specialists, the best hospital facility, the best laboratory, the best radiologic facility? Does that impact on that?” Dr Fox: “My colleagues share with me that there are enormous pressures placed upon them when they are in large health systems or in private equity, that there are pressures to be more productive.”

5.20 MMM.jpg

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01): “As someone who’s dedicated their professional life to the practice of medicine, the issue of payment reform is, in my opinion, the most critical issue for physician stability and the long-term viability of our health care workforce, and especially, as in my state, rural health care. The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule was intended to create stability and predictability. Instead, physicians have faced years of uncertainty, repeated payment cuts—actually, on an annual basis—and growing administrative burdens. At the same time, the cost of delivering care continues to rise. If we continue on this current path, we are not just cutting payments, we are cutting patients access to local care they know and trust.”

May 20, 2026

Oversight & Investigations

Chairman Joyce Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Hearing on the Potomac Interceptor Collapse

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 Corrosion, Collapse, and Clean-Up: Examining the Potomac Interceptor Collapse.

Subcommittee Chairman Joyce’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Good morning, and welcome to today’s hearing titled, ‘Corrosion, Collapse, and Clean-Up: Examining the Potomac Interceptor Collapse.’

“Today’s hearing will examine the collapse of DC Water’s Potomac Interceptor—a 54-mile sanitary sewer system that runs through parts of Virginia, Maryland, and DC. The collapse, which occurred on January 19, resulted in hundreds of gallons of untreated sewage overflowing onto nearby land and down to the Potomac River.

“This incident raises serious concerns about the resilience of critical wastewater infrastructure, and the impact that collapses or breaks like this can have on our communities, including on safe drinking water, public health, the environment, and local businesses.

“The Potomac Interceptor is a vital component of the region’s critical wastewater infrastructure. When it failed, it caused over 240 million gallons of wastewater to overflow into the Potomac River, threatening water quality, ecosystems, and the health of surrounding communities that rely on this river for recreation, fish and shellfish harvesting, and safe drinking water once treated.

“Fortunately, because of where the collapse happened, the incident did not affect safe drinking water. But if the break had happened just a few miles upstream, it would have been a much different story.

“Still, the collapse had far-reaching impacts on the region. From a public health perspective, exposure to untreated wastewater can carry harmful pathogens and pollutants, posing serious health risks to anyone near the affected areas.

“Environmentally, wastewater discharge can degrade aquatic habitats, harm wildlife, and have impacts on native species. Economically, the effects ripple outward, impacting local businesses, tourism, fisheries, some of which claim they have lost thousands of dollars of revenue due to public perception of the cleanliness of the river following this incident.

“This incident raises questions about the management and oversight of this critical infrastructure. What led to the collapse? Was this failure preventable? Were there warning signs that were missed or ignored? Did permitting requirements create unnecessary delays in moving forward with needed repairs? Given the age and condition of the Potomac Interceptor, what is known about other vulnerabilities in the pipe and what is being done to prevent another break or collapse from happening?

“Equally important is understanding the roles and responsibilities of other entities as it relates to the Potomac Interceptor. DC Water owns and operates the Potomac Interceptor, but multiple agencies and jurisdictions have roles and responsibilities with respect to permitting and regulatory oversight, or have helped respond to the collapse, including federal partners such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the National Park Service, as well as state and regional authorities.

“Today’s hearing is about identifying failures or gaps, strengthening oversight, and ensuring that our infrastructure systems are equipped to protect the public and the environment in the face of growing demands and aging assets.

“We owe it to the American people to fully understand the causes and consequences of this failure—and to take meaningful steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“While this hearing will focus on the Potomac Interceptor, aging wastewater infrastructure is a nationwide problem. A thorough investigation into the lead up to this incident and the response following it is critical to establish how best to repair similar infrastructure and to prevent another large-scale spill. The facts established by this hearing can help us protect the health and safety of the communities that all of us represent.

“I want to thank our witnesses for being here today. We look forward to hearing from you to learn more about the incident and lessons learned.

“With that, I now recognize our Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, Ms. Clarke, for her opening statement.”

May 20, 2026

Press Release

Chairman Guthrie Touts House Passage of Lulu’s Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued a statement following the House passage of S. 1003, Lulu’s Law.

“In moments of crisis, strong public safety communications save lives. In honor of Lulu Gribbin of Alabama, the House passed Lulu’s Law to clarify the FCC’s ability to facilitate emergency alerts in the event of a shark attack, so that all families can be better protected,” said Chairman Guthrie. “I am especially grateful for the work of Representative Palmer for his work to honor Lulu’s efforts and enhance public safety.”

BACKGROUND:

S. 1003/H.R. 2076, Lulu’s Law, requires the Federal Communications Commission to issue an order providing that a shark attack is an event for which a wireless emergency alert may be transmitted, and for other purposes.

May 20, 2026

Oversight & Investigations

O&I Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Potomac Interceptor Collapse

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, led a hearing titled Corrosion, Collapse, and Clean-Up: Examining the Potomac Interceptor Collapse.

“The collapse, which occurred on January 19, resulted in hundreds of gallons of untreated sewage overflowing onto nearby land and down to the Potomac River. This incident raises serious concerns about the resilience of critical wastewater infrastructure, and the impact that collapses or breaks like this can have on our communities, including on safe drinking water, public health, the environment, and local businesses,” said Chairman Joyce. “The Potomac Interceptor is a vital component of the region’s critical wastewater infrastructure. When it failed, it caused over 240 million gallons of wastewater to overflow into the Potomac River, threatening water quality, ecosystems, and the health of surrounding communities that rely on this river for recreation, fish and shellfish harvesting, and safe drinking water once treated.”

Watch the full hearing here.

Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing:

5.20 Harshbarger.png

Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01): “Assistant Administrator Kramer, how did the issuance of an emergency declaration allow for increased access to resources and a more expedited cleanup process?”
Assistant Administrator Kramer: “On the resources front, it allowed for additional deployment under FEMA's standard process — the mission assignments, scope of work, funding, and the 75/25 cost share split. In terms of what it allowed us to do on site, it enabled us to undertake remediation actions concurrently with the emergency repair of the collapse. Had there not been access to federal resources — both dollars and people — the cleanup was projected to proceed sequentially rather than concurrently. So we were able to move much more quickly.”

5.20 Balderson.png

Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12): “Your testimony also notes that the Great Falls intake site was able to provide all the necessary raw water required to meet water demand at the time of the incident, which was approximately 130 million gallons a day. If a break or wastewater overflow happened upstream from the two intake sites and the intakes needed to be closed throughout the response effort, how much water storage capacity do we have? And how long would it be able to supply the region with its water needs — such as drinking water and fire suppression — for D.C., Arlington, and Fairfax, with both intake sites closed?”
Col. Pera: “Vice Chairman Balderson, when we talk about the secondary approach that Ranking Member Clarke brought up, that added about 54 acre-feet of storage capacity. We're at about 47 acre-feet right now in our reservoir. So we're estimating close to that same 12 hours that we would be getting with that additional expansion of the reservoir — about 12 hours right now. There are some control measures that you can put in through strategic communication — asking the public to hold off on water use — that we can do through our platforms. But right now, it's about 12 hours.”

5.20 Palmer.png

Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06): “Trying to avoid any culpability or any appearance of incompetence is not what this is about. It's about making sure this doesn't happen again. This is an ecological and environmental disaster because you didn't execute the contract in a timely manner to have someone on site with the ability to mitigate a collapse or a breach. And that really bothers me. What I'm trying to find out is why the contract wasn't executed and why this was allowed to happen. There are failures across the board. The Park Service, the Corps of Engineers — they all should have been informed when the inspection showed certain sections of the line were in imminent possibility of breach or collapse. This should have been a total team effort. The one thing you did right, in my opinion, was that your engineer gave a report to the board or members of the board, and they approved an emergency contract. The one thing you really failed on was executing the contract. And I'm not done with this. I'm going to continue to look into this, because this is not a red or blue issue. This is not liberal or conservative. It's about taking care of people.”

5.20 Joyce.png

Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13): “How confident are you that another collapse like this will not occur?”
Mr. Gaddis: “Congressman, I think that's sort of a hypothetical, and I—”
Congressman Joyce: “That's what I'm asking you — a hypothetical. With the information you have, with the drones you've utilized, with everything from your investigation, how can we tell the public that another imminent situation like January 19th won't be occurring soon?
Mr. Gaddis: “We're hopeful that we do not have another break like this one, and that is why we're doing all the things we're doing right now. But there are no guarantees when dealing with aging infrastructure.”

May 19, 2026

Press Release

Chairman Guthrie Announces Full Committee Markup of 16 Bills

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce announced a Full Committee Markup of 16 bills.

WHAT: Full Committee Markup

DATE: Thursday, May 21, 2026

TIME: 10:00 AM ET

LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

Items to be considered:

• H.R. 2145, Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act (Rep. Miller-Meeks)
• H.R. 7389, Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026 (Rep. Guthrie)
• AINS to H.R. 7389
• H.R. 4348, To reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act, and for other purposes. (Reps. Smith (NJ) and Doggett)
• H.R. 4541, EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2025 (Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Miller-Meeks)
• H.R. 3747, Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act (Reps. Balderson and Barragán)
• H.R. 8209, School-Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act of 2026 (Reps. Tonko and Balderson)
• H.R. 5160, Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 (Reps. Smith (NJ) and Matsui)
• H.R. 2001, To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a grant program for addressing dental workforce needs. (Reps. Kelly and Simpson)
• H.R. 1493, To reauthorize and make improvements to Federal programs relating to the prevention, detection, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries, and for other purposes. (Reps. Pallone and Bacon)
• H.R. 3491, DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2025 (Reps. DeGette and Hudson)
• H.R. 6238, NIH IMPROVE Act (Reps. Underwood and Fitzpatrick)
• H.R. 8205, Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026 (Reps. Quigley and Calvert)
• H.R. 2715, Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act (Reps. Higgins and Carter (LA))
• H.R. 2821, FDA Modernization Act 3.0 (Reps. Carter (GA) and Barragán)
• H.R. 5347, Health Care Efficiency Through Flexibility Act (Rep. Buchanan)
• H.R. 1703, Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025 (Rep. Joyce (PA))

This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The markup 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 Jessica Donlon with the Committee staff at Jessica.Donlon@mail.house.gov. If you have any press-related questions, please contact Matt VanHyfte at Matt.Vanhyfte@mail.house.gov.

May 19, 2026

Press Release

Energy and Commerce Weekly Look Ahead: The Week of May 18th, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is holding two Subcommittee Hearings and one Full Committee Markup. Read more below.

SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations is holding a hearing examining the collapse of the Potomac Interceptor.

· DATE: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
· TIME: 10:15 AM ET
· LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health is holding a hearing to examine the Medicare physician fee schedule and MACRA.

· **DATE: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
· **TIME: 2:00 PM ET
· **LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP: The Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold a markup of 16 bills.

· DATE: Thursday, May 21, 2026
· TIME: 10:00 AM ET
· LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

May 14, 2026

Environment

Chairman Palmer Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Environment Markup on Legislation to Support the Redevelopment of Brownfields Sites and Expand Access to Recycling Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, delivered the following opening statement at today’s markup of three bills.

Subcommittee Chairman Palmer’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Welcome to today’s markup before the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Environment.

“Today, we will consider three pieces of legislation, starting with the Brownfields Revitalization for a Better Tomorrow Act. This legislation reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfields Grants Program and the State Response Program.

“The policy updates in the bill incorporate input from two Subcommittee hearings, which included testimony from local government officials, state environmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. The Subcommittee considered opportunities, such as the value of reusing existing infrastructure at brownfields sites, as well as challenges, such as the difficulties rural communities face in putting together competitive grant applications.

“The policy improvements in the Brownfields Revitalization for a Better Tomorrow Act reflect bipartisan negotiations and feedback from the Environmental Protection Agency.

“This reauthorization bill includes enhancements to existing tools, such as increased grant award amounts, a waiver of cost share requirements for small or disadvantaged communities, and additional oversight of the revolving loan funds.

“It also incorporates some new ideas to facilitate the timely remediation of these sites and, ultimately, their return to productive reuse. For example, this legislation would support use of brownfields grant funding to help local communities clean up and redevelop former military installations, and locate the building of critical infrastructure at brownfield sites. It also builds on existing requirements for states receiving funding under the State Response Programs, directing states to publish an inventory of sites on which this funding was utilized. Our bill also requires EPA to issue guidance to assist federal agencies to more efficiently utilize site-specific information and previous environmental reviews in considering redevelopment on brownfields sites.

“This legislation reauthorizes these programs consistent with the most recently enacted appropriations legislation. While my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would like to see higher authorization levels, we cannot ignore historical regular appropriations levels. We plan to continue discussions with our Minority and Senate colleagues on authorization funding levels. I hope we can work together to get this bill across the finish line rather than allowing the authorization for this important program to continue to lapse.

“We will also consider H.R. 2145, the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act, introduced by Representative Miller-Meeks of Iowa.

“This bipartisan legislation directs the EPA to establish a pilot program to award grants to states, Tribes, local governments, and public private partnerships for projects to increase access to recycling systems, particularly in underserved communities. Increasing recycling rates provides us with an opportunity to recover and reuse more discarded material. In turn, we can keep more of these products in our domestic supply chains, enhancing our economic and national security. This legislation will also reduce the costs of implementing recycling programs in underserved communities.

“Finally, we will also consider H.R. 4109, the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act. This legislation, which also enjoys bipartisan support, tasks EPA with collecting data and information to assess national recycling and composting rates. We plan to take up this legislation as an amendment to the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act.

“With this markup, we hope to further our goal of maximizing the value of our federal dollars and channeling them towards programs that improve the quality of life in communities across our country. I look forward to hopefully advancing these bills and to our continued discussion today.”