House Committee on Energy and Commerce

All Updates

Apr 22, 2026

Committees on Energy and Commerce and Financial Services Introduce Pair of Privacy Bills to Establish Comprehensive Data Protections for All Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Leader of the Energy and Commerce Data Privacy Working Group and Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, joined Congressman French Hill (AR-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02), Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, and Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence, to introduce their respective legislation, the SECURE Data Act and the GUARD Financial Data Act.

Attributable to Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Congress, and Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Leader of the Energy and Commerce Data Privacy Working Group and Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations:

“The Energy and Commerce Data Privacy Working Group was created to reset the discussion on comprehensive data privacy, taking wide ranging input from stakeholders and crafting a consensus bill that protects the privacy and security of Americans’ personal data. The SECURE Data Act is the result. This bill establishes clear, enforceable protections so that Americans remain in charge of their own data and companies are held accountable for its safe keeping. We look forward to working with our colleagues to build support for this bill and advance data privacy protections fit for our 21st century economy.”

Attributable to Congressman French Hill (AR-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, and Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence:

“For decades, Americans have entrusted financial institutions to maintain the privacy and security of their financial information. Twenty-six years ago, when the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) became law, it was written in a technology-neutral fashion that has adapted well to the changes in technology and types of consumer data that have developed since 1999. But, in that time, the volume and complexity of data have increased such that providing consumers greater control over their financial data has become imperative.

“That is why we have introduced the GUARD Financial Data Act to modernize the GLBA. Our bill minimizes data collection and disclosures; allows customers and former customers to request access to their financial data held by a financial institution; allows former customers of a financial institution to request deletion of their data; and requires a financial institution to receive a consumer’s affirmative opt-in consent before sensitive personal information can be disclosed.

“The Financial Services Committee is proud to introduce these commonsense protections in coordination with the Energy and Commerce Committee as part of a unified House Republican effort to ensure Americans’ data privacy rights. This effort represents a significant step to strengthen consumer protections and ensure Americans have control over their financial data. We look forward to continuing to work together as these measures progress through the legislative process.”

BACKGROUND:

Congressman John Joyce, M.D. led the Energy and Commerce Data Privacy Working Group.
The working group received over 250 written responses and held meetings with over 170 difference organizations to gather feedback and create the strongest bill possible.
In addition to Congressman John Joyce, M.D., each member of the working group will be sponsors of the bill, including Representatives Morgan Griffith (VA-09),Troy Balderson (OH-12), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Russell Fry (SC-07), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Tom Kean (NJ-07), Craig Goldman (TX-12), and Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL).

The SECURE Data Act:
Establishes a national privacy and data security standard to protect the personal data of all Americans and their families.
Builds on the proven framework adopted by the overwhelming majority of states that have enacted comprehensive privacy and data security laws.
Establishes new rights for consumers and obligations for companies—enforced by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys-general.

Consumer Privacy Rights

Consumers will have the right to:
Know their data is being collected and used.
Access a copy of their personal data, including in a portable format.
Delete their personal data.
Opt-out of targeted advertising, sales of personal data, and certain automated decisions.
Sensitive data can only be processed with a consumer’s consent.
A parent’s consent is required to process a child and teens’ personal data.

Commonsense Obligations on Businesses

Companies must:
Limit their collection of personal data to what is “adequate, relevant, and reasonably necessary” for the purposes disclosed to consumers.
Disclose what personal data they share with others, including any personal data processed in or sold to China, Russia, or other foreign adversaries.
Implement data security practices to protect the personal data they process.
Data brokers must:
Comply with the data minimization, disclosure, and data security requirements.
Register with the FTC and provide information about their privacy and data security practices and about the personal data they sell.
The FTC will establish a searchable public-facing registry of data brokers, where consumers can learn how to exercise their privacy rights.

Advances American Leadership in the Global Digital Economy

The Secretary of Commerce is empowered to:
Continue its longstanding promotion of cross-border data flows and the protection of personal data in international commerce.
Address the negative impacts of foreign data localization and data transfer restrictions.
Protect Americans’ data from the risks posed by foreign adversaries.

CLICK HERE to read the Energy and Commerce and Financial Services Committees joint one-pager.

CLICK HERE to view the Committee on Energy and Commerce’s SECURE Data Act.

CLICK HERE to view the Committee on Financial Services’ GUARD Financial Data Act.

Apr 22, 2026

Energy

Chairman Latta Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Energy Hearing Conducting Oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing conducting oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

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

“Good morning and welcome to today’s hearing. We welcome Chairman Nieh and the commissioners. It has been three years since we had the full Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) before the Committee, and a lot has happened since then.

“The energy landscape has been changing rapidly.

“We need more power for emerging industrial output and the AI race—as well as for a more robust, reliable grid.

“We need firm, reliable power, and a lot more of it.

“Successful deployment of nuclear technologies promises to help meet future energy demand, as well as assist in a range of other applications beneficial to society.

“Expanding nuclear deployment also promises to strengthen our national security, by increasing nuclear commerce with allies and supporting a more cost-effective nuclear industrial base.

“Of course, success depends on many factors beyond NRC. However, success will rest on a regulatory system that will efficiently provide reasonable assurance that health and safety are adequately protected.

“Two years ago, Congress took significant steps to optimize NRC’s regulatory system so that it could more effectively and efficiently carry out its vital work while enabling large scale nuclear deployment.

“At the time, there was significant frustration that the agency was not up to the task.

“For example, NRC staff in 2023 failed to produce a new regulatory framework that was workable for advanced reactors, and the staff knew nuclear applicants would not use it.

“Energy and Commerce members joined twenty Senators in a bipartisan letter to the Commission asking NRC to go back to the drawing board.

“We were concerned NRC was losing sight of its true mission.

“This concern helped inform development of the ADVANCE Act, which focused on licensing efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing predictability in NRC licensing.

“It also focused on aligning NRC’s mission so that it could do its work in service to a goal of fully achieving the benefits of nuclear for society.

“With the ADVANCE Act, Congress provided NRC the clear direction and tools to establish a strong licensing framework for nuclear development for coming decades.

“The Trump Administration, as we all know, has also stepped up to advance nuclear on several fronts.

“It is accelerating regulatory reforms through Executive Orders—consistent with the ADVANCE Act—for more efficient, risk-informed licensing. It is developing a more whole of government approach to nuclear deployment.

“How all this is coming together at NRC is a central topic for this hearing.

“In a January hearing, the subcommittee heard measured optimism that NRC has been responding well to the task before it.

“The developing record supports this optimism.

“The NRC issued the final rule for a new advanced reactor framework—the one that had raised concerns just three years ago.

“The so-called Part 53 rule looks to meet Congressional intent, offering one of the most flexible frameworks in the world, and making it easier for various technologies to work through the licensing process.

“And the costs for that process have been cut in half.

“The NRC is also working to issue a number of rules responsive not only to the President but also to Congress.

“These include rules that will enable regulation of microreactors, rapid licensing at existing sites, and licensing of manufacturing processes, so reactors can be built on assembly lines.

“The NEPA reforms from the Fiscal Responsibility Act are expected to save substantial time and workload in the siting reviews—by some estimates cutting workload by well more than half and expediting decisions.

“Elsewhere, NRC has already been completing licensing reviews under budget and ahead of schedule—with positive responses from the regulated industry seeking to relicense or build more reactors.

“NRC is seeking structural reforms to how it oversees the licensed fleet, prioritizing attention to what really matters in safety.

“We should discuss the challenges, of course, including how NRC is developing its workforce to meet the new licensing work, and how it is working with the Department of Energy or the intergovernmental process.

“Given all the work underway, we should also ask what more Congress may do to assist in setting NRC up for successfully implementing its important safety mission—a mission that, when performed well, will lead to tremendous benefits for people across the nation.”

Apr 21, 2026

Health

Health Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Department of Health and Human Services FY2027 Budget

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Health, led a hearing titled The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Health and Human Services Budget.

“As a pharmacist, I’ve seen firsthand how health challenges play out in real life—at the pharmacy counter, in rural communities, and for patients trying to navigate a system that is often too complicated and too expensive. Too often, patients walk away from needed care—not because it isn’t available, but because they can’t afford it, or because the system makes it too difficult to get the care they need,” said Vice Chair Harshbarger. “This budget outlines an ambitious agenda to improve health outcomes, modernize federal programs, and make health care more affordable and accessible. This Subcommittee looks forward to continue working with the Administration to ensure these priorities are implemented in a way that delivers real results for the American people.”

Watch the full hearing here.

Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing:

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Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12): “As you know, rare disease innovation is a key priority area for me. Last year, with HHS support, Congress reauthorized the FDA Pediatric Priority Review Voucher (PRV) program, a critical incentive for rare disease companies to develop pediatric treatments. I was pleased to see a legislative proposal in the president's budget this year to make the PRV program permanent, and I look forward to working with you on this proposal that will bring stability to the rare community, so thank you very much for that. Rare disease advocates were also encouraged to see the addition of two conditions to the recommended universal screening panel for heritable screen against newborn screening. What will the process look like for adding new conditions to the newborn screening panel moving forward?” Secretary Kennedy: “We added new two new diseases—Metachromatic Leukodystrophy and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy—to the panel. We intend to add a lot more of those diseases. In addition to that, we have a new initiative called the Plausible Mechanism Pathway that will quickly facilitate new drugs getting to market—new rare disease drugs without going through clinical trials of a similar molecule has already gone through the process, and there's a plausible mechanism for approval. In addition to that, we have a Rare Pediatric [Disease] Priority Review Voucher that is going to, again, facilitate quick approval of rare disease drugs. So, this is a center focus at FDA right now. We're doing more than any administration has done in history.”

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Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03): “As we review the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, Secretary Kennedy, I think it's important that we focus not just on how much we are spending, but whether or not we're actually improving health outcomes for the American people. Now, too often, we say that we have a health care system, but I personally believe that we have a “sick care” system, and we have a culture that perpetuates a system of maintenance rather than prevention. And I think much of what your initiatives do is trying to address the cultural issue, as well as the structural issues within HHS. I appreciate the Administration's focus on prevention, nutrition, innovation, and I look forward to continuing the discussion on how this budget can move us in that direction, while improving access and lowering costs.”

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Congressman Erin Houchin (IN-09): “Areva Pharmaceuticals is a critical manufacturer of generics in my district, which I'm proud to have headquartered in Southern Indiana, and they've been manufacturing pharmaceutical products in Indiana since 2011. They're continuing their efforts to expand production to include manufacturing of raw materials. They make fludarabine phosphate, which is a key pretreatment for CAR T-cell therapy and stem cell therapy for cancer treatment. The only place they can source the precursor to make that medication is in Wuhan, China. They are facing a lengthy and complicated approval process with uncertain timelines, making it extremely difficult to expand these productions in raw materials. Mr. Secretary, what are HHS and the FDA doing to accelerate U.S. pharmaceutical domestic manufacturing of these precursors and minimizing regulatory roadblocks, while still maintaining high safety standards?” Secretary Kennedy: “And thank you for asking me that. It's been a huge stumbling block for the production of generic drugs in this country, which are the majority of drugs that we use. And we're getting them all from China and from India—almost all of them from China and India—and it is a vulnerability in our supply chains. It's a national health threat, [and] a national defense vulnerability as well, so we're doing everything that we can to ease the production pains of construction and expanding plants here and getting quick approvals. FDA has initiated a new program called the PreCheck program that fast tracks these proposals.”

Apr 21, 2026

Press Release

Chairman Palmer Delivers Remarks on Critical Permitting Reform Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gary Plamer (AL-06) Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, delivered the following remarks introducing H.R. 6387, the Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act, which would to ensure that states are not penalized for wildfire mitigation measures, like prescribed burns and brush clearing.

Subcommittee Chairman Palmer’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6387, the FIRE Act — a bipartisan bill introduced by Congressman Gabe Evans of Colorado and co-led by Congressman Adam Gray of California.

“The FIRE Act ensures that states are not penalized for wildfire mitigation practices like prescribed or controlled burns and brush clearing. States currently limit these practices for fear of falling out of attainment with National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

“Unlike wildfires, prescribed burns do not automatically qualify as exceptional events under the current provisions of the Clean Air Act. This is because prescribed burns are human-caused, likely to recur, and preventable. As a result, prescribed burns are often counted against states for the purpose of National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

“In 2016, EPA amended the Exceptional Events Rule in an effort to include prescribed burns, but the attempt failed. Only one prescribed fire qualified for the exceptional event exception in the last decade. Congress must amend the Clean Air Act to allow wildfire mitigation to be included as an exceptional event exception. Time has taught us that agency action is not enough to address the current statutory obstacles.

“The FIRE Act directly amends the Clean Air Act so that prescribed burns are treated as exceptional events and states are not penalized for wildfire mitigation measures. It provides clarity and predictability for air quality planning and encourages proactive wildfire mitigation measures.

“There is nearly unanimous agreement that increasing the use of prescribed fire and other wildfire mitigation practices is necessary to reduce the growing wildfire threats across the country. With what's projected to be a severe wildfire season around the corner, Congress must modernize the Clean Air Act to ensure that wildfire mitigation practices are eligible for the Exceptional Events Rule.

“The FIRE Act allows states to perform prescribed burns and wildfire mitigation activities without severe economic consequences, protecting their communities from the devastating impact of wildfires.

“I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.”

Apr 21, 2026

Communications & Technology

House Passes Telecom Bills to Streamline Bureaucratic Permitting Processes and Strengthen Emergency Communications

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, along with Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, celebrated the House passage of legislation to cut permitting red tape and strengthen American emergency communications systems.

“Secure, innovative, and reliable communications infrastructure underpins the foundation of the modern economy, allowing Americans to gain access to job and education opportunities, telehealth services, and tools to stay in touch with loved ones. By modernizing critical emergency communications and speeding up the permitting process for broadband buildout, these bills ensure all Americans can access the technologies they need to fully participate in the digital world,”said Chairman Guthrie. “I thank my colleagues for their diligent, bipartisan work to find common ground and advance such important legislation.”

"Whether in the normal course of life or in moments of crisis, Americans deserve cutting-edge infrastructure that works. Our legislation that passed the House this week prioritizes transparency, investment, and reliability as we streamline permitting and strengthen our emergency response systems," said Chairman Hudson. "I appreciate the work our colleagues have put into these bills to close the digital divide and keep Americans safe."

BACKGROUND:

H.R. 7386, the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026—Rep. Dunn (FL-02)

This legislation reauthorizes the First Responder Network Authority for 10 years and makes several improvements to ensure the long-term success of the network for first responders, while increasing transparency and accountability within the program.

These reforms include bringing FirstNet fully under the purview of NTIA, increasing the number of public safety professionals on the Board from three to five, updating the law to allow for network investment including advanced technologies, and improving audit, evaluation, and reporting requirements.

H.R. 7022, the Mystic Alerts Act—Rep. Pfluger (TX-11)

This legislation would improve public safety capabilities by kickstarting the process for mobile service providers to utilize satellite connectivity to send alert messages in areas that may not have access to terrestrial cell network coverage.

H.R. 1681, the Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act—Rep. Evans (CO-08)

This legislation would direct NTIA to lead an interagency strike force to help prioritize reviews of requests to deploy broadband on federal land.

H.R. 1343, the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act—Rep. Pfluger (TX-11)

This legislation would require NTIA to submit a plan to Congress on tracking the acceptance, processing, and disposal of requests to deploy broadband on federal property.

H.R. 5200, the Emergency Reporting Act—Rep. Matsui (CA-07)

This legislation would increase the reliability and resiliency of our emergency communications infrastructure by requiring additional data collection after an outage that affects 911 services and to use that data to issue recommendations for improvements.

H.R. 5201, the Kari's Law Reporting Act—Rep. Matsui (CA-07)

This legislation would help ensure that manufacturers of telephone systems commonly found in large buildings or on campuses are complying with federal law to make it easier to dial 911 from these systems and aid first responders in case of an emergency.

S. 98, the Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025—Sen. Capito (R-WV)

This legislation would enhance safeguards used to vet applicants seeking Universal Service Fund funding and ensure the program is serving hard-to-reach rural areas in our efforts to close the digital divide.

Apr 21, 2026

Press Release

House Passes Energy and Commerce Bills to Expand Access to Care and Promote Patient Health Outcomes

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 Health, issued a statement following House passage of H.R. 3419, To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs; H.R. 2319, the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025; and H.R. 2493, the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025.

“Today, Congress passed important pieces of legislation to bridge gaps for communities that historically face barriers to medical care,” said Chairman Guthrie. “All three of these bills share a primary focus on expanding health care access for rural and underserved populations. This work is a bigger part of Republicans’ efforts to strengthen public health infrastructure in our country, and I am grateful to my colleagues that championed these important pieces of legislation.”

“Congress is stepping up to the plate to deliver popular health care solutions for underserved populations, including rural communities,” said Chairman Griffith. “With House passage of these commonsense bills, we continue legislative progress that improves health care access, restores opportunities for treatment and promotes critical resources. I am proud to have led the Health Subcommittee in advancing policies that will help Make America Healthy Again!”

Background:

H.R. 3419, To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs, reauthorizes key grant programs—namely, the Telehealth Network Grant Program and the Telehealth Resource Centers—to continue critical support and strengthens the telehealth infrastructure that Americans rely on.

H.R. 2319, the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025, strengthens and advances ongoing and emerging research opportunities to reduce the burden of lung cancer mortality.

This bipartisan bill requires an interagency review between the Department of Health and Human Services and the Departments of War and Veterans Affairs to determine the current research landscape and identify new areas of research to explore.

H.R. 2493, the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025, reauthorizes grant programs that utilize integrated health care networks to help connect patients to high quality of care.

Apr 21, 2026

Health

Vice Chair Harshbarger Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Department of Health and Human Services FY2027 Budget

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Health, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing discussing the Department of Health and Human Services FY2027 Budget.

Subcommittee Vice Chair Harshbarger’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Today, we welcome Secretary Kennedy to discuss the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget for the Department of Health and Human Services. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here and for your continued engagement with this Committee.

“At the outset, I want to recognize the leadership of President Trump and your work at HHS to advance a bold vision for Making America Healthy Again. The mission of HHS—to promote and protect the health and well-being of Americans—has never been more important, especially as we confront rising chronic disease, increasing health care costs, and growing access challenges across the country.

“As a pharmacist, I’ve seen firsthand how these challenges play out in real life—at the pharmacy counter, in rural communities, and for patients trying to navigate a system that is often too complicated and too expensive. Too often, patients walk away from needed care—not because it isn’t available, but because they can’t afford it, or because the system makes it too difficult to get the care they need.

“That’s why I appreciate the Administration’s focus on prevention, transparency, and accountability—core principles that are reflected throughout this budget. Efforts to strengthen primary care, expand behavioral health services, and invest in maternal and child health are important steps toward improving outcomes and bending the cost curve over time.

“A stronger emphasis on prevention—particularly addressing nutrition and chronic disease—has the potential to reduce long-term costs while improving quality of life for millions of Americans.

“I am also encouraged by the emphasis on health care affordability. Families in East Tennessee and across the country continue to feel the strain of high drug prices, rising premiums, and out-of-pocket costs. The Administration’s work to increase price transparency and ensure patients have access to clear, usable pricing information is a critical step toward restoring a functioning health care marketplace.

“Similarly, efforts to promote competition—through biosimilars and streamlined regulatory pathways—can help bring down costs and expand treatment options.

“And modernizing tools like prior authorization to reduce delays and administrative burden is something both patients and providers have long needed.

“Another area of strong interest for this Subcommittee—and certainly for my district—is rural health. We know that rural communities face unique challenges, including provider shortages, hospital closures, and limited access to specialty care. In many parts of East Tennessee, patients may travel long distances just to see a provider or fill a prescription.

“I look forward to hearing more about how this budget supports rural providers, strengthens the healthcare workforce, and ensures that patients—regardless of where they live—can access timely, high-quality care. Investments in primary care, workforce development, and community-based services will be key to stabilizing rural health systems and improving outcomes.

“I also want to commend the Department’s focus on program integrity and stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Efforts to combat fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid—and to move toward more real-time oversight—are essential to protecting these programs for the patients who depend on them.

“Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar that cannot be used for patient care, and strong oversight is critical to maintaining trust in our health care system.

“Finally, I want to highlight the importance of ensuring patients have access to innovative treatments and therapies. The Administration’s efforts to accelerate drug development, reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers, and support individualized therapies—particularly for rare diseases—are promising steps forward.

“At the same time, we must ensure that these scientific advancements translate into real-world access—so patients can get the care they need, when they need it, without unnecessary delay.

“Mr. Secretary, this budget outlines an ambitious agenda to improve health outcomes, modernize federal programs, and make health care more affordable and accessible. This Subcommittee looks forward to working with you to ensure these priorities are implemented in a way that delivers real results for the American people.

“I appreciate your testimony and look forward to our discussion today.”

Apr 21, 2026

Vice Chair Harshbarger Delivers Floor Remarks on Legislation to Expand Access to Care and Promote Patient Health Outcomes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, delivered remarks on the House floor regarding H.R. 3419, To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs; H.R. 2319, the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025; and H.R. 2493, the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025. These pieces of legislation reauthorize key grant programs to both strengthen telehealth infrastructure and utilize integrated health care networks to help connect patients to high quality care, as well as advance ongoing and emerging research opportunities to reduce the burden of lung cancer mortality.

Vice Chair Harshbarger’s remarks on H.R. 3419, To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs, as prepared for delivery:

“I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3419, which would reauthorize the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs, led by my colleague Congressman Valadao.

“Telehealth has been an extremely useful tool that helps patients overcome various physical barriers to care and expands access to a wide array of services provided by high-quality health care professionals.

“It is both an effective and efficient way to deliver health care services to patients living in rural and medically underserved areas across the United States. As we continue working to build a healthier America, telehealth is an incredible tool to help break down barriers and promote patient access.

“H.R. 3419 reauthorizes key grant programs—namely, the Telehealth Network Grant Program and the Telehealth Resource Centers.

“Under the Telehealth Network Grant Program, awardees can receive funding to provide services through a telehealth network for patients in rural and medically underserved areas.

“Additionally, the Telehealth Resource Center provides telehealth technical assistance for regional and national entities that support providers to best utilize this technology to care for their patients.

“Ultimately, this bill continues critical support and strengthens the telehealth infrastructure that Americans rely on.”

Vice Chair Harshbarger’s remarks on H.R. 2493, the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025, as prepared for delivery:

“I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2493, the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025, led by my friend from Georgia, Congressman Carter.

“Too often, where a patient lives determines whether they are able to access adequate health care services. Patients living in rural areas, in particular, often face barriers like a shortage of local providers and the transportation challenges of traveling longer distances to reach points of care.

“To overcome these challenges and build towards a healthier future, we must continue leveraging tools like telehealth to ensure that rural and underserved communities have access to quality health care.

“H.R. 2493 reauthorizes grant programs that utilize integrated health care networks to help connect patients to high quality care.

“More specifically, the programs we are reauthorizing will help address critical health care gaps in rural communities such as access to preventive screenings and chronic disease management, while improving services in primary care settings.

“We must continue to invest in these community-driven policies to promote better health outcomes for rural and underserved populations.”

Vice Chair Harshbarger’s remarks on H.R. 2319, the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025, as prepared for delivery:

“I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2319, the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025, led by my colleague Representative Boyle.

“Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, and it claims the lives of more Americans than any other type of cancer.

“Globally, over 600,000 women die every year from lung cancer, and we know that nearly 20 percent of lung cancer cases occur in individuals who have either never smoked or have smoked less than 100 cigarettes over their lifetime.

“These findings demonstrate that we need to be doing more to understand the risk factors beyond just smoking cigarettes, and improve both our strategies and tools for screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention—especially among women, who face unique risk factors.

“H.R. 2319 would allow us to strengthen and advance emerging research opportunities that we rely on to reduce the burden of lung cancer mortality.

“Further, this bipartisan bill requires an interagency review between the Department of Health and Human Services and the Departments of War and Veterans Affairs to determine the current research landscape and identify new areas of research to explore.

“H.R. 2319 is an opportunity to take another critical step forward in our fight against cancer in the U.S.”

Apr 21, 2026

Communications & Technology

Chairman Hudson Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Hearing on Updating Satellite Regulations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing on updating satellite regulations.

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

“While a lot of focus on space in recent weeks has been on NASA and the Artemis II mission around the moon, what people may not know is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also plays a key role in space. The spectrum that commercial satellites and other spacecraft use to communicate with each other – and back to the earth – is regulated and licensed by the FCC.

“The FCC also coordinates with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which manages global orbital assignments. That means the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the best Committee in Congress, has jurisdiction over the space economy.

“The satellite industry has been in a period of robust growth and innovation over the last decade, and U.S. companies are leading the way. While we have long relied on satellite technology for GPS and key services supporting functions of the U.S. government, satellite technology is playing an increasingly important role in our communications infrastructure.

“Satellites are helping us close the digital divide by providing broadband and other critical services in remote locations. In fact, these next-generation satellite networks provide broadband at speeds and latency that rivals other forms of broadband service, connecting Americans who were previously unserved or underserved.

“Satellite-based services have also been transformational for our first responders when they need reliable communications the most. In my home state of North Carolina when Hurricane Helene devastated terrestrial-based infrastructure, satellite was able to bridge the gap and keep first responders connected. Satellite-based services will also continue to impact other industries, including precision agriculture, maritime, aviation, logistics and supply chains, energy, and mining operations.

“Since our last subcommittee event dedicated to this topic a few years ago, new partnerships have been announced between satellite operators and mobile carriers to help bolster cellular coverage. We are also hearing more about space-based enterprise communications services and orbital data centers. Who knows what other developments are on the horizon.

“Demand for these services has resulted in the deployment of thousands of new satellites in recent years. And while work is ongoing at the FCC to update their rules for the 21st century, it is essential our Committee continues to be part of the conversation.

“Today, we will hear from a variety of representatives of the industry about how the industry has evolved and lingering challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the U.S. continues to lead.

“Included in today’s hearing is legislative text for Chairman Guthrie’s Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act, co-led by Ranking Member Pallone.

This legislation is aimed at streamlining licensing of space-based communications services, providing more certainty of operators of these systems, and ultimately securing U.S. leadership in satellite communications technology for years to come.”