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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following op-ed by Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, appeared in the Wall Street Journal today. "When President Trump took the podium for his Second Inaugural Address, he promised a 'revolution of common sense' that would launch a generation of growth, health and prosperity. Today, our country faces numerous threats to that goal. Medicaid waste and abuse threatens the well-being of America’s most vulnerable as the looming expiration of important 2017 tax reforms throws a shadow over U.S. industry.  "Republicans’ best chance to secure the president’s inaugural promise is this year’s reconciliation bill. On Sunday night the House Energy and Commerce Committee will release a bill that supports the rapid innovation of American industry, strengthens Medicaid, and ends spending on Green New Deal-style waste. "This reconciliation legislation will help raise federal revenue and limit government spending to what actually helps Americans. We will raise $88 billion by reauthorizing the Federal Communications Commission’s spectrum auction authority and provide resources to modernize federal information-technology systems. Both are crucial for maintaining and expanding U.S. technological leadership. "Savings like these allow us to use this bill to renew the Trump tax cuts and keep Republicans’ promise to hardworking middle-class families. The 2017 cuts gave Americans earning under $100,000 an average tax cut of 16%, while increasing the share of the tax burden carried by the top 1% of earners. Without this legislation, middle-class Americans will see that windfall reversed at the end of 2025. "In addition to raising new revenue, the bill will slash waste, particularly handouts to Democrats’ climate activist cronies. The 2024 election sent a clear signal that Americans are tired of an extreme left-wing agenda that favors wokeness over sensible policy and spurs price increases. Mr. Trump has already reversed President Biden and Democrats’ electric-vehicle mandates and natural-gas export ban; now it’s Congress’s turn.  "This bill would claw back money headed for green boondoggles through 'environmental and climate justice block grants' and other spending mechanisms through the Environmental Protection Agency and Energy Department. The legislation would reverse the most reckless parts of the engorged climate spending in the misnamed Inflation Reduction Act, returning $6.5 billion in unspent funds. The bill would also begin refilling the dangerously low Strategic Petroleum Reserve.  "Democratic extremism is threatening Americans’ access to affordable healthcare. States are struggling to manage rising Medicaid costs, which ballooned under Mr. Biden. This is particularly true in Democrat-run states such as California that use federal Medicaid funding to subsidize health insurance for illegal aliens through state insurance programs. This policy puts undue budgetary pressure on Medicaid, thereby endangering the healthcare access of the vulnerable Americans the program was designed to help. Just as Mr. Trump is working to end sanctuary cities, congressional Republicans will reduce federal aid to states that give welfare to illegal immigrants. "The Biden administration is responsible for this problem, too, having imposed burdensome regulations on Medicaid that jeopardize the program’s long-term health. The last president stripped away guardrails against fraud by making it more difficult for states to remove ineligible people from Medicaid enrollment and expanded coverage such that capable but unemployed adults could take resources meant for people in need. In total, these Biden rules will cost $172 billion over the next 10 years if they aren’t reversed—as our bill would do. Republicans will also reverse other nonsensical government rules that undermine access to care, such as the one-size-fits-all Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule that threatens to close thousands of nursing home facilities.  "Undoubtedly, Democrats will use this as an opportunity to engage in fear-mongering and misrepresent our bill as an attack on Medicaid. In reality, it preserves and strengthens Medicaid for children, mothers, people with disabilities and the elderly—for whom the program was designed.  "When so many Americans who are truly in need rely on Medicaid for life-saving services, Washington can’t afford to undermine the program further by subsidizing capable adults who choose not to work. That’s why our bill would implement sensible work requirements. Every other capable adult works to afford healthcare. Half of all Americans get insurance through work, seniors on Medicare get coverage because they paid into the trust fund, and veterans earned their care through their service to our country.  "The Republican bill also prohibits Medicaid from funding 'gender reassignment' surgery for children, instead recommitting the program to essential care for our most vulnerable Americans. The federal government shouldn’t be subsidizing these procedures in any form, and I am proud that we will be protecting all our children from the lasting, harmful effects of these procedures. "Without Republican solutions, Washington risks a complete collapse of Medicaid. Even with these simple steps to eliminate waste and abuse, Medicaid spending will continue to rise every year for the foreseeable future. All who worked on this bill—from my congressional colleagues to the White House—designed it to renew the American dream for families across the country. What could be more common sense than that?” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed H.J. Res. 20, H.J. Res. 24, H.J. Res. 42, and H.J. Res.75 into law. These resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act rescind Biden-Harris Administration rules that would have created costly and unnecessary burdens on American families and businesses.  “ These resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act are a critical part of our work to eliminate the costly and burdensome regulations that failed to serve the best interests of American families and businesses,”  said Chairman Guthrie.    “From increasing the costs of refrigeration equipment used by small businesses to regulating reporting requirements for appliance manufacturers to banning gas-fired water heaters, the Biden-Harris Administration attempted to impose a far-left agenda that put Green New Deal-style policies ahead of the American people. Thank you to President Trump for reversing these regulations and to Chairman Palmer and Congressman Goldman for your leadership on these important issues.” Background: H.J. Res. 20, sponsored by Chairman Gary Palmer (AL-06): In December 2024, during President Biden’s final weeks in office, the DOE issued a final rule setting a new energy efficiency standard that will significantly increase the cost of gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. While the Biden-Harris DOE estimated that the rule would add $231 to the cost of the new model, industry leaders estimated a cost increase of $450-$665 per unit.  40% of customers directly impacted by the rule would have seen a net cost increase from this rule. H.J. Res. 24, introduced by Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05): In October 2024, the Biden-Harris DOE finalized certification, labeling, and enforcement provisions for various consumer products and commercial equipment.    The Biden DOE estimated these requirements would increase annual costs by over $200,000 for manufacturers and result in nearly 3,000 hours of additional paperwork for companies. This final rule amended or created new certification, labeling, and enforcement requirements for 20 different products, including dishwashers, central air conditioning and heat pumps, clothes washers, and more.  H.J. Res. 42, sponsored by Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09): In October 2024, the Biden-Harris DOE finalized certification, labeling, and enforcement provisions for various consumer products and commercial equipment.    The Biden DOE estimated these requirements would increase annual costs by over $200,000 for manufacturers and result in nearly 3,000 hours of additional paperwork for companies. This final rule amended or created new certification, labeling, and enforcement requirements for 20 different products, including dishwashers, central air conditioning and heat pumps, clothes washers, and more.  Failing to repeal these harmful certification, labeling, and enforcement requirements would have solidified the disastrous standards promulgated under the last administration. H.J. Res. 75, sponsored by Congressman Craig Goldman (TX-12): On January 21, 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) finalized new energy conservation standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers, more commonly referred to as Commercial Refrigeration Equipment (CRE). The standards for Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers would have required massive energy reductions that would have led to higher costs and jeopardized the safety of food for Americans. The Biden-Harris Department of Energy itself estimated that at least one standard would have a payback period of more than 90 years, clearly demonstrating the absurdity of the regulation. ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, announced a Full Committee Markup of the Committee's budget reconciliation text.  “Through the reconciliation process, the Committee on Energy and Commerce is working to end wasteful government spending, unleash American energy and innovation, and strengthen Medicaid for mothers, children, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly,”   said Chairman Brett Guthrie.   “We are committed to delivering President Trump’s agenda and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, so the most vulnerable Americans can reliably access the care they need.” WHAT:  Full Committee Markup of the Committee on Energy and Commerce Budget Reconciliation Text  DATE:  Tuesday, May 13, 2025 TIME:  2:00 PM ET  LOCATION:  2123 Rayburn House Office Building  Members of the media who wish to attend in-person should RSVP to their respective press gallery no later than 5:00 PM ET on Monday, May 12, 2025. House Radio/TV Gallery:  radiotv@mail.house.gov (202) 225-5214 House Periodical Gallery:  Periodical.press@mail.house.gov (202) 225-2941 House Daily Press Gallery:  dailypressgallery@mail.house.gov (202) 224-3945 Photographer Gallery:  press_photo@saa.senate.gov (202) 224-6548 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 markup, please contact Jessica Donlon and Sarah Meier with the Committee staff at  Jessica.Donlon@mail.house.gov  and Sarah.Meier@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Matthew VanHyfte at  Matthew.VanHyfte@mail.house.gov . ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, announced the Committee’s new Chief Counsel of the Subcommittee on Environment, Byron Brown.   Subcommittee on Environment   Chief Counsel – Byron Brown    Byron Brown will serve as Chief Counsel for the Subcommittee on Environment. Most recently, Byron served as Assistant General Counsel at the American Chemistry Council and has extensive Capitol Hill and Executive Branch experience, including as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy at the Environmental Protection Agency. He also served as Senior Counsel for the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works under Chairman Jim Inhofe, where he worked on issues involving contaminated sites, waste, recycling and mining and was the lead author of the coal ash provisions included in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (PL 114-322). Byron has also served as Senior Counsel and Director of Oversight for the House Committee on Natural Resources under Chairman Doc Hastings, as an attorney in private practice at a law firm in Washington, D.C., and a career attorney at EPA.    Byron is a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Law and has a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Iowa and a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire.  ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following op-ed by Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman John Joyce (PA-13), Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman John James (MI-10), and Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23), appeared in the Washington Examiner this week.  “In the final days of his presidency, former President Joe Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency made a decision that would effectively implement a nationwide electric vehicle mandate as soon as 2035. Before Biden left office, the EPA approved waivers sought by the state of California to impose stricter state emissions standards on automobiles than the existing federal limitations, resulting in a de facto EV mandate that would prevent the sale of gas-powered cars, heavy-duty trucks, diesel engines, and SUVs.   “In 1968, the Clean Air Act granted California a carveout to implement stricter emissions standards to address Los Angeles smog. In December, after more than 50 years of liberal policies expanding the use of this carveout, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom authorized a ban on the sale of gas-powered vehicles in California by 2035.  “To rectify this misinterpretation of congressional intent, the House of Representatives will soon vote on resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act that claw back the Biden EPA’s decision to approve the waivers submitted by California and preserve the availability of gas-powered vehicles and trucks for families and businesses.   “We believe that people should be empowered to decide for themselves which vehicles are best for their families and not have the government decide for them. Our constituents tell us that EVs often cannot fulfill their needs. They frequently can’t drive the distances needed, maintain their charge at extreme temperatures, or recharge fast enough to keep hardworking people on the move.  “Let’s be clear: Outlawing the sale of gas-powered vehicles is a blatant power grab by California Democrats to dictate policy across the country. More than a dozen states have adopted California’s emissions standards, meaning that more than 40% of the vehicle market will be affected by the Biden EPA’s decision. American auto manufacturers cannot afford to make separate vehicles for different states.    “For decades, emissions have been reduced through investments and innovations, not government mandates. With such a short time span between enactment and implementation, our infrastructure is not prepared to meet the demand that a massive EV fleet would put on our electric grid.   “Individual families, gas stations, and highway rest stops are not in a position to install expensive EV chargers at the speed this mandate would require. An EV mandate is also an abandonment of the free-market principles that have enabled Americans to have the most mobility of any nation in the world. This policy will harm working- and middle-class families by making cars more expensive and less capable.    “Only by taking the government’s thumb off the scale and letting the free market decide will the public get the efficient and affordable transportation it needs.    “The EPA’s decision to grant California’s waivers has produced shocking downstream consequences, confirming once again that the Biden-Harris administration prioritized implementing far-left policies over serving the people in its final days.  “There are a number of downstream consequences associated with the implementation of these rules. For instance, electric heavy-duty trucks come with an increased weight and diminished towing power that will require more trucks on the road now and in the future.    “Further, the critical materials necessary for the production of EV batteries are nearly universally mined and produced under the control of the Chinese Communist Party. A complete transition to EVs in the next decade would make our nation deeply reliant on the CCP, which currently produces more than 70% of the world’s rare earth minerals.    “The mining that occurs in China is also among the most environmentally damaging in the world. When regulations exist at all to produce EV batteries, they are often not enforced, leading to toxic chemicals entering the soil, water, and air. The pollution created in the Chinese mining process, which is estimated to be twice as emissions-intensive as mining in the United States, effectively cancels out any perceived gains of an EV compared to a gas-powered car or truck manufactured here at home.    “Passing these resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act is not an attempt to ban the sale of EVs. Anyone who wants to buy an EV should be able to do so. But no person should be forced to buy a car that isn’t right for them.    “Now, with President Donald Trump in the White House and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s commitment to undoing harmful regulations, we have the opportunity to prevent this disastrous rule from going into effect, putting a stop to California’s onerous EV mandate.”  Background:    H.J.Res. 88, led by Rep. John Joyce (R-PA), vice chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, will repeal California’s Advanced Clean Cars II waiver, allowing the state to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035.   H.J.Res. 87, led by Rep. John James (R-MI), will repeal California’s Advanced Clean Trucks waiver, which currently would allow the state to mandate the sale of zero-emission trucks.  H.J.Res. 89, led by Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA), will put an end to California’s implementation of its most recent nitrogen oxide engine emission standards, which create burdensome and unworkable standards for heavy-duty on-road engines.  ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, along with other members of the Committee applauded the passage of three resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to repeal disastrous electric vehicle (EV) mandates.   “The passage of these resolutions is a victory for Americans who will not be forced into purchasing costly EVs because of California’s unworkable mandates,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Griffith . “If not repealed, the California waivers would lead to higher prices for both new and used vehicles, increase our reliance on China, and strain our electric grid. The passage of these three resolutions will help to protect Americans from some of the worst policies of the Biden-Harris Administration. Thank you to Vice Chairman Joyce, Congressman James, and Congressman Obernolte for your work to ensure that families and businesses can continue choosing the vehicles they need.” “American consumers, not out-of-touch politicians, should decide what vehicle best fits their individual needs,” said Congressman John Joyce, M.D. “Since I arrived in Washington, I have led this fight to protect consumer freedom and save the American auto industry from dangerous environmental regulations. As this legislation takes its first step toward reaching President Trump’s desk, I urge my colleagues in the Senate to support this bill to save our auto industry and protect the freedom of the open road.” “Michigan is not afraid of the future, but we demand to be a part of it. The Biden Administration left behind comply-or-die Green New Deal mandates that threaten to crush our trucking industry and drive-up costs for hardworking Americans,” said Congressman James. “I know — my family has a trucking company. Republicans are working hard to implement President Trump’s America First Agenda, and the first step is repealing the rules and waivers that fueled Bideninflation.” “I’m proud that the House passed my resolution to stop California’s unworkable engine emission standards from becoming national policy,” said Congressman Obernolte . “These regulations would raise costs for consumers, crush small businesses, and threaten critical supply chains across the country. It is Congress’ job to ensure that one state’s overreach doesn’t dictate how all Americans live, work, or drive.” Read an Op-ed from Chairman Guthrie, Vice Chairman Joyce, Congressman James, and Congressman Obernolte on these resolutions here . Background: The Clean Air Act generally preempts individual states from setting their own vehicle emission standards. However, section 209 of the Clean Air Act allows the Environmental Protection Agency to waive state preemption for California. This carveout was intended to allow California to implement stricter air vehicle emission standards to address “compelling and extraordinary circumstances” involving local air pollution – not to remake the auto industry and limit consumer choice nationwide.  The Biden EPA granted these waivers that have allowed California to ban sales of new gas, diesel, and hybrid vehicles, as well as heavy-duty trucks, while also mandating 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035. With approval of these resolutions, Congress is exercising its important oversight responsibilities and reining in the regulatory overreach of the previous administration.  H.J.Res. 88, led by Rep. John Joyce (PA-13), Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, will repeal California’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) waiver, allowing the State to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. H.J.Res. 87, led by Rep. John James (MI-10), will repeal California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) waiver, which currently would allow the State to mandate the sale of zero-emission trucks. H.J.Res. 89, led by Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23), will put an end to California’s implementation of its most recent nitrogen oxide (NOx) engine emission standards, which create burdensome and unworkable standards for heavy-duty on-road engines. ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, led a hearing titled Assuring Abundant, Reliable American Energy to Power Innovation :   “The prosperity and security of our nation has always been linked to abundant, reliable, and affordable energy,” said Chairman Latta. “Today’s challenges are no different – we need reliable and affordable energy to fuel developments in artificial intelligence, reshore domestic manufacturing facilities, support the agricultural industry, and lower costs for hardworking Americans.”    Watch the full hearing here .    Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing:   Congresswoman Miller-Meeks (IA-01):   “Most importantly, we have to pass thoughtful legislation that prioritizes affordability, abundance, reliability, and security. Dr. Goff, the Securing America's critical mineral Supply Act builds on the Department of Energy’s current efforts. Could you elaborate on the landscape critical minerals for the committee, which resources are most critical to energy supply and who supplies them and what actions the DOE is taking to secure these supply chains?”   Dr. Goff:   “Well, first, I think the present bill we’re looking at, the supply chain for critical minerals is a good step. It's doing an assessment, looking at vulnerabilities and looking at how we need to move forward.”   Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12):   “In your testimony, you discuss the work you're doing to strengthen American supply chain, increase the production of domestic resources and approved permits for energy projects. As you're working to expand our energy systems, do you think it makes sense that we're also focusing on the reliability of the electric grid to ensure constituents have access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy to keep the lights on?”  Dr. Goff: “ Yes, it's critical that we maintain the grid to be able to get that power to the different communities, to the people, to the businesses as well. And a lot of those businesses, especially as we talked more and more about AI are requiring it to be very firm, reliable power delivered 24/7.”   Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL):  “ We do want to make sure that the American people do have affordable, reliable and secure electricity. But alongside the American people, AI is critical for our economy as well as for our national security. We want to make sure that we have those capabilities on shore in the US. They're all very critical, and that's why we do have a major focus on addition as opposed to subtraction. We've got to make sure that we move forward on all energy technologies to make sure that we can try to meet all of those different goals.”   ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, led a hearing titled Global Networks at Risk: Securing the Future of Telecommunications Infrastructure .  “Today, we rely on communications infrastructure in nearly every sector of our economy,” said Chairman Hudson. “As Americans become more connected, it is increasingly important the equipment we buy and the networks we rely on are secure, resilient, and protected from malicious actors.” Watch the full hearing here .  Below are key excerpts from yesterday’s hearing: Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07): “The systems that connect us, our networks, our satellites, cables, towers, and data centers form the invisible architecture of 21st century life. Safeguarding that infrastructure, as you've all talked about, is not just a matter of technology, it's a matter of strategy, security, and sovereignty.” Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01): “I represent the great state of Idaho and there is a lot of rural space there. A lot of the ISPs don't have a tremendous number of cybersecurity resources, but they will oftentimes be integrated with major infrastructure components. Whether it be a power plant or a grid or flood control or some of those major things that oftentimes can have an impact, without necessarily the infrastructure or the cybersecurity expertise to fend off some of these new threats that are on the way. I'd like to get any suggestions or comments on how CISA might be a resource for that or other sources of a counsel through your role at NTIA?” Mr. Stehlin: “Thank you for that. Idaho is a tremendous opportunity to take advantage of the monies put forth with rip and replace, for example. You know, these rural operators have a hard time making money running a business when you're so spread out. So, removing things like untrusted gear like Huawei or ZTE gear, critically important.” Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02): “Mr. Stroup, you mentioned in your testimony access to sufficient spectrum resources is necessary to secure infrastructure. Can you briefly elaborate on this and share what kind of spectrum authorities you think would make the most sense right now for the space industry?” Mr. Stroup: “ Our industry is growing substantially. As an example, approximately 10 years ago we had a thousand satellites operational. Today, that number is over twelve thousand. That's just to give you a sense of the growth in the industry.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications & Technology, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  Global Networks At Risk: Securing The Future Of Telecommunications Infrastructure. Subcommittee Chairman Hudson's opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Good morning, and welcome to today’s subcommittee hearing on Global Networks at Risk: Securing the Future of Communications Infrastructure.  “This topic has never been more pressing. The United States is home to the world’s leading companies and innovators who are driving the development of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and next-generation wireless technologies. These innovations are critical not just to our economy, but to the future of global connectivity. “Communications are also central to our national defense. This is top of mind for me, especially as the Representative for Fort Bragg — home to the U.S. Special Forces and the largest military base in the world. Connectivity and secure communications networks are vital to maintaining our defense capabilities and keeping our nation safe. “Today, we rely on communications infrastructure in nearly every sector of our economy. As Americans become more connected, it is increasingly important the equipment we buy and the networks we rely on are secure, resilient, and protected from malicious actors.  “Unfortunately, the security of these networks is under threat.  “The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), for example, has been investing heavily to develop unsecure communications equipment and export it around the world to assist in their espionage activities, including in the United States. The known vulnerabilities in many technologies produced by foreign adversaries pose a direct threat to the national security of the United States.  “Last fall, we learned about Salt Typhoon, which may be the largest Chinese-backed telecommunications hack in our nation’s history.  These hackers infiltrated U.S. telecommunications companies’ networks, impacting at least nine providers. This infiltration enabled the hackers to 'geolocate millions of individuals and record phone calls,' and impacted senior U.S. officials, including then- President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance. “In addition to these vulnerabilities, there are an increasing number of physical attacks on communications infrastructure, such as undersea cables. These cables are responsible for carrying data traffic across oceans and are susceptible to damage by the elements and unintentional acts, such as anchors dragging along the seafloor. But they have also been intentionally sabotaged and because of their physical location under the ocean, it can be difficult to monitor unauthorized access to these cables.  “We must take decisive steps to address these threats. I was proud to support funding for the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, which will support the removal of the remaining Chinese equipment in our communications networks.  “Another key aspect of securing our communications infrastructure is the review of foreign investments in U.S. networks. 'Team Telecom' is an interagency working group that reviews foreign investments in certain communications applications that come before the FCC.  “Team Telecom assesses the national security risks, law enforcement, and other policy considerations that may be associated with such investments. While this process is important, applications often get bogged down by delays and bureaucratic hurdles. We must find ways to make sure that national security concerns are addressed without hindering deployment. “Satellite technology also plays an increasingly important role in our communications infrastructure. Satellites provide broadband services, as well as mission critical services to critical infrastructure companies and the Federal government. Yet the regulations governing satellite operations have not kept pace with the growth in the industry.  “Last Congress, this committee led bipartisan legislation to streamline regulatory processes for satellite operators, and the Federal Communications Commission adopted many of these reforms. But more work remains to provide clarity and more certainty in the licensing process to ensure the U.S. remains a leader in this sector. “We must meet these challenges head-on. Innovation has provided untold benefits to Americans and to our economy.  I look forward to hearing from the witnesses today about these issues. “I now yield five minutes to my colleague, Ranking Member Doris Matsui, for her opening statement.” ###