WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the 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 today for this markup as we look to advance legislation affecting Americans in the most personal ways. From reauthorizing key programs addressing substance use disorder, to protecting Americans online from sexual exploitation, the Committee on Energy and Commerce is working to address the biggest issues facing our country and our constituents.

“Every bill we are considering today is bipartisan, and in many cases members of this Committee have been working together on them over several Congresses. Every bill today either passed out of the Committee unanimously and through the House last year with strong bipartisan votes or were negotiated and agreed upon on a bipartisan, bicameral basis at the end of last year. Every single bill we are considering had bipartisan agreement last Congress, and I am hope we can pick up where we left off to move them all forward today.

“Earlier this Congress, Ranking Member Pallone and I testified before the House Administration Committee to talk about our Committee budget, and I really appreciate what the Ranking Member said at that hearing about some of the legislation we are considering today.

“He said, 'While we were not able to get these bipartisan bills and provisions signed into law last Congress, I know that we are committed to getting them done this Congress.'

“I am glad to report that we are moving those bills forward because they make our country stronger, and we need to pass this critical legislation. 

“In particular, we will advance health care legislation to lower costs for patients, support cancer research, and address substance use disorder. 

“I’m thankful to all of my colleagues who have supported this legislation to increase access to care for patients and their families. 

“Today, we also have an opportunity to advance multiple bills that will strengthen our communications infrastructure and better prevent attacks from our adversaries, who are continually seeking to compromise our critical infrastructure. These bills will help fortify our networks against their threats. 

“While technological leadership is critically important to our national security and economic prosperity, as a father and grandfather, I am extremely concerned by the stories we are all hearing from parents about the potential unintended consequences of new technologies.  

“From protecting Americans from romance scams to increasing price transparency in ticketing and lodging, today should be a chance to celebrate bipartisan wins that serve our constituents.  

“I am still hopeful that we can make progress soon on some of the other bills I have discussed with my friends across the aisle, but nonetheless, we are marking up some outstanding legislation today, and I want to thank all of our sponsors for their hard work getting us to this point. 

“I always say the work we do here in the House affects people in their homes. This legislation makes American homes safer, healthier, and more prosperous.  

“Thank you all for your hard work, and I look forward to advancing this legislation out of Committee.”

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