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.

Chairman Guthrie's opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Thank you all for being here for our first legislative markup of the 119th Congress. This Committee has a rich, bipartisan history, which we will continue in that spirit with the bills we are considering today.

“Each of these bipartisan pieces of legislation was passed by the House last Congress, and I am proud that we will be moving these forward again today.

“We must make sure that government stands ready to partner with innovators to continue promoting technological advancement. 

“One bill proposed today will help improve wireless services for farmers utilizing precision agriculture. Another will work to improve American cybersecurity and protect our networks from bad actors.

“Together, these bills can help to prepare our infrastructure to withstand cyber threats, while also ensuring our wireless infrastructure is calibrated to the needs of the 21st Century.

“I thank the sponsors for their leadership and continued work getting these bills across the finish line.

“We will also be continuing our work to shore up American supply chains and secure our critical infrastructure. Our adversaries are constantly launching threats to our supply chains, especially in critical industries, emphasizing the need for great resiliency.

“Legislation like the Global Investment in American Jobs Act will help attract more investment in the United States, supporting our American workers.

“Bolstering American manufacturing and reducing our reliance on China should be priorities for all of us, and I look forward to advancing legislation to do just that.

“Next, we will consider legislation to protect Americans from potentially dangerous products and technologies. 

“The Awning Safety Act of 2025 will instruct the CPSC to create a safety standard for fixed and freestanding awnings, in memory of Dr. Michael Hnat (NAT) who tragically lost his life in an awning accident.

“I again want to thank all of the sponsors and advocates who helped us make this legislation the best it can be. 

“I always say the work we do here in the House affects people in their homes, and I think that is on display with the bipartisan legislation we are considering today.

“We have a lot more work to do this Congress, but I am proud that we are able to start with legislation that unites this Committee in securing American leadership and eliminating unnecessary risks to people’s safety.

“I thank you all for your work, and I look forward to advancing these bills to the full House.”

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