[House Report 114-906]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Union Calendar No. 717
114th Congress, 2d Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House Report 114-906
ACTIVITY REPORT
of the
COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE
of the
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
for the
ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH CONGRESS
together with
DISSENTING VIEWS
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
January 3, 2017.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE
Union Calendar No. 717
114th Congress, 2d Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House Report 114-906
ACTIVITY REPORT
of the
COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE
of the
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
for the
ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH CONGRESS
together with
DISSENTING VIEWS
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
January 3, 2017.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
______
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
23-221 WASHINGTON : 2017
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Publishing
Office Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800;
DC area (202) 512-1800 Fax: (202) 512-2104 Mail: Stop IDCC,
Washington, DC 20402-0001
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
----------
House of Representatives,
Committee on Energy and Commerce,
Washington, DC, January 3, 2017.
Hon. Karen L. Haas,
Clerk, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Ms. Haas: Pursuant to clause 1(d) of Rule XI of the
Rules of the House of Representatives, I present herewith a
report on the activity of the Committee on Energy and Commerce
for the 114th Congress, including the Committee's review and
study of legislation within its jurisdiction and the oversight
activities undertaken by the Committee.
Sincerely,
Fred Upton,
Chairman.
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
Jurisdiction..................................................... 1
Rules for the Committee.......................................... 3
Membership and Organization...................................... 11
Legislative and Oversight Activity............................... 19
Summary of Committee Activities.............................. 19
Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade........... 21
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology................ 51
Subcommittee on Energy and Power............................. 81
Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy.................. 117
Subcommittee on Health....................................... 129
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations................. 205
Oversight Plan for the Committee................................. 217
Public Laws...................................................... 226
Hearings Held Pursuant to Clauses 2(n), (o), or (p) of Rule XI... 227
Printed Hearings of the Committee................................ 229
Addendum......................................................... 235
Dissenting Views................................................. 240
Union Calendar No. 717
114th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { 114-906
======================================================================
ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE OF THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH CONGRESS
_______
January 3, 2017.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Upton, from the Committee on Energy and Commerce,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
together with
DISSENTING VIEWS
Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction of the Committee on Energy and Commerce,
as prescribed by Clause 1(f) of Rule X of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, is as follows:
(1) Biomedical research and development.
(2) Consumer affairs and consumer protection.
(3) Health and health facilities (except health care
supported by payroll deductions).
(4) Interstate energy compacts.
(5) Interstate and foreign commerce generally.
(6) Exploration, production, storage, supply, marketing,
pricing, and regulation of energy resources, including all
fossil fuels, solar energy, and other unconventional or
renewable energy resources.
(7) Conservation of energy resources.
(8) Energy information generally.
(9) The generation and marketing of power (except by
Federally chartered or Federal regional power marketing
authorities); reliability and interstate transmission of, and
ratemaking for, all power; and siting of generation facilities
(except the installation of interconnections between Government
waterpower projects).
(10) General management of the Department of Energy and
management and all functions of the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission.
(11) National energy policy generally.
(12) Public health and quarantine.
(13) Regulation of the domestic nuclear energy industry,
including regulation of research and development reactors and
nuclear regulatory research.
(14) Regulation of interstate and foreign communications.
(15) Travel and tourism.
The committee shall have the same jurisdiction with respect
to regulation of nuclear facilities and of use of nuclear
energy as it has with respect to regulation of nonnuclear
facilities and of use of nonnuclear energy.
In addition, clause 3(e) of Rule X of the Rules of the
House of Representatives provides that the Committee on Energy
and Commerce shall review and study on a continuing basis laws,
programs, and Government activities relating to nuclear and
other energy and nonmilitary nuclear energy research and
development including the disposal of nuclear waste.
Rules for the Committee on Energy and Commerce, U.S. House of
Representatives, 114th Congress
Rule 1. General Provisions
(a) Rules of the Committee. The Rules of the House are the
rules of the Committee on Energy and Commerce (the
``Committee'') and its subcommittees so far as is applicable.
(b) Rules of the Subcommittees. Each subcommittee of the
Committee is part of the Committee and is subject to the
authority and direction of the Committee and to its rules so
far as is applicable. Written rules adopted by the Committee,
not inconsistent with the Rules of the House, shall be binding
on each subcommittee of the Committee.
Rule 2. Meetings
(a) Regular Meeting Days. The Committee shall meet on the
fourth Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m., for the consideration
of bills, resolutions, and other business, if the House is in
session on that day. If the House is not in session on that day
and the Committee has not met during such month, the Committee
shall meet at the earliest practicable opportunity when the
House is again in session. The chairman of the Committee may,
at his discretion, cancel, delay, or defer any meeting required
under this section, after consultation with the ranking
minority member.
(b) Additional Meetings. The chairman may call and convene,
as he considers necessary, additional meetings of the Committee
for the consideration of any bill or resolution pending before
the Committee or for the conduct of other Committee business.
The Committee shall meet for such purposes pursuant to that
call of the chairman.
(c) Notice. The date, time, place, and subject matter of
any meeting of the Committee scheduled on a Tuesday, Wednesday,
or Thursday when the House will be in session shall be
announced at least 36 hours (exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays,
and legal holidays except when the House is in session on such
days) in advance of the commencement of such meeting. The date,
time, place, and subject matter of other meetings when the
House is in session shall be announced to allow Members to have
at least three days notice (exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays,
and legal holidays except when the House is in session on such
days) of such meeting. The date, time, place, and subject
matter of all other meetings shall be announced at least 72
hours in advance of the commencement of such meeting.
(d) Agenda. The agenda for each Committee meeting, setting
out all items of business to be considered, shall be provided
to each member of the Committee at least 36 hours in advance of
such meeting.
(e) Availability of Texts. No bill, recommendation, or
other matter shall be considered by the Committee unless the
text of the matter, together with an explanation, has been
available to members of the Committee for three days (or 24
hours in the case of a substitute for introduced legislation).
Such explanation shall include a summary of the major
provisions of the legislation, an explanation of the
relationship of the matter to present law, and a summary of the
need for the legislation.
(f) Waiver. The requirements of subsections (c), (d), and
(e) may be waived by a majority of those present and voting (a
majority being present) of the Committee or by the chairman
with the concurrence of the ranking member, as the case may be.
Rule 3. Hearings
(a) Notice. The date, time, place, and subject matter of
any hearing of the Committee shall be announced at least one
week in advance of the commencement of such hearing, unless a
determination is made in accordance with clause 2(g)(3) of Rule
XI of the Rules of the House that there is good cause to begin
the hearing sooner.
(b) Memorandum. Each member of the Committee shall be
provided, except in the case of unusual circumstances, with a
memorandum at least 48 hours before each hearing explaining (1)
the purpose of the hearing and (2) the names of any witnesses.
(c) Witnesses. (1) Each witness who is to appear before the
Committee shall file with the clerk of the Committee, at least
two working days in advance of his or her appearance,
sufficient copies, as determined by the chairman of the
Committee of a written statement of his or her proposed
testimony to provide to members and staff of the Committee, the
news media, and the general public. Each witness shall, to the
greatest extent practicable, also provide a copy of such
written testimony in an electronic format prescribed by the
chairman. Each witness shall limit his or her oral presentation
to a brief summary of the argument. The chairman of the
Committee or the presiding member may waive the requirements of
this paragraph or any part thereof.
(2) To the greatest extent practicable, the written
testimony of each witness appearing in a nongovernmental
capacity shall include a curriculum vitae and a disclosure of
any federal grant or contract or foreign government contracts
and payments related to the subject matter of the hearing
received during the current calendar year or either of the two
preceding calendar years by the witness or by an entity
represented by the witness. The disclosure shall include (i)
the amount and source of each Federal grant (or subgrant
thereof) or contract (or subcontract thereof) related to the
subject matter of the hearing; and (ii) the amount and country
of origin of any payment or contract related to the subject
matter of the hearing originating with a foreign government.
(d) Questioning. (1) The right to interrogate the witnesses
before the Committee shall alternate between majority and
minority members. Each member shall be limited to 5 minutes in
the interrogation of witnesses until such time as each member
who so desires has had an opportunity to question witnesses. No
member shall be recognized for a second period of 5 minutes to
interrogate a witness until each member of the Committee
present has been recognized once for that purpose. The chairman
shall recognize in order of appearance members who were not
present when the meeting was called to order after all members
who were present when the meeting was called to order have been
recognized in the order of seniority on the Committee.
(2) The chairman, with the concurrence of the ranking
minority member, or the Committee by motion, may permit an
equal number of majority and minority members to question a
witness for a specified, total period that is equal for each
side and not longer than thirty minutes for each side. The
chairman with the concurrence of the ranking minority member,
or the Committee by motion, may also permit committee staff of
the majority and minority to question a witness for a
specified, total period that is equal for each side and not
longer than thirty minutes for each side.
(3) Each member may submit to the chairman of the Committee
additional questions for the record, to be answered by the
witnesses who have appeared. Each member shall provide a copy
of the questions in an electronic format to the clerk of the
Committee no later than ten business days following a hearing.
The chairman shall transmit all questions received from members
of the Committee to the appropriate witness and include the
transmittal letter and the responses from the witnesses in the
hearing record. After consultation with the ranking minority
member, the chairman is authorized to close the hearing record
no earlier than 120 days from the date the questions were
transmitted to the appropriate witness.
Rule 4. Vice Chairmen; Presiding Member
The chairman shall designate a member of the majority party
to serve as vice chairman of the Committee, and shall designate
a majority member of each subcommittee to serve as vice
chairman of each subcommittee. The vice chairman of the
Committee or subcommittee, as the case may be, shall preside at
any meeting or hearing during the temporary absence of the
chairman. If the chairman and vice chairman of the Committee or
subcommittee are not present at any meeting or hearing, the
ranking member of the majority party who is present shall
preside at the meeting or hearing.
Rule 5. Open Proceedings
Except as provided by the Rules of the House, each meeting
and hearing of the Committee for the transaction of business,
including the markup of legislation, and each hearing, shall be
open to the public, including to radio, television, and still
photography coverage, consistent with the provisions of Rule XI
of the Rules of the House.
Rule 6. Quorum
Testimony may be taken and evidence received at any hearing
at which there are present not fewer than two members of the
Committee in question. A majority of the members of the
Committee shall constitute a quorum for those actions for which
the House Rules require a majority quorum. For the purposes of
taking any other action, one-third of the members of the
Committee shall constitute a quorum.
Rule 7. Official Committee Records
(a)(1) Journal. The proceedings of the Committee shall be
recorded in a journal which shall, among other things, show
those present at each meeting, and include a record of the vote
on any question on which a record vote is demanded and a
description of the amendment, motion, order, or other
proposition voted. A copy of the journal shall be furnished to
the ranking minority member.
(2) Record Votes. A record vote may be demanded by one-
fifth of the members present or, in the apparent absence of a
quorum, by any one member. No demand for a record vote shall be
made or obtained except for the purpose of procuring a record
vote or in the apparent absence of a quorum. The result of each
record vote in any meeting of the Committee shall be made
publicly available in electronic form on the Committee's
website and in the Committee office for inspection by the
public, as provided in Rule XI, clause 2(e) of the Rules of the
House, within 24 hours. Such result shall include a description
of the amendment, motion, order, or other proposition, the name
of each member voting for and each member voting against such
amendment, motion, order, or proposition, and the names of
those members of the committee present but not voting. The
chairman, with the concurrence of the ranking minority member,
may from time to time postpone record votes ordered on
amendments to be held at a time certain during the
consideration of legislation.
(b) Archived Records. The records of the Committee at the
National Archives and Records Administration shall be made
available for public use in accordance with Rule VII of the
Rules of the House. The chairman shall notify the ranking
minority member of any decision, pursuant to clause 3(b)(3) or
clause 4(b) of the Rule, to withhold a record otherwise
available, and the matter shall be presented to the Committee
for a determination on the written request of any member of the
Committee. The chairman shall consult with the ranking minority
member on any communication from the Archivist of the United
States or the Clerk of the House concerning the disposition of
noncurrent records pursuant to clause 3(b) of the Rule.
Rule 8. Subcommittees
(a) Establishment. There shall be such standing
subcommittees with such jurisdiction and size as determined by
the majority party caucus of the Committee. The jurisdiction,
number, and size of the subcommittees shall be determined by
the majority party caucus prior to the start of the process for
establishing subcommittee chairmanships and assignments.
(b) Powers and Duties. Each subcommittee is authorized to
meet, hold hearings, receive testimony, mark up legislation,
and report to the Committee on all matters referred to it.
Subcommittee chairmen shall set hearing and meeting dates only
with the approval of the chairman of the Committee with a view
toward assuring the availability of meeting rooms and avoiding
simultaneous scheduling of Committee and subcommittee meetings
or hearings whenever possible.
(c) Ratio of Subcommittees. The majority caucus of the
Committee shall determine an appropriate ratio of majority to
minority party members for each subcommittee and the chairman
shall negotiate that ratio with the minority party, provided
that the ratio of party members on each subcommittee shall be
no less favorable to the majority than that of the full
Committee, nor shall such ratio provide for a majority of less
than two majority members.
(d) Selection of Subcommittee Members. Prior to any
organizational meeting held by the Committee, the majority and
minority caucuses shall select their respective members of the
standing subcommittees.
(e) Ex Officio Members. The chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee shall be ex officio members with voting
privileges of each subcommittee of which they are not assigned
as members and may be counted for purposes of establishing a
quorum in such subcommittees.
Rule 9. Opening Statements
(a) Written Statements. All written opening statements at
hearings and business meetings conducted by the committee shall
be made part of the permanent record.
(b) Length. (1) At full committee hearings, the chairman
and ranking minority member shall be limited to 5 minutes each
for an opening statement, and may designate another member to
give an opening statement of not more than 5 minutes. At
subcommittee hearings, the subcommittee chairman and ranking
minority member of the subcommittee shall be limited to 5
minutes each for an opening statement. In addition, the full
committee chairman and ranking minority member shall each be
allocated 5 minutes for an opening statement for themselves or
their designees.
(2) At any business meeting of the Committee, statements
shall be limited to 5 minutes each for the chairman and ranking
minority member (or their respective designee) of the Committee
or subcommittee, as applicable, and 3 minutes each for all
other members. The chairman may further limit opening
statements for Members (including, at the discretion of the
Chairman, the chairman and ranking minority member) to one
minute.
Rule 10. Reference of Legislation and Other Matters
All legislation and other matters referred to the Committee
shall be referred to the subcommittee of appropriate
jurisdiction within two weeks of the date of receipt by the
Committee unless action is taken by the full Committee within
those two weeks, or by majority vote of the members of the
Committee, consideration is to be by the full Committee. In the
case of legislation or other matter within the jurisdiction of
more than one subcommittee, the chairman of the Committee may,
in his discretion, refer the matter simultaneously to two or
more subcommittees for concurrent consideration, or may
designate a subcommittee of primary jurisdiction and also refer
the matter to one or more additional subcommittees for
consideration in sequence (subject to appropriate time
limitations), either on its initial referral or after the
matter has been reported by the subcommittee of primary
jurisdiction. Such authority shall include the authority to
refer such legislation or matter to an ad hoc subcommittee
appointed by the chairman, with the approval of the Committee,
from the members of the subcommittees having legislative or
oversight jurisdiction.
Rule 11. Managing Legislation on the House Floor
The chairman, in his discretion, shall designate which
member shall manage legislation reported by the Committee to
the House.
Rule 12. Committee Professional and Clerical Staff Appointments
(a) Delegation of Staff. Whenever the chairman of the
Committee determines that any professional staff member
appointed pursuant to the provisions of clause 9 of Rule X of
the House of Representatives, who is assigned to such chairman
and not to the ranking minority member, by reason of such
professional staff member's expertise or qualifications will be
of assistance to one or more subcommittees in carrying out
their assigned responsibilities, he may delegate such member to
such subcommittees for such purpose. A delegation of a member
of the professional staff pursuant to this subsection shall be
made after consultation with subcommittee chairmen and with the
approval of the subcommittee chairman or chairmen involved.
(b) Minority Professional Staff. Professional staff members
appointed pursuant to clause 9 of Rule X of the House of
Representatives, who are assigned to the ranking minority
member of the Committee and not to the chairman of the
Committee, shall be assigned to such Committee business as the
minority party members of the Committee consider advisable.
(c) Additional Staff Appointments. In addition to the
professional staff appointed pursuant to clause 9 of Rule X of
the House of Representatives, the chairman of the Committee
shall be entitled to make such appointments to the professional
and clerical staff of the Committee as may be provided within
the budget approved for such purposes by the Committee. Such
appointee shall be assigned to such business of the full
Committee as the chairman of the Committee considers advisable.
(d) Sufficient Staff. The chairman shall ensure that
sufficient staff is made available to each subcommittee to
carry out its responsibilities under the rules of the
Committee.
(e) Fair Treatment of Minority Members in Appointment of
Committee Staff. The chairman shall ensure that the minority
members of the Committee are treated fairly in appointment of
Committee staff.
(f) Contracts for Temporary or Intermittent Services. Any
contract for the temporary services or intermittent service of
individual consultants or organizations to make studies or
advise the Committee or its subcommittees with respect to any
matter within their jurisdiction shall be deemed to have been
approved by a majority of the members of the Committee if
approved by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee. Such approval shall not be deemed to have been given
if at least one-third of the members of the Committee request
in writing that the Committee formally act on such a contract,
if the request is made within 10 days after the latest date on
which such chairman or chairmen, and such ranking minority
member or members, approve such contract.
Rule 13. Supervision, Duties of Staff
(a) Supervision of Majority Staff. The professional and
clerical staff of the Committee not assigned to the minority
shall be under the supervision and direction of the chairman
who, in consultation with the chairmen of the subcommittees,
shall establish and assign the duties and responsibilities of
such staff members and delegate such authority as he determines
appropriate.
(b) Supervision of Minority Staff. The professional and
clerical staff assigned to the minority shall be under the
supervision and direction of the minority members of the
Committee, who may delegate such authority as they determine
appropriate.
Rule 14. Committee Budget
(a) Administration of Committee Budget. The chairman of the
Committee, in consultation with the ranking minority member,
shall for the 114th Congress attempt to ensure that the
Committee receives necessary amounts for professional and
clerical staff, travel, investigations, equipment and
miscellaneous expenses of the Committee and the subcommittees,
which shall be adequate to fully discharge the Committee's
responsibilities for legislation and oversight.
(b) Monthly Expenditures Report. Committee members shall be
furnished a copy of each monthly report, prepared by the
chairman for the Committee on House Administration, which shows
expenditures made during the reporting period and cumulative
for the year by the Committee and subcommittees, anticipated
expenditures for the projected Committee program, and detailed
information on travel.
Rule 15. Broadcasting of Committee Hearings
Any meeting or hearing that is open to the public may be
covered in whole or in part by radio or television or still
photography, subject to the requirements of clause 4 of Rule XI
of the Rules of the House. The coverage of any hearing or other
proceeding of the Committee or any subcommittee thereof by
television, radio, or still photography shall be under the
direct supervision of the chairman of the Committee, the
subcommittee chairman, or other member of the Committee
presiding at such hearing or other proceeding and may be
terminated by such member in accordance with the Rules of the
House.
Rule 16. Subpoenas Power
The power to authorize and issue subpoenas is delegated to
the Chair of the full Committee, as provided for under clause
2(m)(3)(A)(i) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House of
Representatives. The Chair shall notify the ranking minority
member prior to issuing any subpoena under such authority. To
the extent practicable, the Chair shall consult with the
ranking minority member at least 72 hours in advance of a
subpoena being issued under such authority. The chairman shall
report to the members of the Committee on the issuance of a
subpoena as soon as practicable but in no event later than one
week after issuance of such subpoena.
Rule 17. Travel of Members and Staff
(a) Approval of Travel. Consistent with the primary expense
resolution and such additional expense resolutions as may have
been approved, travel to be reimbursed from funds set aside for
the Committee for any member or any staff member shall be paid
only upon the prior authorization of the chairman. Travel may
be authorized by the chairman for any member and any staff
member in connection with the attendance of hearings conducted
by the Committee or any subcommittee thereof and meetings,
conferences, and investigations which involve activities or
subject matter under the general jurisdiction of the Committee.
Before such authorization is given there shall be submitted to
the chairman in writing the following: (1) the purpose of the
travel; (2) the dates during which the travel is to be made and
the date or dates of the event for which the travel is being
made; (3) the location of the event for which the travel is to
be made; and (4) the names of members and staff seeking
authorization.
(b) Approval of Travel by Minority Members and Staff. In
the case of travel by minority party members and minority party
professional staff for the purpose set out in (a), the prior
approval, not only of the chairman but also of the ranking
minority member, shall be required. Such prior authorization
shall be given by the chairman only upon the representation by
the ranking minority member in writing setting forth those
items enumerated in (1), (2), (3), and (4) of paragraph (a).
Rule 18. Website
The chairman shall maintain an official Committee website
for the purposes of furthering the Committee's legislative and
oversight responsibilities, including communicating information
about the Committee's activities to Committee members and other
members of the House. The ranking minority member may maintain
an official website for the purpose of carrying out official
responsibilities, including communicating information about the
activities of the minority members of the Committee to
Committee members and other members of the House.
Rule 19. Conferences
The chairman of the Committee is directed to offer a motion
under clause 1 of Rule XXII of the Rules of the House whenever
the chairman considers it appropriate.
Membership and Organization
ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH CONGRESS
COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE
(Ratio 31-23)
FRED UPTON, Michigan, Chairman
FRANK PALLONE, Jr., JOE BARTON, Texas
Ranking Member ED WHITFIELD, Kentucky*
BOBBY L. RUSH, Illinois JOHN SHIMKUS, Illinois
ANNA G. ESHOO, California JOSEPH R. PITTS, Pennsylvania
ELIOT L. ENGEL, New York GREG WALDEN, Oregon
GENE GREEN, Texas TIM MURPHY, Pennsylvania
DIANA DeGETTE, Colorado MICHAEL C. BURGESS, Texas
LOIS CAPPS, California MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee,
MICHAEL F. DOYLE, Pennsylvania Vice Chairman
JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY, Illinois STEVE SCALISE, Louisiana
G.K. BUTTERFIELD, North Carolina ROBERT E. LATTA, Ohio
DORIS O. MATSUI, California CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS,
KATHY CASTOR, Florida Washington
JOHN P. SARBANES, Maryland GREGG HARPER, Mississippi
JERRY McNERNEY, California LEONARD LANCE, New Jersey
PETER WELCH, Vermont BRETT GUTHRIE, Kentucky
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico PETE OLSON, Texas
PAUL TONKO, New York DAVID McKINLEY, West Virginia
JOHN A. YARMUTH, Kentucky MIKE POMPEO, Kansas
YVETTE D. CLARKE, New York ADAM KINZINGER, Illinois
DAVID LOEBSACK, Iowa H. MORGAN GRIFFITH, Virginia
KURT SCHRADER, Oregon GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida
JOSEPH P. KENNEDY, Massachusetts BILL JOHNSON, Ohio
TONY CARDENAS, California BILLY LONG, Missouri
RENEE L. ELLMERS, North Carolina
LARRY BUCSHON, Indiana
BILL FLORES, Texas
SUSAN W. BROOKS, Indiana
MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma
RICHARD HUDSON, North Carolina
CHRIS COLLINS, New York
KEVIN CRAMER, North Dakota
*Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY) resigned from the Committee on
Energy and Commerce on September 6, 2016. A vacancy exists on the
Committee and subcommittees for which he was a member, including the
chairmanship of the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
Subcommittee Memberships and Jurisdiction
Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade
(Ratio 12-8)
MICHAEL C. BURGESS, Texas,
Chairman
JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY, Illinois, LEONARD LANCE, New Jersey,
Ranking Member Vice Chairman
YVETTE D. CLARKE, New York MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee
JOSEPH P. KENNEDY, Massachusetts GREGG HARPER, Mississippi
TONY CARDENAS, California BRETT GUTHRIE, Kentucky
BOBBY L. RUSH, Illinois PETE OLSON, Texas
G.K. BUTTERFIELD, North Carolina MIKE POMPEO, Kansas
PETER WELCH, Vermont ADAM KINZINGER, Illinois
FRANK PALLONE, Jr., New Jersey GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida
(Ex Officio) SUSAN W. BROOKS, Indiana
MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma
FRED UPTON, Michigan
(Ex Officio)
Jurisdiction: Interstate and foreign commerce, including all trade
matters within the jurisdiction of the full committee; Regulation of
commercial practices (the FTC), including sports-related matters;
Consumer affairs and consumer protection, including privacy matters
generally; Consumer product safety (the CPSC); Product liability; Motor
vehicle safety; and, Regulation of travel, tourism, and time.
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
(Ratio 18-13)
GREG WALDEN, Oregon, Chairman
ANNA G. ESHOO, California, ROBERT E. LATTA, Ohio,
Ranking Member Vice Chairman
MICHAEL F. DOYLE, Pennsylvania JOHN SHIMKUS, Illinois
PETER WELCH, Vermont MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee
JOHN A. YARMUTH, Kentucky STEVE SCALISE, Louisiana
YVETTE D. CLARKE, New York LEONARD LANCE, New Jersey
DAVID LOEBSACK, Iowa BRETT GUTHRIE, Kentucky
BOBBY L. RUSH, Illinois PETE OLSON, Texas
DIANA DeGETTE, Colorado MIKE POMPEO, Kansas
G.K. BUTTERFIELD, North Carolina ADAM KINZINGER, Illinois
DORIS O. MATSUI, California GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida
JERRY McNERNEY, California BILL JOHNSON, Ohio
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico BILLY LONG, Missouri
FRANK PALLONE, Jr., New Jersey RENEE L. ELLMERS, North Carolina
(Ex Officio) CHRIS COLLINS, New York
KEVIN CRAMER, North Dakota
JOE BARTON, Texas
FRED UPTON, Michigan
(Ex Officio)
Jurisdiction: Interstate and foreign telecommunications including, but
not limited to, all telecommunication and information transmission by
broadcast, radio, wire, microwave, satellite, or other mode.
Subcommittee on Energy and Power
(Ratio 18-13)
ED WHITFIELD, Kentucky, Chairman*
BOBBY L. RUSH, Illinois, PETE OLSON, Texas,
Ranking Member Vice Chairman
JERRY McNERNEY, California JOHN SHIMKUS, Illinois
PAUL TONKO, New York JOSEPH R. PITTS, Pennsylvania
ELIOT L. ENGEL, New York ROBERT E. LATTA, Ohio
GENE GREEN, Texas GREGG HARPER, Mississippi
LOIS CAPPS, California DAVID McKINLEY, West Virginia
MICHAEL F. DOYLE, Pennsylvania MIKE POMPEO, Kansas
KATHY CASTOR, Florida ADAM KINZINGER, Illinois
JOHN P. SARBANES, Maryland H. MORGAN GRIFFITH, Virginia
PETER WELCH, Vermont BILL JOHNSON, Ohio
JOHN A. YARMUTH, Kentucky BILLY LONG, Missouri
DAVID LOEBSACK, Iowa RENEE L. ELLMERS, North Carolina
FRANK PALLONE, Jr., New Jersey BILL FLORES, Texas
(Ex Officio) MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma
RICHARD HUDSON, North Carolina
JOE BARTON, Texas
FRED UPTON, Michigan
(Ex Officio)
*Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY) resigned from the Committee on
Energy and Commerce on September 6, 2016. A vacancy exists on the
Committee and subcommittees for which he was a member, including the
chairmanship of the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
Jurisdiction: National energy policy generally; Fossil energy,
renewable energy resources and synthetic fuels, energy conservation,
energy information; Energy regulation and utilization; Utility issues
and regulation of nuclear facilities; Interstate energy compacts;
Nuclear energy; The Clean Air Act and air emissions; and, All laws,
programs, and government activities affecting such matters.
Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy
(Ratio 13-9)
JOHN SHIMKUS, Illinois, Chairman
PAUL TONKO, New York, GREGG HARPER, Mississippi,
Ranking Member Vice Chairman
KURT SCHRADER, Oregon ED WHITFIELD, Kentucky*
GENE GREEN, Texas JOSEPH R. PITTS, Pennsylvania
DIANA DeGETTE, Colorado TIM MURPHY, Pennsylvania
LOIS CAPPS, California ROBERT E. LATTA, Ohio
MICHAEL F. DOYLE, Pennsylvania DAVID McKINLEY, West Virginia
JERRY McNERNEY, California BILL JOHNSON, Ohio
TONY CARDENAS, California LARRY BUCSHON, Indiana
FRANK PALLONE, Jr., New Jersey BILL FLORES, Texas
(Ex Officio) RICHARD HUDSON, North Carolina
KEVIN CRAMER, North Dakota
FRED UPTON, Michigan
(Ex Officio)
Jurisdiction: All matters relating to soil and water contamination; The
regulation of solid, hazardous, and nuclear wastes; The regulation of
industrial plant security; The regulation of drinking water; and, The
regulation of toxic substances and noise.
Subcommittee on Health
(Ratio 18-13)
JOSEPH R. PITTS, Pennsylvania,
Chairman
GENE GREEN, Texas, BRETT GUTHRIE, Kentucky,
Ranking Member Vice Chairman
ELIOT L. ENGEL, New York ED WHITFIELD, Kentucky*
LOIS CAPPS, California JOHN SHIMKUS, Illinois
JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY, Illinois TIM MURPHY, Pennsylvania
G.K. BUTTERFIELD, North Carolina MICHAEL C. BURGESS, Texas
KATHY CASTOR, Florida MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee
JOHN P. SARBANES, Maryland CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS,
DORIS O. MATSUI, California Washington
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico LEONARD LANCE, New Jersey
KURT SCHRADER, Oregon H. MORGAN GRIFFITH, Virginia
JOSEPH P. KENNEDY, Massachusetts GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida
TONY CARDENAS, California BILLY LONG, Missouri
FRANK PALLONE, Jr., New Jersey RENEE L. ELLMERS, North Carolina
(Ex Officio) LARRY BUCHSON, Indiana
SUSAN W. BROOKS, Indiana
CHRIS COLLINS, New York
JOE BARTON, Texas
FRED UPTON, Michigan
(Ex Officio)
Jurisdiction: Public health and quarantine; hospital construction;
mental health and research; biomedical programs and health protection
in general, including public and private health insurance; food and
drugs; and, drug abuse.
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
(Ratio 14-10)
TIM MURPHY, Pennsylvania, Chairman
DIANA DeGETTE, Colorado, DAVID McKINLEY, West Virginia,
Ranking Member Vice Chairman
JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY, Illinois MICHAEL C. BURGESS, Texas
KATHY CASTOR, Florida MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee
PAUL TONKO, New York H. MORGAN GRIFFITH, Virginia
JOHN A. YARMUTH, Kentucky LARRY BUCSHON, Indiana
YVETTE D. CLARKE, New York BILL FLORES, Texas
JOSEPH P. KENNEDY, Massachusetts SUSAN W. BROOKS, Indiana
GENE GREEN, Texas MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma
PETER WELCH, Vermont RICHARD HUDSON, North Carolina
FRANK PALLONE, Jr., New Jersey CHRIS COLLINS, New York
(Ex Officio) KEVIN CRAMER, North Dakota
JOE BARTON, Texas
FRED UPTON, Michigan
(Ex Officio)
Jurisdiction: Responsibility for oversight of agencies, departments,
and programs within the jurisdiction of the full committee, and for
conducting investigations within such jurisdiction.
COMMITTEE STAFF
Majority Committee Staff
Gary Andres, Staff Director
Karen Christian, General Counsel
Michael Bloomquist, Deputy Staff
Director
Paul Edattel, Chief Counsel,
Health
Sean Bonyun, Communications
Director
Thomas Hassenboehler, Chief
Counsel, Energy and Power
Charles Ingebretson, Chief
Counsel, Oversight and
Investigations
Paul Nagle, Chief Counsel,
Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade
David Redl, Chief Counsel,
Communications and Technology
Grace Appelbe, Staff Assistant
Jennifer Barblan, Counsel
William Batson, Legislative Clerk
Elena Brennan, Legislative Clerk
Adam Buckalew, Professional Staff
Member
Rebecca Card, Assistant Press
Secretary
Sean Corcoran, Financial and
Administrative Coordinator
Gerald Couri, Senior Environmental
Policy Advisor
James Decker, Policy Coordinator,
Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade
Paige Decker, Executive Assistant
and Committee Clerk
Jessica Donlon, Counsel
Graham Dufault, Counsel
Scott Dziengelski, Policy
Coordinator, Oversight and
Investigations
Catherine ``Blair'' Ellis, Press
Secretary and Digital Coordinator
Emily Felder, Counsel
Melissa Froelich, Counsel
Theresa Gambo, Human Resources and
Office Administrator
Giulia Giannangeli, Legislative
Clerk
Jay Gulshen, Legislative Clerk
Kelsey Guyselman, Counsel
Brittany Havens, Professional
Staff Member
Ann ``AT'' Johnston, Senior
Advisor and Professional Staff
Member
Peter Kielty, Deputy General
Counsel
Grace Koh, Deputy Chief Counsel,
Communications and Technology
Ben Lieberman, Counsel
Carlyle ``Carly'' McWilliams,
Professional Staff Member
Brandon Mooney, Senior Policy
Advisor
Mary Neumayr, Senior Energy
Counsel
John Ohly, Professional Staff
Member
James ``JP'' Paluskiewicz,
Professional Staff Member
Timothy Pataki, Senior Advisor and
Director of Member Services
Mark Ratner, Policy Coordinator
Tina Richards, Counsel
Annelise Rickert, Counsel
Christopher Sarley, Policy
Coordinator, Environment and the
Economy
Dan Schneider, Press Secretary
Jennifer Sherman, Press Secretary
Adrianna Simonelli, Professional
Staff Member
Alan Slobodin, Chief Investigative
Counsel, Oversight and
Investigations
Samuel Spector, Counsel
Peter Spencer, Professional Staff
Member
Heidi Stirrup, Policy Coordinator,
Health
John Stone, Counsel
Timothy Torres, Deputy Information
Technology Director
Sophie Trainor, Policy
Coordinator, Health J
Joshua Trent, Deputy Chief
Counsel, Health
Allison Trexler, Policy
Coordinator, Energy and Power
Olivia Trusty, Professional Staff
Member
Dylan Vorbach, Assistant Press
Secretary
Luke Wallwork, Staff Assistant
Gregory Watson, Legislative Clerk
Jessica Wilkerson, Professional
Staff Member
Andy Zach, Professional Staff
Member
Detailees
Genaro ``Gene'' Fullano, FCC
Wayne Laufert, GPO
David Schaub, GPO
Christopher Wells, GPO
Minority Committee Staff
Jeff Carroll, Staff Director
Tiffany Guarascio, Deputy Staff
Director and Chief Health Advisor
Rick Kessler, Staff Director,
Energy and Environment and Senior
Policy Advisor
Chris Knauer, Staff Director,
Oversight and Investigations
Michelle Ash, Chief Counsel,
Commerce, Manufacturing, Trade
David Goldman, Chief Counsel,
Communications and Technology
Lee Una, Chief Counsel, Oversight
and Investigations
Tim Robinson, Chief Counsel
Andrew Souvall, Director of
Communications, Outreach and
Member Services
Jennifer Berenholz, Chief Clerk
Jacqueline Cohen, Senior Counsel
Ryan Skukowski, Senior Policy
Analyst
Lisa Goldman, Counsel
Jerry Leverich, Counsel
Arielle Woronoff, Counsel, Health
Waverly Gordon, Professional Staff
Member
Caitlin Haberman, Professional
Staff Member
Elizabeth Letter, Professional
Staff Member
Jean Fruci, Policy Advisor, Energy
and Environment
Rachel Pryor, Policy Advisor,
Health
Kimberlee Trzeciak, Policy
Advisor, Health
Tuley Wright, Policy Advisor,
Energy and Environment
John Marshall, Policy Coordinator
Caroline Paris-Behr, Policy
Analyst
Alexander Ratner, Policy Analyst
Samantha Satchell, Policy Analyst
C.J. Young, Press Secretary
Matt Schumacher, Press Assistant
Jessica Martinez, Outreach and
Member Services Coordinator
David Cwiertny, Fellow, Energy and
Environment
Alexandrine Debianchi, Fellow,
Communications and Technology
Olivia Pham, Fellow, Health
Elizabeth Ertel, Deputy Clerk
Edward Walker, Technology Director
Miles Lichtman, Staff Assistant
Dan Miller, Staff Assistant
Detailees
Ryan Gottschall, GAO
Lori Maarbjerg, FCC
Megan Velez, FDA
Legislative and Oversight Activity
Summary of Committee Activities
Total Bills and Resolutions Referred to Committee................ 1463
Public Laws...................................................... 40
Bills and Resolutions Reported to the House...................... 73
Hearings Held:
Days of Hearings............................................. 185
Full Committee........................................... 0
Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade....... 31
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology............ 29
Subcommittee on Energy and Power......................... 37
Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy.............. 22
Subcommittee on Health................................... 47
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations............. 29
Hours of Sitting
Full Committee........................................... 0:00
Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade....... 59:36
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology............ 55:38
Subcommittee on Energy and Power......................... 89:41
Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy.............. 39:41
Subcommittee on Health................................... 97:30
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations............. 57:42
Legislative Markups:
Days of Markups.............................................. 75
Full Committee........................................... 35
Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade....... 6
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology............ 10
Subcommittee on Energy and Power......................... 9
Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy.............. 5
Subcommittee on Health................................... 10
Hours of Sitting............................................. 82:04
Full Committee........................................... 46:34
Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade....... 3:41
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology............ 5:52
Subcommittee on Energy and Power......................... 7:50
Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy.............. 2:24
Subcommittee on Health................................... 15:43
Business Meetings:
Days of Meetings............................................. 1
Full Committee........................................... 1
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations............. 0
Hours of Sitting............................................. 1:12
Full Committee........................................... 1:12
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations............. 0
Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade
(Ratio 12-8)
MICHAEL C. BURGESS, Texas,
Chairman
JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY, Illinois, LEONARD LANCE, New Jersey,
Ranking Member Vice Chairman
YVETTE D. CLARKE, New York MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee
JOSEPH P. KENNEDY, Massachusetts GREGG HARPER, Mississippi
TONY CARDENAS, California BRETT GUTHRIE, Kentucky
BOBBY L. RUSH, Illinois PETE OLSON, Texas
G.K. BUTTERFIELD, North Carolina MIKE POMPEO, Kansas
PETER WELCH, Vermont ADAM KINZINGER, Illinois
FRANK PALLONE, Jr., New Jersey GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida
(Ex Officio) SUSAN W. BROOKS, Indiana
MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma
FRED UPTON, Michigan
(Ex Officio)
Jurisdiction: Interstate and foreign commerce, including all trade
matters within the jurisdiction of the full committee; Regulation of
commercial practices (the FTC), including sports-related matters;
Consumer affairs and consumer protection, including privacy matters
generally; Consumer product safety (the CPSC); Product liability; Motor
vehicle safety; and, Regulation of travel, tourism, and time.
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
Child Nicotine Poisoning Act of 2015
PUBLIC LAW 114-116 (S. 142, H.R. 3242)
To require special packaging for liquid nicotine
containers, and for other purposes.
Summary
S. 142 establishes a requirement that liquid nicotine
containers that are sold, manufactured for sale, distributed
for commerce, or imported in the U.S. are packaged according to
special packaging standards defined in the Poison Prevention
Packaging Act of 1970
Legislative History
On July 23, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade met in open markup session to consider
the Discussion Draft entitled ``Child Nicotine Poisoning
Prevention Act of 2016'' and forwarded the draft legislation to
the full Committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
H.R. 3242 was introduced by Representative Susan Brooks
(IN-05) on July 28, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 3242 was similar to the Discussion
Draft considered by the Subcommittee.
On September 29 and 30, 2015, the full Committee on Energy
and Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 3242
and ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
On January 11, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 3242 to the House (H. Rept. 114-394), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar. (Calendar No. 297).
No further action was taken on the bill.
S. 142 was introduced by Senator Bill Nelson (FL) on
January 8, 2015, read twice, and referred to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation. S. 142 was the companion
bill to H.R. 3242.
On February 26, 2015, the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation ordered S. 142, as amended, to be favorably
reported to the Senate.
On April 13, 2015, Senator John Thune (SD) reported S. 142
to the Senate with a written report (Report 114-12), and the
bill was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 35).
On December 10, 2015, S. 142 was considered in the Senate
and passed, as amended, by unanimous consent.
On December 11, 2015, S. 142 was received in the House and
held at the desk.
On January 11, 2016, S. 142 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a roll call vote of 411 yeas and 0 nays
(Roll Call No. 85).
On January 19, 2016, S. 142 was presented to the President,
and the President signed the bill on January 28, 2016 (Public
Law 114-116).
E-Warranty Act of 2015
PUBLIC LAW 114-51 (S. 1359, H.R. 3154)
To allow manufacturers to meet warranty and labeling
requirements for consumer products by displaying the terms of
warranties on Internet websites, and for other purposes.
Summary
S. 1359 amends the Magnuson-Moss Warranty--Federal Trade
Commission Improvement Act to require that the Federal Trade
Commission revise its rules to allow manufacturers to satisfy
requirements concerning the availability of written warranties
on consumer products by making the terms accessible in a
digital format on the manufacturer's Internet website.
Legislative History
H.R. 3154 was introduced by Representative Markwayne Mullin
(OK-02) on July 22, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 3154 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on July 24, 2015.
On July 23, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade met in open markup session to consider
H.R. 3154 and forwarded the bill to the full Committee, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
On July 29, 2015, the full Committee on Energy and Commerce
met in open markup session to consider H.R. 3154 and ordered
the bill favorably reported to the House, without amendment, by
a voice vote.
On September 8, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 3154 to the House (H. Rept. 114-243), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 184).
No further action was taken on the bill.
S. 1359 was introduced by Senator Deb Fischer (NE) on May
14, 2015, read twice, and referred to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation. S. 1359 was the
companion bill to H.R. 3152.
On May 20, 2015, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation ordered S. 1359, without amendment, favorably
reported to the Senate.
On July 7, 2015, Senator John Thune (SD) reported S. 1359
to the Senate with a written report (Report 114-77), and the
bill was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 142).
On July 9, 2015, S. 1359 was considered in the Senate and
passed, as amended, by unanimous consent.
On July 13, 2015, S. 1359 was received in the House and
referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. S. 1359 was
referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and
Trade on July 17, 2015.
On September 8, 2015, S. 1359 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a roll call vote of 388 yeas and 2 nays
(Roll Call No. 490).
On September 15, 2015, S. 1359 was presented to the
President, and the President signed the bill on September 24,
2015 (Public Law 114-51).
Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015
PUBLIC LAW 114-94 (H.R. 22, H.R. 2675)
To direct the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration to establish a program allowing low volume motor
vehicle manufacturers to produce a limited number of vehicles
annually within a regulatory system that addresses the unique
safety and financial issues associated with limited production,
and to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to allow low
volume motor vehicle manufacturers to install engines from
vehicles that have been issued certificates of conformity.
Summary
H.R. 2675 directs the Secretary of Transportation to exempt
no more than 325 replica motor vehicles per year produced or
imported by a low volume vehicle manufacturers from certain
Federal motor vehicle safety standards and establishes vehicle
emission compliance standards and engine installation
requirements for low volume manufacturers.
Legislative History
H.R. 2675 was introduced by Representative Markwayne Mullin
(OK-02) on June 4, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 2675 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on June 5, 2015.
On October 21, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 2675.
No further action was taken on the bill. Provisions similar
to H.R. 2675 were included in H.R. 22.
H.R. 22 was introduced by Representative Rodney Davis (IL-
13) on January 6, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Ways
and Means.
On January 6, 2015, H.R. 22 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a roll call vote of 412 yeas and 0 nays
(Roll Call No. 7).
On January 7, 2015, H.R. 22 was received in the Senate, and
on January 8, 2015, the bill was read twice and referred to the
Committee on Finance.
On January 28, 2015, the Committee on Finance ordered H.R.
22, without amendment, favorably reported to the Senate.
On February 12, 2015, Senator Orrin Hatch (UT) reported S.
22 to the Senate with a written report (Report 114-3), and the
bill was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 19).
On July 30, 2015, H.R. 22 was considered in the Senate and
passed, as amended, by a roll call vote of 65 yeas and 35 nays
(Roll Call No. 260).
On November 3, November 4, and November 5, 2015, H.R. 22
was considered in the House pursuant to the provisions of H.
Res. 512, and the bill was passed, as amended, by a roll call
vote of 371 yeas and 54 nays (Roll Call No. 624).
On November 5, 2015, the House agreed to the House
amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 22, insisted on the
House amendment, and requested a conference with the Senate
thereon.
On November 5, 2015, the Speaker appointed conferees from
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
On November 10, 2015, H.R. 22 was received in the Senate,
and the Senate disagreed to the House amendment to the Senate
amendment, agreed to the request for conference, and authorized
the Presiding Officer to appoint conferees agreed to in Senate
by unanimous consent.
The Senate appointed the following conferees, Senator
Inhofe, Senator Thune, Senator Hatch, Senator Murkowski,
Senator Fischer, Senator Barrasso, Senator Cornyn, Senator
Boxer, Senator Brown, Senator Nelson, Senator Wyden, Senator
Durbin, and Senator Schumer.
On November 17, 2015, the Speaker appointed additional
conferees. From the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the
Speaker appointed Representative Fred Upton (MI-06),
Representative Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), and Representative
Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) for consideration of sections 1109,
1201, 1202, and 3003, Division B, sections 31101 and 31201, and
Division F of the House amendment, and sections 11005, 11006,
11013, 21003, and 21004, subtitles B and D of Title XXXIV, and
sections 51101 and 51201 of the Senate amendment, and
modifications committed to conference.
The conference met on November 11, 2015. The conference
report (H. Rept. 114-357) was filed on December 1, 2015.
On December 3, 2015, the conference report was considered
in the House pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 546, and the
conference report was agreed to by a roll call vote of 359 yeas
and 65 nays (Roll Call No. 673).
The Senate agreed to the conference report by a roll call
vote of 83 yeas and 16 nays (Roll Call No. 331).
On December 4, 2015, H.R. 22 was presented to and signed by
the President (Public Law 114-94).
Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act
PUBLIC LAW 114-94 (H.R. 22, TITLE XXIV OF DIVISION B)
To authorize funds for Federal-aid highways, highway safety
programs, and transit programs, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 22 includes several provisions regarding motor vehicle
safety. The bill requires the that the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration improve the availability of recall
information posted on its website for consumers and submit an
annual agenda to Congress on its activities for the upcoming
year. H.R. 22 also extends the time period during which
automakers and tire manufacturers must pay for defect remedies
for motor vehicles and tires and requires auto manufacturers to
retain safety records for 10 years. The bill also exempts motor
vehicles introduced into interstate commerce solely for the
purpose of testing or evaluation from certain Federal motor
vehicle safety standards. Finally, the bill includes provisions
that establish regulatory parity for natural gas vehicles and
provide that guidelines issued by the Secretary cannot be used
as the basis of an enforcement action.
Legislative History
H.R. 22 was introduced by Representative Rodney Davis (IL-
13) on January 6, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Ways
and Means.
On January 6, 2015, H.R. 22 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a roll call vote of 412 yeas and 0 nays
(Roll Call No. 7).
On January 7, 2015, H.R. 22 was received in the Senate, and
on January 8, 2015, the bill was read twice and referred to the
Committee on Finance.
On January 28, 2015, the Committee on Finance ordered H.R.
22 to be favorably reported, without amendment, to the Senate.
On February 12, 2015, Senator Hatch (UT) reported H.R. 22,
without amendment, to the Senate with a written report (Report
114-3), and the bill was placed on the Senate Legislative
Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 19).
On July 30, 2015, H.R. 22 was considered in the Senate and
passed, as amended, by a roll call vote of 65 yeas and 35 nays
(Roll Call No. 260).
On November 3, November 4, and November 5, 2015, H.R. 22
was considered in the House pursuant to the provisions of
H.Res. 512, and the bill was passed, as amended, by a roll call
vote of 371 yeas and 54 nays (Roll Call No. 624).
On November 5, 2015, the House agreed to the House
amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 22, insisted on the
House amendment, and requested a conference with the Senate
thereon.
On November 5, 2015, the Speaker appointed conferees from
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
On November 5, 2015, Representative Huffman (CA-02). The
motion was not agreed to by a roll call vote of 179 yeas and
239 nays (Roll Call No. 625).
On November 10, 2015, H.R. 22 was received in the Senate,
and the Senate disagreed to the House amendment to the Senate
amendment, agreed to the request for conference, and authorized
the Presiding Officer to appoint conferees agreed to in Senate
by unanimous consent.
The Senate appointed the following conferees, Senator
Inhofe, Senator Thune, Senator Hatch, Senator Murkowski,
Senator Fischer, Senator Barrasso, Senator Cornyn, Senator
Boxer, Senator Brown, Senator Nelson, Senator Wyden, Senator
Durbin, and Senator Schumer.
On November 17, 2015, the Speaker appointed additional
conferees. From the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the
Speaker appointed Representative Fred Upton (MI-06),
Representative Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), and Representative
Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) for consideration of sections 1109,
1201, 1202, and 3003, Division B, sections 31101 and 31201, and
Division F of the House amendment, and sections 11005, 11006,
11013, 21003, and 21004, subtitles B and D of Title XXXIV, and
sections 51101 and 51201 of the Senate amendment, and
modifications committed to conference.
The conference met on November 11, 2015. The conference
report (H. Rept. 114-357) was filed on December 1, 2015.
On December 3, 2015, the conference report was considered
in the House pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 546, and the
conference report was agreed to by a roll call vote of 359 yeas
and 65 nays (Roll Call No. 673).
The Senate agreed to the conference report by a roll call
vote of 83 yeas and 16 nays (Roll Call No. 331).
On December 4, 2015, H.R. 22 was presented to and signed by
the President (Public Law 114-94).
Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act of 2015
PUBLIC LAW 114-249 (H.R. 4665)
To require the Secretary of Commerce to conduct an
assessment and analysis of the outdoor recreation economy of
the United States, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4665 directs the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the
Department of Commerce to assess and analyze the outdoor
recreation economy of the United States and the effects
attributable to it on the overall U.S. economy.
Legislative History
H.R. 4665 was introduced by Representative Donald Beyer,
Jr. (VA-08) on March 2, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4665 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on March 4, 2016.
On November 14, 2016, H.R. 4665 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On November 16, 2016, H.R. 4665 was received in Senate read
twice, and the bill was placed on the Senate Legislative
Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 667).
On November 28, 2016, H.R. 4665 was considered in the
Senate, and passed, without amendment, by unanimous consent.
On December 1, 2016, H.R. 4665 was presented to the
President and the President signed the bill on December 8, 2016
(Public Law 114-249).
Consumer Review Fairness Act of 2016
PUBLIC LAW 114-258 (H.R. 5111)
To prohibit the use of certain clauses in form contracts
that restrict the ability of a consumer to communicate
regarding the goods or services offered in interstate commerce
that were the subject of the contract, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5111 voids any provision of a form contract used in
the course of selling or leasing goods or services to prohibit
or restrict an individual who is a party to such a contract
from engaging in written, oral, or pictorial reviews, or other
similar performance assessments or analyses of, including by
electronic means, the goods, services, or conduct of a person
that is also a party to the contract.
Legislative History
H.R. 5111 was introduced by Representative Leonard Lance
(NJ-07) on April 28, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 5111 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on April 29, 2016.
On May 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 5111.
On June 8 and 9, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade met in open markup session to consider
H.R. 5111 and forwarded the bill, without amendment, to the
full Committee, by a voice vote.
On July 12 and 13, 2016, the full Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 5111 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On September 9, 2016 the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 5111, as amended, to the House (H. Rept. 114-
731), and the bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar
No. 567).
On September 12, 2016, H.R. 5111 was considered in the
House, under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a voice vote.
On September 13, 2016, H.R. 5111 was received in the
Senate, and read twice.
On November 28, 2016, H.R. 5111 was considered in the
Senate and passed, without amendment, by unanimous consent.
On November 29, 2016, a message on Senate action was sent
to the House.
On December 2, 2016, H.R. 5111 was presented to the
President, and the President signed the bill on December 8,
2016 (Public Law 114-258).
Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015
H.R. 1770
To require certain entities who collect and maintain
personal information of individuals to secure such information
and to provide notice to such individuals in the case of a
breach of security involving such information, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1770 requires certain commercial entities and non-
profit organizations that use, access, transmit, store, dispose
of, or collect unencrypted nonpublic personal information to
restore the integrity, security, and confidentiality of their
data systems following the discovery of a security breach.
Legislative History
On March 18, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on a Discussion Draft
entitled ``Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015.''
On March 23 and 24, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade met in open markup session to consider
the Discussion Draft and forwarded the Discussion Draft, as
amended, to the full Committee, by a voice vote.
H.R. 1770 was introduced by Representative Marsha Blackburn
(TN-07) on April 14, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 1770 was similar to the Discussion
Draft considered by the Subcommittee.
On April 14 and 15, 2015, the full Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 1770 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a roll call vote of 29 yeas and 20 nays.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act of
2015
H.R. 985
To enable concrete masonry products manufacturers to
establish, finance, and carry out a coordinated program of
research, education, and promotion to improve, maintain, and
develop markets for concrete masonry products.
Summary
H.R. 985 would establish a check-off program for concrete
masonry products and would direct the Department of Commerce to
provide administrative support and exercise certain oversight
controls over the program.
Legislative History
H.R. 985 was introduced by Representative Brett Guthrie
(KY-02) on February 13, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 985 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on February 20, 2015.
On July 10, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 985.
On July 23, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade met in open markup session to consider
H.R. 985 and forwarded the bill, as amended, to the full
Committee, by a voice vote.
On July 29, 2015, the full Committee on Energy and Commerce
met in open markup session to consider H.R. 985 and ordered the
bill favorably reported to the House, as amended, by a voice
vote.
On July 8, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 985, to the House (H. Rept. 114-671), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 519).
On November 14, 2016, H.R. 985 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a roll call vote of 355 yeas and 38 nays (Roll
Call No. 575).
On November 15, 2016, H.R. 985 was received in the Senate.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Targeting Rogue and Opaque Letters Act of 2015
H.R. 2045
To provide that certain bad faith communications in
connection with the assertion of a United States patent are
unfair or deceptive acts or practices, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2045 provides that it shall be an unfair or deceptive
act or practice within the meaning of section 5(a)(1) of the
Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45(a)(1)) for a person,
in connection with the assertion of a United States patent, to
engage in a pattern or practice of sending written
communications that state or represent that the recipients are
or may be infringing, or have or may have infringed, the patent
and bear liability or owe compensation to another if the
sender, in bad faith, takes or fail to take specified actions.
Legislative History
On April 16, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on a Discussion Draft
entitled ``Targeting Rogue and Opaque Letters Act of 2015.''
On April 22, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade met in open markup session to consider
the Discussion Draft and forwarded the Discussion Draft to the
full Committee by a roll call vote of 10 yeas and 7 nays.
H.R. 2045 was introduced by Representative Michael C.
Burgess (TX-26) on April 28, 2015, and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 2045 was similar to the
Discussion Draft considered by the Subcommittee.
On April 28 and 29, 2015, the full Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session, to consider H.R. 2045 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a roll call vote of 30 yeas and 22 nays.
No further action was taken on the bill.
FTC Process and Transparency Reform Act of 2016
H.R. 5510
To amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to establish new
requirements relating to investigations, consent orders, and
reporting requirements, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5510 amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to
provide additional factors for the Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) to consider before it may declare acts or practices to be
unlawful on the ground that they are unfair and likely to cause
substantial injury to consumers; set standards and time limits
for the termination and review of consent decrees that the FTC
enters into against alleged unfair or deceptive acts or
practices that are unrelated to an alleged fraud; prohibit the
FTC from recommending a legislative or regulatory action
without publishing the economic analysis or advice prepared by
the FTC's Bureau of Economics or indicating that no such
analysis or advice was given; require FTC investigations
involving civil investigative demands to terminate six months
after the FTC sends a verifiable written communication to
notify the subject of the investigation; and provide standards
under which a bipartisan majority of commissioners may hold a
non-public meeting to discuss official business.
The bill prohibits the FTC's guidelines or general
statements of policy from conferring rights upon any person,
state, or locality or binding the FTC or any person, state, or
locality to a recommended approach. In enforcement actions, the
FTC must prove a violation of FTC-enforced law.
Legislative History
On June 8 and 9, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade met in open markup session to consider
the Discussion Draft entitled ``FTC Process and Transparency
Reform Act of 2016'' and forwarded the Discussion Draft to the
full Committee, as amended, by a roll call vote of 12 yeas and
8 nays.
H.R. 5510 was introduced by Representative Michael C.
Burgess (TX-26) on June 16, 2016, and referred to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce, and to the Committee on the Judiciary,
for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker. H.R.
5510 was similar to the Discussion Draft considered by the
Subcommittee.
H.R. 5510 was referred to the Subcommittee on Regulatory
Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law on June 23, 2016.
On July 12 and 13, 2016, the full Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 5510 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a roll call vote of 30 yeas and 20 nays.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Better Online Ticket Sales Act of 2016
H.R. 5104
To prohibit, as an unfair and deceptive act or practice in
commerce, the sale or use of certain software to circumvent
control measures used by Internet ticket sellers to ensure
equitable consumer access to tickets for any given event, and
for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5104 prohibits intentionally using or selling software
to circumvent a security measure, access control system, or
other control or measure on a ticket seller's Internet website
that is used by the seller to ensure equitable consumer access
to tickets for any given event; or selling any ticket in
interstate commerce knowingly obtained in violation of such
prohibition.
Legislative History
H.R. 5104 was introduced by Representative Marsha Blackburn
(TN-07) on April 28, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 5104 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on April 29, 2016.
On May 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 5104.
On June 8 and 9, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade met in open markup session to consider
H.R. 5104 and forwarded the bill, as amended, to the full
Committee, by a voice vote.
On July 12, 13, and 14, 2016, the full Committee on Energy
and Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 5104
and ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as
amended, by a voice vote.
No further action was taken on the bill.
S. 3183 was introduced by Senator Jerry Moran (KS) on July
13, 2016, read twice, and referred to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation. S. 3183 was the
companion bill to H.R. 5104.
On September 13, 2016, the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product
Safety, Insurance, and Data Security held a hearing on S. 3183.
On September 27, 2016, Senator Thune (SD) reported S. 3183,
as amended, to the Senate without a written report, and the
bill was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 648).
On November 30, 2016, S. 3183 was considered in the Senate
and passed, as amended, by unanimous consent.
On December 5, 2016, Senator Thune (SD) filed a written
report (Report No. 114-391).
On December 1, 2016, S. 3183 was received in the House and
held at the desk.
On December 7, 2016, Representative Marsha Blackburn (TN-
07) asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table S.
3183, and asked for its immediate consideration in the House.
The bill was passed by unanimous consent.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Reinforcing American Made Products Act of 2016
H.R. 5092
To make exclusive the authority of the Federal Government
to regulate the labeling of products introduced in interstate
or foreign commerce as made in the United States, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5092 amends the Violent Crime Control and Law
Enforcement Act of 1994 to provide that the Federal Trade
Commission's regulation of the labeling of products as ``Made
in the U.S.A.'' or ``Made in America'' shall supersede any
state laws regarding the extent to which a product is
introduced, delivered, sold, advertised, or offered for sale in
interstate or foreign commerce with such a label in order to
represent that the product was in whole or substantial part of
domestic origin.
Legislative History
H.R. 5092 was introduced by Representative Gregg Harper
(MS-03) on April 28, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 5092 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on April 29, 2016.
On May 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 5092.
On June 8 and 9, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade met in open markup session to consider
H.R. 5092 and forwarded the bill, to the full Committee,
without amendment, to the full Committee by a voice vote.
On July 12, 13, and 14, 2016, the full Committee on Energy
and Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 5092
and ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a roll call vote of 29 yeas and 21 nays.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Clarifying Legality and Enforcement Action Reasoning Act
H.R. 5109
To amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to require annual
reports to Congress regarding the status and disposition of
investigations of unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or
affecting commerce.
Summary
H.R. 5109 requires the Federal Trade Commission to submit
an annual report to Congress on investigations relating to
unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce.
Legislative History
H.R. 5109 was introduced by Representative Brett Guthrie
(KY-02) on April 28, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 5109 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on April 29, 2016.
On May 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 5109.
No further action was taken on the bill. Provisions similar
to H.R. 5109 were included in H.R. 5510.
Freeing Responsible and Effective Exchanges Act
H.R. 5116
To amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to permit a
bipartisan majority of Commissioners to hold a meeting that is
closed to the public to discuss official business.
Summary
H.R. 5116 amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to permit
a bipartisan majority of Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
commissioners to hold a nonpublic meeting to discuss official
business if no votes or actions are taken, each person at the
meeting is an FTC commissioner or employee, and an attorney
from the FTC's Office of General Counsel is present. Within two
business days after such a nonpublic meeting, the FTC must
disclose on its website a list of persons who attended such
meeting, and a summary of discussed matters, except for matters
that are classified or otherwise exempt from disclosure.
Legislative History
H.R. 5116 was introduced by Representative Pete Olson (TX-
22) on April 28, 2016, and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce. H.R. 5116 was referred to the Subcommittee
Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on April 29, 2016.
On May 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 5116.
No further action was taken on the bill. Provisions similar
to H.R. 5116 were included in H.R. 5510.
FTC Robust Elderly Protections and Organizational Requirements To Track
Scams Act
H.R. 5098
To amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to require an
annual plan and a report on elder fraud, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5098 amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to
require the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to publish and
submit to Congress annually the FTC's plan for the next
calendar year, and a report on FTC enforcement actions
involving allegations of fraud targeting individuals who are 65
or older during the previous year.
Legislative History
H.R. 5098 was introduced by Representative Gus Bilirakis
(FL-12) on April 28, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 5098 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on April 29, 2016.
On May 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 5098.
No further action was taken on the bill. Provisions similar
to H.R. 5098 were included in H.R. 5510.
Solidifying Habitual and Institutional Explanations of Liability and
Defenses Act
H.R. 5118
To amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to specify
certain effects of guidelines, general statements of policy,
and similar guidance issued by the Federal Trade Commission.
Summary
H.R. 5118 amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to
prohibit guidelines or general statements of policy issued by
the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from conferring rights upon
any person, state, or locality, or binding the FTC or any
person, state, or locality to a recommended approach. In
enforcement actions, the FTC may not rely solely on allegations
that acts or practices are inconsistent with guidelines or
general policy statements unless the acts or practices violate
a FTC-enforced law. Lastly, compliance with guidelines or
general statements of policy may be used as evidence of
compliance with a law under which the guidelines or statements
were issued.
Legislative History
H.R. 5118 was introduced by Representative Mike Pompeo (KS-
04) on April 28, 2016, and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce. H.R. 5118 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on April 29, 2016.
On May 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 5118.
No further action was taken on the bill. Provisions similar
to H.R. 5118 were included in H.R. 5510.
Start Taking Action on Lingering Liabilities Act
H.R. 5097
To amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to require the
termination of inactive investigations after a period of six
months.
Summary
H.R. 5097 amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to
require certain Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigations
to terminate six months after the FTC sends a verifiable
written communication to notify the subject of the
investigation. The bill also provides an exception that allows
such an investigation to continue beyond that six-month period
if, before the period expires, the FTC sends an additional
verifiable written communication, or votes to extend the
investigation.
Legislative History
H.R. 5097 was introduced by Representative Susan W. Brooks
(IN-05) on April 28, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 5097 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on April 29, 2016.
On May 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 5097.
No further action was taken on the bill. Provisions similar
to H.R. 5097 were included in H.R. 5510.
Statement of Unfairness Reinforcement and Emphasis Act
H.R. 5115
To amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to include
requirements for declaring an act or practice unlawful, and for
other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5115 amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to
provide additional factors for in the Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) to consider before it may declare acts or practices to be
unlawful on the ground that they are unfair and likely to cause
substantial injury to consumers.
Legislative History
H.R. 5115 was introduced by Representative Markwayne Mullin
(OK-02) on April 28, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 5115 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on April 29, 2016.
On May 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 5115.
No further action was taken on the bill. Provisions similar
to H.R. 5115 were included in H.R. 5510.
Technological Innovation Through Modernizing Enforcement Act
H.R. 5093
To amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to require a time
limitation for certain consent orders, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5093 amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to
require any consent order entered into by the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) to include a termination clause providing for
the order to expire not later than eight years after it is
entered into, unless it relates to alleged fraud by an entity
subject to the order and requires a longer time limit. A
consent order longer than five years that is unrelated to
alleged fraud by the entity must include a clause providing for
the FTC to review the order five years after it is entered
into. H.R. 5093 also allows entities subject to a consent order
that is unrelated to alleged fraud and has been effective for
at least five years to petition the FTC to terminate the order.
If the FTC determines that such a consent order no longer
serves its purposes, the FTC shall terminate the order.
Legislative History
H.R. 5093 was introduced by Representative Michael C.
Burgess (TX-27) on April 28, 2016, and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 5093 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on April 29,
2016.
On May 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 5093.
No further action was taken on the bill. Provisions similar
to H.R. 5093 were included in H.R. 5510.
Bereaved Consumer's Bill of Rights Act of 2016
H.R. 5212
To direct the Federal Trade Commission to establish rules
to prohibit unfair or deceptive acts or practices related to
the provision of funeral goods or funeral services.
Summary
H.R. 5212 directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to
prescribe rules prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or
practices in the provision of funeral goods or services.
Legislative History
H.R. 5212 was introduced by Representative Bobby L. Rush
(IL-01) on May 12, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 5212 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on May 13, 2016.
On May 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 5212.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Stop Online Booking Scams Act of 2016
H.R. 4526
To amend the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act to
protect consumers from deceptive practices with respect to
online booking of hotel reservations and to direct the Federal
Trade Commission to conduct a study with respect to online
shopping for hotel reservations, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4526 amends the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence
Act (ROSCA) to prohibit a third party online hotel reservation
seller from charging a consumer's credit card, debit card, bank
account, or other financial account for any good or service
sold in an Internet transaction, unless the seller discloses
all material terms of the transaction.
Legislative History
H.R. 4526 was introduced by Representative Lois Frankel
(FL-22) on February 10, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4526 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on February 12, 2016.
On May 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 4526.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Youth Sports Concussion Act
H.R. 4460
To reduce sports-related concussions in youth, and for
other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4460 makes it unlawful to sell or offer for sale in
interstate commerce, or import into the United States for such
purposes, athletic sporting equipment for which the seller or
importer makes any deceptive claim with respect to the safety
benefits of such item. Violations shall be treated as unfair or
deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission
Act.
Legislative History
H.R. 4460 was introduced by Representative Bill Pascrell,
Jr. (NJ-09) on February 4, 2016, and referred to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4460 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on February
5, 2016.
On May 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 4460.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Protecting Consumers in Commerce Act of 2016
H.R. 5239
To amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to permit the
Federal Trade Commission to enforce such Act against certain
common carriers.
Summary
H.R. 5239 amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to
authorize the Federal Trade Commission to regulate common
carriers subject to the Communications Act of 1934.
Legislative History
H.R. 5239 was introduced by Representative Jerry McNerney
(CA-09) on May 13, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 5239 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on May 20, 2016.
On May 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 5239.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Better Oversight of Secondary Sales and Accountability in Concert
Ticketing Act of 2016
H.R. 5245
To direct the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe rules
to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive acts and
practices in connection with primary and secondary ticket
sales, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5245 directs the Federal Trade Commission to
promulgate rules for the primary or secondary sale,
distribution, or pricing of tickets for sporting events,
theater, musical performances, or places of public amusement
Legislative History
H.R. 5245 was introduced by Representative Bill Pascrell,
Jr. (NJ-09) on May 16, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 5245 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on May 20, 2016.
On May 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 5245.
No further action was taken on the bill.
To Amend the Federal Trade Commission Act To Permit the Federal Trade
Commission To Enforce Such Act Against Certain Tax Exempt Organizations
H.R. 5255
To amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to permit the
Federal Trade Commission to enforce such Act against certain
tax-exempt organizations.
Summary
H.R. 5255 amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to
certain tax-exempt nonprofit charitable organizations subject
to the authority of the Federal Trade Commission.
Legislative History
H.R. 5255 was introduced by Representative Bobby L. Rush
(IL-01) on May 16, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 5255 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on May 20, 2016.
On May 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 5255.
No further action was taken on the bill.
ROV In-Depth Examination
H.R. 999
To direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the
National Academy of Sciences to study the vehicle handling
requirements proposed by the Commission for recreational off-
highway vehicles and to prohibit the adoption of any such
requirements until the completion of the study.
Summary
H.R. 999 provides that the Consumer Product Safety
Commission shall have no authority to (1) establish
recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV) performance or
configuration standards until the completion of a study, or (2)
require ROV manufacturers to provide performance and technical
data to prospective purchasers and to the first purchaser of an
ROV for purposes other than resale.
Legislative History
H.R. 999 was introduced by Representative Mike Pompeo (KS-
04) on February 13, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 999 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on February 20, 2015.
On May 20, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on H.R. 999.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Improving Broadband Access for Veterans Act of 2016
H.R. 6394
To require the Federal Communications Commission to submit
to Congress a report on promoting broadband Internet access
service for veterans.
Summary
H.R. 6394 would require the Federal Communications
Commission to submit to Congress a report on promoting
broadband Internet access service for veterans, in particular
low-income veterans and veterans residing in rural areas.
Legislative History
H.R. 6394 was introduced by Representative Jerry McNerney
(CA-09) on November 29, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce.
On December 6, 2016, H.R. 6394 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a roll call vote of 411 yeas and 4 nays
(Roll Call No. 604).
On December 7, 2016, H.R. 6394 was received in the Senate.
No further action was taken on this bill.
Federal Communications Commission Consolidated Reporting Act
S. 253, H.R. 734
To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to consolidate the
reporting obligations of the Federal Communications Commission
in order to improve congressional oversight and reduce
reporting burdens.
Summary
H.R. 734 consolidates eight separate reports of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) into a single comprehensive
report focused on intermodal competition, deploying
communications capabilities to unserved communities, and
eliminating regulatory barriers. By consolidating these
reports, H.R. 734 reduces the reporting burdens on the FCC and
encourages the agency to analyze competition in the marketplace
as a whole. The bill also eliminates several outdated reports,
including references to reports made more than a decade ago.
Legislative History
On February 4, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology met in open markup session to consider a Discussion
Draft entitled ``To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to
consolidate the reporting obligations of the Federal
Communications Commission in order to improve congressional
oversight and reduce reporting burdens,'' and ordered the
Discussion Draft favorably forwarded to the full Committee, as
amended, by a voice vote.
H.R. 734 was introduced by Representative Steve Scalise
(LA-01) on February 4, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 734 was identical to the Discussion
Draft considered by the Subcommittee.
H.R. 734 was referred to the Subcommittee on Communications
and Technology on February 6, 2015.
On February 11 and 12, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 734 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
On February 24, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 734 to the House (H. Rept. 114-27), and the bill
was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 19).
On February 24, 2015, H.R. 734 was considered in the House
under a motion to the suspend the Rules, and the bill was
passed, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 411 yeas and
0 nays (Roll Call No. 85).
On February 25, 2015, H.R. 734 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation.
No further action was taken on the bill.
S. 253 was introduced by Senator Dean Heller (NV) on
January 26, 2015, read twice, and referred to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
On February 26, 2015, the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation ordered S. 253, as amended, to be favorably
reported to the Senate.
On May 22, 2015, Senator John Thune (SD) reported S. 253 to
the Senate with a written report (Report 114-58), and the bill
was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General
Orders (Calendar No. 100).
On June 10, 2015, S. 253 was considered in the Senate and
passed, as amended, by unanimous consent.
On June 11, 2015, S. 253 was received in the House and held
at the Speaker's table.
On September 27, 2016, S. 253 passed the House, as amended,
by unanimous consent. The short title of S. 253 was amended to
``Communications Act Update Act of 2016.''
No further action was taken on the bill.
Improving Recall Tracking Act
DISCUSSION DRAFT
Summary
The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to
establish a national database of vehicle identification numbers
and registration information
Legislative History
On September 25, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on the Discussion Draft
entitled ``Improving Recall Tracking Act.''
No further action was taken on the bill.
Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act
DISCUSSION DRAFT
Summary
The bill would encourage automotive employees and
contractors to disclose information about possible safety
violations if they are concealed or go unreported.
Legislative History
On September 25, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing on the Discussion Draft
entitled ``Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act.''
No further action was taken on the bill. Provisions similar
to the Discussion Draft were included in H.R. 22.
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
What Are the Elements of Sound Data Breach Legislation?
On January 27, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``What are the
Elements of Sound Data Breach Legislation.'' The purpose of the
hearing was to examine the different state laws dealing with
data breach notification and the laws governing commercial data
security. The Subcommittee received testimony from Elizabeth
Hyman, Executive Vice President, Public Policy, Tech America,
powered by CompTIA; Jennifer Glasgow, Chief Privacy Officer,
Acxiom Corporation; Brian Dodge, Executive Vice President,
Communications and Strategic Initiatives, Retail Industry
Leaders Association; and Woodrow Hartzog, Associate Professor,
Cumberland School of Law.
Update: Patent Demand Letter Practices and Solutions
On February 26, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``Update:
Patent Demand Letter Practices and Solutions.'' The purpose of
the hearing was to examine the practice of sending demand
letters on a large scale that contain inaccuracies,
misrepresentations, or omissions in order to extract
unjustified payments from businesses and individuals. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Vince Malta, Liaison for
Law and Policy, National Association of Realtors; Paul
Gugliuzza, Associate Professor, Boston University School of
Law; Laurie Self, Vice President and Counsel, Government
Affairs, Qualcomm; and Vera Ranieri, Staff Attorney, Electronic
Frontier Foundation.
The Internet of Things: Exploring the Next Technology Frontier
On March 24, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``The Internet
of Things: Exploring the Next Technology Frontier.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to learn about the emerging Internet
of Things marketplace and its role in strengthening the U.S.
economy and improving the quality of life for consumers. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Daniel Castro, Vice
President, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation;
Brian Van Harlingen, Chief Technology Officer, Belkin
International, Inc.; Rose Schooler, Vice President, Internet of
Things Group and GM, IoT Strategy and Technology Office, Intel
Corporation; and Brad Morehead, Chief Executive Officer,
LiveWatch Security, LLC.
Oversight of the Consumer Product Safety Commission
On May 19, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``Oversight of
the Consumer Product Safety Commission.'' The purpose of the
hearing was to examine the Chairman's priorities and goal while
discussing the relationship between the CPSC and the regulated
communities. The subcommittee received testimony from Elliot F.
Kaye, Chairman, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission; Robert
S. Adler, Commissioner, U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission; Ann Marie Buerkle, Commissioner, U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission; Joseph Mohorovic, Commissioner, U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission; Cheryl Falvey, Co-Chair,
Advertising and Product Risk Management, Crowell & Moring LLP;
Ronald Warfield, Chief Executive Office, ATV/ROV/UTV Safety
Consulting; Erik Pritchard, Executive Vice President and
General Counsel, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association;
and, Heidi Crow-Michael, Winnsboro, Texas
An Update on the Takata Airbag Ruptures and Recalls
On June 2, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``An Update on
the Takata Airbag Ruptures and Recalls.'' The purpose of this
hearing was to review the investigations surrounding the Takata
airbag inflator defects and learn about the new and expanded
recalls initiated since the Subcommittee's December 2014
hearing on this issue. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Mark Rosekind, Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration; Kevin Kennedy, Executive Vice President,
Takata; David Kelly, Project Director, Independent Testing
Coalition; Mitch Bainwol, President and CEO, Alliance of
Automobile Manufacturers; and John Bozzella, Chief Executive
Officer, Global Automakers.
EPA's Proposed Ozone Rule: Potential Impacts on Manufacturing
On June 16, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade and the Subcommittee on Energy and
Power held a joint hearing entitled ``EPA's Proposed Ozone
Rule: Potential Impacts on Manufacturing.'' The purpose of this
hearing was to examine the potential impacts of the
Environmental Protection Agency's proposed ozone rule on the
U.S. manufacturing sector. The Subcommittee received testimony
from Ross E. Eisenberg, Vice President, Energy and Resources
Policy, National Association of Manufacturers; Erin Monroe
Wesley, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer,
Baton Rouge Area Chamber; Michael Freeman, Division President,
The Americas, WD-40 Company; Stacey-Ann Taylor, Director,
Product Stewardship, Henry Company; Louis Anthony Cox, Jr.,
President, Cox Associates; Gregory B. Diette, Professor of
Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine on behalf
of the American Thoracic Society; and Robert L. Glicksman, J.B.
and Maurice C. Shapiro Professor of Environmental Law, George
Washington University School of Law.
Vehicle to Vehicle Communications and Connected Roadways of the Future
On June 25, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``Vehicle-to-
Vehicle Communications and Connected Roadways of the Future.''
The purpose of the hearing was to learn about vehicle-to-
vehicle (V2V) communications technology and what it means for
safety, the future of the nation's roadways, and the U.S.
economy. The Subcommittee received testimony from Peter
Sweatman, Director, University of Michigan Transportation
Research Institute; Nat Beuse, Associate Administrator, Vehicle
Safety Research, National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration; David St. Amant, President and COO, Econolite
Group Inc.; Barry Einsig, Global Transportation Executive,
Cisco; and Harry Lightsey, Executive Director, Global Connected
Customer Experience, General Motors.
The Disrupter Series: How the Sharing Economy Creates Jobs, Benefits
Consumers, and Raises Policy Questions
On September 29, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``The
Disrupter Series: How Sharing is Faring: Growth and Adjustment
in the Sharing Economy.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
examine the growth of sharing economies and the platforms that
comprise the networks of people and services. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Alex Chriss, Vice President and General
Manager, Intuit, Inc.; Bob Passmore, Assistant Vice President,
Personal Lines Policy, Property Casualty Insurers Association
of America; Luceele Smith, Driver, Partner, Uber Technologies,
Inc.; Jon Lieber, Chief Economist, Thumbtack; Michael
Beckerman, President and CEO, The Internet Association; and
Dean Baker, Co-Director, Center for Economic and Policy
Research.
Examining Ways To Improve Vehicle and Roadway Safety
On October 21, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``Examining
Ways to Improve Vehicle and Roadway Safety.'' The purpose of
the hearing was
Fighting Fraud Against the Elderly, an Update
On October 23, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``Fighting
Fraud Against the Elderly, an Update.'' The purpose of the
hearing was to examine how local, state, and Federal agencies
are working together to address fraud against the elderly, and
what enforcement challenges these agencies face in combating
fraud. The Subcommittee received testimony from Daniel Kaufman,
Deputy Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade
Commission; Stacy Canan, Deputy Director, Office of Financial
Protection for Older Americans, Consumer Financial Protection
Bureau; Robert F. Harris, Cook County Public Guardian; Charles
Wallace, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program
Director, Computer Science, Michigan Technological University;
and Tobie Stanger, Senior Editor, Consumer Reports.
Examining the EU Safe Harbor Decision and Impacts for Transatlantic
Data Flows
On November 3, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade and Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology the held a joint hearing entitled ``Examining the EU
Safe Harbor Decision and Impacts for Transatlantic Data
Flows.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine the impact
on United States' industry following the European Court of
Justice's decision in the Schrems case in which the Court of
Justice of the European Union ruled that the U.S.-EU Safe
Harbor Framework is no longer available as a valid transfer
mechanism for data between the U.S. and the EU. The
Subcommittees received testimony from Victoria Espinel,
President and CEO, Business Software Alliance; Joshua Meltzer,
Senior Fellow, Global Economy and Development, The Brookings
Institution; John Murphy, Senior Vice President for
International Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; and Marc
Rotenberg, President, Electronic Privacy Information Center.
The Disrupter Series: The Fast-Evolving Uses and Economic Impacts of
Drones
On November 19, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``The
Disrupter Series: The Fast-Evolving Uses and Economic Impacts
of Drones.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine the
commercial uses for drones and the types of drones that are
expected to be developed in the next five years. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Joshua M. Walden, Senior
Vice President and General Manager, New Technology Group, Intel
Corporation; John Villasenor, Professor of Public Policy and
Electrical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles,
Luskin School of Public Affairs; Brian Wynne, President and
CEO, Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International;
and Margot Kaminski, Assistant Professor, Moritz School of Law,
Ohio State University.
The Disrupter Series: Mobile Payments
On December 1, 2015, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``The
Disrupter Series: Mobile Payments.'' The purpose of the hearing
was to examine how mobile payment options impact the
traditional payment landscape and what hurdles exist for
widespread consumer adoption. The Subcommittee received
testimony from John Muller, Vice President for Global Payments
Policy, PayPal; Sang Ahn, Chief Commercial Officer, U.S.
Samsung Pay; Jessica Deckinger, Chief Marketing Officer,
Merchant Customer Exchange; and Sarah Jane Hughes, University
Scholar and Fellow in Commercial Law, Indiana University Maurer
School of Law.
Industry Perspectives on the Consumer Product Safety Commission
On February 10, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``Industry
Perspectives on the Consumer Product Safety Commission.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to examine the voluntary standards
setting process, the Consumer Product Safety Commission's
(CPSC) statutory obligation to evaluate those standards prior
to issuing mandatory standards, and how this process impacts
industry's ability to adjust and improve standards and
compliance activities for consumer products. Additionally, the
hearing examined the CPSC's budget request for Fiscal Year 2017
and whether the agency has been efficiently meeting
Congressional directives and public safety goals. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Jonathan Gold, Vice
President, Supply Chain and Customs Policy, National Retail
Federation; Mark Fellin, Director of Regulatory and Legislative
Affairs, Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association; Erik
Pritchard, Executive Vice President and General Counsel,
Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association; and Rachel
Weintraub, Legislative Director and General Counsel, Consumer
Federation of America.
Disrupter Series: 3D Printing
On February 26, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``The
Disrupter Series: 3D Printing.'' The purpose of the hearing was
to examine the types of additive manufacturing that are poised
to revolutionize manufacturing in use and in development, as
well as the most significant barriers to investment in 3D
printing technology. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Alan Amling, Vice President, Global Logistics and Marketing,
United Parcel Service, Inc.; Edward Herderick, Additive
Technologies Leader, GE Corporate Supply Chain and Operations;
Neal Orringer, Vice President, Alliances and Partnerships, 3D
Systems Corp.; and Ed Morris, Vice President and Director,
America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation
Institute National Center for Defense Manufacturing and
Machining.
Disrupter Series: Wearable Devices
On March 3, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``The
Disrupter Series: Wearable Devices.'' The purpose of the
hearing was to examine how wearables impact consumer and
employer engagement in commerce, data-driven innovation,
economic growth, job creation, and obstacles to widespread
adoption of these devices. The Subcommittee received testimony
from Doug Webster, Vice President for Service Provider
Marketing, Cisco; Suresh Palliparambil, American Sales and
Business Development Director, NXP; Meg Burich, Director
Commercial Development and Marketing, Adidas Digital Sports;
Thomas D. Bianculli, Vice President, Emerging Technology
Office, Zebra Technologies; and Scott R. Peppet, Professor of
Law, University of Colorado Law School.
Disrupter Series: Digital Currency and Block Chain Technology
On March 16, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``The
Disrupter Series: Digital Currency and Blockchain Technology.''
The purpose of the hearing was to learn about blockchain
technology and digital currencies, the regulatory environment
for blockchain technology and digital currencies, and the
hurtles that exist for the industry and consumer adoption. The
Subcommittee received testimony from John A. Beccia III,
General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Circle Internet
Financial (on behalf of the Electronic Transactions
Association); Jerry Brito, Executive Director, Coin Center;
Jerry Cuomo, Vice President Blockchain Technologies, IBM;
Matthew Roszak, Chairman, Chamber of Digital Commerce, and Co-
Founder, Bloq, Inc.; Paul Snow, Chief Architect, Factom; and
Juan Suarez, Counsel, Coinbase.
NHTSA Oversight
On April 14, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``NHTSA
Oversight.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine changes
in vehicle technology, matters related to recent vehicle
recalls, FAST Act implementation, advanced automotive
technologies, Cybersecurity, and distracted driving. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mark Rosekind,
Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration;
Mitch Bainwol, President and CEO, Alliance of Automobile
Manufacturers; John Bozzella, President and CEO, Global
Automakers; Michael Wilson, CEO, Automotive Recyclers
Association; Ann Wilson, Senior Vice President, Motor
andEquipment Manufacturers Association; and Jackie Gillan,
President, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.
The Pet Medication Industry: Issues and Perspectives
On April 29, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``The Pet
Medication Industry: Issues and Perspectives.'' The purpose of
the hearing was to examine a variety of issues in the pet
medication industry, including consumer protection issues. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Tara Koslov, Deputy
Director, Office of Policy Planning, Federal Trade Commission;
Nathan Smith, Vice President, True Science; and John H. de
Jong, Chair Board of Directors, American Veterinary Medical
Association.
Daily Fantasy Sports: Issues and Perspectives
On May 11, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``Daily
Fantasy Sports: Issues and Perspectives.'' The purpose of the
hearing was to examine the current regulatory environment for
fantasy sport operators at the Federal and state level and
consumer protection issues. The Subcommittee received testimony
from Steve Brubaker, Executive Director, Small Business Fantasy
Sports Trade Association; Kurt Eggert, Professor of Law,
Chapman University Fowler School of Law; Jordan Gnat, Senior
Vice President, Strategic Business Development, Scientific
Games; Mark Locke, Chief Executive Officer, Genius Sports; John
M. McManus, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary, MGM Resorts International; Ryan Rodenberg, Assistant
Professor, Department of Sport Management, Florida State
University; Peter Schoenke, President, Rotowire.com, Chairman,
Fantasy Sports Trade Association; and Lindsay Slader,
Operations Manager, GeoComply.
Disrupter Series: Health Care Apps
On July 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``The
Disrupter Series: Health Care Apps.'' The purpose of the
hearing was to define and classify health care apps and
understand how health care apps are disrupting the way
consumers and professionals engage in the health care system.
The Subcommittee received testimony from Diane Johnson, North
America Regulatory Affairs Policy and Intelligence Medical
Devices, Johnson & Johnson; Matt Patterson, President,
AirStrip; E. Ray Dorsey, Professor of Neurology and Director of
the Center for Human Experimental Therapeutics, University of
Rochester Medical Center; Bettina Experton, President and CEO,
Humetrix; Laura Ferris, Assistant Professor, University of
Pittsburgh, Department of Dermatology; and Nicolas P. Terry,
Hall Render Professor of Law and Executive Director of the
William S. and Christine S. Hall Center for Law and Health,
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.
Disrupter Series: Advanced Robotics
On September 14, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``Disrupter
Series: Advanced Robotics.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
explore the future of advanced robotics applications,
educational initiatives, and how the United States is
positioned to leverage these innovations in the future. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Jeff Burnstein, President,
Robotic Industries Association; Meg Jones, Assistant Professor,
Communication, Culture, and Technology, Georgetown University;
Dean Kamen, Founder, Deka Research; Sridhar Kota, Herrick
Professor of Engineering, University of Michigan.
Midterm Review and Update on the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program
and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Motor Vehicles
On September 22, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade and the Subcommittee on Energy and
Power held a joint hearing entitled ``Midterm Review and Update
on the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program and Greenhouse
Gas Emissions Standards for Motor Vehicles.'' The purpose of
the hearing was to examine the status of economic and
marketplace estimates and projections made in 2012 and the
impact that those assumptions will have on auto manufacturers'
ability to meet increasing fuel economy standards. Furthermore,
the hearing explored the CAFE program's impact on economic
growth, innovation, product development and job creation within
the auto industry. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Janet McCabe, Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of
Air and Radiation, Environmental Protection Agency; Paul
Hemmersbaugh, Chief Counsel, National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration; John Bozzella, President and CEO, Global
Automakers; Mitch Bainwol, President and CEO, Alliance of
Automobile Manufacturers; Peter Welch, President, National
Automobile Dealers Association; John D. Graham, Ph.D., Dean,
School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University
Bloomington; John German, Senior Fellow/U.S. Co-Lead, The
International Council on Clean Transportation; and Mark Cooper,
Director of Research, Consumer Federation of America.
Disrupter Series: Self-Driving Cars
On November 15, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``Disrupter
Series: Self-Driving Cars.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
examine the impacts self-driving cars will have on vehicular
travel, mobility and roadway safety. Furthermore, to examine
NHTSA's guidance and what impacts it will have on development
and deployment of self-driving cars. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mark Rosekind, Administrator, National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration; Mitch Bainwol, President and
CEO, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers; Ann Wilson, Senior
Vice President, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association;
Gary Shapiro, President and CEO, Consumer Technology
Association; Kirk Steudle, Chief Deputy Director, Michigan
Department of Transportation; and Laura MacCleery, Vice
President Consumer Policy and Mobilization, Consumer Reports.
Understanding the Role of Connected Devices in Recent Cyber Attacks
On November 16, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade and the Subcommittee on Communications
and Technology held a joint hearing entitled ``Understanding
the Role of Connected Devices in Recent Cyber Attacks.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to review the series of connected
device-based distributed denial of service attacks, understand
current countermeasures, and consider future efforts to combat
malicious actors that could target vulnerabilities in modern
digital infrastructure. The Subcommittees received testimony
from Dale Drew, Senior Vice President, Chief Security Officer,
Level 3 Communications; Kevin Fu, CEO, Virta Labs, and
Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering and
Computer Science, University of Michigan; and Bruce Schneier,
Adjunct Lecturer, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard
University, and Fellow, Berkman Klein Center, Harvard
University.
Mixed Martial Arts: Issues and Perspectives
On December 8, 2016, the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ``Mixed
Martial Arts: Issues and Perspectives.'' The purpose of the
hearing was to examine how the structure of the MMA industry is
different from that of other professional sports and what these
differences mean for policymakers. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Randy Couture, President, Xtreme Couture; Lydia
Robertson, Treasurer, Association of Boxing Commissions and
Combative Sports; Jeff Novitzky, Vice President, Athlete Health
and Performance, and Pathology, Alzheimer's Disease Center,
Boston University.
HEARINGS HELD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serial No. Hearing Title Hearing Date(s)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
114-4............ What are the Elements of January 27, 2015
Sound Data Breach
Legislation? (Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-14........... Update: Patent Demand Letter February 26, 2015
Practices and Solution.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-21........... Discussion Draft of H.R. __, March 18, 2015
Data Security and Breach
Notification Act of 2015.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-26........... The Internet of Things: March 24, 2015
Exploring the Next
Technology Frontier.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-32........... H.R. __, Targeting Rogue and April 16, 2015
Opaque Letters (TROL) Act.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-45........... Oversight of the Consumer May 19, 2015
Product Safety Commission.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-49........... An Update on the Takata June 2, 2015
Airbag Ruptures and
Recalls. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-56........... EPA's Proposed Ozone Rule: June 16, 2015
Potential Impacts on
Manufacturing.
(Subcommittee on Energy and
Power and Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-60........... Vehicle to Vehicle June 25, 2015
Communications and
Connected Roadways of the
Future. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-65........... H.R. 985, Concrete Masonry July 10, 2015
Products Research,
Education, and Promotion
Act of 2015. (Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-78........... Legislative Hearing on VIN September 25, 2015
Database and Auto
Whistleblower Bills.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-80........... The Disrupter Series: How September 29, 2015
the Sharing Economy Creates
Jobs, Benefits Consumers,
and Raises Policy
Questions. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-87........... Examining Ways to Improve October 21, 2015
Vehicle and Roadway Safety.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-92........... Fighting Fraud Against the October 23, 2015
Elderly, an Update.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-97........... Examining the EU Safe Harbor November 3, 2015
Decision and Impacts for
Transatlantic Data Flows.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade
and Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-103.......... The Disrupter Series: The November 19, 2015
Fast-Evolving Uses and
Economic Impacts of Drones.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-105.......... The Disrupter Series: Mobile December 1, 2015
Payments. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-116.......... Industry Perspectives on the February 10, 2016
Consumer Product Safety
Commission. (Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-120.......... Disrupter Series: 3D February 26, 2016
Printing. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-125.......... Disrupter Series: Wearable March 3, 2016
Devices. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-126.......... Disrupter Series: Digital March 16, 2016
Currency and Block Chain
Technology. (Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-133.......... NHTSA Oversight. April 14, 2016
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-142.......... The Pet Medication Industry: April 29, 2016
Issues and Perspectives.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-144.......... Daily Fantasy Sports: Issues May 11, 2016
and Perspectives.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-148.......... Legislative Hearing on 17 May 24, 2016
FTC Bills. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-163.......... Disrupter Series: Health July 13, 2016
Care Apps. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-169.......... Disrupter Series: Advanced September 14, 2016
Robotics. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-171.......... Midterm Review and Update on September 22, 2016
the Corporate Average Fuel
Economy Program and
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Standards For Motor
Vehicles. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade and Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-174.......... Disrupter Series: Self- November 15, 2016
Driving Cars (Subcommittee
on Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-175.......... Understanding the Role of November 16, 2016
Connected Devices in Recent
Cyber Attacks.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade
and Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-179.......... Mixed Martial Arts: Issues December 8, 2016
and Perspectives
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
(Ratio 18-13)
GREG WALDEN, Oregon, Chairman
ANNA G. ESHOO, California, ROBERT E. LATTA, Ohio,
Ranking Member Vice Chairman
MICHAEL F. DOYLE, Pennsylvania JOHN SHIMKUS, Illinois
PETER WELCH, Vermont MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee
JOHN A. YARMUTH, Kentucky STEVE SCALISE, Louisiana
YVETTE D. CLARKE, New York LEONARD LANCE, New Jersey
DAVID LOEBSACK, Iowa BRETT GUTHRIE, Kentucky
BOBBY L. RUSH, Illinois PETE OLSON, Texas
DIANA DeGETTE, Colorado MIKE POMPEO, Kansas
G.K. BUTTERFIELD, North Carolina ADAM KINZINGER, Illinois
DORIS O. MATSUI, California GUS BILIRAKIS, Florida
JERRY McNERNEY, California BILL JOHNSON, Ohio
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico BILLY LONG, Missouri
FRANK PALLONE, Jr., New Jersey RENEE L. ELLMERS, North Carolina
(Ex Officio) CHRIS COLLINS, New York
KEVIN CRAMER, North Dakota
JOE BARTON, Texas
FRED UPTON, Michigan
(Ex Officio)
Jurisdiction: Interstate and foreign telecommunications including, but
not limited to, all telecommunication and information transmission by
broadcast, radio, wire, microwave, satellite, or other mode.
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
Rural Health Care Connectivity Act of 2016
PUBLIC LAW 114-182 (S. 1916, H.R. 4111, H.R. 2576)
To include skilled nursing facilities as a type of health
care provider under section 254(h) of the Communications Act of
1934.
Summary
H.R. 4111 amends the Communications Act of 1934 to include
skilled nursing facilities among the types of health care
providers eligible for subsidized service under the Universal
Service Fund.
Legislative History
H.R. 4111 was introduced by Representative Leonard Lance
(NJ-07) on November 19, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4111 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Communications and Technology on November 20, 2015.
On April 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Legislative Hearing on
Seven Communications Bills'' and received testimony on the
bill.
On April 18 and 19, 2016, the Subcommittee on
Communications and Technology met in open markup session to
consider H.R 4111 and forwarded the bill to the full Committee,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016 the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4111 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On May 23, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 4111 to the House (H. Rept. 114-582), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 452).
No further action was taken on the bill.
On May 24, 2016, the House considered a Senate amendment to
H.R. 2576, Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st
Century Act. A motion offered by Representative John Shimkus
(IL-15) to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 2576 with an
amendment, which included the provisions of H.R. 4111 as Title
II, was agreed to by a roll call vote of 403 yeas and 12 nays
(Roll Call No. 238).
On May 24, 2016, H.R. 2576, with the House amendment to the
Senate amendment, was received in the Senate. On June 7, 2016,
the H.R. 2576 was considered in the Senate, and the bill was
passed by a voice vote.
On June 14, 2016, H.R. 2576 was presented to the President,
and the President signed the bill on June 22, 2016 (Public Law
114-182).
Expressing the Sense of the House of Representatives That Protections
Against Cramming Should Be Improved and Consumers Should Be Empowered
To Stop Unwanted Third-Party Charges on Their Telephone Bills
H. RES. 932
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that
protections against cramming should be improved and consumers
should be empowered to stop unwanted third-party charges on
their telephone bills.
Summary
H. Res. 932 provides that it is the sense of the House of
Representatives that protections against cramming should be
improved and consumers should be empowered to stop unwanted
third-party charges on their telephone bills.
Legislative History
H. Res. 932 was introduced by Representative Janice D.
Schakowsky (IL-09) on November 29, 2016, and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce.
On December 6, 2016, H. Res. 932 was considered in the
House under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the resolution
was passed, without amendment, by a voice vote.
Expressing the Sense of the House of Representatives That Access to
Digital Communications Tools and Connectivity is Necessary To Prepare
Youth in the United States To Compete in the 21st Century Economy
H. RES. 939
Summary
H. Res. 939 provides that it is the sense of the House of
Representatives that all students should have access to the
digital tools necessary to further their education and compete
in the 21st century economy.
Legislative History
H. Res. 939 was introduced by Representative Peter Welch
(VT-At Large) on November 30, 2016 and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce.
On December 6, 2016, H. Res. 932 was considered in the
House under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the resolution
was passed, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 414 yeas
and 1 nay.
Domain Openness Through Continued Oversight Matters Act of 2014
H.R. 805
To provide for certain requirements relating to the
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority stewardship transition.
Summary
On March 14, 2014, National Telecommunications and
Information Administration (NTIA) announced its intention to
transition its oversight of the Internet domain system's root
zone functions, performed by the Internet Assigned Numbers
Authority (IANA), to the global multi-stakeholder community.
H.R. 805 prohibits the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Communications and Information from allowing the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration's role in the
performance of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
functions to terminate, lapse, or otherwise cease until 30
legislative days after the Assistant Secretary submits a report
to Congress.
Such report must contain the proposal relating to the
transition of the NTIA's stewardship of the IANA functions that
was developed in a process convened by the Internet Corporation
for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) at the request of NTIA.
Furthermore, the report must contain certifications by the
Assistant Secretary that the proposal: supports and enhances
the multistakeholder model of Internet governance; maintains
the security, stability, and resiliency of the Internet domain
name system; meets the needs and expectations of the global
customers and partners of IANA services; maintains the openness
of the Internet; and does not replace the role of NTIA with a
government-led or intergovernmental organization solution.
Legislative History
H.R. 805 was introduced by Representative John Shimkus (IL-
15) on February 5, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 805 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Communications and Technology on February 6, 2015.
On May 13, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Stakeholder Perspectives
on the IANA Transition'' and received testimony on the bill.
On June 10, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology met in open markup session to consider H.R. 805 and
forwarded the bill to the full Committee, as amended, by a
voice vote.
On June 16 and 17, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 805 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On June 23, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 805 to the House (H. Rept. 114-75), and the bill
was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 130).
On June 23, 2015, H.R. 805 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a roll call vote of 378 yeas and 25 nays (Roll
Call No. 377).
On June 24, 2016, H.R. 805 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and on July 14, 2016, the bill was referred to the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act of 2015
H.R. 2583
To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for
greater transparency and efficiency in the procedures followed
by the Federal Communications Commission, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2583 amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) to
complete a rulemaking proceeding to adopt rules establishing:
minimum comment and reply periods for rulemakings; policies to
ensure that the public has sufficient notice to respond to
comments, ex parte communications, or materials submitted near
the end, or after, the comment period; deadlines for public
notice; and procedures to include the specific language of
proposed rules or amendments in proposed rulemaking notices.
The legislation would require the FCC to establish procedures
for publishing on the Commission's website and submitting
reports to Congress regarding: the status of open rulemakings
and items circulated for review; the number of pending
petitions, applications, complaints, and other requests for
action and the amount of time such requests have been pending;
and pending congressional investigations of the FCC and the
cost of such investigations.
H.R. 2583 requires performance measures be included in
notices of proposed rulemakings or orders that would
substantially change a program activity, defined as each FCC
program listed in the Federal budget, as well as each program
through which the FCC collects or distributes $100 million or
more. The bill includes a periodic review clause requiring the
Commission to initiate a new rulemaking proceeding every five
years to continue its consideration of procedural rule changes.
The legislation requires the Commission to seek public comment
on whether the Commission should establish procedures for
allowing a bipartisan majority of Commissioners to place an
order or action on the agenda of an open meeting; establish
procedures for ensuring all Commissioners have adequate time to
review the proposed Commission decision document; and establish
procedures for publishing the text of agenda items to be voted
on at an open meeting in advance of the open meeting to allow
time for the public review. The legislation also adds a new
procedure for non-public meetings of the Commission, subject to
disclosure requirements.
The legislation also contains statutory requirements for
the Commission, including a requirement to publish on its
website information including budget and personnel data, and
any policies or procedures that are established by the Chairman
that relate to the FCC's function or its agenda. Finally, the
bill requires annual reports to Congress on the FCC's
performance in conducting its proceedings and meeting the
deadlines established in the act.
Legislative History
On May 20, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology met in open markup session to consider a Committee
Print entitled ``Federal Communications Commission Process
Reform Act of 2015'' and forwarded the Committee Print to the
full Committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
H.R. 2583 was introduced by Representative Greg Walden (OR-
02) on May 29, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce. H.R. 2583 was identical to the Committee Print
considered by the Subcommittee.
On June 2 and 3, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
met in open markup session to consider H.R. 2583 and ordered
the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended, by a
voice vote.
On October 22, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 2583 to the House (H. Rept. 114-305), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 231).
On November 16, 2015, H.R. 2583 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On November 17, 2015, H.R. 2583 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation.
No further action was taken on the bill.
A Bill To Amend the Communications Act of 1934 To Require the Federal
Communications Commission To Publish on Its Internet Website the Text
of Any Item That Is Adopted by Vote of the Commission Not Later Than 24
Hours After Receipt of Dissenting Statements From All Commissioners
Wishing To Submit Such a Statement With Respect to Such Item
H.R. 2589
A bill to Amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require
the Federal Communications Commission to publish on its
Internet website the text of any item that is adopted by vote
of the Commission not later than 24 hours after receipt of
dissenting statements from all Commissioners wishing to submit
such a statement with respect to such item.
Summary
H.R. 2589 amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), for items adopted
by an FCC vote, to publish on the FCC website the text of such
items within 24 hours after the FCC Secretary has received
dissenting statements from all Commissioners wishing to submit
such statements.
Legislative History
On April 30, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``FCC Reauthorization:
Improving Commission Transparency'' and received testimony on a
Committee Print entitled ``H.R. ----, to amend the
Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal
Communications Commission to publish on its Internet website
changes to the rules of the Commission not later than 24 hours
after adoption.''
On May 20, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology met in open markup session to consider the Committee
Print and forwarded the bill to the full Committee, without
amendment, by a roll call vote of 17 yeas and 13 nays.
H.R. 2589 was introduced by Representative Renee Ellmers
(NC-02) on June 1, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 2589 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Communications and Technology on June 5, 2015.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 2589 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by voice vote.
On May 23, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 2589 to the House (H. Rept. 114-581), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 451).
On May 23, 2016, H.R. 2589 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On May 24, 2016, H.R. 2589 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
No further action was taken on the bill.
No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act
H.R. 2666
To prohibit the Federal Communications Commission from
regulating the rates charged for broadband Internet access
service.
Summary
H.R. 2666 prohibits the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC or Commission) from regulating the rates charged for
broadband Internet access service. The bill clarifies that
nothing in the bill shall be construed to affect the FCC's
authority to administer the Universal Service program. The
legislation also includes exceptions for the Commission to
enforce regulations relating to truth-in-billing requirements
and paid prioritization.
Legislative History
H.R. 2666 was introduced by Representative Adam Kinzinger
(IL-16) on June 4, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 2666 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Communications and Technology on June 5, 2015.
On January 12, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Legislative hearing on
Four Communications Bills'' and received testimony on the bill.
On February 10 and 11, 2016, the Subcommittee on
Communications and Technology met in open markup session to
consider H.R. 2666 and forwarded to the full Committee, without
amendment, by a roll call vote of 15 yeas and 11 nays.
On March 14 and 15, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 2666 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a roll call vote of 29 yeas and 19 nays.
On March 30, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 2666 to the House (H. Rept. 114-478), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 364).
On April 15, 2016, H.R. 2666 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 672, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a roll call vote of 241 yeas and 173
nays (Roll Call No. 152).
On April 18, 2016, H.R. 2666 was received in the Senate,
and on April 20, 2016, H.R. 2666 was read the first time and
placed on the Senate Legislative calendar under Read the First
Time. On April 21, 2016, H.R. 2666 was read the second time and
placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders
(Calendar No. 431).
No further action was taken on the bill.
Securing Access to Networks in Disasters Act
H.R. 3998
To direct the Federal Communications Commission to conduct
a study on network resiliency during times of emergency, and
for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3998 requires the Federal Communications Commission to
submit to Congress and publish on its website a report on the
technical feasibility, public safety benefits, and cost of
providing the public with access to 9-1-1 services during times
of emergency when mobile service is unavailable through service
provider-owned WiFi access points, and other communications
technologies operating on unlicensed spectrum available to the
general public for access to 9-1-1 services during times of
emergencies when mobile service is unavailable. The bill also
amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act to expand the categories of essential service
providers to include specific telecommunications services,
including wireline or mobile telephone, Internet access, cable,
radio or television broadcasting, or direct broadcast
satellite.
Legislative History
H.R. 3998 was introduced by Representative Frank Pallone,
Jr. (NJ-06) on November 16, 2015, and referred to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period subsequently
determined by the Speaker. H.R. 3998 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology on November 20,
2015.
On April 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Legislative Hearing on
Seven Communications Bills'' and received testimony on the
bill.
On April 18 and 19, 2016, the Subcommittee on
Communications and Technology met in open markup session to
consider H.R 3998 and forwarded the bill to the full Committee,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016 the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 3998 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On May 23, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 3998 to the House (H. Rept. 114-583, Part 1), and
the bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 453).
On May 23, 2016, H.R. 3998 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill passed, as
amended, by a roll call vote of 389 yeas and 2 nays (Roll Call
No. 230).
On May 24, 2016, H.R. 3998 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Kari's Law Act of 2016
H.R. 4167
To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require multi-
line telephone systems to have a configuration that permits
users to directly initiate a call to 9-1-1 without dialing any
additional digit, code, prefix, or post-fix, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4167 prohibits businesses from manufacturing or
selling multi-line telephone systems in the United States
unless it is pre-configured to allow users to directly initiate
a call to 9-1-1 without dialing any additional digit, code,
prefix, or post-fix. The bill also prohibits businesses from
installing or operating multi-line telephone systems without a
direct dial 9-1-1 call configuration.
Legislative History
H.R. 4167 was introduced by Representative Louie Gohmert
(TX-01) on December 3, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4167 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Communications and Technology on December 4, 2015.
On April 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Legislative Hearing on
Seven Communications Bills'' and received testimony on the
bill.
On April 18 and 19, 2016, the Subcommittee on
Communications and Technology met in open markup session to
consider H.R 4167 and forwarded the bill to the full Committee,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016 the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4167 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On May 23, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 4167 to the House (H. Rept. 114-579), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 449).
On May 23, 2016, H.R. 4167 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill passed, as
amended, by a voice vote.
On May 24, 2016, H.R. 4167 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Small Business Broadband Deployment Act
H.R. 4596
To ensure that small business providers of broadband
Internet access service can devote resources to broadband
deployment rather than compliance with cumbersome regulatory
requirements.
Summary
The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC or Commission)
2015 Open Internet Order included enhanced transparency
requirements for broadband Internet access service providers.
Recognizing the burden these requirements placed on small
businesses, the FCC temporarily exempted small internet service
providers with 100,000 or fewer subscribers from these
disclosures until December 2016. H.R. 4596 would extend the
exemption for small businesses for five years and requires the
Commission to submit a report to Congress with its
recommendations on whether or not the exemption should be made
permanent and whether the definition of ``small business'' as
defined in the statute should be modified.
Legislative History
On January 12, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Legislative Hearing on
Four Communications Bills'' and received testimony on a
Discussion Draft entitled ``Small Business Broadband Deployment
Act.''
On February 10 and 11, 2016, the Subcommittee on
Communications and Technology met in open markup session to
consider the Discussion Draft and forwarded the Discussion
Draft to the full Committee, without amendment, by a voice
vote.
H.R. 4596 was introduced by Representative Greg Walden (OR-
02) on February 24, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4596 was identical to the Discussion
Draft considered by the Subcommittee.
On February 24, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4596 and ordered
the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended, by a
voice vote.
On March 7, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 4596 to the House (H. Rept. 114-444), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 339).
On March 10, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
filed a supplemental report to H.R. 4596 (H. Rept. 114-444,
Part 2).
On March 16, 2016, H.R. 4596 was considered pursuant to the
provisions of H. Res. 640, and the bill was passed, without
amendment, by a roll call vote of 411 yeas and 0 nays (Roll
Call No. 124).
On March 17, 2016, H.R. 4596 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Kelsey Smith Act
H.R. 4889
To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require
providers of a covered service to provide call location
information concerning the telecommunications device of a user
of such service to an investigative or law enforcement office
in an emergency situation involving risk of death or serious
physical injury or in order to respond to the user's call for
emergency services.
Summary
H.R. 4889 amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require
a mobile or Internet voice service provider to disclose, at the
request of a law enforcement officer, the call location
information of a device when it has been used to call 9-1-1 for
emergency assistance, or for a device reasonably believed to be
in the possession of an individual who is in an emergency
situation that involves a risk of death or serious physical
harm. The bill would allow states to keep their current laws or
to adopt more stringent requirements.
Legislative History
H.R. 4889 was introduced by Representative Kevin Yoder (KS-
03) on March 23, 2016, and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce. H.R 4889 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Communications and Technology on March 25, 2016.
On April 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Legislative Hearing on
Seven Communications Bills'' and received testimony on the
bill.
On April 18 and 19, 2016, the Subcommittee on
Communications and Technology met in open markup session to
consider H.R 4889 and forwarded the bill to the full Committee,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4889 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On May 23, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 4889 to the House (H. Rept. 114-580), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 452).
On May 23, 2016, H.R. 4889 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was defeated
by a roll call vote of 229 yeas and 158 nays (Roll Call No.
229) (pursuant to clause 1(a) of Rule XV of the Rules of the
House, a motion to suspend the Rules requires a vote of two-
thirds of the Members voting.).
No further action was taken on the bill.
Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015
H.R. 1301
To direct the Federal Communications Commission to extend
to private land use restrictions its rule relating to
reasonable accommodation of amateur radio service
communications.
Summary
H.R. 1301 directs the Federal Communications Commission to
amend regulations concerning the height and dimensions of
station antenna structures to prohibit a private land use
restriction from applying to amateur service communications if
the restriction precludes such communications, fails to
accommodate such communications, or does not constitute the
minimum practicable restriction to accomplish the legitimate
purpose of the private entity seeking to enforce the
restriction.
Legislative History
H.R. 1301 was introduced by Representative Adam Kinzinger
(IL-16) on March 4, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 1301 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Communications and Technology on March 6, 2015.
On January 12, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Legislative Hearing on
Four Communications Bills'' and received testimony on the bill.
On February 10 and 11, 2016, the Subcommittee on
Communications and Technology met in open markup session to
consider H.R. 1301 and forwarded the bill to the full
Committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
On July 12 and 13, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 1301 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On September 9, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 1301 to the House (H. Rept. 114-732), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 568).
On September 12, 2016, H.R. 1301 was considered in the
House under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a voice vote.
On September 13, 2016, H.R. 1301 was received in the
Senate.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Anti-Swatting Act of 2015
H.R. 2031
To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for
enhanced penalties for the transmission of misleading or
inaccurate caller identification information with the intent to
trigger a response by a law enforcement agency.
Summary
H.R. 2031 creates enhanced penalties for the transmission
of misleading or inaccurate caller identification information
with the intent of triggering a law enforcement response,
including fines and imprisonment. The bill directs the court to
order anyone convicted of the violation to reimburse law
enforcement, government agencies, and any private organization
that responds to a swatting call with emergency services for
any expenses incurred.
Legislative History
H.R. 2031 was introduced by Representative Eliot Engel (NY-
16) on April 27, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the
Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker. H.R. 2031 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Communications and Technology on May 1, 2015.
On April 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Legislative Hearing on
Seven Communications Bills'' and received testimony on the
bill.
On April 18 and 19, 2016, the Subcommittee on
Communications and Technology met in open markup session to
consider H.R 4111 and forwarded the bill to the full Committee,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 2031 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
No further action was taken on the bill.
A Bill To Amend the Communications Act of 1934 To Require the Federal
Communications Commission To Publish on the Website of the Commission
Documents To Be Voted on by the Commission
H.R. 2592
A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require
the Federal Communications Commission to publish on the website
of the Commission documents to be voted on by the Commission.
Summary
H.R. 2592 amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit
the Federal Communications Commission from adopting orders,
decision, reports, or actions by vote of the Commission unless
the Chairman causes the text to be published on the
Commission's website not later than either twenty-four hours
after such text is circulated for review by the Commissioners,
or twenty-one days before the vote. H.R. 2592 includes
exemptions for orders, decision, report, or action if the
publishing of such portion is likely to lead to disclosure of
information exempt from disclosure under Federal administrative
procedure laws.
Legislative History
On April 30, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``FCC Reauthorization:
Improving Commission Transparency'' and received testimony on a
Discussion Draft entitled ``H.R. ----, to amend the
Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal
Communications Commission to publish on the website of the
Commission documents to be voted on by the Commission.''
On May 20, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology met in open markup session to consider the
Discussion Draft and forwarded the bill to full Committee, as
amended, by a voice vote.
H.R. 2592 was introduced by Representative Adam Kinzinger
(IL-16) on June 1, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. On June 5, 2015, the bill was referred to
the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 2592 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a roll call vote of 30 yeas and 22 nays.
No further action was taken on H.R. 2592.
A Bill To Amend the Communications Act of 1934 To Require
Identification and Description on the Website of the Federal
Communications Commission of Items To Be Decided on Authority Delegated
by the Commission
H.R. 2593
A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require
identification and description on the website of the Federal
Communications Commission of items to be decided on authority
delegated by the Commission.
Summary
H.R. 2593 amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require
identification and description on the website of the Federal
Communications Commission of the items to be decided at the
bureau level by direction of the Chairman. The bill requires
identification and description to be published on the
Commission website at least 48 hours before the action is
taken.
Legislative History
On April 30, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``FCC Reauthorization:
Improving Commission Transparency'' and received testimony on a
Discussion Draft entitled ``H.R. ----, to amend the
Communications Act of 1934 to require identification and
description on the website of the Federal Communications
Commission of items to be decided on authority delegated by the
Commission.''
On May 20, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology met in open markup session to consider the
Discussion Draft and forwarded the bill to the full Committee,
without amendment, by a roll call vote of 16 yeas and 12 nays.
H.R. 2593 was introduced by Representative Robert E. Latta
(OH-05) on June 1, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 2593 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Communications and Technology on June 5, 2015.
On April 27 and 28, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 2593 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Spectrum Challenge Prize Act of 2015
H.R. 4190
To promote innovation, investment, and economic growth by
accelerating spectrum efficiency through a challenge prize
competition.
Summary
H.R. 4190 requires the National Telecommunications
Information Administration (NTIA) to conduct prize competitions
to accelerate the development and commercialization of
technology that improves spectrum efficiency and is capable of
cost-effective deployment. The bill authorizes the Department
of Commerce to enter into an agreement with a private or non-
profit entity to administer the competition and award to a
winner up to $5,000,000 in prize compensation. The bill also
requires the Federal Communications Commission to publish a
technical paper on spectrum efficiency, providing criteria that
may be used for the design of the prize competition.
Legislative History
H.R. 4190 was introduced by Representative Doris Matsui
(CA-06) on December 8, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4190 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Communications and Technology on December 11, 2015.
On April 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Legislative Hearing on
Seven Communications Bills'' and received testimony on the
bill.
On April 18 and 19, 2016, the Subcommittee on
Communications and Technology met in open markup session to
consider H.R 4190 and forwarded the bill to the full Committee,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016 the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4190 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Federal Spectrum Incentive Act of 2015
H.R. 1641
To amend the National Telecommunications Information
Administration Organization Act to provide incentives for the
reallocation of Federal Government spectrum for commercial use,
and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1641 amends the Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act to
allow Federal entities to participate in an incentive auction
and voluntarily relinquish their licenses to be auctioned for
commercial use. In exchange for participation, the bill would
allow participating Federal entities to receive a percentage of
auction proceeds for discontinuing or relocating operations on
those frequencies. Current law only allows for entities to be
reimbursed for the costs of sharing with nonfederal users or
relocating. Funds from the proceeds would be placed into a fund
at the Office of Management and Budget, to be used by
participating agencies to offset sequestration or relocation
and sharing.
Legislative History
H.R. 1641 was introduced by Representative Brett Guthrie
(KY-02) on March 26, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Armed
Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker. H.R. 1641 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Communications and Technology on March 27, 2015.
On October 7, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Improving Federal Spectrum
Systems'' and received testimony on the bill.
On December 2, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology met in open markup session to consider H.R. 1641 and
forwarded the bill to the full Committee, without amendment, by
a voice vote.
No further action was taken on the bill.
End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act of 2016
H.R. 5525, H.R. 4884
To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to place an annual
cap on support provided through the Lifeline program of the
Federal Communications Commission and to provide for certain
other requirements relating to such program.
Summary
The bill would place a statutory cap of $1.5 billion on the
Lifeline fund of the Federal Communications Commission and
would prohibit the use of the subsidy to be used towards
devices, and eliminate the subsidy for voice-only mobile
service. The bill would also require a GAO report on the
effectiveness of the cap in reducing waste, fraud, and abuse in
the Lifeline program.
H.R. 5525 is similar to H.R. 4884 in that the bill would
prohibit providers of commercial mobile service or commercial
mobile service from receiving support from the Universal
Service Fund for provision of such service through the Federal
Communications Commission's Lifeline program.
Legislative History
H.R. 4884, Controlling the Unchecked and Reckless
Ballooning of Lifeline Act of 2016, was introduced by
Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) on March 23, 2016, and
referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4884 was
referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
on March 25, 2016.
On April 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Legislative Hearing on
Seven Communications Bills'' and received testimony on the
bill.
On April 18 and 19, 2016, the Subcommittee on
Communications and Technology met in open markup session to
consider H.R. 4884 and forwarded the bill to the full
Committee, as amended, by a roll call vote of 17 yeas and 11
nays.
No further action was taken on the bill.
H.R. 5525, End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act of 2016, was
introduced by Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) on June 16,
2016, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
On June 21, 2016, H.R. 5525 was considered under a motion
to suspend the Rules and the bill was defeated by a roll call
vote of 207 yeas and 143 nays (Roll Call No. 334) (pursuant to
clause 1(a) of Rule XV of the Rules of the House, a motion to
suspend the Rules requires a vote of two-thirds of the Members
voting.).
To Provide for the Establishment of an Inventory of Federal Assets To
Provide Information to Entities That Construct or Operate Broadband
Facilities or Provide Broadband Service and To Provide for the Tracking
of Applications To Locate or Modify Broadband Facilities on Federal
Real Property
DISCUSSION DRAFT
To provide for the establishment of an inventory of Federal
assets to provide information to entities that construct or
operate broadband facilities or provide broadband service and
to provide for the tracking of applications to locate or modify
broadband facilities on Federal real property.
Summary
The Discussion Draft would require the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to
establish and maintain a database of Federal assets on which
broadband infrastructure can be attached or installed. The
Discussion Draft requires all landholding agencies to provide
the requisite information and a point of contact for permitting
purposes. The Discussion Draft also requires clear
identification of properties implicated as historic properties.
The Discussion Draft requires timely updates to the data and
also requires NTIA to ensure that the data is adequately
protected from cybersecurity risks and other dangers.
Similarly, the Discussion Draft also provides for
discretion to determine whether the data on Federal property
may be too sensitive to include in the database for reasons of
national security and allows for exemptions. The Discussion
Draft also charges the Senior Real Property Officer (SRPO) of
each landholding agency with the responsibility of tracking the
permit process and assessing whether the agency has fulfilled
its obligation to improving the permitting process for
broadband deployment. The Federal Real Property Council, which
is comprised of all SRPOs, must provide an annual report to
Congress, detailing the progress in improving the permitting
process for broadband deployment.
Legislative History
On October 28, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Breaking Down Barriers to
Broadband Infrastructure Deployment'' and received testimony on
the Discussion Draft entitled ``To provide for the
establishment of an inventory of Federal assets to provide
information to entities that construct or operate broadband
facilities or provide broadband service and to provide for the
tracking of applications to locate or modify broadband
facilities on Federal real property.''
On December 2, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology met in open markup session to consider the
Discussion Draft entitled ``To provide for the establishment of
an inventory of Federal assets to provide information to
entities that construct or operate broadband facilities or
provide broadband service and to provide for the tracking of
applications to locate or modify broadband facilities on
Federal real property'' and forwarded the Discussion Draft to
the full Committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Anti-Spoofing Act of 2015
H.R. 2669
To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to expand and
clarify the prohibition on provisions of inaccurate caller
identification information, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2669 extends provisions in the Truth in Caller ID Act
of 2009, which prohibits entities from transmitting misleading
or inaccurate caller identification information, to include
text messaging as well as Voice over Internet Protocol
services. The bill also amends the Communications Act of 1934
to expand the prohibition of inaccurate caller identification
information to persons outside the United States if the
recipient is within the United States.
Legislative History
H.R. 2669 was introduced by Representative Grace Meng (NY-
06) on June 4, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce. H.R. 2669 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Communications and Technology on June 5, 2015.
On January 12, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Legislative Hearing on
Four Communications Bills'' and received testimony on the bill.
On September 12 and 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on
Communications and Technology met in open markup session to
consider H.R. 2669 and forwarded the bill, without amendment,
to the full Committee by a voice vote.
On September 20 and 21, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 2669 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On November 14, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 2669 to the House (H. Rept. 114-806), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 630).
On November 14, 2016, was considered in the House under a
motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed, as
amended, by a roll call vote of 382 yeas and 5 nays (Roll No.
576).
On November 15, 2016, H.R. 2669 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Broadband Conduit Deployment Act of 2015
H.R. 3805
To amend title 23, United States Code, to provide for the
inclusion of broadband conduit installation in certain highway
construction projects, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3805 requires the Department of Transportation, in
conjunction with National Telecommunications Information
Administration and the Federal Communications Commission, to
evaluate whether broadband conduit should be installed in any
highway construction project using Federal funds. If the
evaluation indicates that additional broadband capacity would
be needed in the next 15 years, the project must include the
deployment of broadband conduit. Further, the bill states that
broadband conduit must be made available by the states to any
broadband provider at cost-based rates and the availability of
the broadband conduit must be published in the National
Broadband Map.
Legislative History
H.R. 3805 was introduced by Representative Anna G. Eshoo
(CA-18) on October 22, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure. H.R. 3805 was referred to
the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit on October 23, 2015.
On October 28, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Breaking Down Barriers to
Broadband Infrastructure Deployment'' and received testimony on
the bill.
No further action was taken on the bill.
To Amend the Communications Act of 1934 To Ensure Internet Openness, To
Prohibit Blocking Lawful Content and Non-Harmful Devices, To Prohibit
Throttling Data, To Prohibit Paid Prioritization, To Require
Transparency of Network Management Practices, To Provide That Broadband
Shall Be Considered To Be an Information Service, and To Prohibit the
Commission or a State Commission From Relying on Section 706 of the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 as a Grant of Authority
DISCUSSION DRAFT
To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure Internet
openness, to prohibit blocking lawful content and non-harmful
devices, to prohibit throttling data, to prohibit paid
prioritization, to require transparency of network management
practices, to provide that broadband shall be considered to be
an information service, and to prohibit the Commission or a
state commission from relying on section 706 of the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 as a grant of authority.
Summary
The Discussion Draft would establish bright line rules for
fixed and wireless forms of broadband Internet access service
providers. The rules prohibit: blocking of lawful content;
blocking of non-harmful devices; throttling of lawful traffic
by selectively slowing, speeding, degrading, or enhancing
traffic based on source, destination, or content; and bans paid
prioritization of traffic. The bill retains and codifies the
Federal Communications Commission's (FCC or Commission)
requirement that broadband Internet access service providers
disclose accurate and relevant information regarding network
management practices, performance, and commercial terms of its
services in plain language sufficient for consumers to make
informed choices about their choice of providers.
The legislation directs the FCC to enforce these
obligations by adopting formal complaint procedures and to
interpret and apply them by adjudicating alleged violations.
The draft would also restore Congressional intent that section
706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 is not a direct grant
of authority. Finally, the Discussion Draft proposes to codify
broadband Internet access service's classification as an
information service.
Legislative History
On January 21, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Protecting the Internet
and Consumers Through Congressional Action'' and received
testimony on a Discussion Draft entitled ``To amend the
Communications Act of 1934 to ensure Internet openness, to
prohibit blocking lawful content and non-harmful devices, to
prohibit throttling data, to prohibit paid prioritization, to
require transparency of network management practices, to
provide that broadband shall be considered to be an information
service, and to prohibit the Commission or a state commission
from relying on section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of
1996 as a grant of authority.''
No further action was taken on the Discussion Draft.
FCC Reauthorization Act of 2015
DISCUSSION DRAFT
To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to reauthorize
appropriations for the Federal Communications Commission and to
streamline the provisions governing the assessment of
offsetting collections by the Commission, to provide for an
independent Inspector General for the Commission, and for other
purposes.
Summary
The Discussion authorizes funds for the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) to carry out
functions of the Commission. The legislation also authorizes
funds for the Commission to carry out the broadcast incentive
auction, and funds to carry out Universal Service support
programs.
The reauthorization includes provisions establishing
guidelines for the FCC on collecting application and regulatory
fees for the purposes of offsetting the authorized
appropriations. The bill provides flexibility for the
Commission to adjust the schedule of application and regulatory
fees under certain provisions, but requires the Commission to
notify Congress immediately following any such changes. The
Discussion Draft would also establish an independent Inspector
General authority at the FCC.
Legislative History
On March 19, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``FCC Reauthorization:
Oversight of the Commission'' and received testimony on the
Discussion Draft.''
No further action was taken on the Discussion Draft.
To Amend the Communications Act of 1934 To Make Certain Changes With
Respect to the Regulation of Pole Attachments, and for Other Purposes
DISCUSSION DRAFT
To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to make certain
changes with respect to the regulation of pole attachments, and
for other purposes.
Summary
The Discussion Draft requires Federally owned poles to
charge the same FCC-determined rate as investor-owned
utilities. The Discussion Draft also applies a
nondiscriminatory access requirement across the board to all
pole owners. The Discussion Draft also requires states that opt
to regulate pole attachments within their own states, certify
that the state's regulation ensures nondiscriminatory access to
all broadband service providers.
The Discussion Draft also requires all pole owners to
provide the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with rate
data in order to allow the FCC to report on rate data annually.
Pole owners are also required to provide the FCC with pole
location data to facilitate an inventory of pole locations. The
Discussion Draft also requires the FCC to conduct an inquiry
reviewing make-ready costs the costs required to rearrange
attachments or completely replace a pole in order to
accommodate a new attachment. It also clarifies that pole tops,
which are a prime location for wireless broadband attachments,
are part of the usable space of the pole.
Legislative History
On October 28, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Breaking Down Barriers to
Broadband Infrastructure Deployment'' and received testimony on
the Discussion Draft entitled ``To amend the Communications Act
of 1934 to make certain changes with respect to the regulation
of pole attachments, and for other purposes.''
No further action was taken on the Discussion Draft.
To Provide for the Streamlining and Acceleration of the Historical
Review of Broadband Facilities and for the Streamlining and
Acceleration of the Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements
Regarding Such Facilities, and for Other Purposes
DISCUSSION DRAFT
To provide for the streamlining and acceleration of the
historical review of broadband facilities and for the
streamlining and acceleration of the preparation of
environmental impact statements regarding such facilities, and
for other purposes.
Summary
The Discussion Draft requires the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) to work to expand its Nationwide Programmatic
Agreement (NPA) to expedite section 106 reviews for wireless
broadband tower siting. The Discussion Draft would require
Department of Interior, Department of Defense, and the Forest
Service to determine whether they could also eliminate their
reviews in favor of the FCC's section 106 evaluation.
Additionally, the Discussion Draft requires that the FCC begin
the process of developing an NPA for wireline projects. If an
FCC section 106 process for wireline is adopted, the Discussion
Draft requires Department of Homeland Security, Department of
Interior, Department of Defense, and the Forest Service to
evaluate whether they can eliminate their section 106 reviews
in favor of the FCC's.
Also, the Discussion Draft requires similar steps to be
taken on the reviews required of agencies by the National
Environmental Preservation Act. It first requires the Council
on Environmental Quality to consider whether any of its
regulations for evaluating broadband undertakings by Federal
agencies could be streamlined or consolidated. The Discussion
Draft then requires Federal agencies to determine whether they
can further consolidate their own reviews in order to eliminate
duplication of effort and delays in deployment.
Legislative History
On October 28, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Breaking Down Barriers to
Broadband Infrastructure Deployment'' and received testimony on
the Discussion Draft entitled ``To provide for the streamlining
and acceleration of the historical review of broadband
facilities and for the streamlining and acceleration of the
preparation of environmental impact statements regarding such
facilities, and for other purposes.''
No further action was taken on the Discussion Draft.
To Provide for the Streamlining of Consideration by the Department of
the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Defense of
Applications To Locate or Modify Broadband Facilities, and for Other
Purposes
DISCUSSION DRAFT
To provide for the streamlining of consideration by the
Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the
Department of Defense of applications to locate or modify
broadband facilities, and for other purposes.
Summary
The Discussion Draft requires the Department of Interior,
the Forest Service, and the Department of Defense to determine
by rulemaking whether they can streamline and consolidate
permitting requirements among their bureaus and offices. Once
the rulemaking has been completed, the Discussion Draft
requires the agencies to communicate and enforce the new
processing guidelines to all field offices, or bases, in the
case of the Department of Defense.
Legislative History
On October 28, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Breaking Down Barriers to
Broadband Infrastructure Deployment'' and received testimony on
the Discussion Draft entitled ``To provide for the streamlining
of consideration by the Department of the Interior, the Forest
Service, and the Department of Defense of applications to
locate or modify broadband facilities, and for other
purposes.''
No further action was taken on the Discussion Draft.
To Amend the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 to
Establish Deadlines for the Administrator of General Services To
Develop Common Forms, Fees, and Master Contracts for the Location of
Wireless Facilities on Federal Property, and for Other Purposes
DISCUSSION DRAFT
To amend the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act
of 2012 to establish deadlines for the Administrator of General
Services to develop common forms, fees, and master contracts
for the location of wireless facilities on Federal property,
and for other purposes.
Summary
Section 6409(c) of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job
Creation Act of 2012 directed the General Services
Administration (GSA) to develop master forms, contracts, and
section 6409 fee schedules. By standardizing the placement of
wireless antennas, among other considerations, these master
contracts would lower real estate costs and streamline local
zoning and permitting for network infrastructure. Despite a
deadline in 2012 deadline, GSA has only recently completed its
task, but it lacks the authority to ensure that agencies employ
the template documents. The Discussion Draft requires all
landholding agencies to use these templates when leasing space
for wireless broadband attachments.
Legislative History
On October 28, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Breaking Down Barriers to
Broadband Infrastructure Deployment'' and received testimony on
the Discussion Draft entitled ``To amend the Middle Class Tax
Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 to establish deadlines for
the Administrator of General Services to develop common forms,
fees, and master contracts for the location of wireless
facilities on Federal property, and for other purposes.''
No further action was taken on the Discussion Draft.
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
The Uncertain Future of the Internet
On February 25, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications
and Technology held a hearing entitled ``The Uncertain Future
of the Internet.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine
the legal, economic, and policy repercussions of the Federal
Communications Commission's proposed action to reclassify
broadband Internet access services as a telecommunications
service subject to Title II of the Communications Act of 1934.
The Subcommittee received testimony from Robert Atkinson,
Founder and President, Information Technology and Innovations
Foundation; Rick Boucher, Honorary Chairman, Internet
Innovation Alliance; Larry Downes, Internet industry analyst
and author; and Gene Kimmelman, President and CEO, Public
Knowledge.
Reauthorization of the Federal Communications Commission: the FCC'S FY
2016 Budget Request
On March 4, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Reauthorization of the
Federal Communications Commission: The FCC's FY 2016 Budget
Request.'' The purpose of the hearing was to discuss and
evaluate the Federal Communications Commission's fiscal year
2016 budget request. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Jon Wilkins, Managing Director, Federal Communications
Commission.
FCC Reauthorization: Oversight of the Commission
On March 19, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``FCC Reauthorization:
Oversight of the Commission.'' The purpose of the hearing was
to conduct oversight of the Federal Communications Commission's
policy decisions and the process by which it reaches them. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Tom Wheeler, Chairman,
Federal Communications Commission; Mignon Clyburn,
Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission; Jessica
Rosenworcel, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission;
Ajit Pai, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission; and
Michael O'Rielly, Commissioner, Federal Communications
Commission.
Next Steps for Spectrum Policy
On March 26, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Next Steps for Spectrum
Policy.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine the state
of the Federal Communications Commission's preparations for its
planned 2016 broadcast incentive auction, Commission work to
expand and improve the use of the 5 GHz band for unlicensed
services, and future plans for expanding access to spectrum
resources. The Subcommittee received testimony from Gary
Epstein, Chair, Incentive Auction Task Force, Federal
Communications Commission; Julius Knapp, Chief, Office of
Engineering and Technology, Federal Communications Commission;
John Leibovitz, Deputy Bureau Chief, Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau and Special Advisor to the Chairman
for Spectrum Policy; and Roger Sherman, Chief, Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau, Federal Communications Commission.
Progress Toward a Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network
On June 16, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Progress Toward a
Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network.'' The purpose of
the hearing was to conduct oversight and examine progress of
the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), an
independent authority within the National Telecommunications
and Information Administration charged with creating a
nationwide, interoperable broadband public safety network and
applications to advance public safety communications. The
Subcommittee received testimony from T.J. Kennedy, Acting
Executive Director, FirstNet; and Stu Davis, State Chief
Information Officer, Assistant Director, Ohio Department of
Administrative Services.
Internet Governance After ICANN 53
On July 8, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Internet Governance After
ICANN 53.'' The hearing focused on the global Internet
community's meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina for the Internet
Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers' fifty-third
meeting, which continued discussing and planning for a
transition of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
stewardship. The Subcommittee received testimony from Larry
Strickling, Assistant Secretary for Communications and
Information and Administrator of the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration; and Fadi
Chehade, President and CEO, ICANN.
Promoting Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
On July 22, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Promoting Broadband
Infrastructure Deployment.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
update the Subcommittee on the state of broadband deployment
and to examine policies that could help encourage investment in
and deployment of broadband infrastructure. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Jonathan Adelstein, President and CEO,
PCIA; Stephen Roe Lewis, Governor, Gila River Indian Community,
Arizona; Craig Moffett, Senior Research Analyst, Moffett
Nathanson; Michael Slinger, Director, Google Fiber Cities; and
Deb Socia, Executive Director, Next Century Cities.
Continued Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission
On July 28, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Continued Oversight of the
Federal Communications Commission.'' The purpose of the hearing
was to examine policy decisions by the Federal Communications
Commission and the process by which it reached them. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Tom Wheeler, Chairman,
Federal Communications Commission; and Ajit Pai, Commissioner,
Federal Communications Commission.
Broadcasting Ownership in the 21st Century
On September 25, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications
and Technology held a hearing entitled ``Broadcasting Ownership
in the 21st Century.'' The hearing reconvened on December 3,
2015. The purpose of the hearing was to examine broadcaster
ownership rules and examine their relevancy in the modern media
industry. The Subcommittee received testimony from Paul Boyle,
Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Newspaper Association
of America; Kim Keenan, President and CEO, Multicultural Media,
Telecom and Internet Council; Jason Kint, CEO, Digital Content
Next; Todd O'Boyle, Program Director, Media and Democracy
Reform Initiative, Common Cause; Michael Scurato, Vice
President, Policy, National Hispanic Media Coalition; and Gerry
Waldron, Partner, Covington and Burling, on behalf of the
National Association of Broadcasters.
Common Carrier Regulation of the Internet: Investment Impacts
On October 27, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Common Carrier Regulation
of the Internet: Investment Impacts.'' The purpose of the
hearing was to examine economic data related to technology and
communications sector of the United States economy following
the Federal Communications Commission's reclassification of
wireless and wired broadband Internet access service as
telecommunication services in its February 26, 2015 Open
Internet Order. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Nicholas Economides, Professor of Economics, Stern School of
Business, New York University; Frank Louthan, Managing
Director, Equity Research, Raymond James Financial; Michael
Mandel, Chief Economic Strategist, Progressive Policy
Institute; and Robert Shapiro, Co-Founder and Chairman, Sonecon
LLC.
Examining the EU Safe Harbor Decision and Impacts for Transatlantic
Data Flows
On November 3, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology and the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and
Trade held a joint hearing entitled ``Examining the EU Safe
Harbor Decision and Impacts for Transatlantic Data Flows.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to examine the impact on United
States' industry following the European Court of Justice's
decision in the Schrems case in which the Court of Justice of
the European Union ruled that the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor Framework
is no longer available as a valid transfer mechanism for data
between the U.S. and the EU. The Subcommittees received
testimony from Victoria Espinel, President and CEO, Business
Software Alliance; Joshua Meltzer, Senior Fellow, Global
Economy and Development, The Brookings Institution; John
Murphy, Senior Vice President for International Policy, U.S.
Chamber of Commerce; and Marc Rotenberg, President, Electronic
Privacy Information Center.
Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission
On November 17, 2015, the Subcommittee on Communications
and Technology held a hearing entitled ``Oversight of the
Federal Communications Commission.'' The purpose of the hearing
was to examine the policy decisions of the Federal
Communications Commission and the process by which it reached
them. The Subcommittee received testimony from Tom Wheeler,
Chairman, Federal Communications Commission; Mignon Clyburn,
Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission; Jessica
Rosenworcel, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission;
Ajit Pai, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission; and
Michael O'Rielly, Commissioner, Federal Communications
Commission.
Status of the Public Safety Broadband Network
On February 2, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Status of the Public
Safety Broadband Network.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
continue the Committee's oversight of the First Responder
Network Authority's progress in the deployment of the Public
Safety Broadband Network. The hearing also examined the Federal
Communications Commission's progress in satisfying its
statutory duties toward the effort. The Subcommittee received
testimony from David Furth, Deputy Chief, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission;
and T.J. Kennedy, President, First Responder Network Authority.
Privatizing the Internet Assigned Number Authority
On March 17, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Privatizing the Internet
Assigned Number Authority.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
continue discussing and planning for a transition of the
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority stewardship following the
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers' fifty-
fifth meeting in Marrakech, Morocco. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Alissa Cooper, Chair, IANA Stewardship
Transition Coordination Group; Steve DelBianco, Executive
Director, NetChoice; David A. Gross, former U.S. Coordinator,
International Communications and Information Policy, Wiley Rein
LLP; Audrey Plonk, Director, Global Security and Internet
Governance Policy, Intel Corporation; Matthew Shears,
Representative and Director, Global Internet Policy and Human
Rights Project, Center for Democracy and Technology; and Sally
Shipman Wentworth, Vice President of Global Policy Development,
Internet Society.
Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission
On March 22, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Oversight of the Federal
Communications Commission.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
examine the policy decisions of the Federal Communications
Commission and the process by which it reached them. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Tom Wheeler, Chairman,
Federal Communications Commission; Mignon Clyburn,
Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission; Jessica
Rosenworcel, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission;
Ajit Pai, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission; and
Michael O'Rielly, Commissioner, Federal Communications
Commission.
FCC Overreach: Examining the Proposed Privacy Rules
On June 14, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``FCC Overreach: Examining
the Proposed Privacy Rules.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
examine the Federal Communications Commission's proposed rules
on privacy requirements for broadband internet service
providers. The Subcommittee received testimony from Doug Brake,
Telecommunications Policy Analyst, Information Technology and
Innovation Foundation; Jon Leibowitz, 21st Century Privacy
Coalition; and Paul Ohm, Professor, Center on Privacy and
Technology, Georgetown University Law Center.
Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission
On July 12, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications and
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Oversight of the Federal
Communications Commission.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
examine the policy decisions of the Federal Communications
Commission and the process by which it reached them. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Tom Wheeler, Chairman,
Federal Communications Commission; Mignon Clyburn,
Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission; Jessica
Rosenworcel, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission;
Ajit Pai, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission; and
Michael O'Rielly, Commissioner, Federal Communications
Commission.
Rural Call Quality and Reliability
On September 8, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications
and Technology held a hearing entitled ``Rural Call Quality and
Reliability.'' The purpose of the hearing was to learn about
issues contributing to poor call quality and reliability in
rural areas and to discuss policies to increase transparency
and accountability of third party intermediate routers. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Eric LeBeau, General
Manager, Dakin Farm; and Lance Miller, President, McClure
Telephone Company.
Modernizing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act
On September 22, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications
and Technology held a hearing entitled ``Modernizing the
Telephone Consumer Protection Act.'' The purpose of the hearing
was to consider the challenges faced by consumers and companies
in a world where technology and consumer behavior may have
outpaced the language of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act
of 1991. The Subcommittee received testimony from Shaun W.
Mock, CPA, Chief Financial Officer, Snapping Shoals Electric
Membership; Richard D. Shockey, Principal, Shockey Consulting;
Michelle Turano, Vice President, Government Affairs and Public
Policy, WellCare; and Spencer W. Waller, Professor, Director,
Institute for Consumer Antitrust Studies, Loyola University
Chicago.
Understanding the Role of Connected Devices in Recent Cyber Attacks
On November 16, 2016, the Subcommittee on Communications
and Technology and the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade held a joint hearing entitled ``Understanding the
Role of Connected Devices in Recent Cyber Attacks.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to review the series of connected
device-based distributed denial of service attacks, understand
current countermeasures, and consider future efforts to combat
malicious actors that could target vulnerabilities in modern
digital infrastructure. The Subcommittees received testimony
from Dale Drew, Senior Vice President, Chief Security Officer,
Level 3 Communications; Kevin Fu, CEO, Virta Labs, and
Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering and
Computer Science, University of Michigan; and Bruce Schneier,
Adjunct Lecturer, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard
University, and Fellow, Berkman Klein Center, Harvard
University.
HEARINGS HELD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serial No. Hearing Title Hearing Date(s)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
114-1............ Protecting the Internet and January 21, 2015
Consumers Through
Congressional Action.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-12........... The Uncertain Future of the February 25, 2015
Internet. (Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-19........... Reauthorization of the March 4, 2015
Federal Communications
Commission: The FCC's FY
2016 Budget Request.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-24........... FCC Reauthorization: March 19, 2015
Oversight of the
Commission. (Subcommittee
on Communications and
Technology).
114-28........... Next Steps for Spectrum March 26, 2015
Policy. (Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-37........... FCC Reauthorization: April 30, 2015
Improving Commission
Transparency. (Subcommittee
on Communications and
Technology).
114-41........... Stakeholder Perspectives on May 13, 2015
the IANA Transition.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-43........... FCC Reauthorization: May 15, 2015
Improving Commission
Transparency Part II.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-57........... Progress Toward a Nationwide June 16, 2015
Public Safety Broadband
Network. (Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-62........... Internet Governance Progress July 8, 2015
After ICANN 53.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-68........... Promoting Broadband July 22, 2015
Infrastructure Investment.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-70........... Continued Oversight of the July 28, 2015
Federal Communications
Commission. (Subcommittee
on Communications and
Technology).
114-77........... Broadcast Ownership in the September 25, 2015,
21st Century. (Subcommittee December 3, 2015
on Communications and
Technology).
114-84........... Improving Federal Spectrum October 7, 2015
Systems. (Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-93........... Common Carrier Regulation of October 27, 2015
the Internet: Investment
Impacts. (Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-95........... Breaking Down Barriers to October 28, 2015
Broadband Infrastructure
Deployment. (Subcommittee
on Communications and
Technology).
114-97........... Examining the EU Safe Harbor November 3, 2015
Decision and Impacts for
Transatlantic Data Flows.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade
and Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-101.......... Oversight of the Federal November 17, 2015
Communications Commission.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-110.......... A Legislative Hearing on January 12, 2016
Four Communications Bills.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-112.......... Status of the Public Safety February 2, 2016
Broadband Network.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-128.......... Privatizing the Internet 1March 17, 2016
Assigned Number Authority.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-129.......... Oversight of the Federal March 22, 2016
Communications Commission.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-132.......... Legislative Hearing on Seven April 13, 2016
Communications Bills.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-154.......... FCC Overreach: Examining the June 14, 2016
Proposed Privacy Rules.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-161.......... Oversight of the Federal July 12, 2016
Communications Commission.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-166.......... Rural Call Quality and September 8, 2016
Reliability. (Subcommittee
on Communications and
Technology).
114-172.......... Modernizing the Telephone September 22, 2016
Consumer Protection Act.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-175.......... Understanding the Role of November 16, 2016
Connected Devices in Recent
Cyber Attacks.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade
and Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subcommittee on Energy and Power
(Ratio 18-13)
ED WHITFIELD, Kentucky, Chairman*
BOBBY L. RUSH, Illinois, PETE OLSON, Texas,
Ranking Member Vice Chairman
JERRY McNERNEY, California JOHN SHIMKUS, Illinois
PAUL TONKO, New York JOSEPH R. PITTS, Pennsylvania
ELIOT L. ENGEL, New York ROBERT LATTA, Ohio
GENE GREEN, Texas GREGG HARPER, Mississippi
LOIS CAPPS, California DAVID McKINLEY, West Virginia
MICHAEL F. DOYLE, Pennsylvania MIKE POMPEO, Kansas
KATHY CASTOR, Florida ADAM KINZINGER, Illinois
JOHN P. SARBANES, Maryland H. MORGAN GRIFFITH, Virginia
PETER WELCH, Vermont BILL JOHNSON, Ohio
JOHN A. YARMUTH, Kentucky BILLY LONG, Missouri
DAVID LOEBSACK, Iowa RENEE ELLMERS, North Carolina
FRANK PALLONE, Jr., New Jersey BILL FLORES, Texas
(Ex Officio) MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma
RICHARD HUDSON, North Carolina
JOE BARTON, Texas
FRED UPTON, Michigan
(Ex Officio)
*Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY) resigned from the Committee on
Energy and Commerce on September 6, 2016. A vacancy exists on the
Committee and subcommittees for which he was a member, including the
chairmanship of the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
Jurisdiction: National energy policy generally; Fossil energy,
renewable energy resources and synthetic fuels, energy conservation,
energy information; Energy regulation and utilization; Utility issues
and regulation of nuclear facilities; Interstate energy compacts;
Nuclear energy; The Clean Air Act and air emissions; and, All laws,
programs, and government activities affecting such matters.
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
Energy Efficient Improvement Act of 2015
PUBLIC LAW 114-11 (S. 535, S. 1, H.R. 906, H.R. 873)
To promote energy efficiency.
Summary
Title I directs various Federal agencies to take steps to
promote energy efficiency. The General Services Administration
(GSA) is directed to develop model commercial leasing
provisions and best practices to encourage cost-effective
energy efficiency and cost-effective water efficiency measures.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is directed to study the
feasibility of improving energy efficiency in commercial
buildings with high performance energy efficiency measures and
of encouraging the implementation of such measures.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is directed to
develop a voluntary Tenant Star program to promote energy
efficiency in separate spaces leased by tenants or otherwise
occupied within commercial buildings and develop methods of
recognition for commercial building occupants that achieve
lower levels of energy consumption. And the Energy Information
Administration is directed to collect and publish, through its
Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Surveys, data on
various aspects of the property, building operation, or
building occupancy relevant to lowering energy consumption.
Title II establishes energy conservation standards for
grid-enabled water heaters for use as part of an electric
thermal storage or demand response program, including labeling,
reporting, and other requirements.
Title III requires that a Federal agency, when leasing
space in a building without an Energy Star label, must include
in its lease provisions requirements that the space's energy
efficiency be measured against a nationally-recognized
benchmark.
DOE is required to study and report on various matters
related to energy efficiency and consumption of commercial and
multifamily buildings, and also to maintain a database for
storing and making available public energy-related information
on commercial and multifamily buildings.
Legislative History
H.R. 906 was introduced by Representative Ed Whitfield (KY-
01) on February 11, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. On February 13, 2015, H.R. 906 was
referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
On March 19, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing on H.R. 906.
On April 14 and 15, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 906 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On June 9, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 906 to the House (H. Rept. 114-142), and the bill
was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 102).
No further action was taken on the bill.
Provisions similar to H.R. 906 were included in S. 535.
S. 535 was introduced by Senator Rob Portman (OH) on
February 23, 2015, read the first time, and placed on the
Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
On February 24, 2015, S. 535 was read the second time and
placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders
(Calendar No. 23).
On March 27, 2015, S. 535 was considered in the Senate and
passed, without amendment, by a voice vote. On April 13, 2015,
S. 535 was received in the House and referred to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce.
On April 21, 2015, S. 535 was considered in the House under
a motion to the suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On April 23, 2015, S. 535 was presented to the President,
and the President signed the bill on April 30, 2015 (Public Law
114-11).
To Adapt to Changing Crude Oil Market Conditions
PUBLIC LAW 114-113 (TITLE I OF DIVISION O OF H.R. 2029, H.R. 702)
To adapt to changing crude oil market conditions.
Summary
The bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to
repeal the authority of the President to restrict the export of
coal, petroleum products, natural gas, petrochemical feedstocks
and supplies of related materials or equipment. The bill also
provides that no official of the Federal Government shall
impose or enforce any restriction on the export of crude oil,
except in specified instances, such as the declaration of a
national emergency.
Legislative History
H.R. 702 was introduced by Representative Joe Barton (TX-
06) on February 4, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on
Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by
the Speaker. H.R. 702 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Energy and Power on February 6, 2015.
On July 9, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held
a hearing on H.R. 702.
On September 10, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
met in open markup session to consider H.R. 702 and forwarded
the bill to the full Committee, without amendment, by a voice
vote.
On September 17, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
met in open markup session to consider H.R. 702 and ordered the
bill favorably reported to the House, as amended, by a roll
call vote of 31 yeas and 19 nays.
On September 25, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 702 to the House (H. Rept. 114-267, Part I), the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 203).
On October 1, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
filed a supplemental report on H.R. 702 (H. Rept. 114-267, Part
II).
On October 9, 2015, H.R. 702 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 466, and the bill was
passed by a roll call vote of 261 yeas and 159 nays (Roll Call
No. 549).
On October 19, 2015, H.R. 702 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing,
and Urban Affairs.
No further action was taken on the bill.
On December 17, 2015, H.R. 2029, Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2016, was considered in the House pursuant
to the provisions of H. Res. 566, with specified amendments,
including provisions similar to H.R. 702.
On December 18, 2015, H.R. 2029 was presented to and signed
by the President (Public Law 114-113).
To Amend the Department of Energy Organization Act and the Local Public
Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 To Modernize Terms
Relating to Minorities
PUBLIC LAW 114-157 (H.R. 4238)
To amend the Department of Energy Organization Act and the
Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of
1976 to modernize terms relating to minorities.
Summary
H.R. 4238 revises the definitions of both ``minority'' in
the Department of Energy Organization Act and ``minority group
members'' in the Local Public Works Capital Development and
Investment Act of 1976 to mean Asian American, Native Hawaiian,
Pacific Islander, African American, Hispanic, Native American,
or Alaska Native.
Legislative History
H.R. 4238 was introduced by Representative Grace Meng (NY-
06) on December 11, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker. H.R. 4238 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power on December 18, 2015.
On February 10 and 11, 2016, the Subcommittee on energy and
Power met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4238 and
forwarded the bill to the full Committee, without amendment, by
a voice vote.
On February 24 and 25, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4238 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
On April 21, 2015, S. 535 was considered in the House under
a motion to the suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On February 29, 2016, H.R. 4238 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a roll call vote of 376 yeas and 0 nays
(Roll Call No. 102).
On March 1, 2016, H.R. 4238 was received in the Senate and
read twice.
On May 9, 2016, H.R. 4238 was considered in the Senate and
passed, without amendment, by unanimous consent.
On May 13, 2016, H.R. 4238 was presented to the President,
and the President signed the bill on May 20, 2016 (Public Law
114-157).
PIPES Act of 2016
PUBLIC LAW 114-183 (S. 2276, H.R. 5050)
To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide enhanced
safety in pipeline transportation, and for other purposes.
Summary
S. 2276 reauthorizes the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration's (PHMSA) pipeline safety program through
fiscal year 2019 and includes mandates to increase transparency
and accountability, complete overdue regulations, and improve
safety.
The most recent pipeline safety law passed by Congress, the
``Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act
of 2011'' (P.L. 112-90, Pipeline Safety Act of 2011), imposed
several mandates on PHMSA, some still to be completed.
S. 2276 contains targeted mandates for PHMSA to increase
public transparency and accountability, which will facilitate
the completion of overdue regulations. The legislation also
strengthens safety standards for certain types of facilities,
such as underground gas storage reservoirs and oil pipelines
that cross under deep freshwater bodies and requires a number
studies to inform Congress of emerging issues relating to
pipeline integrity management, damage prevention, and corrosion
control.
S. 2276 also addresses the gas leak at the Aliso Canyon
Underground Storage Facility in California and codifies the
Department of Energy and PHMSA interagency task force concept
and requires the taskforce to report to Congress on the
incident.
Legislative History
On March 1, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held
a hearing on a Discussion Draft entitled the ``Pipeline Safety
Act of 2016.''
On March 16, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power met
in open markup session to consider the Discussion Draft and
forwarded the Discussion Draft to the full Committee, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
H.R. 5050 was introduced by Representative Fred Upton (MI-
06) on April 26, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker. H.R. 5050 was similar
to the Discussion Draft considered by the Subcommittee.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 5050 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On June 10, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 5050 to the House (H. Rept. 114-617, Part I).
No further action was taken on the bill.
S. 2276 was introduced by Senator Deb Fischer (NE) on
November 10, 2015, read twice, and referred to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
On December 9, 2015, the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation ordered S. 2276, as amended, to be favorably
reported to the Senate by a voice vote.
On February 24, 2016, Senator John Thune (SD) reported S.
2276 to the Senate (Rept. 114-209), and the bill was placed on
the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar
No. 370).
On March 3, 2016, S. 2276 was considered in the Senate and
passed, as amended, by unanimous consent.
On March 7, 2016, S. 2276 was received in the House.
On June 8, 2016, S. 2276 was considered in the House under
a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed, with an
amendment, by a voice vote.
On June 13, 2016, S. 2276 was considered in the Senate and
passed, with a House amendment, by unanimous consent.
On June 16, 2016, S. 2276 was presented to the President,
and the President signed the bill on June 22, 2016 (Public Law
114-183).
Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act
S. 1, H.R. 3, H.R. 873, H.R. 906
A bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline.
Summary
Section 2 authorizes TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, L.P. to
construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and
cross-border facilities specified in an application filed by
TransCanada Corporation to the Department of State on May 4,
2012.
Section 3 directs the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office
of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to act as the lead
Federal agency for coordinating and disseminating information
on existing Federal programs and assistance that may be used to
help initiate, develop, and finance energy efficiency,
renewable energy, and energy retrofitting projects for schools.
Section 4 declares that nothing in this Act relieves the
United States of its responsibility to consult with Indian
nations as required under Executive Order 13175.
Section 5 expresses the sense of the Senate that climate
change is real and not a hoax.
Section 6 expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress
should approve a bill, originated by the House, to ensure that
all forms of bitumen or synthetic crude oil derived from
bitumen are subject to the per-barrel excise tax associated
with the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.
Title I of Division B directs various Federal agencies to
take steps to promote energy efficiency. The General Services
Administration (GSA) is directed to develop model commercial
leasing provisions and best practices to encourage cost-
effective energy efficiency and cost-effective water efficiency
measures. DOE is directed to study the feasibility of improving
energy efficiency in commercial buildings with high performance
energy efficiency measures and of encouraging the
implementation of such measures.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is directed to
develop a voluntary Tenant Star program to promote energy
efficiency in separate spaces leased by tenants or otherwise
occupied within commercial buildings and develop methods of
recognition for commercial building occupants that achieve
lower levels of energy consumption. And the Energy Information
Administration is directed to collect and publish, through its
Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Surveys, data on
various aspects of the property, building operation, or
building occupancy relevant to lowering energy consumption.
Title II of Division B establishes energy conservation
standards for grid-enabled water heaters for use as part of an
electric thermal storage or demand response program, including
labeling, reporting, and other requirements.
Title III of Division B requires that a Federal agency,
when leasing space in a building without an Energy Star label,
must include in its lease provisions requirements that the
space's energy efficiency be measured against a nationally-
recognized benchmark.
DOE is required to study and report on various matters
related to energy efficiency and consumption of commercial and
multifamily buildings, and also to maintain a database for
storing and making available public energy-related information
on commercial and multifamily buildings.
Legislative History
H.R. 3 was introduced by Representative Kevin Cramer (ND-
al) on January 6, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on Natural
Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker.
On January 9, 2015, H.R. 3 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 19, and the bill was
passed, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 266 yeas, 153
nays, and 1 present (Roll Call No. 16).
On January 12, 2015, H.R. 3 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 3).
No further action was taken on the bill.
S. 1 was introduced by Senator John Hoeven (ND) on January
6, 2015, read the first time, and placed on the Senate
Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
On January 7, 2015, S. 1 was read the second time and
placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders
(Calendar No. 1).
On January 13, 16, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, and 29, 2015, S.
1 was considered in the Senate and passed, as amended, by a
roll call vote of 62 yeas and 35 nays (Roll Call No. 49).
On January 30, 2015, S. 1 was received in the House and
held at the desk.
On February 11, 2015, S. 1 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 100, and the bill was
passed, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 270 yeas, 152
nays (Roll Call No. 74).
On February 24, 2015, S. 1 was presented to the President,
and the President vetoed the bill.
On February 24, 2015, the President's veto message was
received in the Senate and held at the desk.
On March 4, 2015, the veto message on S. 1 was considered
in the Senate and the motion to pass S. 1, the objections of
the President to the contrary notwithstanding, was defeated by
a roll call vote of 62 yeas and 37 nays (Roll Call No. 68)
(pursuant to Article 1, section 7 of the U.S. Constitution, a
motion to override a veto must be approved by two-thirds of
each the Senate and House).
The provisions contained in Division B, Energy Efficiency
Improvement, were included in S. 535 (P.L. 114-11).
Providing for Congressional Disapproval Under Chapter 8 of Title 5,
United States Code, of a Rule Submitted by the Environmental Protection
Agency Relating to ``Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Gas
Emissions From New, Modified, and Reconstructed Stationary Sources:
Electric Utility Generating Units''
S.J. RES. 23, H.J. RES. 71
A Joint Resolution providing for congressional disapproval
under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of a rule
submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to
``Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from
New, Modified, and Reconstructed Stationary Sources: Electric
Utility Generating Units''.
Summary
The joint resolution provides, pursuant to chapter 8 of
title 5, United States Code, that Congress disapproves the rule
submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to
``Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from
New, Modified, and Reconstructed Stationary Sources: Electric
Utility Generating Units'' (published at 80 Fed. Reg. 64510
(October 23, 2015)), and such rule shall have no force or
effect.
Legislative History
H.J. Res. 71 was introduced by Representative Ed Whitfield
(KY-01) on October 26, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. On October 30, 2015, H.J. Res. 71 was
referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
On November 3, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
met in open markup session to consider H.J. Res. 71 and
forwarded the joint resolution to the full Committee, without
amendment, by a roll call vote of 15 ayes and 12 nays.
On November 17 and 18, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.J. Res. 71,
and ordered the joint resolution favorably reported to the
House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 28 ayes and 20
nays.
On November 19, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.J. Res. 71 to the House (H. Rept. 114-348), and the
joint resolution was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No.
266).
No further action was taken on the joint resolution, but
H.J. Res. 71 was identical to S.J. Res. 23.
S.J. Res. 23 was introduced by Senator Mitch McConnell (KY)
on October 26, 2015, read twice, and referred to the Committee
on Environment and Public Works. On November 16, 2015, the
Committee was discharged by petition pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
802(c), and the joint resolution was placed on the Senate
Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 293).
On November 17, 2015, S.J. Res. 23 was considered in the
Senate and passed, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 52
yeas and 46 nays (Roll Call No. 307).
On November 18, 2015, S.J. Res. 23 was received in the
House and held at the desk.
On November 30, 2015, S.J. Res. 23 was considered in the
House pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 539, and the joint
resolution was passed, without amendment, by a roll call vote
of 235 yeas and 188 nays (Roll Call No. 651).
On December 18, 2015, S.J. Res. 23 was presented to the
President, and the President vetoed the joint resolution.
On January 11, 2016, the President's veto message was
received in the Senate and held at the desk.
No further action was taken on the joint resolution.
Providing for Congressional Disapproval Under Chapter 8 of Title 5,
United States Code, of a Rule Submitted by the Environmental Protection
Agency Relating to ``Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing
Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units''
S.J. RES. 24, H.J. RES. 72
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval
under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of a rule
submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to
``Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary
Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units''.
Summary
The joint resolution provides, pursuant to chapter 8 of
title 5, United States Code, that Congress disapproves the rule
submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to
``Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary
Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units'' (published at 80
Fed. Reg. 64662 (October 23, 2015)), and such rule shall have
no force or effect.
Legislative History
H.J. Res. 72 was introduced by Representative Ed Whitfield
(KY-01) on October 26, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. On October 30, 2015, H.J. Res. 72 was
referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
On November 3, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
met in open markup session to consider H.J. Res. 72 and
forwarded the joint resolution to the full Committee, without
amendment, by a roll call vote of 15 ayes and 12 nays.
On November 17 and 18, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.J. Res. 72,
and ordered the joint resolution favorably reported to the
House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 28 ayes and 21
nays.
On November 19, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.J. Res. 72 to the House (H. Rept. 114-349), and the
joint resolution was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No.
267).
No further action was taken on the joint resolution, but
H.J. Res. 72 was identical to S.J. Res. 24.
S.J. Res. 24 was introduced by Senator Shelley Moore Capito
(WV) on October 26, 2015, read twice, and referred to the
Committee on Environment and Public Works. On November 16,
2015, the Committee was discharged by petition pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 802(c), and the joint resolution was placed on the
Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No.
294).
On November 17, 2015, S.J. Res. 24 was considered in the
Senate and passed, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 52
yeas and 46 nays (Roll Call No. 306).
On November 18, 2015, S.J. Res. 24 was received in the
House and held at the desk.
On December 1, 2015, S.J. Res. 24 was considered in the
House pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 539, and the joint
resolution was passed, without amendment, by a roll call vote
of 242 yeas and 180 nays (Roll Call No. 650).
On December 18, 2015, S.J. Res. 24 was presented to the
President, and the President vetoed the joint resolution.
On January 11, 2016, the President's veto message was
received in the Senate and held at the desk.
No further action was taken on the joint resolution.
Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016
S. 2012, H.R. 8
To provide for the modernization of the energy policy of
the United States, and for other purposes.
Summary
The bill would amend current law and authorize activities--
to be administered primarily by the Department of Energy--to
promote energy efficiency and enhance the reliability and
security of energy-related infrastructure. The bill also would
expand and extend Federal agencies' authority to use certain
types of long-term contracts to invest in energy conservation
measures and related services and specify various energy-
related goals and requirements for federal agencies.
Legislative History
The Subcommittee on Energy and Power held hearings on
legislation that was incorporated into the Discussion Draft
entitled ``To modernize energy infrastructure, build a 21st
century energy and manufacturing workforce, bolster America's
energy security and diplomacy, promote energy efficiency and
government accountability, and for other purposes.'' On April
23, 2015, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``Title II:
21st Century Workforce.'' On April 30, 2015, the Subcommittee
held a hearing entitled ``Strategic Petroleum Reserve
Discussion Draft and Title IV Energy Efficiency.'' On May 13,
2015, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``Discussion
Drafts Addressing Hydropower Regulatory Modernization and FERC
Process Coordination under the Natural Gas Act.'' On May 19,
2015, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``Discussion
Draft Addressing Energy Reliability and Security.'' On June 2,
2015, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``Quadrennial
Energy Review and Related Discussion Drafts.'' On June 4, 2015,
the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``Discussion Draft on
Accountability and Department of Energy Perspectives on Title
IV: Energy Efficiency.''
On July 22, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power met
in open markup session to consider the Discussion Draft
entitled ``To modernize energy infrastructure, build a 21st
century energy and manufacturing workforce, bolster America's
energy security and diplomacy, promote energy efficiency and
government accountability, and for other purposes'' and
forwarded the Discussion Draft to the full Committee, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
H.R. 8 was introduced by Representative Fred Upton (MI-06)
on September 16, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology, the Committee on Education and the
Workforce, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform,
and the Committee Foreign Affairs, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker. On September 18, 2015,
H.R. 8 was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
H.R. 8 was similar to the Discussion Draft considered by
the Subcommittee.
On September 29 and 30, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 8 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a roll call vote of 32 yeas and 20 nays.
On November 19, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 8 to the House (H. Rept. 114-347, Part 1), and
the bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 265).
On December 1, 2015, H.R. 8 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 539.
On December 2 and 3, 2015, H.R. 8 was considered in the
House pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 542, and on
December 3, 2015, the bill was passed, as amended, by a roll
call vote of 249 yeas and 174 nays (Roll Call No. 672).
On December 7, 2015, H.R. 8 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources.
No further action was taken on the bill.
On July 30, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources ordered an original bill to be favorably reported to
the Senate.
S. 2012 was introduced by Senator Lisa Murkowski (AK) on
September 9, 2015, with a written report (Report 114-138), and
the bill was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 218).
On January 28, 2016, and on February 1, 2, 3, 4, 19, and
20, 2016, H.R. S. 2012 was considered in the Senate and passed,
as amended, by a roll call vote of 84 yeas and 12 nays (Roll
Call No. 54).
On April 21, 2016, S. 2012 was received in the House, and
the bill was held at the desk.
On May 25, 2016, S. 2012 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 744, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a roll call vote of 241 yeas and 178
nays (Roll Call No. 250).
On May 25, 2016, the House insisted upon its amendment and
requested a conference with the Senate thereon, and the Speaker
appointed conferees. From the Committee on Energy and Commerce,
the Speaker appointed Representative Fred Upton (MI-06),
Representative Joe Barton (TX-06), Representative Ed Whitfield
(KY-01), Representative John Shimkus (IL-15), Representative
Robert E. Latta (OH-05), Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers
(WA-05), Representative Pete Olson (TX-22), Representative
David B. McKinley (WV-01), Representative Mike Pompeo (KS-04),
Representative Morgan H. Griffith (VA-09), Representative Bill
Johnson (OH-06), Representative Bill Flores (TX-17),
Representative Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), Representative Frank
Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Representative Bobby L. Rush (IL-01),
Representative Lois Capps (CA-24), Representative Doris O.
Matsui (CA-06), Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14),
Representative John P. Sarbanes (MD-03), Representative Peter
Welch (VT-al), Representative Ben Ray Lujan (NM-03),
Representative Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Representative David
Loebsack (IA-02) for consideration of the Senate bill and the
House amendment, and modifications committed to conference.
On July 12, 2016, the Senate disagreed to the House
amendment to the Senate bill, agreed to the request for
conference, and the Presiding Officer appointed the following
conferees, Senator Murkowski (AK), Senator Barrasso (WY),
Senator Risch (ID), Senator Cornyn (TX), Senator Cantwell (WA),
Senator Wyden (OR), and Senator Sanders (VT).
On September 7, 2016, Representative Adam Kinzinger (IL-16)
was appointed as a conferee to fill the vacancy caused by the
resignation of Representative Whitfield.
The conference met on September 8, 2016.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Natural Gas Pipeline Reform Act
H.R. 161
To provide for the timely consideration of all licenses,
permits, and approvals required under Federal law with respect
to the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of any
natural gas pipeline projects.
Summary
H.R. 161 amends the Natural Gas Act to direct the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve or deny a
certificate of public convenience and necessity for a prefiled
project within twelve months after receiving a complete
application that is ready to be processed, and it requires the
agency responsible for issuing any federal license, permit, or
approval regarding the siting, construction, expansion, or
operation of a project for which a certificate is sought to
approve or deny issuance of the certificate within ninety days
after FERC issues its final environmental document regarding
the project.
Legislative History
H.R. 161 was introduced by Representative Mike Pompeo (KS-
04) on January 6, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce. H.R. 161 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Energy and Power on January 9, 2015.
On January 21, 2015, H.R. 161 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 38, and the bill was
passed, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 253 yeas to
169 nays (Roll Call No. 41).
On January 22, 2015, H.R. 161 was received in the Senate.
No further action was taken on the bill.
LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act
H.R. 351
To provide for expedited approval of exportation of natural
gas, and for other purposes.
Summary
This bill directs the Department of Energy, for proposals
that must also obtain authorization from the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission or the United States Maritime
Administration to site, construct, expand, or operate liquified
natural gas (LNG) export facilities, to issue a decision on an
application for authorization to export natural gas within
thirty days after the conclusion of the review to site,
construct, expand, or operate the LNG facilities required by
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 or the date of
enactment of this Act, whichever is later.
Legislative History
H.R. 351 was introduced by Representative Bill Johnson (OH-
06) on January 14, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce.
On January 28, 2015, H.R. 351 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 48, and the bill was
passed, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 277 yeas and
133 nays (Roll Call No. 50).
On January 29, 2015, H.R. 351 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2015
H.R. 756
To amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide
for the dissemination of information regarding available
Federal programs relating to energy efficiency projects for
schools, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 756 directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to
establish a clearinghouse to disseminate information regarding
available Federal programs and financing mechanisms that may be
used to help initiate, develop, and finance energy efficiency,
distributed generation, and energy retrofitting projects for
schools.
Legislative History
H.R. 756 was introduced by Representative Matt Cartwright
(PA-17) on February 5, 2015, and was referred to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 756 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Energy and Power on February 6, 2015.
On December 6, 2016, H.R. 756 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On December 7, 2016, H.R. 756 was received in the Senate.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Energy Efficient Government Technology Act
H.R. 1268
To amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
to promote energy efficiency via information and computing
technologies, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1268 would require Federal agencies to coordinate with
the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Energy,
and the Environmental Protection Agency to develop
implementation strategies to purchase, use, and maintain
energy-efficient and energy-saving information technologies.
The bill also would direct agencies to pursue activities aimed
at enhancing the energy efficiency of data centers and would
impose certain administrative and reporting requirements.
Legislative History
H.R. 1268 was introduced by Representative Anna G. Eshoo
(CA-18) on March 4, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 1268 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Energy and Power on March 6, 2016.
On February 24 and 25, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 1268 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On March 14, 2016, H.R. 1268 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On March 15, 2016, H.R. 1268 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Ratepayer Protection Act of 2015
H.R. 2042
To allow for judicial review of any final rule addressing
carbon dioxide emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired
electric utility generating units before requiring compliance
with such rule, and to allow States to protect households and
businesses from significant adverse effects on electricity
ratepayers or reliability.
Summary
This bill extends compliance deadlines for rules under the
Clean Air Act that address carbon dioxide emissions from
existing fossil fuel-fired power plants pending final judicial
review.
This extension applies to any final rule that succeeds
either: (1) the proposed rule entitled ``Carbon Pollution
Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric
Utility Generating Units''; or (2) the supplemental proposed
rule entitled ``Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for
Existing Stationary Sources: EGUs in Indian Country and U.S.
Territories; Multi-Jurisdictional Partnerships.''
The extension period begins 60 days after the notice of
promulgation of a final rule appears in the Federal Register
and ends when the rule is no longer subject to judicial appeal
or review.
The bill urges the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
in promulgating, implementing, or enforcing the rules, to
address how the megawatt hours discharged from a pumped
hydroelectric storage system will be incorporated into
implementation plans adopted pursuant to the rules.
Furthermore, a state is not required to submit or follow an
implementation plan that addresses carbon dioxide emissions
from existing power plants if it determines that the plan would
have a significant adverse effect on: (1) the state's
residential, commercial, or industrial ratepayers; or (2) the
reliability of the state's electricity system.
Finally, the EPA must treat hydropower as renewable energy
when implementing or enforcing the rules.
Legislative History
On April 14, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing on a Discussion Draft entitled ``Ratepayer
Protection Act of 2015.''
On April 22, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power met
in open markup session to consider the Discussion Draft and
forwarded the Discussion Draft to the full Committee, without
amendment, by a roll call vote of 17 yeas and 12 nays.
H.R. 2042 was introduced by Representative Ed Whitfield
(KY-01) on April 28, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 2042 was similar to the Discussion
Draft considered by the Subcommittee.
On April 28 and 29, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 2042 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a roll call vote of 28 yeas to 22 nays.
On June 19, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 2042 to the House (H. Rept. 114-171), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 126).
On June 24, 2015, H.R. 2042 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 333, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a roll call vote of 247 yeas and 180
nays (Roll Call No. 384).
On June 25, 2015, H.R. 2042 was received in the Senate. On
July 14, 2015, H.R. 2042 was read twice and placed on the
Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No.
569).
No further action was taken on the bill.
To Reinstate and Extend the Deadline for Commencement of Construction
of a Hydroelectric Project Involving Clark Canyon
H.R. 2080
To reinstate and extend the deadline for commencement of
construction of a hydroelectric project involving Clark Canyon
Dam.
Summary
H.R. 2080 authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission to reinstate the construction license granted to
Clark Canyon Hydro Company for the Clark Canyon Dam
Hydroelectric Project located on the Beaverhead River in
Beaverhead County, Montana.
Legislative History
H.R. 2080 was introduced by Representative Ryan K. Zinke
(MT-al) on April 28, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. On May 1, 2015, H.R. 2080 was referred to
the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
On February 2, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing on H.R. 2080. On February 10 and 11, 2016, the
Subcommittee on Energy and Power met in open markup session to
consider H.R. 2080 and forwarded the bill to the full
Committee, without amendment, by unanimous consent.
On February 24 and 25, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 2080 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by unanimous consent.
On March 14, 2016, H.R. 2080 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On March 15, 2016, H.R. 2080 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 392).
No further action was taken on the bill.
To Reinstate and Extend the Deadline for Commencement of Construction
of a Hydroelectric Project Involving the Gibson Dam
H.R. 2081
To reinstate and extend the deadline for commencement of
construction of a hydroelectric project involving the Gibson
Dam.
Summary
H.R. 2081 authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission to extend by six years the time period during which
Gibson Dam Hydroelectric Company is required to commence
construction on the Gibson Dam Hydroelectric Project located on
the Sun River in Lewis, Clark, and Teton Counties, Montana.
Legislative History
H.R. 2081 was introduced by Representative Ryan K. Zinke
(MT-al) on April 28, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. On May 1, 2015, H.R. 2081 was referred to
the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
On February 2, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing on H.R. 2081. On February 10 and 11, 2016, the
Subcommittee on Energy and Power met in open markup session to
consider H.R. 2081 and forwarded the bill to the full
Committee, without amendment, by unanimous consent.
On February 24 and 25, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 2081 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by unanimous consent.
On March 14, 2016, H.R. 2081 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a roll call vote of 410 yeas and 2 nays
(Roll Call No. 116).
On March 16, 2016, H.R. 2081 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 395).
No further action was taken on the bill.
Fair Ratepayer Accountability, Transparency, and Efficiency Standards
Act
H.R. 2984
To amend the Federal Power Act to provide that any inaction
by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that allows a rate
change to go into effect shall be treated as an order by the
Commission for purposes of rehearing and court review.
Summary
H.R. 2984 amends the Federal Power Act to provide that any
failure by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue an
order related to a proposed change in rates or other terms
would be considered an order to allow such changes, and any
affected parties could seek a rehearing and appellate review of
the changes.
Legislative History
H.R. 2984 was introduced by Representative Joseph P.
Kennedy, III (MA-04) on July 8, 2015, and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 2984 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Energy and Power on July 10, 2015.
On February 2, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing on H.R. 2984. On February 10 and 11, 2016, the
Subcommittee on Energy and Power met in open markup session to
consider H.R. 2984 and forwarded the bill to the full
Committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
On February 24 and 25, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 2984 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
On March 14, 2016, H.R. 2984 was reported to the House by
the Committee on Energy and Commerce (H. Rept. 114-452), and
placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 347).
H.R. 2984 was considered in the House under a motion to
suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed, without amendment,
by a voice vote.
On March 15, 2016, H.R. 2984 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources.
No further action was taken on the bill.
To Reinstate and Extend the Deadline for Commencement of Construction
of a Hydroelectric Project Involving the W. Kerr Scott Dam
H.R. 3447
To reinstate and extend the deadline for commencement of
construction of a hydroelectric project.
Summary
H.R. 3447 authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission to extend by six years the time period during which
Wilkesboro Hydroelectric Company is required to commence
construction on the W. Kerr Scott Hydropower Project located on
the Yadkin River in Wilkes County, North Carolina.
Legislative History
H.R. 3447 was introduced by Representative Virginia Foxx
(NC-05) on September 8, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 3447 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Energy and Power on September 8, 2015.
On February 2, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing on H.R. 3447. On February 10 and 11, 2016, the
Subcommittee on Energy and Power met in open markup session to
consider H.R. 3447 and forwarded the bill to the full
Committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
On February 24 and 25, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 3447 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
On March 14 and 15, 2015, H.R. 3447 was considered in the
House under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was
passed, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 406 yeas and
3 nays (Roll Call No. 117).
On March 16, 2016, H.R. 3447 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 396).
No further action was taken on the bill.
Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment Acts
H.R. 3797
To establish the bases [sic] by which the Administrator of
the Environmental Protection Agency shall issue, implement, and
enforce certain emission limitations and allocations for
existing electric utility steam generating units that convert
coal refuse into energy.
Summary
H.R. 3797 would require the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) to provide greater flexibility to certain power plants
that are subject to emissions limitations under EPA's Cross-
State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) and the Mercury and Air Toxics
Standards for Power Plants (MATS). Affected power plants
generate electricity by burning coal as their primary fuel
source. The bill would require EPA to allocate to plants using
coal refuse in 2017, and subsequent years, the same number of
emissions allowances for sulfur dioxide that have been
previously allocated to those plants, rather than reducing
allowances for those plants.
Legislative History
H.R. 3797 was introduced by Representative Keith J. Rothfus
(PA-12) on October 22, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. On October 23, 2015, H.R. 3797 was
referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
On February 3, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing on H.R. 3797. On February 10 and 11, 2016, the
Subcommittee on Energy and Power met in open markup session to
consider H.R. 3797, and forwarded the bill to the full
Committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
On February 24 and 25, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 3797 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a roll call vote of 29 yeas and 22 nays.
On March 7, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 3797 to the House (H. Rept. 114-445), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 340).
On March 15, 2016, H.R. 3797 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 640, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a roll call vote of 231 yeas and 183
nays (Roll Call No. 123).
On March 16, 2016, H.R. 3797 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Environment and
Public Works.
To Extend Deadline for Commencement of Construction of a Hydroelectric
Project
H.R. 4411
To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of
a hydroelectric project.
Summary
H.R. 4411 authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission to extend by six years the time period during which
Jordan Hydroelectric Limited Partnership is required to
commence construction on the Gathright Hydroelectric Project
located in Alleghany County, Virginia.
Legislative History
H.R. 4411 was introduced by Representative Morgan H.
Griffith (VA-09) on February 1, 2016, and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce. On February 5, 2016, H.R.
4411 was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
On February 24 and 25, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4411 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by unanimous consent.
On March 14, 2016, H.R. 4411 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On March 15, 2016, H.R. 4411 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources.
No further action was taken on the bill.
To Extend Deadline for Commencement of Construction of a Hydroelectric
Project
H.R. 4412
To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of
a hydroelectric project.
Summary
H.R. 4412 authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission to extend by six years the time period during which
Jordan Hydroelectric Limited Partnership is required to
commence construction on the Flannagan Dam and Reservoir
Hydroelectric Project located in Dickenson County, Virginia.
Legislative History
H.R. 4412 was introduced by Representative Morgan H.
Griffith (VA-09) on February 1, 2016, and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce. On February 5, 2016, H.R.
4412 was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
On February 24 and 25, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4412 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by unanimous consent.
On March 14, 2016, H.R. 4412 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On March 15, 2016, H.R. 4412 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources.
No further action was taken on the bill.
To Reinstate and Extend the Deadline for Commencement of Construction
of a Hydroelectric Project Involving the Jennings Randolph Dam
H.R. 4416
To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of
a hydroelectric project.
Summary
H.R. 4416 authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission to extend by six years the time period during which
Fairlawn Hydroelectric Company is required to commence
construction on the Jennings Randolph Hydroelectric Project
located on the North Branch of the Potomac River in Garrett
County, Maryland, and Mineral County, West Virginia.
Legislative History
H.R. 4416 was introduced by Representative David B.
McKinley (WV-01) on February 1, 2016, and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce. On February 1, 2016, H.R.
4416 was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
On February 2, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing on H.R. 4416. On February 10 and 11, 2016, the
Subcommittee on Energy and Power met in open markup session to
consider H.R. 4416, and forwarded the bill to the full
Committee, without amendment, by unanimous consent.
On February 24 and 25, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4416 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by unanimous consent.
On March 14 and 16, 2016, H.R. 4416 was considered in the
House under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was
passed, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 418 yeas and
2 nays (Roll Call No. 125).
On March 17, 2016, H.R. 4416 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources.
No further action was taken on the bill.
To Amend Section 203 of the Federal Power Act
H.R. 4427
To amend section 203 of the Federal Power Act.
Summary
H.R. 4427 would amend the Federal Power Act to specify that
only mergers and consolidations involving facilities valued at
more than $10 million would require Federal Energy Regulatory
Act approval.
Legislative History
On February 2, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing on a Discussion Draft entitled ``To amend
section 203 of the Federal Power Act.''
H.R. 4427 was introduced by Representative Mike Pompeo (KS-
04) on February 2, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4427 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Energy and Power on February 5, 2016. H.R. 4427 was
identical to the Discussion Draft reviewed by the Subcommittee
at the February 2 hearing.
On February 10 and 11, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and
Power met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4427, and
forwarded the bill to the full Committee, without amendment, by
a voice vote.
On February 24 and 25, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4427 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On March 14, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 4427 to the House (H. Rept. 114-451), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 346).
On March 14, 2016, H.R. 4427 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
No further action was taken on the bill.
To Reinstate and Extend the Deadline for Commencement of Construction
of a Hydroelectric Project Involving the Cannonsville Dam
H.R. 4434
To reinstate and extend the deadline for commencement of
construction of a hydroelectric project.
Summary
H.R. 4434 authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC), upon the request of the licensee for FERC
project numbered 13287 (Cannonsville Hydroelectric Project, New
York), to extend the time period during which the licensee is
required to commence the construction of the project for up to
four consecutive two-year periods from the date of the
expiration of the extension originally issued by FERC.
Legislative History
On February 2, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing on a Discussion Draft entitled ``To extend the
deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric
project.''
H.R. 4434 was introduced by Representative Christopher P.
Gibson (NY-19) on February 2, 2016, and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce. On February 5, 2016, H.R.
4434 was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
On February 10 and 11, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and
Power met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4434, and
forwarded the bill to the full Committee, without amendment, by
unanimous consent.
On February 24 and 25, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4434 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by unanimous consent.
On March 14 and 16, 2016, H.R. 4434 was considered in the
House under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was
passed, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 417 yeas and
2 nays (Roll Call No. 126).
On March 17, 2016, H.R. 4434 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources.
No further action was taken on the bill.
EPS Improvement Act of 2016
H.R. 4444
To amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to exclude
power supply circuits, drivers, and devices designed to be
connected to, and power, light-emitting diodes or organic
light-emitting diodes providing illumination from energy
conservation standards for external power supplies, and for
other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4444 amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to
exclude from energy conservation standards for external power
supplies any power supply circuit, driver, or device designed
to power certain light-emitting diodes or to power ceiling fans
using direct current motors. The Department of Energy may
prescribe energy conservation standards for that equipment no
earlier than one year after the date on which a test procedure
has been prescribed by using its authority to improve the
energy efficiency of electric motors, pumps, and other
industrial equipment.
Legislative History
On January 12, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing on a Discussion Draft entitled ``EPS Improvement
Act of 2016.''
H.R. 4444 was introduced by Representative Renee Ellmers
(NC-02) on February 3, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4444 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Energy and Power on February 3, 2016.
On February 10 and 11, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and
Power met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4444, and
forwarded the bill to the full Committee, without amendment, by
a voice vote.
On February 24 and 25, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4444 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
On February 29, 2016, H.R. 4444 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On March 1, 2016, H.R. 4444 was received in the Senate, and
on July 7, 20016, the bill was read twice, and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Blocking Regulatory Interference From Closing Kilns Act
H.R. 4557
To allow for judicial review of any final rule addressing
national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for
brick and structural clay products or for clay ceramics
manufacturing before requiring compliance with such rule.
Summary
H.R. 4557 would extend compliance dates for entities
affected by any final rule addressing national emission
standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) under the Clean
Air Act for brick, structural clay, and ceramic products
manufactured in kilns. The bill would extend compliance dates
for manufacturers to allow for resolution of the judicial
review process. Manufacturers would not need to comply with the
rule until a specified period of time after a judgement becomes
final (and would no longer be subject to further appeal or
review) for all legal actions filed during the 60 days after
the final rule is published in the Federal Register.
Legislative History
On February 3, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing on a Discussion Draft entitled ``Blocking
Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns Act of 2016.''
On February 10 and 11, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and
Power met in open markup session to consider the Discussion
Draft and forwarded the Discussion Draft to the full Committee,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
H.R. 4557 was introduced by Representative Bill Johnson
(OH-06) on February 12, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4557 was similar to the Discussion
Draft considered by the Subcommittee.
On February 24 and 25, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4557 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a roll call vote of 28 yeas and 22 nays.
On February 29, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 4557 to the House (H. Rept. 114-439), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 336).
On March 3, 2016, H.R. 4557 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 635, and the bill was
passed by a roll call vote of 238 yeas and 163 nays (Roll Call
No. 109).
On March 7, 2016, H.R. 4557 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources.
No further action was taken on the bill.
To Promote a 21st Century Energy and Manufacturing Workforce
H.R. 4583
To promote a 21st century energy and manufacturing
workforce.
Summary
H.R. 4583 directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to
prioritize education and training for energy and manufacturing-
related jobs in order to increase the number of skilled workers
trained to work in those fields.
Legislative History
H.R. 4583 was introduced by Representative Bobby L. Rush
(IL-01) on February 23, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently
determined by the Speaker.
On February 24 and 25, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4583 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
On February 29, 2016, H.R. 4583 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On March 1, 2016, H.R. 4583 was received in the Senate, and
on July 7, 2016, the bill was read twice, and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2016
H.R. 4775
To facilitate efficient State implementation of ground-
level ozone standards, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4775 would delay the implementation of the final rule
promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in
2015 related to ambient-air-quality standards for ozone
emissions. That rule, published in the Federal Register on
October 26, 2015, requires states to determine whether
different geographical areas in the states are in compliance
with federal limits on ozone pollution and to submit plans to
reduce ozone emissions to EPA starting in 2020. The legislation
would delay the requirement for states to submit those plans
until 2026. The bill also would require EPA to make several
changes to its process for reviewing National Ambient Air
Quality Standards for ozone and other pollutants. The bill
would extend the review cycle for certain pollutants from 5 to
10 years and would allow EPA to consider technological
feasibility when setting standards for safe levels of those
pollutants.
Legislative History
H.R. 4775 was introduced by Representative Pete Olson (TX-
22) on March 17, 2016, and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce. H.R. 4775 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Energy and Power on March 18, 2016.
On April 14, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing on H.R. 4775. On May 11 and 12, 2016, the
Subcommittee on Energy and Power met in open markup session to
consider H.R. 4775 and forwarded the bill to the full
Committee, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 15 yeas
and 13 nays.
On May 17 and 18, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4775 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a roll call vote of 30 yeas and 23 nays.
On May 27, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 4775 to the House (H. Rept. 114-598), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 464).
On June 7, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce filed
a supplemental report to H.R. 4775 (H. Rept. 114-598, Part II).
On June 8, 2016, H.R. 4775 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 767, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a roll call vote of 234 yeas and 177
nays (Roll Call No. 282). On June 9, 2016, H.R. 4775 was
received in the Senate, read twice, and referred to the
Committee on Environment and Public Works.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Act of 2016
H.R. 4979
To foster civilian research and development of advanced
nuclear energy technologies and enhance the licensing and
commercial deployment of such technologies.
Summary
H.R. 4979 would direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC) to report to the Congress on existing Federal activities
related to testing and demonstrating advanced reactors with
significant design improvements over existing commercial
reactors. The bill also would require the NRC to submit to the
Congress, within one year of enactment, a plan for establishing
a framework for licensing such reactors. Finally, the bill
would specify that any funding provided to the NRC prior to
fiscal year 2021 to develop a regulatory framework for advanced
reactors would be excluded from the portion of its budget that
is offset by fees.
Legislative History
H.R. 4979 was introduced by Representative Robert E. Latta
(OH-05) on April 18, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently
determined by the Speaker. H.R. 4979 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Energy and Power on April 22, 2016.
On April 29, 2016, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R.
4979. On May 11 and 12, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and
Power met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4979 and
forwarded the bill to the full Committee, without amendment, by
a voice vote.
On May 17 and 18, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4979 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On September 12, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 4979 to the House (H. Rept. 114-737, Part I), and
the bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 573).
On September 12, 2016, H.R. 4979 was considered in the
House under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a voice vote.
On September 12, 2016, H.R. 4979 was received in the
Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Air Survey Act of 2015
H.R. 3021
To amend the Natural Gas Act to allow the use of aerial
survey data for certain applications, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3021 amends the Natural Gas Act to accept data
collected by aerial survey in lieu of ground survey data for
the purposes of completing any prefiling process established to
facilitate the formal application process for obtaining a
certificate of public convenience and necessity for a natural
gas transportation facility, or an application associated with
a Federal authorization concerning a certificate application.
Legislative History
H.R. 3021 was introduced by Representative Mike Pompeo (KS-
04) on July 10, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce. On July 17, 2015, H.R. 3021 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
On May 11 and 12, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and
Power met in open markup session to consider H.R. 3021 and
forwarded the bill to the full Committee, without amendment, by
a voice vote.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Power and Security Systems (PASS) Act
H.R. 6375
To provide for consideration of the extension under the
Energy Policy and Conservation Act of nonapplication of No-Load
Mode energy efficiency standards to certain security or life
safety alarms or surveillance systems.
Summary
H.R. 6375 directs the Department of Energy to decide by
2021 whether standards for class A external power supply (EPS)
should be amended, and any such amendments would apply to
products manufactured after July 1, 2023. No-Load Mode
standards provided under current law shall not apply to EPS
manufactured before the effective date of such amendments.
Finally, the Department may treat EPS designed to be connected
to a security or life safety alarm or surveillance system as a
separate product class or may extend available non-application
provisions.
Legislative History
H.R. 6375 was introduced by Representative Mike Pompeo (KS-
04) on November 17, 2016, and was referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce.
On December 6, 2016, H.R. 6375 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On December 7, 2016, H.R. 6375 was received in the Senate.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Nuclear Utilization of Keynote Energy Policies Act
DISCUSSION DRAFT
Summary
The Discussion Draft would address licensing, budgeting,
and the regulatory process at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
to help the existing nuclear fleet, foster investments in new
plants, and ensure safety and protect public health.
Legislative History
On April 29, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing on a Discussion Draft entitled ``Nuclear
Utilization of Keynote Energy Policies Act.''
No further action was taken on the Discussion Draft.
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
The Fiscal Year 2016 Department of Energy Budget
On February 11, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing entitled ``The Fiscal Year 2016 Department of
Energy Budget.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine and
evaluate funding priorities, major budget changes, energy-
related rulemakings, priority science and research, loans and
grants, and management and security reforms at the Department
of Energy. The Subcommittee received testimony from Ernest J.
Moniz, Secretary, Department of Energy.
The Fiscal Year 2016 EPA Budget
On February 25, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
and the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy held a
joint hearing entitled ``The Fiscal Year 2016 EPA Budget.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to examine the President's proposed
budget of $8.59 billion for EPA in Fiscal Year 2016. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Gina McCarthy,
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency.
21st Century Energy Markets: How the Changing Dynamics of World Energy
Markets Impact Our Economy and Energy Security
On March 3, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held
a hearing entitled ``21st Century Energy Markets: How the
Changing Dynamics of World Energy Markets Impact our Economy
and Energy Security.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
discuss how changing global energy markets affect the U.S.
economy, energy security, and foreign diplomacy. The
Subcommittee received testimony from the U.S. Energy
Information Administration, McGraw Hill Financial Global
Institute, the Executive Director for Energy and Sustainability
at University of California--Davis, Pioneer Natural Resources,
American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufactures, Delta Airlines,
AFL-CIO Industrial Union Council.
21st Century Electricity Challenge: Ensuring a Secure, Reliable, and
Modern Electricity System
On March 4, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held
a hearing entitled ``The 21st Century Electricity Challenge:
Ensuring a Secure, Reliable, and Modern Electricity System.''
The purpose of the hearing was to examine barriers to the
deployment of advanced grid technologies and changing consumer
expectations associated with new grid technologies. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Adam Sieminski,
Administrator, Energy Information Administration; John
Kingston, President, McGraw Hill Financial Global Institute;
Amy Jaffe, Executive Director, Energy and Sustainability,
University of California, Davis; Scott Sheffield, Chairman and
CEO, Pioneer Natural Resources; Charles Drevna, President,
American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers; Graeme Burnett,
Senior Vice President for Fuel Optimization, Delta Airlines;
and Brad Markell, Executive Director, AFL-CIO Industrial Union
Council.
EPA's Proposed 111(d) Rule for Existing Power Plants: Legal and Cost
Issues
On March 17, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing entitled ``EPA's Proposed 111(d) Rule for
Existing Power Plants: Legal and Cost Issues.'' The purpose of
the hearing was to examine matters related to the Environmental
Protection Agency's proposed 111(d) rule for existing power
plants referred to by the agency as the Clean Power Plan. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Laurence H. Tribe, Carl M.
Loeb University Professor and Professor of Constitutional Law,
Harvard Law School; Richard L. Revesz, Lawrence King Professor
of Law, Dean Emeritus, Director, Institute for Policy
Integrity, New York University School of Law; Allison D. Wood,
Partner, Hunton and Williams LLP; Art Graham, Chairman, Florida
Public Service Commission; Kelly Speakes-Backman, Commissioner,
Maryland Public Service Commission, and Chair, Board of
Directors, Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Inc.; Craig
Butler, Director, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency; and
Donald van der Vaart, Secretary, North Carolina Department of
Environment and Natural Resources.
EPA's Proposed 111(d) Rule for Existing Power Plants and H.R. __,
Ratepayer Protection Act
On April 14, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing entitled ``EPA's Proposed 111(d) Rule for
Existing Power Plants, and H.R. _, Ratepayer Protection Act.''
The purpose of the hearing was to consider matters related to
the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed 111(d) rule for
existing power plants. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Janet McCabe, Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of
Air and Radiation, Environmental Protection Agency; Eugene M.
Trisko, Energy Economist and Attorney on behalf of the American
Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity; Lisa D. Johnson, CEO and
General Manager, Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc., on behalf
of National Rural Electric Cooperative Association; Kevin
Sunday, Manager, Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Chamber of
Business and Industry; Paul Cicio, President, Industrial Energy
Consumers of America; Susan F. Tierney, Senior Advisor,
Analysis Group; and Melissa A. Hoffer, Chief, Energy and
Environment Bureau, Office of the Attorney General,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Quadrennial Energy Review and Related Discussion Drafts
On June 2, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held
a hearing entitled ``Quadrennial Energy Review and Related
Discussion Drafts.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine
the Department of Energy's Quadrennial Energy Review findings.
The Subcommittee received testimony from Ernest J. Moniz,
Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy; Rudolf Dolzer, Advisory
Board Member, Association of International Petroleum
Negotiators; Professor of International Law, University of
Bonn; Jason Grumet, President, Bipartisan Policy Center; Scott
Martin, Commissioner, Lancaster County, PA; Gerald Kepes, Vice
President, Upstream Research and Consulting, IHS; Alison
Cassady, Director of Domestic Energy Policy, Center for
American Progress; and Emily Hammond, Professor of Law, George
Washington University Law School.
EPA's Proposed Ozone Rule
On June 12, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held
a hearing entitled ``EPA's Proposed Ozone Rule.'' The purpose
of the hearing was to examine costs, feasibility, and impacts
associated with the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed
ozone rule. The Subcommittee received testimony from Janet
McCabe, Acting Assistant Administrator, Air and Radiation,
Environmental Protection Agency.
EPA's Proposed Ozone Rule: Potential Impacts on Manufacturing
On June 16, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power and
the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade held a
joint hearing entitled ``EPA's Proposed Ozone Rule: Potential
Impacts on Manufacturing.'' The purpose of this hearing was to
examine the potential impacts of the Environmental Protection
Agency's proposed ozone rule on the U.S. manufacturing sector.
The Subcommittee received testimony from Ross E. Eisenberg,
Vice President, Energy and Resources Policy, National
Association of Manufacturers; Erin Monroe Wesley, Executive
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Baton Rouge Area
Chamber; Michael Freeman, Division President, The Americas, WD-
40 Company; Stacey-Ann Taylor, Director, Product Stewardship,
Henry Company; Louis Anthony Cox, Jr., President, Cox
Associates; Gregory B. Diette, Professor of Medicine, Johns
Hopkins University School of Medicine on behalf of the American
Thoracic Society; and Robert L. Glicksman, J.B. and Maurice C.
Shapiro Professor of Environmental Law, George Washington
University School of Law.
Oversight of Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation
Act of 2011 and Related Issues
On July 14, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held
a hearing entitled ``Oversight of Pipeline Safety, Regulatory
Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 and Related Issues.''
The purpose of the hearing was to examine the Pipeline and
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's (PHMSA)
implementation of the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty,
and Job Creation Act of 2011 and pipeline safety issues raised
by recent pipeline failures. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Stacy Cummings, Interim Executive Director,
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration; Stan
Wise, Commissioner, Georgia Public Service Commission, on
behalf of the National Association of Regulatory Utility
Commissioners; Donald Santa, President and CEO, Interstate
Natural Gas Association of America; Ron Bradley, Vice President
of Gas Operations, PECO Energy, on behalf of the American Gas
Association; Andrew Black, President and CEO, Association of
Oil Pipe Lines; Carl Weimer, Executive Director, Pipeline
Safety Trust; and Dianne Black, Assistant Director of Planning
and Development, County of Santa Barbara, California.
Oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
On September 9, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
and the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy held a
joint hearing entitled ``Oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine the
Commission's budget development, resource planning, proposed
rulemaking, and ongoing activities relating to the storage,
transportation, and disposal of high-level radioactive material
and spent nuclear fuel. The Subcommittee received testimony
from Stephen Burns, Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory
Commission; Kristine Svinicki, Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory
Commission; William Ostendorff, Commissioner, Nuclear
Regulatory Commission; and Jeff Baran, Commissioner, Nuclear
Regulatory Commission.
EPA's CO2 Regulations for New and Existing Power Plants
On October 7, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing entitled ``EPA's CO2 Regulations for New and
Existing Power Plants.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
examine matters related to the Environmental Protection
Agency's proposed rules for CO2 emissions from new and existing
fossil fuel-fired power plants. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Janet McCabe, Acting Assistant Administrator,
Air and Radiation, Environmental Protection Agency.
EPA's CO2 Regulations for New and Existing Power Plants: Legal
Perspectives
On October 22, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing entitled ``EPA's CO2 Regulations for New and
Existing Power Plants: Legal Perspectives.'' The purpose of the
hearing was to discuss the legal issues raised by the
Environmental Protection Agency's CO2 regulations for new and
existing power plants. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Elbert Lin, Solicitor General of West Virginia; Allison D.
Wood, Partner, Hunton and Williams, LLP; Raymond L. Gifford,
Partner, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP; Richard L. Revesz,
Lawrence King Professor of Law, Dean Emeritus, Director,
Institute for Policy Integrity, New York University School of
Law; and Emily Hammond, Associate Dean for Public Engagement,
Professor of Law, George Washington University School of Law.
Oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
On December 1, 2015, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing entitled ``Oversight of the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
examine potential impacts of the Environmental Protection
Agency's Clean Power Plan on electricity markets, the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission's oversight of organized wholesale
electricity markets, grid security challenges, integration of
distributed generation resources, and natural gas pipeline
permitting. The Subcommittee received testimony from Norman C.
Bay, Chairman, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; Cheryl A.
LaFleur, Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission;
Tony Clark, Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission;
and Colette D. Honorable, Commissioner, Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission.
Fiscal Year 2017 DOE Budget
On March 2, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held
a hearing entitled ``Fiscal Year 2017 DOE Budget.'' The purpose
of the hearing was to examine Department of Energy's funding
priorities, major budget changes, energy-related rulemakings,
loans and grants, and research activities. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Ernest J. Moniz, Secretary, U.S.
Department of Energy.
Fiscal Year 2017 EPA Budget
On March 22, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power and
the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy held joint
hearing entitled ``Fiscal Year 2017 EPA Budget.'' The purpose
of the hearing was to examine the President's proposed budget
of $8.267 billion for EPA in Fiscal Year 2017. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Gina McCarthy, Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency.
Fiscal Year 2017 Nuclear Regulatory Commission Budget
On April 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power and
the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy held a joint
hearing entitled ``Fiscal Year 2017 Nuclear Regulatory
Commission Budget.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine
the Commission budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2017. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Stephen Burns,
Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Kristine Svinicki,
Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission; William
Ostendorff, Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and
Jeff Baran, Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Home Appliance Energy Efficiency Standards Under the Department of
Energy--Stakeholder Perspectives
On June 10, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held
a hearing entitled ``Home Appliance Energy Efficiency Standards
Under the Department of Energy--Stakeholder Perspectives.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to discuss the Department of
Energy's implementation of the energy conservation standards
program for appliances in the Energy Policy and Conservation
Act, potential updates and improvements to the appliance
standard-setting process, and the current status of the Energy
Star Program. The Subcommittee received testimony from Joseph
M. McGuire, President and CEO, Association of Home Appliance
Manufacturers; Kevin J. Cosgriff, President and CEO, National
Electrical Manufacturers Association; Stephen Yurek, President
and CEO, Air Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute;
Sofie E. Miller, Senior Policy Analyst, The George Washington
University Regulatory Studies Center; Elizabeth Noll,
Legislative Director, Energy and Transportation, Natural
Resources Defense Council; and Thomas Eckman, Director, Power
Division, Northwest Power and Conservation Council.
The Renewable Fuel Standard--Implementation Issues
On June 22, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held
a hearing entitled ``The Renewable Fuel Standard--
Implementation Issues.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
examine the current status of and emerging issues with the
Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) implementation. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Janet McCabe, Acting Assistant
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency; Howard
Gruenspecht, Deputy Administrator, Energy Information
Administration; Chet Thompson, President, American Fuel and
Petrochemical Manufacturers; Bob Dinneen, President and CEO,
Renewable Fuels Association; Todd Teske, Chairman, President
and CEO, Briggs and Stratton Corporation; Brooke Coleman,
Executive Director, Advanced Biofuels Business Council; Collin
O'Mara, President and CEO, National Wildlife Federation; Anne
Steckel, Vice President of Federal Affairs, National Biodiesel
Board; and Tim Columbus, General Counsel, National Association
of Convenience Stores and Society of Independent Gasoline
Marketers Association of America.
A Review of EPA's Regulatory Activity During the Obama Administration:
Energy and Industrial Sectors
On July 6, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held
a hearing entitled ``A Review of EPA's Regulatory Activity
During the Obama Administration: Energy and Industrial
Sectors.'' The purpose of the hearing was to review the impact
of the Environmental Protection Agency's major rules issued
since 2009 on the energy and industrial sectors. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Janet McCabe, Acting
Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation,
Environmental Protection Agency; Travis Kavulla, President,
National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, Vice-
Chairman, Montana Public Service Commission; David J. Porter,
Chairman, Railroad Commission of Texas; Lynn D. Helms,
Director, North Dakota Industrial Commission, Department of
Mineral Resources; Charles D. McConnell, Executive Director,
Energy and Environment Initiative, Rice University, former
Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy, Department of Energy;
and Robert Weissman, President, Public Citizen.
The Department of Energy's Role in Advancing the National, Economic,
and Energy Security of the United States
On September 15, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing entitled ``The Department of Energy's Role in
Advancing the National, Economic, and Energy Security of the
United States.'' The purpose of the hearing was to review the
evolution of electricity markets policy. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Clifford M. Naeve, former Commissioner,
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Partner, Skadden, Arps,
Slate, Meagher, and Flom LLP; Linda Stuntz, former Deputy
Secretary, Department of Energy, Partner, Stuntz, Davis, and
Staffier, P.C.; Susan Tomasky, former General Counsel, Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission, former President, AEP
Transmission of American Electric Power Corporation; and Doug
Smith, former General Counsel, Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, Partner, Van Ness Feldman, LLP.
Midterm Review and Update on the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program
and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Motor Vehicles
On September 22, 2016, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
held a hearing entitled ``Midterm Review and Update on the
Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program and Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Standards For Motor Vehicles.'' The purpose of the
hearing was to examine the status of economic and marketplace
estimates and projections made in 2012 and the impact that
those assumptions will have on auto manufacturers' ability to
meet increasing fuel economy standards. Furthermore, the
hearing explored the CAFE program's impact on economic growth,
innovation, product development and job creation within the
auto industry. The Subcommittee received testimony from Janet
McCabe, Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air
and Radiation, Environmental Protection Agency; Paul
Hemmersbaugh, Chief Counsel, National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration; John Bozzella, President and CEO, Global
Automakers; Mitch Bainwol, President and CEO, Alliance of
Automobile Manufacturers; Peter Welch, President, National
Automobile Dealers Association; John D. Graham, Ph.D., Dean,
School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University
Bloomington; John German, Senior Fellow/U.S. Co-Lead, The
International Council on Clean Transportation; and Mark Cooper,
Director of Research, Consumer Federation of America.
HEARINGS HELD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serial No. Hearing Title Hearing Date(s)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
114-10........................ The Fiscal Year 2016 February 11,
Department of Energy 2015
Budget. (Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-11........................ The Fiscal Year 2016 February 25,
EPA Budget. 2015
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy and
Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-16........................ 21st Century Energy March 3, 2015
Markets: How the
Changing Dynamics of
World Energy Markets
Impact our Economy
and Energy Security.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-18........................ The 21st Century March 4, 2015
Electricity
Challenge: Ensuring a
Secure, Reliable, and
Modern Electricity
System. (Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-20........................ EPA's Proposed 111(d) March 17, 2015
Rule for Existing
Power Plants: Legal
and Cost Issues.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-23........................ H.R. 906, to Modify March 19, 2015
the Efficiency
Standards for Grid-
Enabled Water
Heaters.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-29........................ EPA's Proposed 111(d) April 14, 2015
Rule for Existing
Power Plants, and
H.R. __, Ratepayer
Protection Act.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-33........................ Title II: 21st Century April 23, 2015
Workforce.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-36........................ Strategic Petroleum April 30, 2015
Reserve Discussion
Draft and Title IV
Energy Efficiency.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-40........................ Discussion Drafts May 13, 2015
Addressing Hydropower
Regulatory
Modernization and
FERC Process
Coordination under
the Natural Gas Act.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-44........................ Discussion Draft May 19, 2015
Addressing Energy
Reliability and
Security.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-47........................ Quadrennial Energy June 2, 2015
Review and Related
Discussion Drafts.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-50........................ Discussion Draft on June 3, 2015
Accountability and June 4, 2015
Department of Energy
Perspectives on Title
IV: Energy
Efficiency.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-53........................ EPA's Proposed Ozone June 12, 2015
Rule. (Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-56........................ EPA's Proposed Ozone June 16, 2015
Rule: Potential
Impacts on
Manufacturing.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power and
Subcommittee on
Commerce,
Manufacturing, and
Trade).
114-64........................ H.R. 702, Legislation July 9, 2015
to Prohibit
Restrictions on the
Export of Crude Oil.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-67........................ Oversight of Pipeline July 14, 2015
Safety, Regulatory
Certainty, and Job
Creation Act of 2011
and Related Issues.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-71........................ Oversight of the September 9,
Nuclear Regulatory 2015
Commission.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy and
Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-83........................ EPA's CO2 Regulations October 7, 2015
for New and Existing
Power Plants.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-90........................ EPA's CO2 Regulations October 22, 2015
for New and Existing
Power Plants: Legal
Perspectives.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-104....................... Oversight of the December 1, 2015
Federal Energy
Regulatory
Commission.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-109....................... H.R. __, the EPS January 12, 2016
Improvement Act of
2016 (Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-111....................... Legislative Hearing on February 2, 2016
Eight Energy
Infrastructure Bills.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-113....................... H.R. 3797, the February 3, 2016
Satisfying Energy
Needs and Saving the
Environment (SENSE)
Act and H.R. __, the
Blocking Regulatory
Interference from
Closing Kilns (BRICK)
Act. (Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-121....................... Legislative Hearing to March 1, 2016
Examine Pipeline
Safety
Reauthorization.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-123....................... The Fiscal Year 2017 March 2, 2016
DOE Budget.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-130....................... Fiscal Year 2017 EPA March 22, 2016
Budget. (Subcommittee
on Environment and
the Economy and
Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-134....................... H.R. 4775, Ozone April 14, 2016
Standards
Implementation Act of
2016. (Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-138....................... Fiscal Year 2017 April 20, 2016
Nuclear Regulatory
Commission Budget.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy and
Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-141....................... H.R. 4979, the April 29, 2016
Advanced Nuclear
Technology
Development Act of
2016 and H.R. __, the
``Nuclear Utilization
of Keynote Energy
Policies Act.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-152....................... Home Appliance Energy June 10, 2016
Efficiency Standards
Under the Department
of Energy--
Stakeholder
Perspectives.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-155....................... The Renewable Fuel June 22, 2016
Standard--Implementat
ion Issues.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-156....................... A Review of EPA's July 6, 2016
Regulatory Activity
During the Obama
Administration:
Energy and Industrial
Sectors.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-164....................... Federal Power Act: September 7,
Historical 2016
Perspectives.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-170....................... The Department of September 15,
Energy's Role in 2016
Advancing the
National, Economic,
and Energy Security
of the United States.
(Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-171....................... Midterm Review and September 22,
Update on the 2016
Corporate Average
Fuel Economy Program
and Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Standards
for Motor Vehicles.
(Subcommittee on
Commerce,
Manufacturing, and
Trade and
Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy
(Ratio 13-9)
JOHN SHIMKUS, Illinois, Chairman
PAUL TONKO, New York, GREGG HARPER, Mississippi,
Ranking Member Vice Chairman
KURT SCHRADER, Oregon ED WHITFIELD, Kentucky*
GENE GREEN, Texas JOSEPH R. PITTS, Pennsylvania
DIANA DeGETTE, Colorado TIM MURPHY, Pennsylvania
LOIS CAPPS, California ROBERT E. LATTA, Ohio
MICHAEL F. DOYLE, Pennsylvania DAVID McKINLEY, West Virginia
JERRY McNERNEY, California BILL JOHNSON, Ohio
TONY CARDENAS, California LARRY BUCSHON, Indiana
FRANK PALLONE, Jr., New Jersey BILL FLORES, Texas
(Ex Officio) RICHARD HUDSON, North Carolina
KEVIN CRAMER, North Dakota
FRED UPTON, Michigan
(Ex Officio)
Jurisdiction: All matters relating to soil and water contamination; The
regulation of solid, hazardous, and nuclear wastes; The regulation of
industrial plant security; The regulation of drinking water; and, The
regulation of toxic substances and noise.
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
Drinking Water Protection Act
PUBLIC LAW 114-45 (H.R. 212)
To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to provide for the
assessment and management of the risk of cyanotoxins in
drinking water, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 212 amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to direct the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and submit to
Congress a strategic plan for assessing and managing risks
associated with algal toxins in drinking water provided by
public water systems.
The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office
to inventory and report to Congress on Federal spending,
between Fiscal Years 2010 and 2014, on both Federal analyses
and public health efforts concerning cyanobacteria and algae.
Legislative History
H.R. 212 was introduced by Representative Robert E. Latta
(OH-05) on January 8, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 212 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Environment and the Economy on January 9, 2015.
On February 5, 2015, the Subcommittee on Environment and
the Economy held a hearing on H.R. 212. On February 5, 2015,
the Subcommittee also met in open markup session to consider
H.R. 212 and forwarded the bill, as amended, to the full
Committee by a voice vote.
On February 11 and 12, 2015, the full Committee on Energy
and Commerce met in open markup session and ordered H.R. 212
reported to the House, as amended, by a voice vote.
On February 24, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 212 to the House (H. Rept. 114-26), and the bill
was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 18).
On February 24, 2015, H.R. 212 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a roll call vote of 375 yeas and 37 nays (Roll
Call No. 84).
On February 25, 2015, H.R. 212 was received in the Senate
and read twice.
On August 5, 2015, H.R. 212 was considered in the Senate
and passed, without amendment, by a voice vote.
On August 6, 2015, H.R. 212 was presented to the President,
and the President signed the bill on August 7, 2015 (Public Law
114-45).
Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance Act
PUBLIC LAW 114-98 (S. 611, H.R. 2853)
A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to reauthorize
technical assistance to small public water systems, and for
other purposes.
Summary
S. 611 amends section 1442(e) of the Safe Drinking Water
Act to reauthorize a program administered by the Environmental
Protection Agency to provide technical assistance to small
public water systems for complying with national primary
drinking water regulations.
Legislative History
S. 611 was introduced by Senator Roger F. Wicker (MS) on
February 27, 2015, read twice, and referred to the Committee on
Environment and Public Works.
On April 29, 2015, the Committee on Environment and Public
Works ordered S. 611, without amendment, to be favorably
reported to the Senate.
On May 18, 2015, Senator James M. Inhofe (OK) reported S.
611 to the Senate with a written report (Report 114-47), and
the bill was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 83). On June 9, 2015, S. 611 was
considered in the Senate and passed, without amendment, by
unanimous consent.
On June 10, 2015, S. 611 was received in the House and
referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. S. 611 was
referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy on
June 12, 2015.
On October 22, 2015, the Subcommittee on Environment and
the Economy held a hearing on S. 611.
On October 28, 2015, the Subcommittee on Environment and
the Economy met in open markup session to consider S. 611 and
ordered the bill favorably forwarded the bill to the full
Committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
On November 17 and 18, 2015, the full Committee on Energy
and Commerce met in open markup session to consider S. 611 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
On November 19, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported S. 611 to the House (H. Rept. 114-346) and was placed
on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 264).
On November 30, 2015, S. 611 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On December 2, 2015, S. 611 was presented to the President,
and the President signed the bill on December 11, 2015 (Public
Law 114-98).
TSCA Modernization Act of 2015
PUBLIC LAW 114-182 (H.R. 2576)
To modernize the Toxic Substances Control Act, and for
other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2576 authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) to order new testing for those chemicals found to present
an unreasonable risk and (2) to order testing of certain
chemicals under certain circumstances regardless of whether an
unreasonable risk is presented by the chemical.
The bill also requires EPA to determine whether a new
chemical or new use of an existing chemical does or may pose an
unreasonable risk and may require the mitigation of any such
risk before the chemical or new use go to market.
For existing chemicals, the bill bifurcates the process of
evaluating and managing the risk to human health and the
environment based on the chemical's intended conditions of use.
The risk evaluation phase focuses on hazard and exposure
considerations and may not consider economic factors. Existing
chemicals determined to pose an unreasonable risk must be
subject to risk management regulation. When regulating, EPA
must consider the risk posed by the intended condition of use,
the social and economic costs of EPA action on this use, the
cost-effectiveness of a particular regulation, and the
availability of alternatives. Under this measure, EPA no longer
must impose only ``least burdensome'' restrictions on
commercially active chemicals.
H.R. 2576 requires EPA to update its inventory of all
chemicals in domestic commerce since 1976 and amends the
requirements on EPA and chemical manufacturers and processors
regarding the protection of confidential business information
submitted to EPA under the Act.
The bill imposes specific scientific standards to inform
substantive decisions in sections 4, 5, and 6 of Toxic
Substances Control Act and requires EPA to rely on the weight
of the scientific evidence in carrying out those sections.
Finally, the bill amends the scope and type of Federal
preemption of state and local chemical regulation laws, makes
clarifying amendments to the Mercury Export Ban Act, and
institutes a cancer cluster registry.
Legislative History
On April 14, 2015, the Subcommittee on Environment and the
Economy held a hearing entitled ``H.R. __, the TSCA
Modernization Act.''
On May 14, 2015, the Subcommittee on Environment and the
Economy met in open markup session to consider the Discussion
Draft and forwarded the Discussion Draft to the full Committee,
as amended, by a roll call vote of 21 yeas and 0 nays.
H.R. 2576 was introduced by Representative John Shimkus
(IL-15) on May 26, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce.
On June 2 and 3, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
met in open markup session to consider H.R. 2576, and ordered
the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended, by a roll
call vote of 47 yeas, 0 nays, and 1 present.
On June 23, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 2576 to the House (H. Rept. 114-176) and bill was
placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 131).
On June 23, 2015, H.R. 2576 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a roll call vote of 398 yeas and 1 nay (Roll
Call No. 378).
On June 24, 2015, H.R. 2576 was received in the Senate.
On July 8, 2015, H.R. 2576 was read twice, and was placed
on Senate Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 143).
On December 17, 2015, H.R. 2576 was considered in the
Senate and passed, as amended, by a voice vote.
On May 24, 2015, H.R. 2576 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 742, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a roll call vote of 403 yeas and 12 nays
(Roll Call No. 238).
On June 7, 2016, H.R. 2576, was agreed to in the Senate and
passed by a voice vote.
On June 14, 2016, H.R. 2576 was presented to the President,
and the President signed the bill on June 22, 2016 (Public Law
114-182).
Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act
PUBLIC LAW 114-322 (S. 612, TITLE II)
Summary
Title II of S. 612 would improve our nation's drinking
water infrastructure and helps communities meet the
requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act, while also
authorizing the state regulation of coal ash.
Legislative History
S. 612 was introduced by Senator John Cornyn (TX) on
February 27, 2015, read twice, and referred to the Committee on
Environment and Public Works.
On April 19, 2015, the Committee on Environment and Public
Works ordered S. 612 to be favorably reported, without
amendment, to the Senate.
On May 4, 2015, Senator Inhofe (OK) reported S. 612,
without amendment, to the Senate without a written report, and
the bill was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 65).
On May 21, 2015, S. 612 was considered in the Senate and
passed, without amendment, by unanimous consent.
On May 22, 2015, S. 612 was received in the House, and
referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
On December 8, 2016, S. 612 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 949, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a roll call vote of 360 yeas and 61 nays
(Roll Call No. 622).
On December 8, 2016, S. 612 was received in the Senate, and
on December 9, 10, and 12, 2016, S. 612 was considered in the
Senate and a motion to concur in the House amendment was
passed, by a roll call vote of 78 yeas and 81 nays (Roll Call
No. 163).
On December 14, 2016, S. 612 was presented to the
President, and the President signed the bill on December 16,
2016 (Public Law 114-322).
Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2015
H.R. 1734
To amend subtitle D of the Solid Waste Disposal Act to
encourage recovery and beneficial use of coal combustion
residuals and establish requirements for the proper management
and disposal of coal combustion residuals that are protective
of human health and the environment.
Summary
H.R. 1734 would establish state permit programs for coal
ash and would incorporate the technical standards and
requirements that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
developed in the final rule regarding of human health and the
environment. A state that chooses to adopt a coal ash program
would be given sole enforcement authority, and EPA would be
required to implement a program if a state does not implement a
program that fails to meet these criteria.
Legislative History
On March 18 and 24, 2015, the Subcommittee on Environment
and the Economy held a hearing on a Discussion Draft entitled
``Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2015.''
On March 24 and 25, 2015, the Subcommittee on Environment
and the Economy met in open markup session to consider the
Discussion Draft and forwarded the bill, without amendment, to
the full Committee by a roll call vote of 16 yeas and 5 nays.
On April 13, 2015, Representative David McKinley (WV-01)
introduced H.R. 1734, which was similar to the Discussion Draft
considered by the Subcommittee.
On April 14 and 15, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 1734, and
the bill was ordered favorably reported, without amendment, to
the House by a roll call vote of 32 yeas and 19 nays.
On June 9, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 1734 to the House (H. Rept. 114-143), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 103).
On July 22, 2015, H.R. 1734 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 742, and the bill was
passed, as amended by a roll call vote of 258 yeas and 166 nays
(Roll Call No. 458).
On July 23, 2015, H.R. 1734 was received in the Senate.
On July 14, 2016, H.R. 1734 was read twice and referred to
the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
No further action was taken on the bill.
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
EPA's 2014 Final Rule: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From
Electric Utilities
On January 22, 2015, the Subcommittee on Environment and
the Economy held a hearing entitled ``EPA's 2014 Final Rule:
Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals from Electric
Utilities.'' The purpose of the hearing was to review the
Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) final rule concerning
the disposal of coal combustion residuals. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mathy Stanislaus, Assistant
Administrator for Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response,
Environmental Protection Agency; Thomas Easterly, Commissioner,
Indiana Department of Environmental Management, on behalf of
the Environmental Council of States and the Indiana Department
of Environmental Management; Michael Forbeck, Environmental
Program Manager, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection, Bureau of Waste Management, on behalf of the
Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management
Officials; Lisa Johnson, Chief Executive Officer and General
Manager, Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc., on behalf of
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and Seminole
Electric Cooperative, Inc.; Thomas Adams, Executive Director,
American Coal Ash Association; James Roewer, Executive
Director, Utilities Solid Waste Activities Group, on behalf of
USWAG, Edison Electric Institute, and the American Public Power
Association; Eric Schaeffer, Director, Environmental Integrity
Project; and Frank Holleman, Senior Attorney, Southern
Environmental Law Center.
The Fiscal Year of 2016 EPA Budget
On February 25, 2015, the Subcommittee on Environment and
the Economy and the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a
joint hearing entitled ``The Fiscal Year 2016 EPA Budget.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to examine the President's proposed
budget of $8.59 billion for EPA in Fiscal Year 2016. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Gina McCarthy,
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency.
The Needs of Drinking Water Systems in Rural and Smaller Communities
On February 27, 2015, the Subcommittee on Environment and
the Economy held a hearing entitled ``The Needs of Drinking
Water Systems in Rural and Smaller Communities.'' The purpose
of the hearing was to examine the challenges faced by smaller
and rural communities, including managing, replacing, or
upgrading aging and obsolete drinking water systems. The
Subcommittee received testimony from J. Alfredo Gomez,
Director, Natural Resources and Environment, Government
Accountability Office; Joseph Keegan, Castleton On Hudson, New
York, on behalf of New York Rural Water Association; K.T.
Newman, on behalf of the National Rural Water Association;
Bobby Selman, on behalf of the Mississippi Rural Water
Association; and Robert Stewart, Executive Director, Rural
Community Assistance Partners.
Update on the Current State of Nuclear Waste Management Policy
On May 15, 2015, the Subcommittee on Environment and the
Economy held a hearing entitled ``Update on the Current State
of Nuclear Waste Management Policy.'' The purpose of the
hearing was to examine the current status of the Federal
Government's efforts relating to the Nuclear Waste Policy Act.
The Subcommittee received testimony from Andrew Fitz, Senior
Counsel, Office of the Attorney General, State of Washington;
Josephine Piccone, Director, Yucca Mountain Directorate,
Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Greg R. White, Commissioner,
Michigan Public Service Commission, on behalf of the National
Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, Chairman,
Subcommittee on Nuclear Issues--Waste Disposal; Stephen
Kuczynski, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer,
Southern Nuclear Operating Company; Geoffrey H. Fettus, Senior
Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council; and Einar
Ronningen, Manager, Rancho Seco Assets, Decommissioning Plant
Coalition.
Oversight on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
On September 9, 2015, the Subcommittee on Environment and
the Economy and the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a
joint hearing entitled ``Oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine the
Commission's budget development, resource planning, proposed
rulemaking, and ongoing activities relating to the storage,
transportation, and disposal of high-level radioactive material
and spent nuclear fuel. The Subcommittee received testimony
from Stephen Burns, Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, Kristine Svinicki, Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, William Ostendorff, Commissioner, Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, and Jeff Baran, Commissioner, Nuclear
Regulatory Commission.
Oversight of Federal Facility Cleanup Under CERCLA
On September 11 and 16, 2015, the Subcommittee on
Environment and the Economy held a hearing entitled ``Oversight
of Federal Facility Cleanup under CERCLA.'' The purpose of the
hearing was to examine the Environmental Protection Agency's
(EPA) efforts to identify and clean up contaminated sites. On
September 11, 2015, the Subcommittee received testimony from
Mathy Stanislaus, Assistant Administrator for the Office of
Solid Waste and Emergency Response, Environmental Protection
Agency; Mark Whitney, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Environmental Management, Department of Energy; John Conger,
performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for
Energy, Installations, and Environment, Department of Defense;
and Alfredo Gomez, Director, Natural Resources and Environment,
Government Accountability Office. On September 16, 2015, the
Subcommittee received testimony from Elizabeth Dieck, Director
of Environmental Affairs, South Carolina Department of Health
and Environmental Control, on behalf of Environmental Council
of the States; and Bonnie Buthker, Chief of Southwest District
Office, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, on behalf of the
Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management
Officials.
Transporting Nuclear Materials: Design, Logistics, and Shipment
On October 1, 2015, the Subcommittee on Environment and the
Economy held a hearing entitled ``Transporting Nuclear
Materials: Design, Logistics, and Shipment.'' The purpose of
the hearing was to examine current efforts to transport nuclear
material and program recommendations for DOE. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Christopher Kouts, Managing Partner,
Kouts Consulting; Edward R. Hamberger, President and Chief
Executive Officer, Association of American Railroads; Kelly
Horn, Co-Chairman, Midwestern Radioactive Materials
Transportation Committee; Robert Quinn, Vice President, Cask
and Container Technology, EnergySolutions; Chairman, Spent Fuel
Transportation Task Force, U.S. Nuclear Infrastructure Council;
Franklin Rusco, Director, Natural Resources and Environment,
Government Accountability Office; and Kevin Kamps, Radioactive
Waste Watchdog, Beyond Nuclear.
E-Manifest: An Update on Implementation
On October 9, 2015, the Subcommittee on Environment and the
Economy held a hearing entitled ``E-manifest: An Update on
Implementation.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine
Environmental Protection Agency's implementation of section
3024 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, which requires the
creation and deployment of an electronic manifest system to
assure that hazardous waste designated for treatment, storage,
or disposal arrives at the treatment, storage, or disposal
facility for which a permit has been issued. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Barnes Johnson, Director, Office of
Resource Conservation and Recovery, Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response, Environmental Protection Agency.
Update on Low Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Issues
On October 28, 2015, the Subcommittee on Environment and
the Economy held a hearing entitled ``Update on Low-Level
Radioactive Waste Disposal Issues.'' The purpose of the hearing
was to examine issues associated with implementing the Low-
Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mark Whitney, Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Environmental Management, Department of Energy;
Michael Weber, Deputy Executive Director of Operations for
Materials, Waste, Research, State, and Compliance Programs,
Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Jennifer Opila, Director,
Organization of Agreement States; Leigh Ing, Executive
Director, Texas Low Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact
Commission; and Chuck Smith, Council Member, Aiken County,
South Carolina, Chairman, Energy Communities Alliance.
The Nuclear Waste Fund: Budgetary, Funding, and Scoring Issues
On December 3, 2015, the Subcommittee on Environment and
the Economy held a hearing entitled ``The Nuclear Waste Fund:
Budgetary, Funding, and Scoring Issues.'' The purpose of the
hearing was to examine issues associated with the establishment
and implementation of the Nuclear Waste Fund, and the budgetary
treatment of the nuclear waste fee and the Nuclear Waste Fund.
The Subcommittee received testimony from David Bearden,
Specialist in Environmental Policy, Congressional Research
Service; Kim P. Cawley, Chief of Natural and Physical Resources
Cost Estimates Unit, Congressional Budget Office; and Travis
Kavulla, Commissioner, Montana Public Service Commission,
President, National Association of Regulatory Utility
Commissioners.
Fiscal Year 2017 EPA Budget
On March 22, 2016, the Subcommittee on Environment and the
Economy and the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a joint
hearing entitled ``Fiscal Year 2017 EPA Budget.'' The purpose
of the hearing was to examine the President's proposed budget
of $8.267 billion for EPA in Fiscal Year 2017. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Gina McCarthy, Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency.
Flint Water Crisis: Impacts and Lessons Learned
On April 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Environment and the
Economy and the Subcommittee on Health held a joint hearing
entitled ``Flint Water Crisis: Impacts and Lessons Learned.''
The purpose of the hearing was to review matters related to the
elevated amounts of lead in the drinking water of Flint,
Michigan. The Subcommittee received testimony from Joel
Beauvais, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of
Water, Environmental Protection Agency; Nicole Lurie, Assistant
Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Department for Health
and Human Services; Keith Creagh, Director, Michigan Department
of Environmental Quality; Nick Lyon, Director, Michigan
Department of Health and Human Services; Mona Hanna-Attisha,
Program Director Pediatric Residency, Hurley Children's
Hospital at Hurley Medical Center, Assistant Professor of
Pediatrics, Michigan State University College of Human
Medicine; Joan Alker, Executive Director at the Center for
Children and Families, Georgetown University; Steve Estes-
Smargiassi, Director of Planning and Sustainability,
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority; June Swallow,
President and Administrator, Rhode Island Drinking Water
Program, Rhode Island Department of Health; and Mae Wu, Senior
Attorney, Health and Environment Program, Natural Resources
Defense Council.
Fiscal Year 2017 Nuclear Regulatory Commission Budget
On April 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on Environment and the
Economy and the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a joint
hearing entitled ``Fiscal Year 2017 Nuclear Regulatory
Commission Budget.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine
the Commission budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2017. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Stephen Burns,
Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Kristine Svinicki,
Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, William
Ostendorff, Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and
Jeff Baran, Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
EPA's Brownfields Program: Empowering Cleanup and Encouraging Economic
Redevelopment
On April 21, 2016, the Subcommittee on Environment and the
Economy held a hearing entitled ``The EPA Brownfields Program:
Empowering Cleanups and Encouraging Economic Redevelopment.''
The purpose of the hearing was to examine the Environmental
Protection Agency's Brownfields Program. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mathy Stanislaus, Assistant
Administrator for the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency
Response, Environmental Protection Agency; Mead Anderson,
Brownfields Program Manager, Virginia Department of
Environmental Quality, on behalf of the Association of State
and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials; J. Christian
Bollwage, Mayor, City of Elizabeth, New Jersey; Clark Henry,
Owner, CIII Associates, LLC; Amy Romig, Partner, Plews Shadley
Racher and Braun, LLP; and Veronica Eady, Vice President and
Director, Conservation Law Foundation.
Federal, State, and Local Agreements and Economic Benefits for Spent
Nuclear Fuel Disposal
On July 7, 2016, the Subcommittee on Environment and the
Economy held a hearing entitled ``Federal, State, and Local
Agreements and Economic Benefits for Spent Nuclear Fuel
Disposal.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine issues
associated with the Nuclear Waste Policy Act. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Representative Mark E. Amodei (NV-02),
Representative Dina Titus (NV-01), Representative Cresent Hardy
(NV-04), Representative Robert J. Dold (IL-10); Dan Schinhofen,
County Commissioner, Nye County, Nevada; Joseph Hardy, State
Senator, State of Nevada; and Gene Humphrey, President,
International Test Solutions, Inc.
Oversight of CERCLA Implementation
On July 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Environment and the
Economy held a hearing entitled ``Oversight of CERCLA
Implementation.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine the
Environmental Protection Agency's implementation of
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980 (CERLCA. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Ann Wagner (MO-02); Lacy Clay (MO-01); Mathy
Stanislaus, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Land and
Emergency Management, Environmental Protection Agency; Amy
Brittain, Environmental Programs Manager, Site Remediation
Section, Land Protection Division at the Oklahoma Department of
Environmental Quality, on behalf of the Association of State
and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials; Steve Nadeau,
Partner, Honigman; Marianne Horinko, President, The Horinko
Group; and Robert Spiegel, Executive Director, Edison Wetlands
Association.
HEARINGS HELD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serial No. Hearing Title Hearing Date(s)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
114-3.............. EPA's 2014 Final Rule: January 22, 2015
Disposal of Coal
Combustion Residuals from
Electric Utilities.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-7.............. H.R. 212, the Drinking February 5, 2015
Water Protection Act.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-11............. The Fiscal Year 2016 EPA February 25, 2015
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy and Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-15............. The Needs of Drinking Water February 27, 2015
Systems in Rural and
Smaller Communities.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-22............. H.R. __, Improving Coal March 18, 2015
Combustion Residuals March 24, 2015
Regulation Act of 2015.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-30............. H.R. __, the TSCA April 14, 2015
Modernization Act of 2015.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-42............. Update on the Current State May 15, 2015
of Nuclear Waste
Management Policy.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-71............. Oversight of the Nuclear September 9, 2015
Regulatory Commission.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy and Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-73............. Oversight of Federal September 11, 2015
Facility Cleanup under September 16, 2015
CERCLA. (Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-82............. Transporting Nuclear October 1, 2015
Materials: Design,
Logistics, and Shipment.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-89............. Technical Assistance for October 22, 2015
Rural Water Systems: S.
611, the Grassroots Rural
and Small Community Water
Systems Assistance Act.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-94............. E-manifest: An Update on October 27, 2015
Implementation.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-96............. Update on Low-Level October 28, 2015
Radioactive Waste Disposal
Issues. (Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-106............ The Nuclear Waste Fund: December 3, 2015
Budgetary, Funding, and
Scoring Issues.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-130............ Fiscal Year 2017 EPA March 22, 2016
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy and Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-131............ Flint Water Crisis: Impacts April 13, 2016
and Lessons Learned.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy and Subcommittee
on Health).
114-138............ Fiscal Year 2017 Nuclear April 20, 2016
Regulatory Commission
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy and Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-140............ EPA's Brownfields Program: April 21, 2016
Empowering Cleanup and
Encouraging Economic
Redevelopment.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-157............ Federal, State, and Local July 7, 2016
Agreements and Economic
Benefits for Spent Nuclear
Fuel Disposal.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-162............ Oversight of CERCLA July 13, 2016
Implementation.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subcommittee on Health
(Ratio 18-13)
JOSEPH R. PITTS, Pennsylvania,
Chairman
GENE GREEN, Texas, BRETT GUTHRIE, Kentucky,
Ranking Member Vice Chairman
ELIOT L. ENGEL, New York ED WHITFIELD, Kentucky*
LOIS CAPPS, California JOHN SHIMKUS, Illinois
JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY, Illinois TIM MURPHY, Pennsylvania
G.K. BUTTERFIELD, North Carolina MICHAEL C. BURGESS, Texas
KATHY CASTOR, Florida MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee
JOHN P. SARBANES, Maryland CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS,
DORIS O. MATSUI, California Washington
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico LEONARD LANCE, New Jersey
KURT SCHRADER, Oregon H. MORGAN GRIFFITH, Virginia
JOSEPH P. KENNEDY, Massachusetts GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida
TONY CARDENAS, California BILLY LONG, Missouri
FRANK PALLONE, Jr., New Jersey RENEE L. ELLMERS, North Carolina
(Ex Officio) LARRY BUCHSON, Indiana
SUSAN W. BROOKS, Indiana
CHRIS COLLINS, New York
JOE BARTON, Texas
FRED UPTON, Michigan
(Ex Officio)
Jurisdiction: Public health and quarantine; hospital construction;
mental health and research; biomedical programs and health protection
in general, including public and private health insurance; food and
drugs; and, drug abuse.
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
21st Century Cures Act
PUBLIC LAW 114-255 (H.R. 34, H.R. 6)
To accelerate the discovery, development, and delivery of
21st century cures, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 34 would include funding for an innovation fund to
help fund key biomedical research projects at the National
Institutes of Health (NIH). It also would include key reforms
at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help streamline
the development of new therapies. Additionally, the legislation
included various delivery reforms in the Medicare space.
H.R. 34 would change the way disease is treated by
addressing three key areas; discovery, development and
delivery. The bill would help fund key research in the
``discovery'' phase by providing $4.8 billion in NIH funding.
The development of new therapies would be advanced through
streamlining regulation at the FDA and modernizing clinical
trials, among other important activities. The bill would help
speed the delivery of these new innovations by improving
interoperability of health records and improving education for
health care providers.
In addition, the bill includes language from H.R. 2646, the
Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, which was a
comprehensive effort to advance meaningful mental health
reforms. This legislation represents the most significant
reforms to the mental health system in more than a decade. The
bill also includes various Medicare Part A reforms that would
increase choice, access, and quality in health care for all
Americans.
Legislative History
H.R. 6 was introduced by Representative Fred Upton (MI-06)
on May 19, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means,
for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker.
On May 19, 2015 and May 21, 2015, the Committee on Energy
and Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 6 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a roll call vote of 51 yeas and 0 nays.
On July 7, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 6 to the House (H. Rept. 114-190, Part I), and
the bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 142).
On July 9 and 10, 2015, H.R. 6 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 350, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a roll call vote of 344 yeas and 77 nays
(Roll Call No. 433).
On July 13, 2015, H.R. 6 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
H.R. 34, Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act of
2015, was introduced by Representative Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)
on January 6, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology.
On January 7, 2015, H.R. 34 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On January 8, 2015, H.R. 34 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation.
On February 26, 2015, the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation ordered H.R. 34 to be favorably reported, as
amended, to the Senate.
On September 22, 2015, Senator John Thune (SD) reported
H.R. 34, as amended, to the Senate with a written report
(Report 114-146), and the bill was placed on the Senate
Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 237).
On October 6, 2015, H.R. 34 was considered in the Senate
and passed, as amended, by unanimous consent.
On November 30, 2016, motion to concur in the Senate
amendment to H.R. 34, with an amendment, was considered in the
House pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 934, and the bill
was passed by a roll call vote of 392 yeas and 26 nays (Roll
Call No. 592). The text of the amendment to the Senate
amendment to H.R. 34 reflected an agreement between the House
and Senate to resolve their differences on the policy contained
in H.R. 6.
On December 5, 6, and 7, 2016, the House amendment to the
Senate amendment to H.R. 34 was considered in the Senate and
passed by unanimous consent.
On December 3, 4, 2016, H.R. 34 was presented to the
President, and the President signed the bill on December 13,
2016 (Public Law 114-255).
Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015
PUBLIC LAW 114-10 (H.R. 2)
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal
the Medicare sustainable growth rate and strengthen Medicare
access by improving physician payments and making other
improvements, to reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance
Program, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2 would make numerous changes to Medicare, Medicaid,
and other health care and related programs. The bill would
replace the SGR formula with new systems for establishing the
annual updates to payment rates for physicians' services in
Medicare. The bill also would temporarily extend the Children's
Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and a number of other expiring
provisions related to Medicare, Medicaid, and certain grant
programs. In addition, it would make permanent a subsidy of
Part B premiums for certain low-income Medicare beneficiaries
and the availability of up to one year of additional Medicaid
benefits for certain low-income families who would otherwise
lose such coverage. H.R. 2 would partially offset the budgetary
cost of those provisions--largely by reducing updates to
Medicare's payment rates for services furnished by hospitals
and providers of post-acute care and by increasing premiums
paid by Medicare enrollees who have relatively high income.
Legislative History
H.R. 2 was introduced by Representative Michael C. Burgess
(TX-26) on March 25, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways
and Means, Committee on the Judiciary, Committee on
Agriculture, Committee on Natural Resources, and Committee on
the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker. On September 9, 2014, H.R. 2 was considered in the
House under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a voice vote.
On March 26, 2015, H.R. 2 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 173, and the bill was
passed by a roll call vote of 392 yeas and 37 nays (Roll Call
No. 144).
On September 26, 2015, H.R. 2 was received in the Senate,
and read twice.
On April 14, 2015, H.R. 2 was considered in the Senate and
passed, as amended, by roll call vote of 92 yeas and 8 nays
(Roll Call No. 144).
On April 16, 2015, S. 1359 was presented to and signed by
the President (Public Law 114-10).
Medicare Independence at Home Medical Practice Demonstration
Improvement Act of 2015
PUBLIC LAW 114-39 (S. 971)
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide
for an increase in the limit on the length of an agreement
under the Medicare independence at home medical practice
demonstration program.
Summary
S. 971 amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security
Act to increase from a three-year to a five-year period the
length of an agreement with an independence at home medical
practice under the Medicare Independence at Home Medical
Practice Demonstration Program.
Legislative History
S. 971 was introduced by Senator Ron Wyden (OR) on April
16, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
On April 22, 2015, S. 971 was considered in the Senate and
passed, as amended, by a voice vote.
On April 22, 2015, S. 971 was received in the House, and
referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to
the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker. S. 971 was referred to
the Subcommittee on Health on April 24, 2015.
On June 23, 2015, the Committee on Ways and Means reported
S. 971 to the House (H. Rept. 114-172, Part 1), and the bill
was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 127).
On July 15, 2015, S. 971 was considered in the House under
a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
On July 22, 2015, S. 971 was presented to the President,
and the President signed the bill on July 30, 2015 (Public Law
114-39).
Steve Gleason Act of 2015
PUBLIC LAW 114-40 (S. 984)
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide
Medicare beneficiary access to eye tracking accessories for
speech generating devices and to remove the rental cap for
durable medical equipment under the Medicare Program with
respect to speech generating devices.
Summary
S. 984 amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security
Act to cover as durable medical equipment any eye tracking and
gaze interaction accessories for speech generating devices
furnished to individuals with a demonstrated medical need for
them.
Legislative History
S. 984 was introduced by Senator David Vitter (LA) on April
16, 2015, read the first time, and placed on the Senate
Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
On April 20, 2015, S. 984 was read the second time and
placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders
(Calendar No. 59).
On April 22, 2015, S. 984 was considered in the Senate and
passed, without amendment, by a voice vote.
On April 22, 2015, S. 984 was received in the House, and
referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in
addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker. S. 984 was referred to
the Subcommittee on Health on April 27, 2015.
On June 24, 2015, the Committee on Ways and Means reported
S. 984 to the House (H. Rept. 114-178, Part I), and on July 15,
2015, S. 984 was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No.
154).
On July 15, 2015, S. 984 was considered in the House under
a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
On July 22, 2015, S. 984 was presented to the President,
and the President signed the bill on July 30, 2015 (Public Law
114-40).
NOTICE Act
PUBLIC LAW 114-42 (H.R. 876)
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require
hospitals to provide certain notifications to individuals
classified by such hospitals under observation status rather
than admitted as inpatients of such hospitals.
Summary
H.R. 876 amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social
Security Act to require a hospital or critical access hospital
with an agreement with the Secretary of Health and Human
Services to give each individual who receives observation
services as an outpatient for more than 24 hours an adequate
oral and written notification within 36 hours after beginning
to receive that includes an explanation of the individual's
status as an outpatient and not as an inpatient and the reasons
why; an explanation of the implications of that status on
services furnished (including those furnished as an inpatient),
in particular the implications for cost-sharing requirements
and subsequent coverage eligibility for services furnished by a
skilled nursing facility; and appropriate additional
information. The notification must be written and formatted
using plain language and made available in appropriate
languages and signed by the individual or a person acting on
the individual's behalf (representative) to acknowledge receipt
of the notification, or if the individual or representative
refuses to sign, the written notification is signed by the
hospital staff who presented it.
Legislative History
H.R. 876 was introduced by Representative Lloyd Doggett
(TX-35) on February 11, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker. H.R. 876 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on
February 13, 2015.
On March 13, 2015, the Committee on Ways and Means reported
H.R. 876 to the House (H. Rept. 114-39, Part I), and the bill
was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 25).
On March 16, 2015, H.R. 876 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a roll call vote of 395 yeas and 0 nays (Roll
No. 115).
On March 17, 2015, H.R. 876 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee Finance.
On July 27, 2015, H.R. 876 was considered in the Senate and
passed, without amendment, by unanimous consent.
On July 29, 2015, H.R. 876 was presented to the President,
and the President signed the bill on August 6, 2015 (Public Law
114-42).
Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act
PUBLIC LAW 114-60 (H.R. 1624)
To amend title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act and title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to
revise the definition of small employer.
Summary
H.R. 1624 amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care
Act (PPACA) and Public Health Service Act to include employers
with 51 to 100 employees as large employers for purposes of
health insurance markets and gives states the option to treat
these employers as small employers.
Legislative History
H.R. 1624 was introduced by Representative Brett Guthrie
(KY-02) on March 25, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 1624 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on March 27, 2015.
On September 9, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 1624.
On September 28, 2015, H.R. 1624 was considered in the
House under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a voice vote.
On September 29, 2015, H.R. 1624 was received in the Senate
and read twice.
On October 1, 2015, H.R. 1624 was considered in the Senate
and passed, without amendment, by a voice vote.
On October 5, 2015, H.R. 1624 was presented to the
President, and the President signed the bill on October 7, 2015
(Public Law 114-60).
Ensuring Access to Clinical Trials Act of 2015
PUBLIC LAW 114-63 (S. 139)
To permanently allow an exclusion under the Supplemental
Security Income program and the Medicaid program for
compensation provided to individuals who participate in
clinical trials for rare diseases or conditions.
Summary
S. 139 amends the Improving Access to Clinical Trials Act
of 2009 to repeal the sunset of the exclusion from resources
under titles XVI (Supplemental Security Income) and XIX
(Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, for eligibility
purposes, of compensation in the amount of the first $2,000 per
year received by individuals who participate in clinical trials
for rare diseases or conditions.
Legislative History
S. 139 was introduced by Senator Ron Wyden (OR) on January
8, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
On July 16, 2015, S. 1557 was considered in the Senate and
passed, without amendment, by unanimous consent.
On July 20, 2015, S. 1557 was received in the House, and
referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, in addition
to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker. S. 139 was referred to
the Subcommittee on Health on July 24, 2015.
On September 28, 2015, S. 139 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On September 30, 2015, S. 1557 was presented to the
President, and the President signed the bill on October 7, 2015
(Public Law 114-63).
A Bill To Amend Title XI of the Social Security Act To Clarify Waiver
Authority Regarding Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
(PACE Programs)
PUBLIC LAW 114-85 (S. 1362)
To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to clarify
waiver authority regarding programs of all-inclusive care for
the elderly (PACE programs).
Summary
S. 1362 amends Part A (General Provisions) of title XI of
the Social Security Act to authorize the Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS) to waive applicable general and
Medicaid requirements of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for
the Elderly (PACE) in order to conduct demonstration projects
through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMS
Innovation Center) that involve PACE.
Legislative History
S. 1362 was introduced by Senator Thomas R. Carper (DE) on
May 18, 2015, read twice, and referred to the Committee on
Finance.
On July 30, 2015, Senator Orrin Hatch (UT) reported H.R.
1362, as amended, to the Senate with a written report (Report
114-108), and the bill was placed on Senate Legislative
Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 187).
On August 5, 2015, S. 1362 was considered in the Senate and
passed, as amended, by unanimous consent.
On September 8, 2015, S. 1362 was received in the House,
and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in
addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period
to be subsequently determined by the Speaker. S. 1362 was
referred to the Subcommittee on Health on September 11, 2015.
On October 21, 2015, S. 1362 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On October 26, 2015, S. 1362 was presented to the
President, and the President signed the bill on November 5,
2015 (Public Law 114-85).
Improving Regulatory Transparency for New Medical Therapies Act
PUBLIC LAW 114-89 (H.R. 639)
To amend the Controlled Substances Act with respect to drug
scheduling recommendations by the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, and with respect to registration of manufacturers and
distributors seeking to conduct clinical testing.
Summary
H.R. 639 would modify the administrative procedures
followed by the Department of Justice in regulating new drugs
that are already approved by the Food and Drug Administration
and in authorizing drugs to be used in clinical trials. The
legislation would aim to streamline the current review and
approval process.
Legislative History
On January 27, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 4229, Improving Regulatory Transparency for New
Medical Therapies Act, which was introduced during the 113th
Congress.
H.R. 639 was introduced by Representative Joseph R. Pitts
(PA-16) on February 2, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the
Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker. H.R. 639 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on
February 6, 2015. H.R. 639 was similar to H.R. 4229.
On February 4, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
markup session to consider H.R. 639 and forwarded the bill to
the full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.
On February 11 and 12, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 639 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On March 16, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 639 to the House (H. Rept. 114-41, Part I), and
the bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 26).
On March 16, 2015, H.R. 639 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On March 17, 2015, H.R. 639 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
On October 26, 2015, H.R. 639 was considered in the Senate
and passed, as amended, by unanimous consent.
On November 16, 2015, Rep. H. Morgan Griffith (VA-09) asked
unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 639,
with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate
amendment. The bill was passed by unanimous consent.
On November 19, 2015, H.R. 639 was presented to the
President, and signed by the President on November 25, 2015
(Public Law 114-89).
Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act of 2015
PUBLIC LAW 114-99 (S. 1170)
To amend title 39, United States Code, to extend the
authority of the United States Postal Service to issue a
semipostal to raise funds for breast cancer research, and for
other purposes.
Summary
The Stamp Out Breast Cancer Act (Public Law 105-41)
authorized a special postage stamp for first-class mail. The
price of this stamp is 60 cents, 11 cents above the current
rate of 49 cents. The authority to issue the stamp expires on
December 31, 2015. After accounting for the Postal Service's
administrative costs, amounts above the regular postal rate
collected from sales of the special stamp are transferred to
the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense
to spend on breast cancer research. S. 1170 would extend this
program until December 31, 2019.
Legislative History
S. 1170 was introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA) on
April 30, 2015, read twice and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
On July 29, 2015, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs ordered S. 1170, without amendment, to be
favorably reported to the Senate.
On September 17, 2015, Senator Ron Johnson (WI) reported S.
1170 to the Senate with a written report (Report 114-144), and
the bill was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 233).
On September 22, 2015, S. 1170 was considered in the Senate
and passed, without amendment, by unanimous consent.
On September 24, 2015, S. 1170 was received in the House,
and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce, and the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to
be subsequently determined by the Speaker. S. 1170 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Health on September 25, 2015.
On November 30, 2015 and December 1, 2015, S. 1170 was
considered in the House under a motion to suspend the Rules,
and the bill was passed, without amendment, by a vote of 422
yeas and 1 nay (Roll Call No. 648).
On December 3, 2015, S. 1170 was presented to the
President, and the President signed the bill on December 11,
2015 (Public Law 114-99).
Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2015
PUBLIC LAW 114-104 (H.R. 2820)
To reauthorize the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act
of 2005, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2820 amends the Public Health Service Act and the Stem
Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 to revise and extend
through Fiscal Year 2020 the C.W. Bill Young Cell
Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory
program. The bill also revises requirements for Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS) contracts under the Stem Cell
Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 and requires HHS to
determine whether to include peripheral blood stem cells and
umbilical cord blood in the definition of human organ.
Legislative History
H.R. 2820 was introduced by Representative Christopher H.
Smith (NJ-04) on June 18, 2015, and referred to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 2820 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Health on June 19, 2015.
On July 23, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
markup session to consider H.R. 2820 and forwarded the bill to
the full Committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
On June 25, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
on H.R. 2820.
On July 29, 2015, the full Committee on Energy and Commerce
met in open markup session to consider H.R. 2820 and ordered
the bill favorably reported to the House, without amendment, by
a voice vote.
On September 8, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 2820 to the House (H. Rept. 114-242), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 183).
On September 8, 2015, H.R. 2820 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On September 9, 2015, H.R. 2820 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
On November 18, 2015, the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions ordered H.R. 2820, as amended, favorably
reported to the Senate.
On December 3, 2015, Senator Lamar Alexander (TN) reported
H.R. 2820 to the Senate without a written report, and the bill
was placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders
(Calendar No. 311).
On December 9, 2015, H.R. 2820 was considered in the Senate
and passed, as amended, by unanimous consent.
On December 16, 2015, the Senate amendment to H.R. 2820 was
considered in the House under a motion to suspend the Rules,
and the bill was agreed to by a roll call vote of 421 yeas and
0 nays (Roll Call No. 685).
On December 18, 2015, H.R. 2820 was presented to and signed
by the President (Public Law 114-104).
Securing Fairness in Regulatory Timing Act of 2015
PUBLIC LAW 114-106 (H.R. 3831)
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend
the annual comment period for payment rates under Medicare
Advantage.
Summary
H.R. 3831 amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social
Security Act to extend from 45 days to 60 days the annual
notice period for the announcement of payment rates under
Medicare Advantage (MA). MA organizations will have at least 30
days to comment on proposed changes.
Legislative History
H.R. 3831 was introduced by Representative Kevin Brady (TX-
08) on October 26, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Ways
and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce. H.R. 3831 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health
on October 30, 2015.
On December 10, 2015, H.R. 3831 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On December 14, 2015, H.R. 3831 was received in the Senate
and read twice. On December 16, 2015, H.R. 3831 was considered
in the Senate and passed, without amendment, by unanimous
consent.
On December 18, 2015, H.R. 3831 was presented to and signed
by the President (Public Law 114-106).
A Bill To Provide for the Extension of the Enforcement Instruction on
Supervision Requirements for Outpatient Therapeutic Services in
Critical Access and Small Rural Hospitals Through 2015
PUBLIC LAW 114-112 (S. 1461)
To provide for the extension of the enforcement instruction
on supervision requirements for outpatient therapeutic services
in critical access and small rural hospitals through 2015.
Summary
S. 1461 directs the Department of Health and Human Services
to continue to apply through calendar years 2014 and 2015 the
enforcement instruction described in the notice of the Centers
for Medicare and Medicaid Services entitled ``Enforcement
Instruction on Supervision Requirements for Outpatient
Therapeutic Services in Critical Access and Small Rural
Hospitals for CY 2013,'' dated November 1, 2012 (providing for
an exception to the restatement and clarification under the
final rulemaking changes to the Medicare hospital outpatient
prospective payment system and calendar year 2009 payment rates
(published in the Federal Register on November 18, 2008, 73
Fed. Reg. 68702 through 68704) with respect to requirements for
direct supervision by physicians for therapeutic hospital
outpatient services).
Legislative History
S. 1461 was introduced by Senator John Thune (SD) on May
22, 2015, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
On June 24, 2015, the Committee on Finance ordered S. 1461
to be favorably reported, as amended, to the Senate.
On July 30, 2015, Senator Orrin Hatch (UT) reported S.
1461, as amended, to the Senate with a written report (Report
114-109), and the bill was placed on the Senate Legislative
Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 188).
On September 10, 2015, S. 1461 was considered in the Senate
and passed, as amended, by unanimous consent.
On September 11, 2015, S. 1461 was received in the House
and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, in
addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker. S. 1461 was referred to
the Subcommittee on Health on September 18, 2015.
On December 8, 2015, S. 1461 passed the House, without
amendment, by unanimous consent. On December 9, 2015, S. 1461
was presented to the President, and the President signed the
bill on December 18, 2015 (Public Law 114-112).
Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015
PUBLIC LAW 114-114 (H.R. 1321)
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to
prohibit the manufacture and introduction or delivery for
introduction into interstate commerce of rinse-off cosmetics
containing intentionally added plastic microbeads.
Summary
H.R. 1321 amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
to ban rinse-off cosmetics that contain intentionally-added
plastic microbeads beginning on January 1, 2018, and to ban
manufacturing of these cosmetics beginning on July 1, 2017.
These bans are delayed by one year for cosmetics that are over-
the-counter drugs.
Legislative History
H.R. 1321 was introduced by Representative Frank Pallone,
Jr. (NJ-06) on March 4, 2015, and referred to Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 1321 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on March 6, 2015.
On May 1, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
on H.R. 1321.
On November 17 and 18, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 1321 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On December 7, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 1321 to the House (H. Rept. 114-371), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 283).
On December 7, 2015, H.R. 1321 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On December 8, 2015, H.R. 1321 was received in the Senate,
and read twice.
On December 18, 2015, H.R. 1321 was considered in the
Senate, and was passed, without amendment, by unanimous
consent.
On December 22, 2015, H.R. 1321 was presented to the
President, and the President signed the bill on December 28,
2015 (Public Law 114-114).
Adding Zika Virus to the FDA Priority Review Voucher Program Act
PUBLIC LAW 114-146 (S. 2512)
To expand the tropical disease product priority review
voucher program to encourage treatments for Zika virus.
Summary
S. 2512 amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to
add Zika Virus Disease to the list of tropical diseases under
the priority review voucher program, which awards a voucher to
the sponsor of a new drug or biological product that is
approved to prevent or treat a tropical disease.
Legislative History
S. 2512 was introduced by Senator Lamar Alexander (TN) on
February 8, 2016, and referred to the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions.
On March 9, 2016, the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions ordered S. 2512 to be favorably reported,
as amended, to the Senate.
On March 15, 2016, Senator Lamar Alexander (TN) reported S.
2512, as amended, without a written report, and the bill was
placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders
(Calendar No. 389).
On March 17, 2016, S. 2512 was considered in the Senate and
passed, as amended, by unanimous consent.
On March 21, 2016, S. 2512 was received in the House and
referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. S. 2512 was
referred to the Subcommittee on Health on March 25, 2016.
On April 12, 2016, S. 2512 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On April 14, 2016, S. 2512 was presented to the President,
and the President signed the bill on April 19, 2016 (Public Law
114-146).
Advancing Hope Act of 2016
PUBLIC LAW 114-229 (S.1878)
To extend the pediatric priority review voucher program.
Summary
S. 1878 amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to
extend the priority review voucher program for rare pediatric
disease products. The sponsor of a human drug application shall
notify the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human
Services not later than 90 days prior to submission of the
application that is the subject of a priority review voucher of
an intent to submit the application, and the sponsor of such an
application that provides notification of the intent to use the
voucher for human drug application may transfer the voucher
after such notification is provided, if such sponsor has not
yet submitted the human drug application described in the
notification. The Secretary may not award such priority review
vouchers after December 31, 2016. The bill also directs the
Government Accountability Office to study and report to
Congress on the effectiveness of awarding priority review
vouchers in providing incentives for the development of drugs
that treat or prevent rare pediatric diseases that would not
otherwise have been developed.
Legislative History
S. 1878 was introduced by Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. (PA)
on July 28, 2015, read twice, and referred to the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
On March 9, 2016, the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions ordered S. 1878 to be favorably reported,
as amended, to the Senate.
On April 5, 2016, Senator Lamar Alexander (TN) reported S.
1878, as amended, to the Senate, without a written report, and
the bill was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 415).
On September 22, 2016, S. 1878 was considered in the Senate
and passed, as amended, by unanimous consent.
On September 22, 2016, S. 1878 was received in the House
and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
On September 27, 2016, Representative Greg Walden (OR-02)
asked unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and
Commerce be discharged from further consideration of S. 1878,
and asked for its immediate consideration in the House. The
Committee was discharged and the bill was passed by unanimous
consent.
On September 29, 2016, S. 1878 was presented to the
President, and the President signed the bill on September 30,
2016 (Public Law 114-229).
No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure
Act of 2015
H.R. 7
To prohibit taxpayer funded abortions.
Summary
H.R. 7 would prohibit federal funds, including funds in the
budget of the District of Columbia, from being expended for
abortion or health coverage that includes coverage of abortion.
Abortions are eligible for federal funding only in cases of
rape or incest, or where a physical condition endangers a
woman's life unless an abortion is performed. Health care
provided in a federal health care facility or by a federal
employee may not include abortions that are ineligible for
federal funding.
The bill also would disallow premium assistance tax credits
or health insurance tax credits for qualified health plans that
cover abortions ineligible for federal funding and would
require the Office of Personnel Management to ensure that
multi-state qualified health plans offered on health insurance
exchanges do not cover abortions ineligible for federal
funding.
Finally, the bill would require health plan disclosure of
the costs attributable to the coverage of abortions.
Legislative History
H.R. 7 was introduced by Representative Christopher H.
Smith (NJ-04) on January 21, 2015, and referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to Committee on
Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means, for a
period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker.
On January 22, 2015, H.R. 7 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 42, and the bill was
passed, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 242 yeas and
179 nays (Roll Call No. 45).
On January 26, 2015, H.R. 7 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2015
H.R. 209
To permanently allow an exclusion under the Supplemental
Security Income program and the Medicaid program for
compensation provided to individuals who participate in
clinical trials for rare diseases or conditions.
Summary
H.R. 209 would strike sunset provision in the Improving
Access to Clinical Trials Act of 2009, which allows patients
with rare diseases to receive up to $2,000 in compensation for
participating in clinical trials without that compensation
counting towards income eligibility limits.
Legislative History
H.R. 209 was introduced by Representative Lloyd Doggett
(TX-35) on January 8, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker. H.R. 209 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on
January 9, 2015.
On September 18, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 209.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Trafficking Awareness Training for Health Care Act of 2015
H.R. 398
To provide for the development and dissemination of
evidence-based best practices for health care professionals to
recognize victims of a severe form of trafficking and respond
to such individuals appropriately, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 398 requires the Agency for Healthcare Research and
Quality to award one medical or nursing school a grant to
develop best practices for health care professionals to
recognize and respond appropriately to victims of severe forms
of human trafficking. This bill also requires the grantee to:
(1) develop methods or materials to train health care
professionals on best practices, (2) make a subgrant to one
entity in each of the 10 administrative regions of the
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create a pilot
program to test the best practices and training, and (3)
analyze the results of the pilot programs and determine which
best practices are evidence-based. H.R. 398 additionally
directs HHS to disseminate evidence-based best practices on
their website and to health care profession schools.
Legislative History
H.R. 398 was introduced by Representative Renee L. Ellmers
(NC-02) on January 16, 2015, and referred to Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 398 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on January 23, 2015.
On January 27, 2015, H.R. 398 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On January 28, 2015, H.R. 398 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act of 2015
H.R. 471
To improve enforcement efforts related to prescription drug
diversion and abuse, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 471 would modify certain administrative procedures
followed by the Department of Justice in regulating legitimate
uses of controlled substances. In addition, within one year of
enactment, the bill would require the Department of Health and
Human Services to assess the effect of law enforcement
activities on access to medications, examine potential benefits
to patients from collaborations between governments and
stakeholders, and report to the Congress on these matters.
Legislative History
H.R. 471 was introduced by Representative Tom Marino (PA-
10) on January 22, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the
Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker. H.R. 471 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on
January 23, 2015.
On February 4, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
markup session to consider H.R. 471 and forwarded the bill to
the full Committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
On February 11 and 12, 2015, the full Committee met in open
markup session to consider H.R. 471 and ordered the bill
favorably reported to the House, without amendment, by a voice
vote.
On April 20, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 471 to the House (H. Rept. 114-85), and the bill
was placed on the Union Calendar (No. 63).
On April 21, 2015, H.R. 471 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On April 22, 2015, H.R. 471 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
No further action was taken on the bill.
ACE Kids Act of 2015
H.R. 546
To amend titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act to
provide States with the option of providing services to
children with medically complex conditions under the Medicaid
program and Children's Health Insurance Program through a care
coordination program focused on improving health outcomes for
children with medically complex conditions and lowering costs,
and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 546 would allow states to provide medical assistance
for items and services furnished to eligible children with
medically complex conditions enrolled in a Medicaid Children's
Care Coordination (MCCC) program.
Legislative History
H.R. 546 was introduced by Representative Joe Barton (TX-
06) on January 27, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 546 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on January 30, 2015.
On July 7, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
on a Discussion Draft entitled ``Advancing Care for Exceptional
Kids Act.'' The Discussion Draft was similar to H.R. 546.
No further action was taken on H.R. 546.
Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2015
H.R. 556
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to add
physical therapists to the list of providers allowed to utilize
locum tenens arrangements under Medicare, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 556 would amend the Social Security Act to require
physical therapists furnishing outpatient physical therapy
services to use specified locum tenens arrangements for payment
purposes in the same manner as such arrangements are used to
apply to physicians furnishing substitute physicians services
for other physicians.
Legislative History
H.R. 556 was introduced by Representative Gus M. Bilirakis
(FL-12) on January 27, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways
and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker.
H.R. 556 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on
January 30, 2015,
On October 1, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 556.
No further action was taken on the bill.
To Repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and Health
Care-Related Provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation
Act of 2010, and for Other Purposes
H.R. 596
To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and
Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 596 repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care
Act and the health care provisions of the Health Care and
Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. The repeal is effective
180 days after enactment of this Act. Provisions of law amended
by the repealed provisions are restore
Legislative History
H.R. 596 was introduced by Representative Bradley Byrne
(AL-01) on January 28, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on
Education and the Workforce, Committee on Ways and Means,
Committee on the Judiciary, Committee on Natural Resources,
Committee on Rules, Committee on House Administration,
Committee on Appropriations, and Committee on the Budget, for a
period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker. H.R. 596
was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on January 30, 2015.
On February 3, 2015, H.R. 596 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 70, and the bill was
passed, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 239 yeas and
186 nays (Roll Call No. 58).
On February 4, 2015, H.R. 596 was received in the Senate,
read the first time, and placed on the Senate Legislative
Calendar under Read the First Time.
On February 5, 2015, H.R. 596 was read the second time and
placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (No.
14).
No further action was taken on the bill.
Access to Life-Saving Trauma Care for All Americans Act
H.R. 647
To amend title XII of the Public Health Service Act to
reauthorize certain trauma care programs, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 647 amends the Public Health Service Act to
reauthorize grants for certain trauma centers and grants to
states for trauma centers through Fiscal Year 2020. The
categorization of certain trauma centers is revised. The
Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response is given the
authority to administer these grants.
Legislative History
On January 27, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on a Discussion Draft entitled ``Access to Life-Saving
Trauma Care for All Americans Act.''
H.R. 647 was introduced by Representative Michael C.
Burgess (TX-26) introduced on February 2, 2015, and referred to
Committee on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 648 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Health on February 6, 2015. H.R. 647 was
similar to the Discussion Draft reviewed by the Subcommittee.
On March 16, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 648 to the House (H. Rept. 114-42), and the bill
was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 27).
On March 16, 2015, H.R. 647 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
by a roll call vote of 389 yeas and 10 nays (Roll Call No.
113).
On March 17, 2015, H.R. 647 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Trauma Systems and Regionalization of Emergency Care Reauthorization
Act
H.R. 648
To amend title XII of the Public Health Service Act to
reauthorize certain trauma care programs, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 648 would amend the Public Health Service Act to
authorize funding for public and private entities that provide
trauma and emergency care services and for the administration
of the Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical
Services (FICEMS). The bill also would require states that
receive grant aid to comply with national standards and
requirements for designating burn centers. Finally, the bill
would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to
submit a report to the Congress on federal and state activities
associated with trauma and emergency care services.
Legislative History
On January 27, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on a Discussion Draft entitled ``Trauma Systems and
Regionalization of Emergency Care Reauthorization Act.'' On
February 4, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met in open markup
session to consider the Discussion Draft and forwarded the bill
to the full Committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
H.R. 648 was introduced by Representative Michael C.
Burgess (TX-26) introduced on February 2, 2015, and referred to
Committee on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 648 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Health on February 6, 2015. H.R. 648 was
similar to the Discussion Draft considered by the Subcommittee.
On February 11, and 12, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 648 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On March 16, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 648 to the House (H. Rept. 114-43), and the bill
was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 28).
On March 16, 2015, H.R. 648 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
by a roll call vote of 382 yeas and 15 nays (Roll Call No.
114).
On March 17, 2015, H.R. 648 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Special Needs Trust Fairness and Medicaid Improvement Act
H.R. 670
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to extend the
Medicaid rules regarding supplemental needs trusts for Medicaid
beneficiaries to trusts established by those beneficiaries, and
for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 670 would amend title XIX of the Social Security Act
to make various changes to the Medicaid program. The bill would
permit qualified individuals to establish their own special
needs trusts; extend access to tobacco cessation services to
mothers of newborns; eliminate federal matching funds for
prescription drugs used for cosmetic purposes; and provide
funding for the program's improvement fund.
Legislative History
H.R. 670 was introduced by Representative Glenn Thompson
(PA-05) on February 3, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 670 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on February 6, 2015.
On September 18, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 670.
On July 12, 13 and 14, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 670 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On September 9, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 670 to the House (H. Rept. 114-734), and the bill
was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 570).
On September 20, 2016, H.R. 670 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a roll call vote of 383 yeas and 22 nays (Roll
No. 521).
On September 21, 2016, H.R. 670 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act of 2016
H.R. 921
To provide protections for certain sports medicine
professionals who provide certain medical services in a
secondary state.
Summary
H.R. 921 would allow licensed athletic trainers and other
sports medicine professionals to provide medical services when
traveling with athletic teams without obtaining licenses to
practice in other states. The bill also would require insurers
to cover the liability of those professionals when they provide
medical services for their athletes outside of their home
state.
Legislative History
H.R. 921 was introduced by Representative Brett Guthrie
(KY-02) on February 12, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on the Judiciary, for a
period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker. H.R. 921
was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on February 13,
2015.
On December 9, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 921.
On June 7 and 8, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in
open markup session to consider H.R. 921 and forwarded the bill
to the full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.
On July 12, 13 and 14, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 921 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On September 12, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 921 to the House (H. Rept. 114-736, Part I), and
the bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 572).
On September 12, 2016, H.R. 921 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On September 13, 2016, H.R. 921 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Protecting Seniors' Access to Medicare Act of 2015
H.R. 1190
To repeal the provisions of the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act providing for the Independent Payment
Advisory Board.
Summary
H.R. 1190 repeals sections of the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act (and restores provisions of law amended by
those sections) related to the establishment of an Independent
Payment Advisory Board to develop proposals to reduce the per
capita rate of growth in spending under title XVIII (Medicare)
of the Social Security Act.
H.R. 1190 also rescinds specified appropriations to the
Prevention and Public Health Fund for Fiscal Year 2017 to
Fiscal Year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter.
Legislative History
H.R. 1190 was introduced by Representative David P. Roe
(TN-01) on March 2, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Ways
and Means, in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
and the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently
determined by the Speaker. H.R. 1190 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Health on March 6, 2015.
On June 12, 2015, the Committee on Ways and Means reported
H.R. 1190 to the House (H. Rept. 114-150, Part I), and the bill
was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 108).
On April 15, 2016, H.R. 2666 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 672, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a roll call vote of 241 yeas and 173
nays (Roll Call No. 152).
On June 18 and 23, 2015, H.R. 1190 was considered in the
House pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 319, and the bill was
passed, as amendment, by a roll call vote of 244 yeas and 154
nays (Roll Call No. 376).
On June 24, 2015, H.R. 1190 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
No further action was taken on the bill.
National Diabetes Clinical Care Commission Act
H.R. 1192
To amend the Public Health Service Act to foster more
effective implementation and coordination of clinical care for
people with pre-diabetes, diabetes, and the chronic diseases
and conditions that result from diabetes.
Summary
H.R. 1192 would establish a National Clinical Care
Commission within the Department of Health and Human Services.
The Commission would evaluate and recommend solutions regarding
better coordination and leveraging of programs within the
Department of Health and Human Services and other Federal
agencies that relate to supporting appropriate clinical care
for individuals with a complex metabolic or autoimmune disease,
a disease resulting from insulin deficiency or resistance, or
complications by any such disease.
Legislative History
H.R. 1192 was introduced by Representative Pete Olsen (TX-
22) on March 2, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce. H.R. 1192 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Health on March 6, 2015.
On September 8, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 1192.
On September 12 and 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health
met in open markup session to consider H.R. 1192 and forwarded
the bill to the full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.
On September 20 and 21, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 1192 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On November 14, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 1192 to the House (H. Rept. 114-801), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 625).
On November 20, 2016, H.R. 1192 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On November 15, 2016, H.R. 1192 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Improving Access to Maternity Care Act
H.R. 1209
To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the
designation of maternity care health professional shortage
areas.
Summary
H.R. 1209 would direct the Secretary of the Department of
Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of
the Health Resources and Services Administration, to identify
maternity health professional target areas. These are to be
geographic areas within existing primary care health
professional shortage areas that have a shortage of maternity
health care professionals.
Legislative History
H.R. 1209 was introduced by Representative Michael C.
Burgess (TX-26) on March 3, 2015, and referred to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 1209 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Health on March 6, 2015.
On December 9, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 1209.
On September 12 and 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health
met in open markup session to consider H.R. 1209 and forwarded
the bill to the full Committee, without amendment, by a voice
vote.
On September 20 and 21, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 1209 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On November 14, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 1209 to the House (H. Rept. 114-801), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 626).
On November 14, 2016, H.R. 1209 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On November 15, 2016, H.R. 1209 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
First Responder Anthrax Preparedness Act
H.R. 1300
To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to make
anthrax vaccines and antimicrobials available to emergency
response providers, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1300 requires the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS), in coordination with the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS), for the purpose of domestic preparedness for
and collective response to terrorism, to establish a program to
provide anthrax vaccines from the strategic national stockpile
that will be nearing the end of their labeled dates of use at
the time such vaccines are to be administered to emergency
response providers who are at high risk of exposure to anthrax
and who voluntarily consent to such administration. In
establishing the program, DHS, in coordination with HHS, is
required to carry out a pilot program to provide anthrax
vaccines to emergency response providers as so authorized. The
duration of the pilot program shall be 24 months from the date
the initial vaccines are administered to participants.
Legislative History
H.R. 1300 was introduced by Representative Peter T. King
(NY-02) on March 4, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker. H.R. 1300 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health
on March 6, 2015.
On March 19, 2015, the Committee on Homeland Security
referred H.R. 1300 to the Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Communications.
On July 22, 2015, the Committee on Homeland Security
reported H.R. 1300 to the House (H. Rept. 114-222, Part I), and
the bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 168).
On July 27, 2015, H.R. 1300 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a roll call vote of 424 yeas, 0 nays (Roll Call
No. 485).
On July 30, 2015, H.R. 1300 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2015
H.R. 1344
To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a
program for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment regarding
deaf and hard-of-hearing newborns, infants, and young children.
Summary
H.R. 1344 would amend the Public Health Service Act to
authorize research and public health activities related to
early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing loss in
newborns, infants, and young children.
Legislative History
H.R. 1344 was introduced by Representative Brett Guthrie
(KY-02) on March 10, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 1344 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on March 13, 2015.
On June 25, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
on H.R. 1344.
On July 23, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
markup session to consider H.R. 1344 and forwarded the bill to
the full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.
On July 29, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce met
in open markup session to consider H.R. 1344 and ordered the
bill favorably reported to the House, as amended, by a voice
vote.
On September 8, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 1344 to the House (H. Rept. 114-241), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 182).
On September 8, 2015, H.R. 1344 was also considered in the
House under suspension of the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On September 9, 2015, H.R. 1344 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Medicaid HOME Improvement Act
H.R. 1361
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to eliminate
the State option to reduce the home equity exemption amount for
purposes of eligibility for long-term care assistance under
Medicaid, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1361 would amend the Social Security Act with respect
to the denial of an individual's eligibility for nursing
facility services or other long-term care services if the
individual's equity interest in his or her home exceeds
$500,000. And to eliminate the state option to increase such
threshold amount to $750,000
Legislative History
H.R. 1361 was introduced by Representative Brett Guthrie
(KY-02) on March 13, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 1361 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on March 20, 2015.
On November 3, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 1361.
No further action was taken on the bill.
BACPAC Act of 2015
H.R. 1458
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide
bundled payments for post-acute care services under parts A and
B of Medicare, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1458 would amend the Social Security Act to require a
single bundled payment for post-acute care services under
Medicare. This bill also would direct the Secretary of Health
and Human Services to study the feasibility of integrating
(bundling) all payments under the Medicare program for post-
acute care services with payments for acute care inpatient
hospital services, and places a moratorium on inpatient
prospective payment system payment rate in certain cases.
Legislative History
H.R. 1458 was introduced by Representative David B.
McKinley (WV-01) on March 19, 2015, and referred to the
Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently
determined by the Speaker. H.R. 1458 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Health on March 20, 2015.
On April 16, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 1458.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Protecting Our Infants Act of 2015
H.R. 1462
To combat the rise of prenatal opioid abuse and neonatal
abstinence syndrome.
Summary
H.R. 1462 would authorize the Department of Health and
Human Services to plan and coordinate activities related to
prenatal opioid abuse and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).
In addition, the bill would require the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention to expand data collection and
surveillance activities and would require the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality to study and recommend
treatments for prenatal opioid abuse and NAS.
Legislative History
H.R. 1462 was introduced by Representative Katherine M.
Clark (MA-05) on March 19, 2015, and referred to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 1462 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Health on March 20, 2015.
On June 25, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
on H.R. 1462.
On July 23, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
markup session to consider H.R. 1462 and forwarded the bill to
the full Committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
On July 29, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce met
in open markup session to consider H.R. 1462 and ordered the
bill favorably reported to the House, without amendment, by a
voice vote.
On September 8, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 1462 to the House (H. Rept. 114-244), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 185).
On September 8, 2015, H.R. 1462 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On September 9, 2015, H.R. 1462 was received in the Senate.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Medicaid and CHIP Territory Transparency and Information Act
H.R. 1570
To provide for greater transparency and information with
respect to Federal expenditures under the Medicaid and CHIP
programs in the territories of the United States, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1570 would direct the Secretary of Health and Human
Services to publish and update periodically on the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services' website information on the
Medicaid program and the Children's Health Insurance Program
that are carried out in the U.S. territories.
Legislative History
H.R. 1570 was introduced by Representative Gus M. Bilirakis
(FL-12) on March 24, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 1570 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on March 27, 2015.
On September 11, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 1570.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015
H.R. 1599
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with
respect to food produced from, containing, or consisting of a
bioengineered organism, the labeling of natural foods, and for
other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1599 would establish a program, to be administered by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to certify
genetically engineered food. The bill also would prohibit an
unregulated plant that is genetically engineered from being
introduced into interstate commerce for use in food unless it
was certified to be safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
USDA would be required to publish information about certain
genetically engineered plants intended for use in food on a
public website. Finally, the bill would establish labeling
requirements for genetically engineered and natural foods.
Legislative History
H.R. 1599 was introduced by Representative Mike Pompeo (KS-
04) on March 25, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture,
for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker. H.R.
1599 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on March 27,
2015.
On July 16, 2015, the Committee on Agriculture reported
H.R. 1599 to the House (H. Rept. 114-208, Part I). On July 21,
2016, the Committee on Agriculture filed a supplemental report
to H.R. 1599 (H. Rept. 114-208, Part II).
On July 23, 2015, H.R. 1599 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 369, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a vote of 275 yeas and 150 nays (Roll
Call No. 462).
On July 24, 2015, H.R. 1599 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Reauthorization Act
H.R. 1717
To provide for programs and activities with respect to the
prevention of underage drinking.
Summary
H.R. 1717 would amend the Public Health Service Act to
reauthorize the program to reduce underage drinking for Fiscal
Year 2016 to 2020, revise reporting requirements for state
programs on underage drinking, and specify additional
requirements for the development of the national media campaign
to prevent underage drinking.
Legislative History
H.R. 1717 was introduced by Representative Lucille Roybal-
Allard (CA-40) on March 26, 2015, and referred to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 1717 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Health on March 27, 2015.
On September 8, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 1717.
No further action was taken on the bill.
National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting
Reauthorization Act of 2015
H.R. 1725
To amend and reauthorize the controlled substance
monitoring program under section 399O of the Public Health
Service Act, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1725 would reauthorize funding for grants to states
and territories to establish, improve, or maintain an
electronic database system for monitoring the dispensing of
controlled substances. The bill also would require the
Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to
monitor the states' efforts to achieve interoperability of the
database systems for the purpose of sharing information with
bordering states and with other systems such as those for
electronic health records.
Legislative History
H.R. 1725 was introduced by Representative Ed Whitfield
(KY-01) on March 26, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 1725 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on March 27, 2015.
On May 1, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
on H.R. 1725.
On July 23, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
markup session to consider H.R. 1725 and forwarded the bill to
the full committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
On July 29, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce met
in open markup session to consider H.R. 1725 and ordered the
bill favorably reported, as amended, by a voice vote.
On September 8, 2015, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 1725 to the House (H. Rept. 114-245), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 186).
On September 8, 2015, H.R. 1725 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules, and the bill was passed, as
amended, by a voice vote.
On September 9, 2015, H.R. 1725 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
To Amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act To Count Portions of
Income From Annuities of a Community Spouse as Income Available to
Institutionalized Spouses for Purposes of Eligibility for Medical
Assistance, and for Other Purposes
H.R. 1771
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to count
portions of income from annuities of a community spouse as
income available to institutionalized spouses for purposes of
eligibility for medical assistance, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1771 would amend the Social Security Act with respect
to the payment of income from a qualifying annuity in
determining the Medicaid eligibility of an institutionalized
spouse. One-half of the income from such an annuity made either
solely or partly in the name of the community spouse would be
considered available to the institutionalized spouse. If
payment of income is made in the name of the community spouse
and another person or persons, one-half of the proportion of
the community spouses' interest in that income shall also be
considered available to the institutionalized spouse.
Legislative History
H.R. 1771 was introduced by Representative Markwayne Mullin
(OK-02) on April 14, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 1771 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on April 17, 2015.
On September 11, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 1771.
No further action was taken on the bill.
James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act
H.R. 1786
To reauthorize the World Trade Center Health Program and
the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001, and for
other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1786 would amend the Public Health Service Act to
extend the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Fund
indefinitely and index appropriations to the medical care
component of the consumer price index for urban consumers. This
bill would also amend the Air Transportation Safety and System
Stabilization Act to make individuals (or relatives of deceased
individuals) who were injured or killed in the rescue and
recovery efforts after the aircraft crashes of September 11,
2001, eligible for compensation under the September 11th Victim
Compensation Fund of 2001. Finally, H.R. 1786 would allow
individuals to file claims for compensation under the September
11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 any time after
regulations are updated based on the James Zadroga 9/11 Health
and Compensation Act of 2010.
Legislative History
H.R. 1786 was introduced by Representative Carolyn B.
Maloney (NY-12) on April 14, 2015, and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the
Committee on the Budget and the Committee on the Judiciary, for
a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker.
H.R. 1786 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on
April 17, 2015.
On June 11, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
on H.R. 1786.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Sickle Cell Disease Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment
Act of 2015
H.R. 1807
To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a
sickle cell disease prevention and treatment demonstration
program and to provide for sickle cell disease research,
surveillance, prevention, and treatment.
Summary
H.R. 1807 would amend the Public Health Service Act to
require the Department of Health and Human Services to make
grants to states to collect data on the prevalence and
distribution of sickle cell disease, conduct sickle cell
disease public health initiatives to improve access to care and
health outcomes, and identify and evaluate strategies for
prevention and treatment of sickle cell disease complications.
Legislative History
H.R. 1807 was introduced by Representative Danny K. Davis
(IL-07) on April 15, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 1807 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on April 17, 2015.
On September 8, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 1807.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Veteran Emergency Medical Technician Support Act of 2016
H.R. 1818
To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide grants to
States to streamline State requirements and procedures for
veterans with military emergency medical training to become
civilian emergency medical technicians.
Summary
H.R. 1818 would direct the Secretary of the Department of
Health and Human Services to award demonstration grants to
states to streamline procedures for licensing and certifying
emergency medical technicians who received similar
certifications while serving in the armed forces.
Legislative History
On January 27, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 235, Veteran Emergency Medical Technician
Support Act of 2013, which was introduced during the 113th
Congress.
H.R. 1818 was introduced by Representative Adam Kinzinger
(IL-16) on April 15, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 1818 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on April 17, 2015. H.R. 1818 was similar to H.R. 235.
On April 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
markup session to consider H.R. 1818 and forwarded the bill to
the full Committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 1818 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On May 10, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 1818 to the House (H. Rept. 114-552), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 426).
On May 12, 2016, H.R. 1818 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a roll call vote of 415 yeas and 1 nay (Roll No.
188).
On May 16, 2016, H.R. 1818 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Mental Health First Aid Act of 2016
H.R. 1877
To amend section 520J of the Public Health Service Act to
authorize grants for mental health first aid training programs.
Summary
H.R. 1877 amends the Public Health Service Act to revise
and extend through Fiscal Year 2021 training grants for mental
health awareness. The bill makes additional categories of
individuals eligible to be trained to identify and respond to
individuals with a mental illness. Programs funded by these
grants must provide education on: (1) recognizing the signs and
symptoms of mental illness, and (2) either the availability of
relevant resources or safe de-escalation of crisis situations
involving individuals with a mental illness.
Legislative History
H.R. 1877 was introduced by Representative Lynn Jenkins
(KS-02) on April 16, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 1877 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health April 17, 2015.
On September 12 and 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health
met in open markup session to consider H.R. 1877 and forwarded
the bill to the full Committee, without amendment, by a voice
vote.
On September 20 and 21, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 1877 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On September 26, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 1877 to the House (H. Rept. 114-786), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 614).
On September 26, 2016, H.R. 1877 was considered in the
House under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a voice vote.
On September 27, 2016, H.R. 1877 was received in the
Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Cancer Care Payment Reform Act of 2015
H.R. 1934
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to
establish a national Oncology Medical Home Demonstration
Project under the Medicare program for the purpose of changing
the Medicare payment for cancer care in order to enhance the
quality of care and to improve cost efficiency, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1934 would amend the Social Security Act to direct the
Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to
establish an Oncology Medical Home Demonstration Project.
Legislative History
H.R. 1934 was introduced by Representative Cathy McMorris
Rodgers (WA-05) on April 22, 2015, and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the
Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently
determined by the Speaker. H.R. 1934 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Health on April 24, 2015.
On October 1, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 1934.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2015
H.R. 2017
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to
improve and clarify certain disclosure requirements for
restaurants and similar retail food establishments, and to
amend the authority to bring proceedings under section 403A.
Summary
H.R. 2017 would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics
Act to revise the information certain restaurants and retail
food establishments must disclose about nutrition to the
consumer.
Legislative History
H.R. 2017 was introduced by Representative Cathy McMorris
Rodgers (WA-05) on April 23, 2015, and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 2017 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Health on April 24, 2015.
On June 4, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
on H.R. 2017.
On November 3 and 4, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met
in open markup session to consider H.R. 2017 and forwarded the
bill to the full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.
On November 17 and 18, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 2017 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a roll call vote of 36 yeas, 12 nays, and 1
present.
On February 2, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 2017 to the House (H. Rept. 114-413), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 315).
On February 12, 2016, H.R. 2017 was also considered in the
House pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 611, and the bill
was passed, as amended, by a roll call vote of 266 yeas, 144
nays, and 1 present (Roll Call No. 81).
On February 22, 2016, H.R. 2017 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Improving Oversight and Accountability in Medicaid Non-DSH Supplemental
Payments Act
H.R. 2151
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to improve
the calculation, oversight, and accountability of non-DSH
supplemental payments under the Medicaid program, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2151 would amend title the Social Security Act to
direct the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human
Services to issue guidance to states that identifies
permissible methods for calculation of non-DSH
(disproportionate share) supplemental payments to providers,
establish annual reporting requirements for states making non-
DSH supplemental payments, and establish requirements for
states making non-DSH supplemental payments to conduct and
submit to the Secretary an annual independent certified audit.
Legislative History
H.R. 2151 was introduced by Representative Chris Collins
(NY-27) on April 30, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 2151 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on May 1, 2015.
On November 3, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 2151.
No further action was taken on the bill.
To Amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act To Clarify the Treatment
of Lottery Winnings and Other Lump Sum Income for Purposes of Income
Eligibility Under the Medicaid Program, and for Other Purposes
H.R. 2339
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to clarify
the treatment of lottery winnings and other lump sum income for
purposes of income eligibility under the Medicaid program, and
for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2339 amends the Social Security Act with respect to
the treatment of certain lottery winnings and income received
as a lump sum in determining income eligibility for the
Medicaid program.
Legislative History
H.R. 2339 was introduced by Representative Joseph R. Pitts
(PA-16) on May 14, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 2339 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on May 15, 2015.
On September 11, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 2339.
No further action was taken on the bill.
To Amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act To Require the Use of
Electronic Visit Verification for Personal Care Services Furnished
Under the Medicaid Program, and for Other Purposes
H.R. 2446
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require
the use of electronic visit verification for personal care
services furnished under the Medicaid program, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2446 amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social
Security Act to require states to have in place a system for
the electronic verification of visits conducted as part of
personal care services or else have their federal medical
assistance percentage reduced by specified amounts.
Legislative History
H.R. 2446 was introduced by Representative Brett Guthrie
(KY-02) on May 19, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 2446 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on May 22, 2015.
On September 11, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 2446.
On November 3 and 4, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met
in open markup session to consider H.R. 2446 and forwarded the
bill to the full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Medicare Advantage Coverage Transparency Act of 2015
H.R. 2505
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require
the annual reporting of data on enrollment in Medicare
Advantage plans.
Summary
H.R. 2505 would require the Secretary of Health and Human
Services to submit to the Congress data on enrollment in the
Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D programs by zip
code, congressional district, and state. The Secretary would be
required to submit the data not later than May 1st of each
calendar year beginning with 2016.
Legislative History
H.R. 2505 was introduced by Representative Mike Kelly (PA-
03) on May 21, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Ways and
Means, in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for
a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker. H.R.
2505 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on June 22,
2015.
On June 12, 2015, the Committee on Ways and Means reported
H.R. 2505 to the House (H. Rept. 114-152, Part I), and the bill
was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 110).
On June 17, 2015, H.R. 2505 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On June 18, 2015, H.R. 2505 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
No other action was taken on the bill.
Increasing Regulatory Fairness Act of 2015
H.R. 2507
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to
establish an annual rulemaking schedule for payment rates under
Medicare Advantage.
Summary
H.R. 2507 would change the schedule by which the Secretary
of Health and Human Services announces proposed and final
updates to program rules for the Medicare Advantage and
Medicare Part D programs. Under current law, the Secretary is
required to announce final program rules for the following
calendar year not later than the first Monday in April. The
Secretary also is required to issue an advance notice of
proposed changes at least 45 days before making the final
announcement.
Legislative History
H.R. 2507 was introduced by Representative Kevin Brady (TX-
08) on May 21, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Ways and
Means, in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for
a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker. H.R.
2507 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on May 22,
2015.
On June 16, 2015, the Committee on Ways and Means reported
H.R. 2507 to the House (H. Rept. 114-159, Part I), and the bill
was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 115).
On June 17, 2015, H.R. 2507 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On June 18, 2015, H.R. 2507 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
No other action was taken on the bill.
Recovery Enhancement for Addiction Treatment Act
H.R. 2536
To provide access to medication-assisted therapy, and for
other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2536 would amend the Controlled Substances Act to
increase the number of patients that a qualifying practitioner
dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification
treatment is initially allowed to treat, and would allow a
qualifying physician, after one year, to request approval to
treat an unlimited number of patients under specified
conditions.
Legislative History
H.R. 2536 was introduced by Representative Brian Higgins
(NY-26) on May 21, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the
Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker.
H.R. 2536 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on May
22, 2015.
On October 8, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 2536.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Strengthening Medicare Advantage Through Innovation and Transparency
for Seniors of 2015
H.R. 2570
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act with
respect to the treatment of patient encounters in ambulatory
surgical centers in determining meaningful EHR use, establish a
demonstration program requiring the utilization of Value-Based
Insurance Design to demonstrate that reducing the copayments or
coinsurance charged to Medicare beneficiaries for selected
high-value prescription medications and clinical services can
increase their utilization and ultimately improve clinical
outcomes and lower health care expenditures, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2570 amends Medicare with respect to criteria for
qualifying as a meaningful user of electronic health records
(meaningful EHR user). For any payment year after 2015, any
patient encounter of an eligible professional occurring at an
eligible ambulatory surgical center shall not be treated as one
in determining whether an eligible professional qualifies as a
meaningful EHR user.
The bill also directs Department of Health and Human
Services to establish a three-year demonstration program to
test the use of value-based insurance design methodologies
under the eligible Medicare Advantage (MA) plans.
Legislative History
H.R. 2570 was introduced by Representative Diane Black (TN-
06) on May 22, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Ways and
Means, in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for
a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker. H.R.
2570 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on June 29,
2015.
On June 17, 2015, H.R. 2570 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On June 18, 2015, H.R. 2570 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
No other action was taken on the bill.
Securing Care for Seniors Act of 2015
H.R. 2579
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve
the risk adjustment under the Medicare Advantage program, and
for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2579 would require the Secretary of the Department of
Health and Human Services to revise the risk adjustment system
used in the Medicare Advantage program to account for the
number of chronic conditions with which a beneficiary has been
diagnosed. The legislation would also require the Secretary to
evaluate the effects of other changes to the risk adjustment
system including using two years of diagnosis data and removing
certain information related to chronic kidney disease, and
report on the results of the evaluation.
Legislative History
H.R. 2579 was introduced by Representative Diane Black (TN-
06) on May 29, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Ways and
Means, in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for
a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker. H.R.
2579 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on June 5,
2015.
On June 16, 2015, the Committee on Ways and Means reported
H.R. 2579 to the House (H. Rept. 114-160, Part 1), and the bill
was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 116).
No further action was taken on the bill.
Preservation of Access for Seniors in Medicare Advantage Act of 2015
H.R. 2581
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to
establish a 3-year demonstration program to test the use of
value-based insurance design methodologies under eligible
Medicare Advantage plans, to preserve Medicare beneficiary
choice under Medicare Advantage, to revise the treatment under
the Medicare program of infusion drugs furnished through
durable medical equipment, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2581 would establish a demonstration program in the
Medicare Advantage program, modify the open enrollment period
for that program, and change payment rates for prescription
drugs that are administered through items of durable medical
equipment.
Legislative History
H.R. 2581 was introduced by Representative Kevin Brady (TX-
08) on May 29, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Ways and
Means, in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for
a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker. H.R.
2579 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on June 5,
2015.
On June 16, 2015, the Committee on Ways and Means reported
H.R. 2579 to the House (H. Rept. 114-161, Part 1), and the bill
was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 117).
No further action was taken on the bill.
Seniors' Health Care Plan Protection Act of 2015
H.R. 2582
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to delay
the authority to terminate Medicare Advantage contracts for MA
plans failing to achieve minimum quality ratings, to make
improvements to the Medicare Adjustment risk adjustment system,
and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2582 prohibits the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) from terminating a contract with respect to the
offering of an MA plan by an MA organization solely because the
plan has failed to achieve a minimum quality rating under the
five-star rating system through the end of plan year 2018. In
addition, the bill amends Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)
to direct HHS to revise for 2017, and periodically afterwards,
the system for risk adjustments to payments to Medicare+Choice
organizations so that an individual's risk score takes into
account the number of chronic conditions with which the
individual has been diagnosed.
Legislative History
H.R. 2582 was introduced by Representative Vern Buchanan
(FL-16) on May 29, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Ways
and Means, in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce,
for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker. H.R.
2582 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on June 5,
2015.
On June 17, 2015, H.R. 2582 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On June 18, 2015, H.R. 2582 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
No other action was taken on the bill.
Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2016
H.R. 2646
To make available needed psychiatric, psychological, and
supportive services for individuals with mental illness and
families in mental health crisis, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2646 updates and provides the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration with a more evidence-
based focus when considering the hundreds of millions of
dollars that go out of their door in grants every year. The
bill also codifies a provision from recent Medicaid managed
care regulations on payments for short term stays for adults in
institutions for mental diseases (IMD) and extends the
availability of the full range of early and periodic screening,
diagnostic, and treatment (EPSDT) services to Medicaid children
receiving services in an IMD. In addition, the bill requires
the use of electronic visit verification systems for Medicaid-
provided personal care services and home health services and
directs the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human
Services to undertake a rule making to clarify guidance
regarding when disclosure to families and loved ones are
allowed under HIPAA. The bill also authorizes select grant
programs. Finally, the proposal provides improvements for
mental health payment parity through better compliance guidance
and disclosure support. Inter-agency officials must meet with
public stakeholders--including patient advocates and third-
party groups--to build a strategy for improving mental health
parity and addiction equity requirements.
Legislative History
H.R. 2646 was introduced by Representative Tim Murphy (PA-
18) on June 4, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce, in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means,
and the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for a period
to be subsequently determined by the Speaker. H.R. 2646 was
referred to the Subcommittee on Health on June 5, 2015.
On June 16, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
on H.R. 2646.
On November 3 and 4, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met
in open markup session to consider H.R. 2646 and forwarded the
bill to the full Committee, as amended, by roll call vote of 18
yeas and 12 nays.
On June 14 and 15, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 2646 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a roll call vote of 53 yeas and 0 nays.
On July 6, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 2646 to the House, as amended (H. Rept. 114-667,
Part 1), and the bill was placed on the Union Calendar
(Calendar No. 517).
On July 6, 2016, H.R. 2646 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a roll call vote of 422 yeas and 2 nays (Roll
No. 355).
On July 7, 2016, H.R. 2646 was received in the Senate, and
on July 14, 2016, it was read twice, and referred to the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Including Families in Mental Health Recovery Act of 2015
H.R. 2690
To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to
promulgate regulations clarifying the circumstances under
which, consistent with the standards governing the privacy and
security of individually identifiable health information
promulgated by the Secretary under sections 262(a) and 264 of
the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of
1996, health care providers and covered entities may disclose
the protected health information of patients with a mental
illness, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2690 amends the HITECH Act to direct the Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS) to promulgate regulations
clarifying the circumstances under which health care providers
and covered entities may disclose the protected health
information of patients with a mental illness. The bill also
directs HHS to develop and disseminate model programs for
training health care providers, lawyers and others in the legal
profession, and patients and their families on matters related
to the protection of health information of patients with mental
illness.
Legislative History
H.R. 2690 was introduced by Representative Dorris O. Matsui
(CA-06) on June 9, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce.
On June 12, 2015, H.R. 2690 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Health.
On June 16, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
on H.R. 2690.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2015
H.R. 2713
To amend title VIII of the Public Health Service Act to
extend advanced education nursing grants to support clinical
nurse specialist programs, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2713 would support advanced education nursing grants
and reauthorize loan repayment and scholarship programs, a
nurse faculty loan program, and a comprehensive geriatric
education program within title VIII of the Public Health
Service Act.
Legislative History
H.R. 2713 was introduced by Representative Lois Capps (CA-
24) on June 10, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce. H.R. 2713 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Health on June 12, 2015.
On December 9, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 2713.
On September 12 and 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health
met in open markup session to consider H.R. 2713 and forwarded
the bill to the full Committee, without amendment, by a voice
vote.
On September 20 and 21, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 2713 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On November 14, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 2713 to the House (H. Rept. 114-803), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 627).
On November 14, 2016, H.R. 2713 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On November 15, 2016, H.R. 2713 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Heroin and Prescription Opioid Abuse Prevention, Education, and
Enforcement Act of 2015
H.R. 2805
To address prescription opioid abuse and heroin use.
Summary
H.R. 2805 would require the Department of Health and Human
Services to convene a Pain Management Best Practices Inter-
Agency Task Force to develop and study best practices for pain
management and prescription of pain medication. This bill also
would amend the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend
through Fiscal Year 2020 the controlled substance monitoring
program, extend the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance
Grant Program through Fiscal Year 2020, require the Department
of Health and Human Services to advance education and awareness
of the risk of abuse of prescription opioids, require the
Office of National Drug Control Policy to establish a national
drug awareness campaign that emphasizes the similarities
between heroin and prescription opioids, and authorize the
Attorney General to make grants to state, local, or tribal
governments to create demonstration programs to allow first
responders to prevent opioid overdose death by administering an
opioid overdose reversal drug.
Legislative History
H.R. 2805 was introduced by Representative Susan W. Brooks
(IN-05) on June 17, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the
Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker.
H.R. 2805 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on
June 19, 2015.
On October 8, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 2805.
No further action was taken on the bill.
To Provide for the Extension of the Enforcement Instruction on
Supervision Requirements for Outpatient Therapeutic Services in
Critical Access and Small Rural Hospitals Through 2015
H.R. 2878
To provide for the extension of the enforcement instruction
on supervision requirements for outpatient therapeutic services
in critical access and small rural hospitals through 2015.
Summary
H.R. 2878 would require the Department of Health and Human
Services to continue to instruct Medicare contractors not to
enforce requirements for direct physician supervision of
outpatient therapeutic services in critical access and small
rural hospitals through 2015.
Legislative History
H.R. 2878 was introduced by Representative Lynn Jenkins
(KS-02) on June 24, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways
and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker.
H.R. 2878 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on
June 26, 2015.
On November 3, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 2878.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Medical Controlled Substances Transportation Act of 2015
H.R. 3014
To amend the Controlled Substances Act to authorize
physicians, pursuant to an agreement with the Attorney General,
to transport controlled substances from a practice setting to
another practice setting or to a disaster area.
Summary
H.R. 3014 amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow a
physician to transport controlled substances to another
practice setting or disaster area if the physician is
registered to dispense, or conduct research with, controlled
substances listed on schedules II, III, IV, or V, and the
physician enters into a specific agreement with the Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA). The agreement must require a
physician to provide advance notification to the DEA, limit the
duration of transport to 72 hours, and maintain records of the
controlled substances dispensed.
Legislative History
H.R. 3014 was introduced by Representative Pete Sessions
(TX-32) on July 9, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, in addition to the Committee on the
Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker. H.R. 3014 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health
on July 10, 2015.
On October 8 and 20, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held
a hearing on H.R. 3014.
On November 3 and November 4, 2015, the Subcommittee on
Health met in open markup session to consider H.R. 3014 and
forwarded the bill to the full Committee, without amendment, by
a voice vote.
On November 17 and 18, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 3014 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
No further action was taken on the bill.
To Amend Title XI of the Social Security Act To Clarify Waiver
Authority Regarding Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
(Pace Programs)
H.R. 3243
To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to clarify
waiver authority regarding programs of all-inclusive care for
the elderly (PACE programs).
Summary
H.R. 3243 would amend the Social Security Act to authorize
the Department of Health and Human Services to waive applicable
general and Medicaid requirements of the Program of All-
Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in order to conduct
demonstration projects through the Center for Medicare and
Medicaid Innovation that involve PACE.
Legislative History
H.R. 3243 was introduced by Representative Christopher H.
Smith (NJ-04) on July 28, 2015, and referred to the Committee
on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker.
H.R. 3243 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on
July 31, 2015.
On September 18, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 3243.
No further action was taken on the bill.
DXM Abuse Prevention Act of 2015
H.R. 3250
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to
prevent the abuse of dextromethorphan, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3250 would prohibit the sale of certain over-the-
counter drug products containing dextromethorphan (DXM) to
individuals under the age of 18 and would restrict the
distribution of unfinished DXM.
Legislative History
H.R. 3250 was introduced by Representative Bill Johnson
(OH-06) on July 28, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 3250 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on July 31, 2015.
On April 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
markup session to consider H.R. 3250 and forwarded the bill to
the full Committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 3250 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
On July 8, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 3250 to the House (H. Rept. 114-672), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 520).
No further action was taken on the bill.
Strengthening Public Health Emergency Response Act of 2016
H.R. 3299
To amend the Public Health Service Act to ensure
preparedness for chemical, radiological, biological, and
nuclear threats, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3299 would establish an incentive program that awards
vouchers for priority review to companies that obtain approval
from the Food and Drug Administration for certain drugs that
can be used to counter the effects of biological, chemical,
radiological, or nuclear agents. The bill also would make
several changes to the processes used to procure medical
countermeasures in the Department of Health and Human Services.
Finally, the Government Accountability Office would be required
to report on programs to improve state, local, and hospital
preparedness.
Legislative History
H.R. 3299 was introduced by Representative Susan W. Brooks
(IN-05) on July 29, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 3299 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on July 31, 2015.
On May 19, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
on H.R. 3299.
On June 7 and 8, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in
open markup session to consider H.R. 3299 and forwarded the
bill to the full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.
On July 12, 13, and 14, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 3299 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a roll call vote of 36 yeas and 15 nays.
On September 9, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 3299 to the House (H. Rept. 114-735), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 571).
No further action was taken on the bill.
Childhood Cancer Star Act
H.R. 3381
To maximize discovery, and accelerate development and
availability, of promising childhood cancer treatments, and for
other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3381 amends the Public Health Service Act to permit
the National Institutes of Health to provide support to collect
the medical specimens and information of children, adolescents,
and young adults with cancer to improve the understanding of
these cancers and of the effects of treatment. Additionally,
the national childhood cancer registry is reauthorized through
Fiscal Year 2020 and revised to require the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention to award grants to states to improve
tracking of childhood cancers. This bill also amends the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require manufacturers
and distributors of investigational drugs to publish policies
for compassionate use of the drugs.
Legislative History
H.R. 3381 was introduced by Representative Michael T.
McCaul (TX-10) on July 29, 2015, and referred to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 3318 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Health on July 31, 2015.
On December 6, 2016, H.R. 3381 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On December 7, 2016, H.R. 3381 was received in the Senate,
and read twice.
No further action was taken on the bill
Accurate Education for Prenatal Screenings Act
H.R. 3441
To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish
education programs for patients and health care providers
regarding cell-free DNA prenatal screening, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3441 would direct the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention to develop, implement, and maintain programs to
educate patients and health care providers regarding cell-free
DNA prenatal screening.
Legislative History
H.R. 3441 was introduced by Representative Jaime Herrera
Beutler (WA-03) on August 4, 2015, and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 3441 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Health on September 11, 2015.
On December 9, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 3441.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Medicaid and CHIP Territory Fraud Prevention Act
H.R. 3444
To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to reduce
Medicaid and CHIP fraud in the territories of the United
States, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3444 would amend the Social Security Act to exclude
certain payments from ceilings on the amounts of Medicaid
payments made to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the
Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.
Legislative History
H.R. 3444 was introduced by Representative Joseph R. Pitts
(PA-16) on September 8, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 3444 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on September 11, 2015.
On September 11, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 3444.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Aligning Children's Dental Coverage Act
H.R. 3463
To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to
clarify the treatment of pediatric dental coverage in the
individual and group markets outside of Exchanges established
under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and for
other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3463 would amend the Public Health Service Act to ease
restrictions on health insurance plans without pediatric dental
benefits to allow such insurance to be offered in any state
where a dental plan in the individual or small group market
provides pediatric dental benefits, even in states where the
dental plan is not offered on the health insurance exchange.
Legislative History
H.R. 3463 was introduced by Representative Morgan H.
Griffith (VA-09) on September 9, 2015, and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 3463 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Health on September 11, 2015.
On June 10, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
on H.R. 3463.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Protecting Infants Born Alive Act
H.R. 3494
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide
greater clarity for States with respect to excluding providers
whose actions a State suspects causes termination of fetuses
born alive, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3494 would amend the Social Security Act to provide
that, under a state plan for medical assistance, a state may
not be required to provide medical assistance for services by
any individual or entity whose services or actions are
suspected by the state of causing the termination of a human
fetus classified as an infant born alive. In addition, a
provider of such an abortion may neither receive payment under
the Medicaid program nor participate in any federal or state
health care program.
Legislative History
H.R. 3494 was introduced by Representative Marsha Blackburn
(TN-07) on September 11, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways
and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker. H.R. 3494 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health
on September 18, 2015.
On September 17, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 3494.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Women's Public Health and Safety Act
H.R. 3495
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to allow for
greater state flexibility with respect to excluding providers
who are involved in abortions.
Summary
H.R. 3495 would provide that under a state plan for medical
assistance under the Medicaid program, a state, at its option,
may establish criteria with respect to the participation under
the state plan (or under a waiver of the plan) of an
institution, agency, entity, or person who performs, or
participates in the performance of, abortions. H.R. 3495 would
not apply to an abortion if the pregnancy is the result of an
act of rape or incest; or in the case where a woman suffers
from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness
that would, as certified by a physician, place the woman in
danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a
life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from
the pregnancy itself.
Legislative History
H.R. 3495 was introduced by Representative Sean P. Duffy
(WI-07) on September 11, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 3495 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on September 18, 2015.
On September 28, 2015, H.R. 3495 was considered in the
House pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 444, and the bill
was passed, as amended, by a roll call vote of 236 yeas and 193
nays (Roll Call No. 524).
On September 30, 2015, H.R. 3495 was received in the
Senate, and on July 14, 2016, H.R. 3495 was read twice, and
referred to the Committee on Finance.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Dangerous Synthetic Drug Control Act of 2016
H.R. 3537
To amend the Controlled Substances Act to add certain
synthetic substances to schedule I, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3537 amends the Controlled Substances Act to add
certain synthetic opioids, hallucinogens, and cannabinoids to
schedule I.
Legislative History
H.R. 3537 was introduced by Representative Charles W. Dent
(PA-15) on September 17, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the
Judiciary for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker. H.R. 3537 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health
on September 18, 2015.
On November 3 and 4, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met
in open markup session to consider H.R. 3537 and forwarded the
bill to the full Committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
On September 20 and 21, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 3537 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On September 26, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 3537 to the House (H. Rept. 114-787, Part I), and
the bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 615).
On September 26, 2016, H.R. 3537 was considered in the
House under H. Res. 369, and the bill was passed, without
amendment, by a vote of 258 yeas and 101 nays (Roll Call No.
557).
On September 27, 2016, H.R. 3537 was received in the
Senate, read twice and referred to the Committee on the
Judiciary.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Co-Prescribing To Reduce Overdoses Act of 2016
H.R. 3680
To provide for the Secretary of Health and Human Services
to carry out a grant program for co-prescribing opioid overdose
reversal drugs.
Summary
H.R. 3680 permits the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) to establish a grant program to support
prescribing opioid overdose reversal drugs, such as naloxone,
for patients at an elevated risk of overdose, including
patients prescribed an opioid. (Opioids are drugs with effects
similar to opium, such as heroin and certain pain medications.)
This bill will grant recipients may use the funds to
purchase opioid overdose reversal drugs, establish a program
for prescribing such drugs, train health care providers and
pharmacists, track patients and outcomes, offset patient cost
sharing, conduct community outreach, and connect patients to
treatment.
HHS may provide information to prescribers in federally
qualified health centers and Indian Health Service facilities
on best practices for prescribing opioid overdose reversal
drugs for patients at an elevated risk of overdose.
H.R. 3680 amends the Public Health Service Act to reduce,
as an offset, the authorization of appropriations for Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention facilities for Fiscal Year
2018.
Legislative History
H.R. 3680 was introduced by Representative John P. Sarbanes
(MD-03) on October 1, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 3680 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on October 2, 2015.
On October 8, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 3680.
On April 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
markup session to consider H.R. 3680 and forwarded the bill to
the Full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.
On April 25, 26, 27, and 28, 2016, the Committee on Energy
and Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 3680
and ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
On May 10, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 3680 to the House, as amended (H. Rept. 114-553),
and the bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No.
427).
On May 11, 2016, H.R. 3680 was also considered in the House
under a suspension of the rules, and the bill was passed, as
amended, by a voice vote.
On May 12, 2016, H.R. 3680 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Improving Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women Act of 2016
H.R. 3691
To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the
residential treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum
women and to establish a pilot program to provide grants to
state substance abuse agencies to promote innovative service
delivery models for such women.
Summary
H.R. 3691 amends the Public Health Service Act to extend
support for residential substance abuse treatment programs for
pregnant and postpartum women through Fiscal Year 2021. The
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment must carry out a pilot
program to make grants to state substance abuse agencies to
support services for pregnant and postpartum women who have a
primary diagnosis of a substance use disorder, including opioid
use disorders (opioids are drugs with effects similar to opium,
such as heroin and certain pain medications). The Center for
Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality must fund an
evaluation of the pilot program. As an offset, the bill reduces
the authorization of appropriations for Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention facilities for Fiscal Year 2017.
Legislative History
H.R. 3691 was introduced by Representative Ben Ray Lujan
(NM-03) on October 6, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 3691 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on October 9, 2015.
On October 8 and 20, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held
a hearing on H.R. 3691.
On April 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
markup session to consider H.R. 3691 and forwarded the bill to
the full Committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 3691 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
On May 10, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 3691 to the House, as amended (H. Rept. 114-554),
and the bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No.
428).
On May 11, 2016, H.R. 3691 was also considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On May 12, 2016, H.R. 3691 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Ensuring Access to Quality Medicaid Providers Act
H.R. 3716
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require
states to provide to the Secretary of Health and Human Services
certain information with respect to provider terminations, and
for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3716 would assist states in identifying health care
providers who are ineligible to participate in their state
Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program programs
because the provider was terminated from participating in
another state's programs or in the Medicare program.
Legislative History
On September 11, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on a Discussion Draft entitled ``Ensuring Terminated
Providers are Removed from Medicaid and CHIP Act.''
H.R. 3716 was introduced by Representative Larry Bucshon
(IN-08) on October 8, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 3716 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on October 9, 2015. H.R. 3716 was similar to the
Discussion Draft reviewed by the Subcommittee.
On November 3 and 4, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met
in open markup session to consider H.R. 3716 and forwarded the
bill to the full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.
On November 17 and 18, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 3716 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On February 23, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 3716 to the House (H. Rept. 114-427), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 326).
On March 6, 2016, H.R. 3716 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 632, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a roll call vote of 406 yeas, and 0 nays
(Roll Call No. 105).
On March 3, 2016, H.R. 3716 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Medicaid DOC Act
H.R. 3821
To amend title XIX to require the publication of a provider
directory in the case of states providing for medical
assistance on a fee-for-service basis or through a primary care
case-management system, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3821 would require state Medicaid agencies to publish
on public websites a directory of certain medical care
providers who provided care to Medicaid enrollees in the prior
12 months.
The directory would be limited to providers who had been
reimbursed on a fee-for-service basis or had received a primary
care case management fee. In addition to the names of the
providers, the directories would include the following
information: the medical specialty of the provider, the address
of the provider, and the contact information of the provider.
For providers who had received a primary care case management
fee, the directory would also need to include whether the
provider is accepting new Medicaid patients and the provider's
cultural and linguistic capabilities, including languages
spoken. States maintaining such directories would have to
update them at least annually.
Legislative History
On September 18, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on a Discussion Draft entitled ``Medicaid Directory of
Caregivers Act'' or ``Medicaid DOC Act.''
H.R. 3821 was introduced by Representative Chris Collins
(NY-27) on October 23, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 3821 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on October 30, 2015. H.R. 3821 was similar to the
Discussion Draft reviewed by the Subcommittee.
On November 3 and 4, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met
in open markup session to consider H.R. 3821 and forwarded the
bill to the full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.
On November 17 and 18, 2015, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 3821 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On February 23, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 3821 to the House (H. Rept. 114-426), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 325).
No further action was taken on the bill.
Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2015
H.R. 3952
To amend the Public Health Service Act to coordinate
Federal congenital heart disease research efforts and to
improve public education and awareness of congenital heart
disease, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3952 would amend the Public Health Service Act to
replace the authorization for a National Congenital Heart
Disease Surveillance System with a requirement for the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enhance and expand
research and surveillance infrastructure, and plan and
implement a public outreach and education campaign. In
addition, the bill would authorize grants for a National
Congenital Heart Disease Cohort Study and a Congenital Heart
Disease Awareness Campaign. Finally, the National Heart, Lung,
and Blood Institute would be required to report on its ongoing
research efforts regarding congenital heart disease, future
plans for such research, and areas of greatest need for such
research.
Legislative History
H.R. 3952 was introduced by Representative Gus M. Bilirakis
(FL-12) on November 5, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 3952 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on November 6, 2015.
On September 8, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 3952.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Cardiac Arrest Survival Act of 2015
H.R. 4152
To amend the Public Health Service Act to clarify liability
protections regarding emergency use of automated external
defibrillators.
Summary
H.R. 4152 would amend the Public Health Service Act to
expand immunity from civil liability related to automated
external defibrillator devices.
Legislative History
H.R. 4152 was introduced by Representative Pete Olson (TX-
22) on December 2, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4152 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on December 4, 2015.
On December 9, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 4152.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Educating To Prevent Eating Disorders Act of 2015
H.R. 4153
To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a pilot
program to test the impact of early intervention on the
prevention, management, and course of eating disorders.
Summary
H.R. 4153 would authorize the Secretary of the Department
of the Health and Human Services, through the Director of the
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to establish a
pilot program, for a period of three consecutive school years,
to test the impact of providing students in eligible schools
with interventions to prevent, identify, intervene, and manage
eating disorders. Under such pilot program, the Secretary shall
award grants to eligible schools, and not later than 6 months
after the last day of the pilot program, each eligible school
participating in the pilot program shall submit to the
Secretary of Health and Human Services a report evaluating the
process and the outcomes of the pilot program, with respect to
such school, during the period of the program.
Legislative History
H.R. 4153 was introduced by Representative Renee L. Ellmers
(NC-02) on December 2, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4153 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on December 4, 2015.
On December 9, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 4153.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Transparency and Accountability of Failed Exchanges Act
H.R. 4262
To amend title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act to require that a State awarded a Federal grant to
establish an Exchange and that terminates the State operation
of such an Exchange provide for an audit of the use of grant
funds and return funds to the Federal Government, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4262 would require the Department of Health and Human
Services, for certain states awarded a grant to establish a
health insurance exchange, to report on how awarded amounts
were used and rescind unobligated amounts. This applies to any
state that terminates operation of its exchange or transfers
operation to another entity. Such a state must provide to the
General Services Administration any property acquired through
the grant and refer matters involving fraud, waste, and abuse
of funds issued pursuant to PPACA to the Department of Justice.
Funds rescinded must be retained for federal budget deficit
reduction.
Legislative History
H.R. 4262 was introduced by Representative Rick W. Allen
(GA-12) on December 18, 2015, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4262 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on December 18, 2015.
On June 10, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
on H.R. 4262.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Patient Opportunity Protection Act of 2015
H.R. 4299
To amend the Public Health Service Act to prevent the
Secretary of Health and Human Services from limiting access to
excepted benefits, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4299 would amend the Public Health Service Act to
prohibit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from
imposing additional conditions on excepted benefits, which are
health benefits that are not subject to requirements applicable
to group health plans or individual health insurance. In the
individual health insurance market, HHS may not condition the
treatment of fixed indemnity insurance as an excepted benefit
on the beneficiary satisfying the requirement for minimum
essential coverage.
Legislative History
H.R. 4299 was introduced by Representative Rod Blum (IA-01)
on December 18, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce. H.R. 4299 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Health on December 18, 2015.
On January 27, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on H.R. 4299.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2016
H.R. 4365
To amend the Controlled Substances Act with regard to the
provision of emergency medical services.
Summary
H.R. 4365 would amend section 303 of the Controlled
Substances Act to provide emergency medical services (EMS)
agencies an option of a single registration with the Drug
Enforcement Administration in each State where the EMS agency
administers controlled substances. Further, the bill would
clarify that EMS professionals are permitted to administer
controlled substances pursuant to standing or verbal orders if
certain conditions are met.
Legislative History
H.R. 4365 was introduced by Representative Richard Hudson
(NC-08) on January 12, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on the Judiciary, for a
period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker. H.R. 4365
was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on January 15, 2016.
On July 12, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
on H.R. 4365.
On September 12 and 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health
met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4365 and ordered
the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended, by a
voice vote.
On September 20 and 21, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4365 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On November 14, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 4365 to the House (H. Rept. 114-804, Part 1), and
the bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 627).
On November 14, 2016, H.R. 4365 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On November 15, 2016, H.R. 4365 was received in the Senate.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Lali's Law
H.R. 4586
To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants
to states for developing standing orders and educating health
care professionals regarding the dispensing of opioid overdose
reversal medication without person-specific prescriptions, and
for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4586 would allow the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) to provide grants to states to enable and
encourage pharmacies to dispense medications that reverse
opioid overdoses pursuant to a standing order. A standing order
is a prescription that permits another person to acquire,
dispense, or administer medication without the prescription
specifying who will be treated with the medication. The grants
would be limited to $500,000 per state. The bill also would
allow states to use the grant funds to implement best practices
and to develop training materials on the purpose,
administration, and availability of those medications. H.R.
4586 would authorize the appropriation of a total of $5 million
of fiscal years 2017 through 2019 to carry out these
activities.
Legislative History
H.R. 4586 was introduced by Representative Robert J. Dold
(IL-10) on February 23, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4586 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on February 26, 2016.
On April 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
markup session to consider H.R. 4586 and forwarded the bill to
the full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4586 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On May 10, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 4586 to the House (H. Rept. 114-555), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 429).
On May 12, 2016, H.R. 4586 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a roll call vote of 415 yeas and 4 nays (Roll
No. 189).
On May 16, 2016, H.R. 4586 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Reducing Unused Medications Act of 2016
H.R. 4599
To amend the Controlled Substances Act to permit certain
partial fillings of prescriptions.
Summary
H.R. 4599 would permit pharmacists to fill only part of a
prescription for drugs that are listed in Schedule II of the
Controlled Substances Act upon the request of the prescribing
physician or the patient.
Legislative History
H.R. 4599 was introduced by Representative Katherine M.
Clark (MA-05) on February 24, 2016, and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4599 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Health on February 26, 2016.
On April 20, 2016 the Subcommittee on Health met in open
markup session to consider H.R. 4599 and forwarded the bill to
the full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4599 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On May 10, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 4599 to the House (H. Rept. 114-556), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 430).
On May 11, 2016, H.R. 4599 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules, and the bill was passed, as
amended, by a voice vote.
On May 12, 2016, H.R. 4599 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
To Provide for the Establishment of an Inter-Agency Task Force To
Review, Modify, and Update Best Practices for Pain Management and
Prescribing Pain Medication, and for Other Purposes
H.R. 4641
To provide for the establishment of an inter-agency task
force to review, modify, and update best practices for pain
management and prescribing pain medication, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4641 would require the Secretary of the Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a task force to
review and modify best practices for the treatment of pain. The
task force would issue a report to Congress on its findings,
which would include a strategy for disseminating information to
relevant medical professionals about best practices in pain
management.
Legislative History
H.R. 4641 was introduced by Representative Susan W. Brooks
(IN-05) on February 26, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4641 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on March 4, 2016.
On April 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
markup session to consider H.R. 4641 and forwarded the bill to
the full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4641 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On May 3, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 4641 to the House (H. Rept. 114-536), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 412).
On May 11, 2016, H.R. 4641 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of rule H. Res. 720, and the bill
was passed, as amended, by a roll call vote of 412 yeas and 4
nays (Roll Call No. 184).
On May 12, 2016, H.R. 4641 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Quality Care for Moms and Babies Act
H.R. 4695
To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to improve the
quality, health outcomes, and value of maternity care under the
Medicaid and CHIP programs by developing maternity care quality
measures and supporting maternity care quality collaboratives.
Summary
H.R. 4695 would direct the direct the Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS) to identify and publish a recommended
core set of maternal and infant quality measures for women and
children, publish an initial core set of any such measures
applicable to mothers and infants eligible under Medicaid or
the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), establish a
Maternal and Infant Quality Measurement Program, and establish
an online clearinghouse of resources for entities working to
improve maternity and infant care quality. The bill also would
authorize HHS to award maternity and infant care related
grants.
Legislative History
On November 3, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on a Discussion Draft entitled ``Quality Care for Moms
and Babies Act.''
H.R. 4695 was introduced by Representative Eliot L. Engel
(NY-16) on March 3, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways
and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker.
H.R. 4695 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on
March 4, 2016.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Common Sense Savings Act of 2016
H.R. 4725
To reduce the Federal deficit through reforms in spending
under Medicaid, CHIP, and the Prevention and Public Health
Fund.
Summary
H.R. 4725 would make changes to Medicaid and the Children's
Health Insurance Program that would reduce the federal medical
assistance percentages for certain enrolled individuals. The
bill would also limit states' ability to tax health care
providers and require states to include lottery winnings or
lump sum income in determining eligibility for Medicaid.
Lastly, the bill would repeal the Prevention and Public Health
Fund, which provides grants to carry out prevention, wellness,
and public health activities.
Legislative History
H.R. 4725 was introduced by Representative Joseph R. Pitts
(PA-16) on March 10, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4725 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on March 11, 2016.
On March 14 and 15, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4725 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a roll call vote of 29 yeas to 19 nays.
No further action was taken on the bill.
John Thomas Decker Act of 2016
H.R. 4969
To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide for
informational materials to educate and prevent addiction in
teenagers and adolescents who are injured playing youth sports
and subsequently prescribed an opioid.
Summary
H.R. 4969 would direct the Secretary of the Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and disseminate
educational materials to teens and adolescents who play youth
sports and may be prescribed opioids following a sports injury.
These materials would include information regarding the dangers
of opioid use and misuse, the different treatment options for
sport injuries, and how to obtain treatment for opioid
addiction. In addition, the bill would require the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention to produce a report on the
availability of this information.
Legislative History
H.R. 4969 was introduced by Representative Patrick Meehan
(PA-07) on April 15, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4969 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on April 15, 2016.
On April 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
markup session to consider H.R. 4969 and forwarded the bill to
the full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4969 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On May 10, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 4969 to the House (H. Rept. 114-558), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 432).
On May 11, 2016, H.R. 4969 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On May 12, 2016, H.R. 4969 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Opioid Review Modernization Act of 2016
H.R. 4976
To require the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to seek
recommendations from an advisory committee of the Food and Drug
Administration before approval of certain new drugs that are
opioids without abuse-deterrent properties, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4976 would require the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) to seek recommendations from an expert advisory committee
before approving any new drug that contains an opioid that does
not have abuse-deterrent properties. The bill would also
require that the Pediatric Advisory Committee recommend
labeling information for opioid use by children. In addition,
the bill would require FDA to develop recommendations for
educating prescribers of opioids and to publish final guidance
on evaluating efforts to deter abuse of generic opioid drugs.
Legislative History
H.R. 4976 was introduced by Representative Sean Patrick
Maloney (NY-18) on April 18, 2016, and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4976 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Health on April 18, 2016.
On April 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
markup session to consider H.R. 4976 and forwarded the bill to
the full Committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4976 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, without
amendment, by a voice vote.
On May 10, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 4976 to the House, as amended (H. Rept. 114-557),
and the bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No.
431).
On May 11, 2016, H.R. 4976 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
without amendment, by a voice vote.
On May 12, 2016, H.R. 4976 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
NAS Healthy Babies Act
H.R. 4978
To require the Government Accountability Office to submit
to Congress a report on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in
the United States and its treatment under Medicaid, and for
other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4978 would exclude formulations of prescription drugs
that include abuse deterrents from Medicaid's requirement that
new drug formulations pay additional rebates. The bill also
would prevent the disclosure of algorithms used to detect
fraud, provide additional funding to the Medicaid Improvement
Fund, and require the Government Accountability Office to
submit a report to the Congress on neonatal abstinence syndrome
in the United States.
Legislative History
H.R. 4978 was introduced by Representative Evan H. Jenkins
(WV-03) on April 18, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. H.R. 4978 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Health on April 18, 2016.
On April 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
markup session to consider H.R 4978 and forwarded the bill to
the full Committee, without amendment, by a voice vote.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4978 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On May 10, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 4978 to the House (H. Rept. 114-559), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 433).
On May 11, 2016, H.R. 4978 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On May 12, 2016, H.R. 4978 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Expansion and Modernization Act
H.R. 4981
To amend the Controlled Substances Act to improve access to
opioid use disorder treatment.
Summary
H.R. 4981 would permit nurse practitioners and physician
assistants who meet certain criteria to apply for waivers
administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA). Those waivers would allow them to
prescribe buprenorphine products to patients with opioid
dependency. In addition, the bill would permit pharmacists to
fill only part of a prescription for certain drugs upon the
request of the prescribing physician or the patient.
Legislative History
H.R. 4981 was introduced by Representative Larry Bucshon
(IN-08) on April 18, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, in addition to the Committee on the
Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker.
On April 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in open
markup session to consider a Discussion Draft entitled ``Opioid
Use Disorder Treatment Expansion and Modernization Act'' and
forwarded the bill to the full Committee, as amended, by a
voice vote.
H.R. 4981 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on
April 22, 2016. H.R. 4981 was similar to the Discussion Draft
considered by the Subcommittee.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4981 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On May 10, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 4981 to the House (H. Rept. 114-561, Part I), and
the bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 435).
On May 11, 2016, H.R. 4981 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On May 12, 2016, H.R. 4981 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Examining Opioid Treatment Infrastructure Act of 2016
H.R. 4982
To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to
evaluate and report on the in-patient and outpatient treatment
capacity, availability, and needs of the United States.
Summary
H.R. 4982 would direct the Government Accountability Office
(GAO) to conduct an evaluation of the infrastructure for
treating opioid and other substance abuse in the United States.
The bill would require GAO to submit a report to the Congress
on the evaluation no later than 24 months after the date of
enactment.
Legislative History
H.R. 4982 was introduced by Representative Bill Foster (IL-
11) on April 18, 2016, and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce. On April 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met
in open markup session to consider a Discussion Draft entitled
``Examining Opioid Treatment Infrastructure Act of 2016'' and
forwarded the bill to the full Committee, without amendment, by
a voice vote.
H.R. 4982 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on
April 22, 2016.
H.R. 4982 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on
April 22, 2016. H.R. 4981 was similar to the Discussion Draft
considered by the Subcommittee.
On April 26, 27, and 28, 2016, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session to consider H.R. 4982 and
ordered the bill favorably reported to the House, as amended,
by a voice vote.
On May 10, 2016, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 4982 to the House (H. Rept. 114-560), and the
bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 434).
On May 11, 2016, H.R. 4982 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On May 12, 2016, H.R. 4982 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
No further action was taken on the bill.
HHS Data Protection Act
H.R. 5068
To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish the
Office of the Chief Information Security Officer within the
Department of Health and Human Services.
Summary
H.R. 5068 amends the Public Health Service Act to create
the position of Chief Information Security Officer of the
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the Office of
the Assistant Secretary for Administration and transfer to this
position the functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of
the Chief Information Security Officer in the Office of the
Chief Information Officer of HHS.
Legislative History
H.R. 5068 was introduced by Representative Billy Long (MO-
07) on April 26, 2016, and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce. H.R. 5068 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Health on April 29, 2016.
On May 25, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
on H.R. 5068.
No further action was taken on the bill.
To Prohibit Further Action on the Proposed Rule Regarding Testing of
Medicare Part B Prescription Drug Models
H.R. 5122
To prohibit further action on the proposed rule regarding
testing of Medicare part B prescription drug models.
Summary
H.R. 5122 prohibits the Department of Health and Human
Services from taking any action to finalize, implement, or
enforce the proposed rule entitled ``Medicare Program; Part B
Drug Payment Model'' (81 Fed. Reg. 13230 (March 11, 2016)).
Legislative History
H.R. 5122 was introduced by Representative Larry Bucshon
(IN-08) on April 29, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways
and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker. H.R. 5122 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health
on May 6, 2016.
On May 17, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
on H.R. 5122.
No further action was taken on the bill.
PADME Act
H.R. 5210
To improve access to durable medical equipment for Medicare
beneficiaries under the Medicare program, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5210 continues the 50-50 blend of old and new payment
rates for Medicaid services for an additional 3 months and
requires the Department of Health and Human Service to report
to Congress on any access issues caused by the blended rate
before the full rate change can go into effect.
In addition, the bill would ensure health care providers
terminated from Medicare or one state's Medicaid program for
reasons of fraud, integrity, or quality are also terminated
from other state Medicaid programs. The bill also requires
state Medicaid programs to provide beneficiaries served under
fee-for-service or primary care case management programs an
electronic directory of physicians participating in the
program.
Finally, the bill ensures that payments made under a state
eugenics compensation program cannot be considered as income in
determining eligibility for any Federal public benefit,
preventing any funds from such a compensation program to be
counted as income for purposes of receiving any Federal
benefits.
Legislative History
H.R. 5210 was introduced by Representative Tom Price (GA-
06) on May 12, 2016, and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and
Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker. H.R. 5210 was referred to the Subcommittee on Health
on May 13, 2016.
On July 5, 2016, H.R. 5210 was considered in the House
under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was passed,
as amended, by a voice vote.
On July 6, 2016, H.R. 5210 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
No further action was taken on the bill.
CAH Act of 2016
H.R. 5613
To provide for the extension of the enforcement instruction
on supervision requirements for outpatient therapeutic services
in critical access and small rural hospitals through 2016.
Summary
H.R. 5613 would require the Secretary of the Department of
Health and Human Services to continue to apply an exception to
the requirement that certain outpatient therapeutic services be
provided under the direct supervision of a physician when they
are furnished in critical access and small rural hospitals.
This exception would apply through calendar year 2016.
Legislative History
H.R. 5613 was introduced by Representative Lynn Jenkins
(KS-02) on July 1, 2016, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on Ways and Means, for a
period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker.
On July 21, 2016, the Committee on Ways and Means reported
H.R. 5613 to the House (H. Rept. 114-696, Part I).
On September 20 and 21, 2016, H.R. 5613 was considered in
the House under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a roll call vote of 420 yeas and 0 nays
(Roll Call No. 531).
On September 22, 2016, H.R. 5613 was received in the
Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
No further action was taken on the bill.
ESRD Choice Act of 2016
H.R. 5659
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act with
respect to expanding Medicare Advantage coverage for
individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Summary
H.R. 5659 amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social
Security Act to allow individuals with end-stage renal disease
(ESRD) to be eligible for Medicare Advantage (MA).
Legislative History
H.R. 5659 was introduced by Representative Jason Smith (MO-
08) on July 7, 2016, and referred to the Committee on Ways and
Means, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period
to be subsequently determined by the Speaker.
On September 19, 2016, the Committee on Ways and Means
reported H.R. 5659 to the House (H. Rept. 114-751, Part I) and
the bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 583).
On September 20 and 21, 2016, H.R. 5659 was considered in
the House under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a roll call vote of 423 yeas and 0 nays
(Roll Call No. 529).
On September 22, 2016, H.R. 5659 was received in the
Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
No further action was taken on the bill.
Sustaining Healthcare Integrity and Fair Treatment Act of 2016
H.R. 5713
To provide for the extension of certain long-term care
hospital Medicare payment rules, clarify the application of
rules on the calculation of hospital length of stay to certain
moratorium-excepted long-term care hospitals, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5713 would modify Medicare's payments to Long-Term
Care Hospitals and would prohibit Medicare from paying for
items or services furnished by certain newly enrolled providers
in select areas of the country.
Legislative History
H.R. 5713 was introduced by Representative Patrick J.
Tiberi (OH-12) on July 11, 2016, and referred to the Committee
on Ways and Means, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce,
for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker.
On September 20, 2016, the Committee on Ways and Means
reported H.R. 5713 to the House (H. Rept. 114-761, Part I) and
the bill was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 594).
On September 20 and 21, 2016, H.R. 5713 was considered in
the House under a motion to suspend the Rules, and the bill was
passed, as amended, by a roll call vote of 420 yeas and 3 nays
(Roll Call No. 530).
On September 22, 2016, H.R. 5713 was received in the
Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
No further action was taken on the bill.
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
A Permanent Solution to the SGR: The Time Is Now
On January 21, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing entitled ``A Permanent Solution to the SGR: The Time Is
Now.'' The purpose of the hearing was to discuss the need to
advance a permanent legislative solution to the broken Medicare
physician reimbursement formula known as the Sustainable Growth
Rate (SGR). The Subcommittee received testimony from former
United States Senator Joseph I. Lieberman; Alice Rivlin, Co-
Chair, Bipartisan Policy Center, Delivery System Reform
Initiative, Director, Engelberg Center for Health Reform, The
Brookings Institution; Marilyn Moon, Institute Fellow, American
Institutes for Research; Richard Umbdenstock, President and
Chief Executive Officer, American Hospital Association; Alan
Speir, Medical Director of Cardiac Surgical Services for Inova
Health System, Chair, Workforce on Health Policy, Reform and
Advocacy, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons; Eric Schneidewind,
President-Elect, AARP; Geraldine O'Shea, First Vice President,
American Osteopathic Association Board of Trustees, Medical
Director, Foothills Women's Medical Center in California;
Barbara McAneny, Chair, American Medical Association Board of
Trustees, Chief Executive Officer, New Mexico Oncology
Hematology Consultants, Ltd.; and Ken P. Miller, Board
President, American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Examining ICD-10 Implementation
On February 11, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing entitled ``Examining ICD-10 Implementation.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to review U.S. preparedness to adopt
ICD-10. The Subcommittee received testimony from Edwin M.
Burke, Beyer Medical Group; Rich Averill, Director of Public
Policy, 3M Health Information Systems; Sue Bowman, Senior
Director, Coding Policy and Compliance, American Health
Information Management Association; Kristi A. Matus, Chief
Financial and Administrative Officer, Athena Health; William
Jefferson Terry, Mobile Urology Group; Carmella Bocchino,
Executive Vice President of Clinical Affairs and Strategic
Planning, America's Health Insurance Plans; and John Hughes,
Professor of Medicine, Yale University.
Examining the FY 2016 HHS Budget
On February 26, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing entitled ``Examining the FY 2016 HHS Budget.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to examine the President's proposed
budget for the Department of Health and Human Services in
Fiscal Year 2016. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Sylvia Burwell, Secretary, Department of Health and Human
Services.
Examining the 340B Drug Pricing Program
On March 24, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing entitled ``Examining the 340B Drug Pricing Program.''
The purpose of the hearing was to review the 340B Drug Pricing
Program and its impacts on patients, providers, manufacturers,
and other stakeholders. The Subcommittee received testimony
from Diana Espinosa MPP, Deputy Administrator, Health Resources
and Series Administration, Department of Health and Human
Services; accompanied by Krista M. Pedley, Director, Office of
Pharmacy Affairs, Health Resources and Services Administration;
Debbie Draper, Director, Health Care, Government Accountability
Office; and Ann Maxwell, Assistant Inspector General for
Evaluation and Inspections, Office of Inspector General,
Department of Health and Human Services.
Medicare Post Acute Care Delivery and Options To Improve It
On April 16, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing entitled ``Medicare Post Acute Care Delivery and
Options to Improve It.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
review the state of Medicare's post-acute care system and
opportunities to improve the delivery and access to these
services for seniors. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Mark E. Miller, Executive Director, Medicare Payment Advisory
Commission; Steven Landers, President and Chief Executive
Officer, Visiting Nurse Association Health Group; Samuel
Hammerman, Chief Medical Officer, LTACH Hospital Division,
Select Medical Corporation; Melissa Morley, Program Manager,
Health Care Financing and Payment, RTI International; and
Leonard Russ, Principal Partner, Bayberry Health Care,
Chairman, American Health Care Association.
A National Framework for the Review and Labeling of Biotechnology in
Food
On June 18, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled, ``A National Framework for the Review and Labeling of
Biotechnology in Food.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
learn about the role genetic engineering plays in our nation's
food supply and state-specific labeling regulations. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Rick Blasgen, President
and Chief Executive Officer, Council of Supply Chain Management
Professionals; Todd W. Daloz, Assistant Attorney General,
Office of the Vermont Attorney General; John Reifsteck,
Chairman of the Board and President, GROWMARK, Inc.; Gregory
Jaffe, Biotechnology Project Director, Center for Science in
the Public Interest; and L. Val Giddings, Senior Fellow,
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.
Examining the Administration's Approval of Medicaid Demonstration
Projects
On June 24, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled ``Examining the Administration's Approval of Medicaid
Demonstration Projects.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
fully examine the Medicaid demonstrations process. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Katherine Iritani,
Director Government Accountability Office; Haley Barbour,
former Governor of the State of Mississippi; Matt Salo,
Executive Director, National Association of Medicaid Directors;
and Joan Alker, Executive Director, Georgetown University
Center for Children and Families.
Medicaid at 50: Strengthening and Sustaining the Program
On July 8, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled ``Medicaid at 50: Strengthening and Sustaining the
Program.'' The purpose of this hearing was to examine potential
reforms to improve Medicaid. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Vikki Wachino, Director, Center for Medicaid and
CHIP Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services;
Carolyn Yocom, Director, Health Care, Government Accountability
Office; and Anne Schwartz, Executive Director, Medicaid and
CHIP Payment and Access Commission.
Strengthening Medicaid Program Integrity and Closing Loopholes
On September 11, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing entitled ``Strengthening Medicaid Program Integrity and
Closing Loopholes.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine
vulnerabilities in the Medicaid program and how to address
them. The Subcommittee received testimony from John Hagg,
Director of Medicaid Audits, Office of Inspector General,
Department of Health and Human Services; Nico Gomez, Chief
Executive Officer, Oklahoma Health Care Authority; and Patricia
Riley, Commissioner, Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access
Commission.
Examining the Medicare Part D Medication Therapy Management Program
On October 21, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing entitled ``Examining the Medicare Part D Medication
Therapy Management Program.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
review on the Medication Therapy Management program. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Tim Gronniger, Director of
Delivery System Reform, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services; Lawrence Kocot, Principal and National Leader, Center
for Healthcare Regulatory Insight, KPMG LLP; Jesse McCullough,
Director, Field Clinical Services, Rite Aid Corporation; and
Richard Thomas Benson, Associate Director of Stroke, MedStar
Washington Hospital Center.
Reviewing the Accuracy of Medicaid and Exchange Eligibility
Determinations
On October 23, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing entitled ``Reviewing the Accuracy of Medicaid and
Exchange Eligibility Determinations.'' The purpose of the
hearing was to examine Medicaid and exchange eligibility
controls and coordination. The Subcommittee received testimony
from Seto Bagdoyan, Director, Audit Services, Forensic and
Investigative Service, Government Accountability Office; and
Carolyn Yocom, Director, Health Care, Government Accountability
Office.
Examining Implementation of the Biologics Price Competition and
Innovation Act
On February 4, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing entitled ``Examining Implementation of the Biologics
Price Competition and Innovation Act.'' The purpose of the
hearing was to provide members an opportunity to hear about the
ongoing implementation of the Biologics Price Competition Act.
The Subcommittee received testimony from Janet Woodcock,
Director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and
Drug Administration; and Sean Cavanaugh, Deputy Administrator
and Director, Center for Medicare, Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services.
Examining Medicaid and CHIP's Federal Medical Assistance Percentage
On February 10, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing entitled ``Examining Medicaid and CHIP's Federal
Medical Assistance Percentage.'' The purpose of the hearing was
to review that status of the FMAP system. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Alison Mitchell, Health Care Financing
Analyst, Congressional Research Service; Carolyn Yocom,
Director, Health Care, Government Accountability Office; Anne
Schwartz, Executive Director, Medicaid and CHIP Payment and
Access Commission; and John Hagg, Director of Medicaid Audits,
Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human
Services.
The Fiscal Year 2017 HHS Budget
On February 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing entitled ``The Fiscal Year 2017 HHS Budget.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to examine the President's proposed
budget for the Department of Health and Human Services in
Fiscal Year 2017. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Sylvia Burwell, Secretary, Department of Health and Human
Services.
Examining the Financing and Delivery of Long-Term Care in the U.S.
On March 1, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled ``Examining the Financing and Delivery of Long-Term
Care in the U.S.'' The purpose of the hearing was to review the
state of long-term care in the U.S. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Alice Rivlin, Co-Chair, Long-Term Care
Initiative, Bipartisan Policy Center; William J. Scanlon,
Consultant, West Health Institute and National Health Policy
Forum; and Anne Tumlinson, Chief Executive Officer, Anne
Tumlinson Innovations.
Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015: Examining
Implementation of Medicare Payment Reforms
On March 17, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing entitled ``Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act
of 2015: Examining Implementation of Medicare Payment
Reforms.'' The purpose of the hearing was to discuss the
implementation of the Medicare payment reforms. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Patrick Conway, Deputy
Administrator for innovation and Quality, Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services.
Flint Water Crisis: Impacts and Lessons Learned
On April 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing entitled ``Flint Water Crisis: Impacts and Lessons
Learned.'' The purpose of the hearing was to discuss the
elevated levels of lead in the water system of Flint, Michigan.
The Subcommittee received testimony from Joel Beauvais, Deputy
Assistant Administrator, Office of Water, Environmental
Protection Agency; Nicole Lurie, Assistant Secretary for
Preparedness and Response, Department of Health and Human
Services; Keith Creagh, Director, Michigan Department of
Environmental Quality; Nick Lyon, Director, Michigan Department
of Health and Human Services; Mona Hanna-Attisha, Program
Director, Pediatric Residency, Hurley Children's Hospital,
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Michigan State University
College of Human Medicine; Joan Alker, Executive Director,
Georgetown Center for Children and Families; Steve Estes-
Smargiassi, Director of Planning and Sustainability,
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority; June Swallow, Chief,
Office of Drinking Water Quality, Rhode Island Department of
Health; and Mae Wu, Senior Attorney, Health and Environment
Program, Natural Resources Defense Council.
Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015: Examining
Physician Efforts To Prepare for Medicare Payment Reforms
On April 19, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing entitled ``Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act
of 2015: Examining Physician Efforts to Prepare for Medicare
Payment Reforms.'' The purpose of the hearing was to review the
efforts of physician organizations to prepare for the
implementation of the Medicare payment reforms under MACRA. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Robert McLean, on behalf
of American College of Physicians; Robert Wergin, Board Chair,
American Academy of Family Physicians; Barbara L. McAneny, on
behalf of American Medical Association; and Jeffery W. Bailet,
Aurora Health Care Medical Group.
The Obama Administration's Medicare Drug Experiment: The Patient and
Doctor Perspective
On May 17, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled ``The Obama Administration's Medicare Drug Experiment:
The Patient and Doctor Perspective.'' The purpose of the
hearing was to examine Medicare Part B, and CMS' proposed rule
regarding Part B drug reimbursement. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Joe Baker, President, Medicare Rights Center;
Heather Block, Patient Advocate; Marcia Boyle, President and
Founder, Immune Deficiency Foundation; Debra Patt, Vice
President, Texas Oncology; and Michael Schweitz, National
Advocacy Chair, Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations.
Examining Cybersecurity Responsibilities at HHS
On May 25, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled ``Examining Cybersecurity Responsibilities at HHS.''
The purpose of the hearing was to examine the organizational
alignment of the Chief Information Officer and Chief
Information Security Officer at the Department of Health and
Human Services. The Subcommittee received testimony from the
Joshua Corman, Director, Cyber Statecraft Initiative, Atlantic
Council; Mac McMilan, Chief Executive Officer, CynergisTek,
Inc.; Samantha Burch, Senior Director, Congressional Affairs,
Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society North
America; and Marc Probst, Vice President and Chief Information
Officer, Intermountain Healthcare, on behalf of College of
Healthcare Information Management Executives.
Advancing Patient Solutions for Lower Costs and Better Care
On June 10, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled ``Advancing Patient Solutions for Lower Costs and
Better Care.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine
patient-focused reforms that embrace three goals: pre-existing
condition protections, lower costs and more choices, and market
stability without mandates. The Subcommittee received testimony
from the Grace-Marie Turner, Founder, President, and Trustee,
Galen Institute; Doug Holtz-Eakin, President, American Action
Forum; and Sara Collins, Vice President of Health Coverage and
Access, Commonwealth Fund.
Strengthening Our National Trauma System
On July 12, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health and the
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a joint
hearing entitled ``Strengthening our National Trauma System.''
The purpose of the hearing was to discuss the findings of the
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report
entitled ``A National Trauma Care System: Integrating Military
and Civilian Trauma Systems to Achieve Zero Preventable Deaths
After Injury.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Jorie
Klein, BSN, RN, Director, Rees-Jones Trauma Center at Parkland;
David Marcozzi, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of
Maryland; C. William Schwab, Professor of Surgery, Penn
Presbyterian Medical Center; Craig Manifold, Committee Chair,
American College of Emergency Physicians; and Brent Myers,
President-Elect, National Association of EMS Physicians.
An Examination of Federal Mental Health Parity Laws and Regulations
On September 9, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing entitled ``An Examination of Federal Mental Health
Parity Laws and Regulations.'' The purpose of the hearing was
to examine Federal laws and policies related to mental health
and substance abuse disorder parity laws. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Michael A. Trangle, Senior Medical
Director, Behavioral Health Division, HealthPartners Medical
Group; Pamela Greenberg, President and Chief Executive Officer,
Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness; and Matt Selig,
Executive Director, Health Law Advocates, Inc.
Waste and Duplication in the USDA Catfish Inspection Program
On December 7, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing entitled ``Waste and Duplication in the USDA Catfish
Inspection Program.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine
the catfish inspection program at the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. The Subcommittee received testimony from William
Jones, Deputy Director, Office of Food Safety, Food and Drug
Administration; Steve Morris, Acting Director, Natural
Resources and Environment, Government Accountability Office;
Kim Gorton, President and Chief Executive Officer, Slade Gorton
& Co., Inc.; Bart Farrell, Director of Food and Beverage,
Clyde's Restaurant Group; Justin Conrad, Chief Executive
Officer, Bay Hill Seafood, President, Libby Hill Seafood; and
Steve Otwell, Seafood Safety and Technology Emeritus, UF Food
and Science and Human Nutrition, Aquatic Food Products Lab,
University of Florida.
HEARINGS HELD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serial No. Hearing Title Hearing Date(s)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
114-2............ A Permanent Solution to the January 21, 2015,
SGR: The Time Is Now. January 22, 2015
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-5............ Examining Public Health January 27, 2015
Legislation to Help
Patients and Local
Communities. (Subcommittee
on Health).
114-9............ Examining ICD-10 February 11, 2015
Implementation.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-13........... Examining the FY 2016 HHS February 26, 2015
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-25........... Examining the 340B Drug March 24, 2015
Pricing Program.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-31........... Medicare Post Acute Care April 16, 2015
Delivery and Options to
Improve It. (Subcommittee
on Health).
114-35........... Legislative Hearing on 21st April 30, 2015
Century Cures.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-39........... Examining Microbeads in May 1, 2015
Cosmetic Products.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-51........... Examining H.R. 2017, the June 4, 2015
Common Sense Nutrition
Disclosure Act of 2015.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-52........... Examining H.R. 1786, James June 11, 2015
Zadroga 9/11 Health and
Compensation
Reauthorization Act.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-55........... Examining H.R. 2646, the June 16, 2015
Helping Families in Mental
Health Crisis Act.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-58........... A National Framework for the June 18, 2015
Review and Labeling of
Biotechnology in Food.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-59........... Examining the June 24, 2015
Administration's Approval
of Medicaid Demonstration
Projects. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-61........... Examining Public Health June 25, 2015
Legislation: H.R. 2820,
H.R. 1344, and H.R. 1462.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-63........... Medicaid at 50: July 8, 2015
Strengthening and
Sustaining the Program.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-72........... Protecting Affordable September 9, 2015
Coverage for Employees.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-74........... Strengthening Medicaid September 11, 2015
Program Integrity and
Closing Loopholes.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-75........... Protecting Infants: Ending September 17, 2015
Taxpayer Funding for
Abortion Providers Who
Violate the Law.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-76........... Improving the Medicaid September 18, 2015
Program for Beneficiaries.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-81........... Examining Potential Ways to October 1, 2015
Improve the Medicare
Program (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-86........... Examining Legislative October 8, 2015,
Proposals to Combat our October 20, 2015
Nation's Drug Abuse Crisis.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-88........... Examining the Medicare Part October 21, 2015
D Medication Therapy
Management Program.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-91........... Reviewing the Accuracy of October 23, 2015
Medicaid and Exchange
Eligibility Determinations.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-98........... Examining Legislation to November 3, 2015
Improve Medicare and
Medicaid. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-100.......... Examining the Regulation of November 17, 2015
Diagnostic Tests and
Laboratory Operations.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-108.......... Examining Legislation to December 9, 2015
Improve Health Care and
Treatment. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-114.......... Examining Implementation of February 4, 2016
the Biologics Price
Competition and Innovation
Act. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-115.......... Examining Medicaid and February 10, 2016
CHIP's Federal Medical
Assistance. (Subcommittee
on Health).
114-118.......... The Fiscal Year 2017 HHS February 24, 2016
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-122.......... Examining the Financing and March 1, 2016
Delivery of Long-Term Care
in the U.S. (Subcommittee
on Health).
114-127.......... Medicare Access and CHIP March 17, 2016
Reauthorization Act of
2015: Examining
Implementation of Medicare
Payment Reforms.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-131.......... Flint Water Crisis: Impacts April 13, 2016
and Lessons Learned.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the Economy
and Subcommittee on Health).
114-137.......... Medicare Access and CHIP April 19, 2016
Reauthorization Act of
2015: Examining Physician
Efforts to Prepare for
Medicare Payment Reforms.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-143.......... Health Care Solutions: May 11, 2016
Increasing Patient Choice
and Plan Innovation.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-146.......... The Obama Administration's May 17, 2016
Medicare Drug Experiment:
The Patient and Doctor
Perspective. (Subcommittee
on Health).
114-147.......... Examining H.R. 3299, May 19, 2016
Strengthening Public Health
Response Act. (Subcommittee
on Health).
114-150.......... Examining Cybersecurity May 25, 2016
Responsibilities at HHS.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-151.......... Advancing Patient Solutions June 10, 2016
for Lower Costs and Better
Care. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-158.......... Examining the Advancing Care July 7, 2016
for Exceptional Kids Act.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-160.......... Strengthening our National July 12, 2016
Trauma System.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-165.......... Examining Legislation to September 8, 2016
Improve Public Health.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-167.......... An Examination of Federal September 9, 2016
Mental Health Parity Laws
and Regulations.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-168.......... The Affordable Care Act on September 14, 2016
Shaky Ground: Outlook and
Oversight. (Subcommittee on
Health and Subcommittee on
Oversight and
Investigations).
114-176.......... Examining the United States November 30, 2016
Preventive Services Task
Force. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-178.......... Waste and Duplication in the December 7, 2016
USDA Catfish Inspection
Program. (Subcommittee on
Health).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
(Ratio 14-10)
TIM MURPHY, Pennsylvania, Chairman
DIANA DeGETTE, Colorado, DAVID McKINLEY, West Virginia,
Ranking Member Vice Chairman
JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY, Illinois MICHAEL C. BURGESS, Texas
KATHY CASTOR, Florida MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee
PAUL TONKO, New York H. MORGAN GRIFFITH, Virginia
JOHN A. YARMUTH, Kentucky LARRY BUCSHON, Indiana
YVETTE D. CLARKE, New York BILL FLORES, Texas
JOSEPH P. KENNEDY, Massachusetts SUSAN W. BROOKS, Indiana
GENE GREEN, Texas MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma
PETER WELCH, Vermont RICHARD HUDSON, North Carolina
FRANK PALLONE, Jr., New Jersey CHRIS COLLINS, New York
(Ex Officio) KEVIN CRAMER, North Dakota
JOE BARTON, Texas
FRED UPTON, Michigan
(Ex Officio)
Jurisdiction: Responsibility for oversight of agencies, departments,
and programs within the jurisdiction of the full committee, and for
conducting investigations within such jurisdiction.
ACTIVITIES PERTAINING TO HEALTH MATTERS
Examining the U.S. Public Health Response to Seasonal Influenza
On February 3, 2015, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Examining the U.S.
Public Health Response to Seasonal Influenza.'' The purpose of
the hearing was to examine the role of U.S. public health
agencies in protecting the U.S. population from the spread of
seasonal influenza. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Anne Schuchat, Director, National Center for Immunization and
Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention; Karen Midthun, Director, Center for Biologics
Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration;
Robin Robinson, Director, Biomedical Advanced Research and
Development Authority, Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Preparedness and Response; and Anthony Fauci, Director,
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National
Institutes of Health.
Federal Efforts on Mental Health: Why Greater Leadership Is Needed
On February 11, 2015, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Federal Efforts on
Mental Health: Why Greater Leadership is Needed.'' The purpose
of the hearing was to examine the findings in the U.S.
Government Accountability Office's report entitled ``Mental
Health: HHS Leadership Needed to Coordinate Federal Efforts
Related to Serious Mental Illness.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Linda T. Kohn, Director, Health Care, U.S.
Government Accountability Office; and Richard G. Frank,
Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Department of
Health and Human Services, accompanied by Pamela S. Hyde,
Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration.
Examining the Growing Problems of Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse:
State and Local Perspectives
On March 26, 2015, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Examining the Growing
Problems of Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse: State and Local
Perspectives.'' The purpose of the hearing was to identify the
successes states and local communities have had in addressing
prescription drug and heroin abuse that could be applied at the
national level and to review the effectiveness of Federal
programs aimed at reducing prescription drug and heroin
overdoses. The Subcommittee received testimony from Fred Wells
Brason II, Executive Director, Project Lazarus; Sarah T.
Melton, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Gatton
College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Chair of
the Board of Directors, OneCare of Southwest Virginia; Stefan R
Maxwell, Associate Professor, Pediatrics, WVU School of
Medicine, MEDNAX Medical Group, Medical Director, NICU, Women
and Children's Hospital; Rachelle Gardner, Chief Operating
Officer, Hope Academy; Michael Griffin, Narcotics Unit
Supervisor--K9 Handler, Special Investigations Division, Tulsa
Police Department; Caleb Banta-Green, Senior Research
Scientist, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, University of
Washington; and Victor Fitz, Prosecutor, Cass County, Michigan,
President, Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan.
Combatting the Opioid Abuse Epidemic: Professional and Academic
Perspectives
On April 23, 2015, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Combatting the Opioid
Abuse Epidemic: Professional and Academic Perspectives.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to hear from professionals and
academic experts on opioid abuse. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Robert L. DuPont, President, Institute For
Behavior and Health; Marvin D. Seppala, Chief Medical Officer,
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation; Laurence M. Westreich,
President, American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry; Anna
Lembke, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral
Sciences, Stanford University Medical Center, Psychiatry
Department; Adam Bisaga, Columbia University Medical Center,
NYS Psychiatric Institute; and Patrice Harris, American Medical
Association.
What Is the Federal Government Doing To Combat the Opioid Abuse
Epidemic?
On May 1, 2015, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``What is the Federal
Government Doing to Combat the Opioid Abuse Epidemic?'' The
purpose of the hearing was to hear from Federal agencies
regarding their efforts to combat the opioid abuse epidemic.
The Subcommittee received testimony from Michael Botticelli,
Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy; Richard G.
Frank, Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation,
Department of Health and Human Services; Nora D. Volkow,
Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes
of Health; Douglas Throckmorton, Deputy Director, Center for
Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug
Administration; Debra Houry, Director, National Center for
Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention; Pamela S. Hyde, Administrator, Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration; and Patrick Conway,
Deputy Administrator for Innovation and Quality and CMS Chief
Medical Officer, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
What Are the State Governments Doing To Combat the Opioid Abuse
Epidemic?
On May 21, 2015, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``What Are the State
Governments Doing to Combat the Opioid Abuse Epidemic?'' The
purpose of the hearing was to hear from state health officials
regarding their ongoing efforts to combat opioid abuse. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Jerome Adams, Health
Commissioner, Indiana State Department of Health; Monica
Bharel, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Public
Health; Mark Stringer, Director, Division of Behavioral Health,
Missouri Department of Mental Health; and Larry Wolk, Executive
Director and Chief Medical Officer, Colorado Department of
Public Health and Environment.
Medicaid Program Integrity: Screening Out Errors, Fraud, and Abuse
On June 2, 2015, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Medicaid Program
Integrity: Screening Out Errors, Fraud, and Abuse.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to examine the findings of the U.S.
Government Accountability Office's report entitled ``Medicaid:
Additional Actions Needed to Help Improve Provider and
Beneficiary Fraud Controls.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Seto J. Bagdoyan, Director, Audit Services,
Forensic Audits and Investigative Service, U.S. Government
Accountability Office; and Shantanu Agrawal, Deputy
Administrator and Director, Center for Program Integrity,
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of
Health and Human Services.
Medicare Part D: Measures Needed To Strengthen Program Integrity
On July 14, 2015, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Medicare Part D:
Measures Needed to Strengthen Program Integrity.'' The purpose
of the hearing was to examine the findings of Department of
Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General reports
entitled ``Ensuring the Integrity of Medicare Part D'' and
``Questionable Billing and Geographic Hotspots Point to
Potential Fraud and Abuse in Medicare Part D.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Ann Maxwell, Assistant
Inspector General, Evaluation and Inspections, Office of
Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services; and
Shantanu Agrawal, Deputy Administrator and Director, Center for
Program Integrity, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,
Department of Health and Human Services.
Continuing Concerns With the Federal Select Agent Program: Department
of Defense Shipments of Live Anthrax
On July 28, 2015, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Continuing Concerns
with the Federal Select Agent Program: Department of Defense
Shipments of Live Anthrax.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
examine the Federal Select Agent Program. The Subcommittee
received testimony from D. Christian Hassell, Deputy Assistant
Secretary of Defense for Chemical and Biological Defense,
Department of Defense; Dan Sosin, Deputy Director, Office of
Public Health Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention; Gregory Demske, Counsel to the
Inspector General, Office of Inspector General, Department of
Health and Human Services; and Marcia Crosse, Director,
Healthcare, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
An Overdue Checkup: Examining the ACA's State Insurance Marketplaces
On September 29, 2015, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``An Overdue Checkup:
Examining the ACA's State Insurance Marketplaces.'' The purpose
of the hearing was to examine the challenges state exchanges
face and how Federal grant dollars have been spent. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Peter V. Lee, Executive
Director, Covered California, State of California; Jim
Wadleigh, Jr., CEO, Access Health CT, State of Connecticut;
Jeff M. Kissel, Executive Director, Hawaii Health Connector,
State of Hawaii; Louis Gutierrez, Executive Director,
Massachusetts Health Connector, Commonwealth of Massachusetts;
Allison O'Toole, Interim Chief Executive Officer, MNsure, State
of Minnesota; and Patrick Allen, Director, Department of
Consumer and Business Services, State of Oregon.
Examining the Costly Failures of Obamacare's CO-OP Insurance Loans
On November 5, 2015, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Examining the Costly
Failures of Obamacare's CO-OP Insurance Loans.'' The purpose of
the hearing was to examine the implementation of the Consumer
Operated and Oriented Plan (CO-OP) established by the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Ben Sasse, United States Senator (Nebraska);
Julie McPeak, Insurance Commissioner, State of Tennessee; James
Donelon, Insurance Commissioner, State of Louisiana; Peter
Beilenson, Board of Directors, National Alliance of State
Health CO-OPs; John Morrison, Vice Chair, Montana Health CO-OP;
Mandy Cohen, Chief of Staff, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services; and Gloria L. Jarmon, Deputy Inspector General for
Audit Services, Office of Inspector General, Department of
Health and Human Services.
U.S. Public Health Preparedness for Seasonal Influenza: Has the
Response Improved?
On November 19, 2015, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``U.S. Public Health
Preparedness for Seasonal Influenza: Has the Response
Improved?'' The purpose of the hearing was to better understand
the challenges in flu vaccine development and review
recommended actions to improve seasonal influenza preparedness.
The Subcommittee received testimony from Anne Schuchat,
Principal Deputy Director, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention; Karen Midthun, Director, Center for Biologics
Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration;
Robin Robinson, Director, Biomedical Advanced Research and
Development Authority, Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Preparedness and Response; and Carole Heilman, Director,
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Division
of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of
Health.
An Overdue Checkup Part II: Examining the ACA's State Insurance
Marketplaces
On December 8, 2015, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``An Overdue Checkup
Part II: Examining the ACA's State Insurance Marketplaces.''
The purpose of the hearing was to examine the challenges state
exchanges are facing and to examine how Federal grant dollars
have been spent. The Subcommittee received testimony from Andy
Slavitt, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services.
Outbreaks, Attacks, and Accidents: Combatting Biological Threats
On February 12, 2016, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Outbreaks, Attacks,
and Accidents: Combatting Biological Threats.'' The purpose of
the hearing was to learn about the threat of biological attacks
against the United States and our preparedness for such an
event. The Subcommittee received testimony from Donna Shalala,
Panel Member, Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense; James
Greenwood, Panel Member, Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense;
Tara O'Toole, Senior Fellow and Executive Vice President, In-Q-
Tel; and Gerald Parker, Associate Vice President, Public Health
Preparedness and Response, Center for Innovation in Advanced
Development and Manufacturing, Texas A&M University.
Examining the U.S. Public Health Response to the Zika Virus
On March 2, 2016, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Examining the U.S.
Public Health Response to the Zika Virus.'' The purpose of the
hearing was to learn about the spread of the Zika virus and the
public health response. The Subcommittee received testimony
from Nicole Lurie, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and
Response, Department of Health and Human Services; Thomas
Frieden, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
Anthony Fauci, Director, National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Luciana
Borio, Acting Chief Scientist, U.S. Food and Drug
Administration; Timothy Persons, Chief Scientist, U.S.
Government Accountability Office; Peter Hotez, Dean, National
School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine,
President, Sabin Vaccine Institute, and Texas Children's
Hospital Endowed Chair in Tropical Pediatrics; Lawrence O.
Gostin, Linda D. and Timothy J. O'Neill Professor of Global
Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center; Joseph Conlon,
Technical Advisor, American Mosquito Control Association; and
Jeanne Sheffield, Director, Division of Maternal-Fetal
Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
Unlawful Reinsurance Payments: CMS Diverting $3.5 Billion From
Taxpayers to Pay Insurance Companies
On April 15, 2016, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Unlawful Reinsurance
Payments: CMS Diverting $3.5 Billion from Taxpayers to Pay
Insurance Companies.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
examine why the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
diverted funds intended for the U.S. Treasury to insurance
companies as reinsurance payments. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Andy Slavitt, Acting Administrator, Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services.
How Secure Are U.S. Bioresearch Labs? Preventing the Next Safety Lapse
On April 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``How Secure are U.S.
Bioresearch Labs? Preventing the Next Safety Lapse.'' The
purpose of this hearing was to examine the conclusions of a
U.S. Government Accountability Office report on high
containment laboratories. The Subcommittee received testimony
from John Neumann, Director, Natural Resources and Environment,
U.S. Government Accountability Office; Lawrence A. Tabak,
Principal Deputy Director, National Institutes of Health; Steve
Monroe, Associate Director for Laboratory Science and Safety,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Segaran Pillai,
Director, Office of Laboratory Science and Safety, Office of
Commissioner, Office of Chief Scientist, U.S. Food and Drug
Administration; and Brian C. Lein, Commanding General, U.S.
Army Medical Research and Material Command and Fort Detrick and
Deputy for Medical Systems to the Assistant Secretary of the
Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology, Department of
the Army, Department of Defense.
Concussions in Youth Sports: Evaluating Prevention and Research
On May 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Concussions in Youth
Sports: Evaluating Prevention and Research.'' The purpose of
the hearing was to examine issues related to research and
prevention of concussions in youth sports. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Kelli Jantz, the mother of Jake
Snakenberg and Concussion Advocate; Karen Zegel, the mother of
Patrick Risha and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy advocate;
Eugene F. (Buddy) Teevens III, Head Football Coach, Dartmouth;
Andrew Gregory, Member, Medical Advisory Committee, USA
Football; Associate Professor, Orthopedics, Neurology, and
Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Kevin
Margarucci, Manager, Player Safety, USA Hockey; Steve
Stenersen, President and CEO, US Lacrosse; Terry O'Neil,
Founder, Practice Like Pros; Dawn Comstock, Associate
Professor, Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of
Public Health; and Thomas Talavage, Professor, School of
Electrical and Computer Engineering, Weldon School of
Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University.
Medicare and Medicaid Program Integrity: Combatting Improper Payments
and Ineligible Providers
On May 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Medicare and Medicaid
Program Integrity: Combatting Improper Payments and Ineligible
Providers.'' The purpose of the hearing was to explore the
integrity of Medicare and Medicaid programs. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Ann Maxwell, Assistant Inspector
General, Office of Evaluation and Inspections, Office of
Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services;
Seto J. Bagdoyan, Director, Audit Services, Forensic Audits and
Investigative Service, U.S. Government Accountability Office;
and Shantanu Agrawal, Deputy Administrator and Director, Center
for Program Integrity, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services, Department of Health and Human Services.
Combatting Superbugs: U.S. Public Health Responses to Antibiotic
Resistance
On June 14, 2016, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Combatting Superbugs:
U.S. Public Health Responses to Antibiotic Resistance.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to hear testimony from U.S. public
health officials on the status of and response to antibiotic-
resistant bacteria. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Beth Bell, Director, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic
Infectious Disease, Centers for Disease Control; Janet
Woodcock, Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and
Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Richard Hatchett,
Acting Director, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development
Authority; and Dennis Dixon, Division of Microbiology and
Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health.
The ACA'S Cost Sharing Reduction Program: Ramifications of the
Administration's Decision on the Source of Funding for the CSR Program
On July 8, 2016, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``The ACA's Cost Sharing
Reduction Program: Ramifications of the Administration's
Decision on the Source of Funding for the CSR Program.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to examine the Administration's
decisions to fund the cost sharing reduction program in the
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act from the permanent
appropriation for tax refunds and credits. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Doug Badger, Senior Fellow, Galen
Institute; Tom Miller, Resident Fellow, American Enterprise
Institute; Morton Rosenberg, Legislative Consultant; and Simon
Lazarus, Senior Counsel, The Constitutional Accountability
Center.
ACTIVITIES PERTAINING TO CYBER ISSUES
Understanding the Cyber Threat and Implications for the 21st Century
Economy
On March 3, 2015, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Understanding the
Cyber Threat and Implications for the 21st Century Economy.''
The purpose of the hearing was to provide an overview of
cybersecurity, history, evolution, and future threats. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Herbert Lin, Senior
Research Scholar, Center for International Security and
Cooperation, Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford
University; Richard Bejtlich, Chief Security Strategist,
FireEye, Incorporated; and Gregory Shannon, Chief Scientist,
CERT Program, Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon
University.
Deciphering the Debate Over Encryption: Industry and Law Enforcement
Perspectives
On April 19, 2016, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Deciphering the Debate
Over Encryption: Industry and Law Enforcement Perspectives.''
The purpose of the hearing was to examine the benefits of
strong encryption and challenges for law enforcement and
intelligence communities. The Subcommittee received testimony
from Amy Hess, Executive Assistant Director for Science and
Technology, Federal Bureau of Investigations; Thomas Galati,
Chief, Intelligence Bureau, New York Police Department; Ron
Hickman, Sheriff, Harris County Sheriff's Office, on behalf of
the National Sheriff's Association; Charles Cohen, Commander,
Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; Bruce
Sewell, General Counsel, Apple, Inc.; Amit Yoran, President,
RSA Security LLC; Daniel Weitzner, Director and Principal
Research Scientist, Computer Science and Artificial
Intelligence Laboratory Decentralized Information Group,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and Matthew Blaze,
Associate Professor, Computer and Information Science, School
of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania.
ACTIVITIES RELATING TO THE ENERGY MATTERS
Oversight Failures Behind the Radiological Incident at DOE's Waste
Isolation Pilot Plant
On June 12, 2015, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Oversight Failures
Behind the Radiological Incident at DOE's Waste Isolation Pilot
Plant.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine the Federal
oversight failures that contributed to a radiological incident
in 2014 that shut down the Department of Energy's Waste
Isolation Pilot Plant. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Madelyn R. Creedon, Principal Deputy Administrator, National
Nuclear Security Administration; Mark Whitney, Acting Assistant
Secretary for Environmental Management, Department of Energy,
accompanied by Theodore A. Wyka, Chairperson, Accident
Investigation Board and Chief Nuclear Safety Officer,
Environmental Management; and Allison B. Bawden, Acting
Director, Natural Resources and Environment, U.S. Government
Accountability Office.
DOE for the 21st Century: Science, Environment, and National Security
Missions
On February 24, 2016, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``DOE for the 21st
Century: Science, Environment, and National Security
Missions.'' The purpose of the hearing was to discuss two
advisory panels' reports on findings and recommendations
concerning the governance, management, and accountability
necessary for Department of Energy to perform its national
security mission. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Norman R. Augustine, Co-Chairman, Congressional Advisory Panel
on the Governance of the Nuclear Security Enterprise; Richard
W. Mies, Co-Chairman, Congressional Advisory Panel on the
Governance of the Nuclear Security Enterprise; Jared L. Cohon,
Co-Chairman, Commission to Review the Effectiveness of the
National Energy Laboratories; and TJ Glauthier, Co-Chairman,
Commission to Review the Effectiveness of the National Energy
Laboratories.
ACTIVITIES PERTAINING TO ENVIRONMENT ISSUES
Volkswagen's Emissions Cheating Allegations: Initial Questions
On October 8, 2015, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Volkswagen's Emissions
Cheating Allegations: Initial Questions.'' The purpose of the
hearing was to examine the available facts, initial compliance,
and consumer issues stemming from Volkswagen AG's reported use
of engine software that would reduce the effectiveness of
emissions control systems in certain passenger vehicles in the
United States. The Subcommittee received testimony from Michael
Horn, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America;
Christopher Grundler, Director, Office of Transportation and
Air Quality, Office of Air and Radiation; and Phillip Brooks,
Director, Air Enforcement Division, Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance, Environmental Protection Agency.
Volkswagen's Emissions Cheating Allegations: Initial Questions
On October 6, 2016, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Volkswagen's Emissions
Cheating Allegations: Questions Concerning ZEV Program
Implementation.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine
questions concerning EPA's role in the implementation of the
two supplemental agreements appended to the partial consent
decree--one to facilitate investments in infrastructure for
Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), and one to fund projects to
mitigate emissions of nitrous oxides. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator, Office
of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, and Janet McCabe,
Acting Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation,
Environmental Protection Agency.
HEARINGS HELD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serial No. Hearing Title Hearing Date(s)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
114-6.............. Examining the U.S. Public February 3, 2015
Health Response to
Seasonal Influenza.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-8.............. Federal Efforts on Mental February 11, 2015
Health: Why Greater HHS
Leadership is Needed.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-17............. Understanding the Cyber March 3, 2015
Threat and Implications
for the 21st Century
Economy. (Subcommittee on
Oversight and
Investigations).
114-27............. Examining the Growing March 26, 2015
Problems of Prescription
Drug and Heroin Abuse:
State and Local
Perspectives.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-34............. Combatting the Opioid Abuse April 23, 2015
Epidemic: Professional and
Academic Perspectives.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-38............. What is the Federal May 1, 2015
Government Doing to Combat
the Opioid Abuse Epidemic?
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-46............. What are the State May 21, 2015
Governments Doing to
Combat the Opioid Abuse
Epidemic? (Subcommittee on
Oversight and
Investigations).
114-48............. Medicaid Program Integrity: June 2 , 2015
Screening Out Errors,
Fraud, and Abuse.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-54............. Oversight Failures Behind June 12, 2015
the Radiological Incident
at DOE's Waste Isolation
Pilot Plant. (Subcommittee
on Oversight and
Investigations).
114-66............. Medicare Part D: Measures July 14, 2015
Needed to Strengthen
Program Integrity.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-69............. Continuing Concerns with July 28, 2015
the Federal Select Agent
Program: Department of
Defense Shipments of Live
Anthrax. (Subcommittee on
Oversight and
Investigations).
114-79............. An Overdue Checkup: September 29, 2015
Examining the ACA's State
Insurance Marketplaces.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-85............. Volkswagen Emissions October 8, 2015
Cheating Allegations:
Initial Questions.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-99............. Examining the Costly November 5, 2015
Failures of Obamacare's CO-
OP Insurance Loans.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-102............ U.S. Public Health November 19, 2015
Preparedness for Seasonal
Influenza: Has the
Response Improved?
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-107............ An Overdue Checkup Part II: December 8, 2015
Examining the ACA's State
Insurance Marketplaces.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-117............ Outbreaks, Attacks, and February 12, 2016
Accidents: Combatting
Biological Threats.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-119............ DOE for the 21st Century: February 24, 2016
Science, Environment, and
National Security
Missions. (Subcommittee
Oversight and
Investigations).
114-124............ Examining the U.S. Public March 2, 2016
Health Response to the
Zika Virus. (Subcommittee
on Oversight and
Investigations).
114-135............ Unlawful Reinsurance April 15, 2016
Payments: CMS Diverting
$3.5 Billion from
Taxpayers to Pay Insurance
Companies. (Subcommittee
on Oversight and
Investigations).
114-136............ Deciphering the Debate Over April 19, 2016
Encryption: Industry and
Law Enforcement
Perspectives.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-139............ How Secure are U.S. April 20, 2016
Bioresearch Labs?
Preventing the Next Safety
Lapse. (Subcommittee on
Oversight and
Investigations).
114-145............ Concussions in Youth May 13, 2016
Sports: Evaluating
Prevention and Research.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-149............ Medicare and Medicaid May 24, 2016
Program Integrity:
Combatting Improper
Payments and Ineligible
Providers. (Subcommittee
on Oversight and
Investigations).
114-153............ Combatting Superbugs: U.S. June 14, 2016
Public Health Responses to
Antibiotic Resistance.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-159............ The ACA's Cost Sharing July 8, 2016
Reduction Program--
Ramifications of the
Administration's Decision
on the Source of Funding
for the CSR Program.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-168............ The Affordable Care Act on September 14, 2016
Shaky Ground: Outlook and
Oversight. (Subcommittee
on Health and Subcommittee
Oversight and
Investigations).
114-173............ Bioresearch Labs and September 27, 2016
Inactivation of Dangerous
Pathogens. (Subcommittee
on Oversight and
Investigations).
114-177............ Volkswagen's Emissions December 6, 2016
Cheating Settlement:
Questions Concerning ZEV
Program Implementation.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oversight Plan for the Committee on Energy and Commerce, U.S. House of
Representatives, 114th Congress
During the 114th Congress, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce will hold hearings and conduct rigorous oversight over
matters within its jurisdiction. The Committee will conduct
thorough oversight, reach conclusions based on an objective
review of the facts, and treat witnesses fairly. The Committee
will request information in a responsible manner that is
calculated to be helpful to the Committee in its oversight
responsibilities. The Committee's oversight functions will
focus on: 1) cutting government spending through the
elimination of waste, fraud, and abuse and 2) ensuring laws are
adequate to protect the public interest or are being
implemented in a manner that protects the public interest,
without stifling economic growth.
HEALTH AND HEALTHCARE ISSUES
PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
One year after the opening of the State and Federal
exchanges, the Committee in the 114th Congress will continue to
examine issues related to the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) implementation of Public Law 111-148, The
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and the
related Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010,
Public Law 111-152. This will include the numerous provisions
contained within the law that affect the private insurance
market in the United States, the operation of the State and
Federal health insurance exchanges, and oversight of these
exchanges by the Federal government. The Committee will also
continue to examine the law's effects on individuals as well as
the regulations and requirements imposed on both small and
large businesses, including reporting requirements.
The Committee will also evaluate what controls are in place
to prevent bias, waste, fraud, and abuse in the management of
PPACA and its programs. The Committee will examine what
programs HHS has in place to improve the availability of
reliable, consumer-oriented information on the cost and quality
of health care goods, services, and providers. The Committee
will also examine the status and future of employer-sponsored
health care plans as well as the effects of PPACA's enactment
on the States. The Committee will examine the impact of PPACA
and its implementing regulations on the economy, consumers, and
the health care industry, including the provision of subsidies
and cost-sharing reductions.
CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES
The Committee will review the management, operations, and
activity of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
(CMS) and the programs it administers. The Committee will
examine and review Medicare and Medicaid management and
activity as it relates to ongoing Committee efforts to prevent
bias, waste, fraud, and abuse in Federal health care programs,
particularly in the implementation of PPACA. The Committee will
investigate the process by which CMS implements statutory
formulas to set prices for Medicare payment, as well as the
effectiveness of those formulas. The Committee will examine the
effects that the Medicaid expansion included in PPACA will have
on State budgets, the budgets of individuals and families, the
budgets of providers currently providing uncompensated care,
and the impact it may have on access to health insurance and
health care. The Committee will investigate the processes by
which CMS prevents bias, waste, fraud, and abuse in the award
of government contracts.
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION AND DRUG SAFETY
The Committee will review whether the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) is ensuring that regulated drugs are safe,
effective, and available to American patients in an expeditious
fashion. The Committee will also explore the interplay between
these policies and drug innovation, both in the United States
and abroad. Further, the Committee will examine FDA's
enforcement of current drug safety laws and the issues involved
in protecting the nation's supply chains against economically
motivated and other forms of adulteration, including those
posed by illegal drug supply chains and economically-motivated
adulteration. The Committee will examine whether FDA's
reorganization efforts are improving the effectiveness of
product reviews, or worsening delays and inefficiency in
decision-making. The Committee will review FDA's efforts to
improve and modernize import-safety screening, and the
management of its foreign inspection program.
PUBLIC HEALTH
The Committee will examine the roles of various Federal
agencies involved in insuring and protecting the public health,
including the implementation and management of these programs.
In particular, the Committee will review Federal efforts on
mental health and pandemic preparedness, including influenza
preparedness and the United States' response to the Ebola
epidemic and other emerging infectious disease threats from
abroad. The Committee will evaluate the Federal response to
Ebola and other public health emergencies to better understand
the operation and efficacy of key public health programs and to
address broader concerns about national all-hazards
preparedness and response capacity. Further, the Committee will
monitor related spending to ensure the appropriate and
efficient use of Federal tax dollars.
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ISSUES
NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY
During the 114th Congress, the Committee will examine
issues relating to national energy policy, including U.S.
policies that relate to the exploration, production,
distribution, and consumption of electricity, oil and natural
gas, coal, hydroelectric power, nuclear power, and renewable
energy. The Committee will examine the impact of government
policies and programs on the efficient exploration, production,
storage, supply, marketing, pricing, and regulation of domestic
energy resources, including issues relating to the nation's
energy infrastructure. The Committee will continue to examine
safety and security issues relating to energy exploration,
production, and distribution.
ELECTRICITY MARKETS
The Committee will review Federal electricity policies of
the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ensure that those policies
promote competitive wholesale power markets, transmission, and
generation infrastructure upgrades, and compliance with
relevant statutes. It will also examine the activities of the
DOE and FERC relating to electric industry restructuring,
protection of consumers, and the development of efficient and
vigorous wholesale markets for electricity. It will also
continue to examine the activities of the DOE and FERC with
respect to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations
affecting the electricity sector, including regulatory
requirements that may impact consumer prices and reliability of
the electricity grid.
MANAGEMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ITS NATIONAL LABORATORIES
The Committee will continue to oversee the governance,
management, and operations issues at DOE, including oversight,
management, and operations of the National Nuclear Security
Administration (NNSA) and the national laboratories. The
Committee's oversight work will include review of the
implementation of security and safety reforms at NNSA and DOE
facilities, ongoing safety and security matters, the Office of
Environmental Management's cleanup program, and DOE's
implementation of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act.
YUCCA MOUNTAIN
The Committee will continue to examine the actions of DOE
and the NRC in connection with obligations of these agencies
under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, including licensing
activities for the Yucca Mountain repository.
DOE ENERGY GRANT AND LOAN PROGRAMS
The Committee will continue to review management and
implementation of clean energy and advanced technology grant
and loan programs authorized under the Energy Policy Act of
2005 and other statutes; the development of new technologies,
products, and businesses including clean energy, advanced coal,
nuclear, and other technologies; and the impact of DOE grant,
cost-sharing, and loan spending on the domestic supply,
manufacture and commercial deployment of clean and advanced
energy products and other technologies.
THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
The Committee will continue to review the activities of the
Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The Committee will examine NRC's
budget requests and conduct oversight of the manner in which
the Commission discharges its various responsibilities,
including licensing activity, the safety and security of
nuclear power facilities, and the agency's regulatory changes.
CLEAN AIR ACT
The Committee will continue to review significant
rulemakings under the Clean Air Act and the potential economic
and job impacts of those rulemakings on the energy,
manufacturing, industrial, and construction industries, and
other critical sectors of the U.S. economy, as well as any
public health and environmental benefits of the regulations.
The Committee's review will include oversight of the EPA's
decisions, strategies and actions to meet Clean Air Act
standards, and the current role of cost, employment and
feasibility considerations in Clean Air Act rulemakings. The
Committee will also continue to review EPA's implementation of
the Renewable Fuel Standard.
CLIMATE CHANGE
The Committee will continue to monitor international
negotiations on efforts to control greenhouse gas emissions in
connection with concerns about global climate change. In
addition, the Committee will examine the EPA's efforts to
regulate domestic greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air
Act based on its endangerment finding. The Committee will
consider whether such agreements and regulatory efforts are
scientifically well grounded. The Committee will also review
the activities undertaken in this area by DOE, HHS, and other
agencies within the Committee's jurisdiction, including efforts
to prepare for and respond to weather events and natural
disasters in the future.
EPA MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS
The Committee intends to continue to conduct general
oversight of the EPA, including review of the agency's funding
decisions, resource allocation, grants, research activities,
enforcement actions, relations with State and local
governments, public transparency, and respect for economic,
procedural, public health, and environmental standards in
regulatory actions. The oversight will also include EPA program
management and implementation and the use of chemical risk
analysis in environmental assessment programs and the Toxic
Substances Control Act. In addition, the Committee will review
the government's activities in hydraulic fracturing research
and regulation.
COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY ISSUES
A MODERN COMMUNICATIONS FRAMEWORK FOR THE INNOVATION AGE
The Committee will continue to exercise its jurisdiction
over wired and wireless communications to ensure our nation's
policies governing voice, video, audio, and data services are
promoting investment, innovation, and job creation. The
country's current regulatory regime takes a siloed approach in
which different technological platforms--such as wireline,
wireless, broadcast, cable, and satellite--are regulated
differently based on regulations that may be decades old. As we
move deeper into the Internet era, however, providers are
increasingly using these platforms to offer the same or similar
services. The Committee will examine whether these regulations
should be updated to better meet the communications needs of
the country and to ensure its citizen enjoy cutting edge
services and the economic benefits they bring.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
During the 114th Congress, the Committee will conduct
oversight of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC),
including the effect of the FCC's decisions on innovation and
the U.S. economy. Among other things, the Committee will
evaluate the impact generally of FCC actions on voice, video,
audio, and data services, and on public safety. The Committee
will pay particular attention to whether the FCC conducts cost-
benefit and market analyses before imposing regulations. The
Committee will also conduct oversight to ensure compliance with
existing processes, improve FCC procedures, and promote
transparency.
SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT
The Committee will conduct oversight of the Federal
Communications Commission's and the National Telecommunications
and Information Administration's (NTIA) management and
allocation of the nation's spectrum for commercial and
government use. Spectrum is increasingly being used to provide
voice, video, audio, and data services to consumers. The
Committee will evaluate spectrum-management policies to ensure
efficient use of the public airwaves for innovative
communications services. The Committee will also examine
whether plans for allocating spectrum maximizes broadband
deployment and encourages investment. The Committee will pay
particular attention to FCC and NTIA implementation of the
Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, which was
intended to make more spectrum available for mobile broadband
services, as well as raise billions in spectrum auction
proceeds to help build a nationwide, interoperable public
safety broadband network, fund other Committee priorities, and
reduce the deficit.
AVAILABILITY OF BROADBAND
The Committee will investigate whether regulatory policies
are helping or hindering broadband deployment. For example, the
Committee will conduct oversight of the $9 billion per year
Universal Service Fund. In particular, the Committee will
examine what procedures are in place to control waste, fraud,
and abuse, whether the funds are appropriately targeted, and
the impact of the funding on jobs and the economy.
INTERNET
The Committee will exercise its jurisdiction over wired and
wireless communications to ensure continued growth and
investment in the Internet. In particular, the Committee will
monitor efforts to replace the successful multi-stakeholder
model of Internet governance--in which non-governmental
entities develop best practices for the management of Internet
networks and content--with domestic regulation and
international multilateral institutions.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS
The Committee will examine whether the communications needs
of first responders are being met. The Committee will examine
the progress being made to ensure that first responders have
interoperable communications capabilities with local, State,
and Federal public safety officials. The Committee will also
examine the progress being made by the First Responder Network
Authority (FirstNet) in carrying out the mandates of the Middle
Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. Specifically,
the progress made in establishing FirstNet, in coordinating
with State and local law enforcement, and in finding private
sector partners to develop an interoperable public safety
broadband network. In addition, the Committee will conduct
oversight regarding the implementation of legacy 911 and Next
Generation 911 (NG911) services. NG911 relies on IP-based
architecture rather than the PSTN-based architecture of legacy
911 to provide an expanded array of emergency communications
services that encompass both the core functionalities of legacy
E911 and additional functionalities that take advantage of the
enhanced capabilities of IP-based devices and networks.
COMMERCE, MANUFACTURING, AND TRADE ISSUES
PRIVACY AND DATA SECURITY
In the 114th Congress, the Committee will examine issues
relating to the privacy and security of information and data
collected by businesses about consumers and the potential for
improving protection without undercutting innovative uses that
benefit consumers and the economy. Further, the Committee will
continue to review the manner in which fraud and other criminal
activities affect e-commerce.
MANUFACTURING
The Committee will explore the state of manufacturing in
the United States to identify factors that are hampering or
furthering U.S. competitiveness. The Committee will review the
issues presented by the globalization of production and
manufacturing networks, including the integrity of products and
components assembled overseas and the impact on national
security.
TRADE
The Committee will examine trade negotiations to ensure
that foreign governments are not imposing non-tariff trade
barriers, such as regulations or requirements, that harm U.S.
businesses, their competitiveness and their ability to support
jobs in the United States.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS
The Committee will conduct oversight of the Commerce
Department and complementary or conflicting Federal efforts to
promote U.S. manufacturing, exports, and trade, including
efforts to lower or eliminate non-tariff barriers and harmonize
regulation of products sold internationally where other
countries share our health, safety, and consumer protection
goals.
CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS
The Committee will continue oversight of the Consumer
Product Safety Commission and its implementation and
enforcement of laws and regulations relating to the safety of
consumer products, including the agency's implementation of
Public Law 112-28 and determination of priorities to ensure
that it is efficiently and effectively protecting consumers.
NHTSA MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS
The Committee intends to continue oversight of the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration, including the
effectiveness of agency's structure, regulations, research
activities, investigations, and enforcement actions pertaining
to motor vehicle safety. The committee will be particularly
concerned with the way the Administration processes information
and its ability to effectively oversee ever advancing safety
technologies.
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS
The Committee will conduct oversight of the Federal Trade
Commission's management and operations, including the impact of
its decisions and actions on the general public and the
business community, its determination of priorities and the
need, if any, for refinement of its authorities.
MISCELLANEOUS
CYBERSECURITY
The Committee will exercise its jurisdiction over
cybersecurity to ensure the country is well protected while at
the same time avoiding one-size-fits all approaches that hinder
the flexibility of commercial and governmental actors to combat
the rapidly evolving threats. The Committee will also review
the efforts of agencies within its jurisdiction to secure their
networks consistent with the Homeland Security Act of 2002. In
doing so, the Committee will explore current cybersecurity
threats and strategies to address those threats. The Committee
will also examine government initiatives to improve
cybersecurity both in the public and private sectors.
BIOTERRORISM PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
The Committee will continue its examination of the roles of
HHS agencies in assisting the nation's detection, warning
capability, and response to potential biological attacks. In
addition, the Committee will evaluate the potential impact and
preparedness of the nation's public health system. The
Committee will continue to review the implementation of the
Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and
Response Act of 2002 by HHS, and the extent of the coordination
between HHS and the Department of Homeland Security, especially
as it relates to Project Bioshield.
FEDERAL OVERSIGHT OF HIGH-CONTAINMENT BIO LABORATORIES
The Committee will examine issues related to high-
containment bio laboratories, which handle some of the world's
most exotic and dangerous diseases, including anthrax,
smallpox, foot and mouth disease, and Ebola virus. Among the
issues under review are whether Federal plans or efforts to
oversee high-containment bio laboratories are adequate, and
whether some of these efforts are duplicative and overlapping.
The Committee will continue its oversight into issues raised by
the improper storage and handling of Federal select agents at
CDC, NIH, and FDA labs. The Committee will also follow-up on
ongoing efforts coordinated by the White House to improve
oversight and management of Federal laboratories handling
select agents.
ANTI-TERRORISM SECURITY FOR CHEMICAL FACILITIES
The Committee will continue its oversight of the Department
of Homeland Security's implementation of the Chemical
Facilities Anti-Terrorism Program, originally authorized in
Section 550 of Public Law 109-295, the Homeland Security
Appropriations Act of 2007. The Committee will continue to
examine whether taxpayer funds are spent prudently and the
extent to which the Department is advancing the purpose of
securing chemical facilities against terrorist threats.
GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC AND RISK ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS
During the 114th Congress, the Committee will examine
issues relating to the numerous Federal science programs
assessing public health risks, including the Integrated Risk
Information System at the Environmental Protection Agency, the
Report on Carcinogens produced by the National Toxicology
Program at the Department of Health and Human Services, and
assessments proposed or ongoing in other Federal departments
and agencies. The Committee will review programs to assess the
objectives, transparency, and integrity of scientific
assessments that inform regulatory and public health policies.
CONTROLLING SPENDING
The Committee will examine Departments and agencies under
its jurisdiction to assure adequate and prompt implementation
of recommendations from the Administration, the Offices of
Inspectors General, the Government Accountability Office, and
other sources to achieve cost savings or eliminate wasteful
spending.
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
In June 2006, the Bush Administration issued a National
Infrastructure Protection Plan. This plan created a process by
which the Department of Homeland Security is to identify
critical assets and assess their vulnerabilities and risks due
to loss or natural disaster. During the 114th Congress, the
Committee will review the Department's activities with respect
to identifying high-priority assets and implementing plans to
protect these assets in areas within the Committee's
jurisdiction. The Committee will also examine the activities of
the Department of Energy, FERC, and other Federal agencies
related the physical and cyber security of the nation's energy
infrastructure. Further, the Committee will examine the roles
and responsibilities of the private sector, which owns and
operates the bulk of the nation's critical infrastructure
assets.
NUCLEAR SMUGGLING
The Committee will continue to monitor Federal government
and private sector efforts at border crossings, seaports, and
mail facilities. The Committee's review will analyze and assess
Customs' and DOE's efforts and the utility of equipment aimed
at detecting and preventing the smuggling of dangerous
commerce, particularly nuclear and radiological weapons of mass
destruction.
PUBLIC LAWS
This list includes: (1) legislation on which the Committee
on Energy and Commerce acted directly, (2) legislation
developed through Committee participation in House-Senate
conferences, and (3) legislation which included provisions
within the Committee's jurisdiction, including legislation
enacted by reference as part of other legislation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serial No. Date Approved Bill Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
114-10...... 4/16/2015......... H.R. 2............ Medicare Access
and CHIP
Reauthorization
Act of 2015.
114-11...... 4/30/2015......... S. 535............ Energy Efficiency
Improvement Act
of 2015.
114-21...... 5/29/2015......... H.R. 2353......... Highway and
Transportation
Funding Act of
2015.
114-39...... 7/30/2015......... S. 971............ Medicare
Independence at
Home Medical
Practice
Demonstration
Improvement Act
of 2015.
114-40...... 7/30/2015......... S. 984............ Steve Gleason Act
of 2015.
114-41...... 7/31/2015......... H.R. 3236......... Surface
Transportation
and Veterans
Health Care
Choice
Improvement Act
of 2015.
114-42...... 8/6/2015.......... H.R. 876.......... NOTICE Act.
114-45...... 8/7/2015.......... H.R. 212.......... To amend the Safe
Drinking Water
Act to provide
for the
assessment and
management of the
risk of algal
toxins in
drinking water,
and for other
purposes.
114-51...... 9/24/2015......... S. 1359........... E-Warranty Act of
2015.
114-60...... 10/7/2015......... H.R. 1624......... Protecting
Affordable
Coverage for
Employees Act.
114-63...... 10/7/2015......... S. 139............ Ensuring Access to
Clinical Trials
Act of 2015.
114-73...... 10/29/2015........ H.R. 3819, H.R. Surface
3996. Transportation
Extension Act of
2015.
114-74...... 11/2/2015......... H.R. 1314......... Bipartisan Budget
Act of 2015.
114-85...... 11/5/2015......... S. 1362........... A bill to amend
title XI of the
Social Security
Act to clarify
waiver authority
regarding
programs of all-
inclusive care
for the elderly.
114-87...... 11/20/2015........ H.R. 3996, H.R. Surface
3819. Transportation
Extension Act of
2015, Part II.
114-89...... 11/25/2015........ H.R. 639.......... Improving
Regulatory
Transparency for
New Medical
Therapies Act.
114-91...... 11/25/2015........ S. 799............ Protecting Our
Infants Act of
2015.
114-94...... 12/04/2015........ H.R. 22........... FAST Act.
114-97...... 12/11/2015........ S. 599............ Improving Access
to Emergency
Psychiatric Care
Act.
114-98...... 12/11/2015........ S. 611............ Grassroots Rural
and Small
Community Water
Systems
Assistance Act.
114-99...... 12/11/2015........ S. 1170........... Breast Cancer
Research Stamp
Reauthorization
Act of 2015.
114-104..... 12/18/2015........ H.R. 2820......... Stem Cell
Therapeutic and
Research
Reauthorization
Act of 2015.
114-106..... 12/18/2015........ H.R. 3831......... Securing Fairness
in Regulatory
Timing Act of
2015.
114-112..... 12/18/2015........ S. 1461, H.R. 3861 A bill to provide
for the extension
of the
enforcement
instruction on
supervision
requirements for
outpatient
therapeutic
services in
critical access
and small rural
hospitals through
2015.
114-113..... 12/18/2015........ H.R. 2029......... Consolidated
Appropriations
Act of 2016.
114-114..... 12/28/2015........ H.R. 1321......... Microbead-Free
Waters Act of
2015.
114-116..... 1/28/2016......... S. 142............ Child Nicotine
Poisoning
Prevention Act of
2015.
114-145..... 4/19/2016......... S. 483............ Ensuring Patient
Access and
Effective Drug
Enforcement Act
of 2016.
114-146..... 4/19/2016......... S. 2512........... Adding Zika Virus
to the FDA
Priority Review
Voucher Program
Act.
114-154..... 5/16/2016......... S. 32............. Transnational Drug
Trafficking Act
of 2015.
114-157..... 5/20/2016......... H.R. 4238......... To amend the
Department of
Energy
Organization Act
and the Local
Public Works
Capital
Development and
Investment Act of
1976 to modernize
terms relating to
minorities.
114-182..... 6/22/2016......... H.R. 2576, H.R. Frank R.
4111. Lautenberg
Chemical Safety
for the 21st
Century Act.
114-183..... 6/22/2016......... S. 2276........... PIPES Act of 2016.
114-198..... 7/22/2016......... S. 524............ Comprehensive
Addiction and
Recovery Act of
2016.
114-221..... 9/23/2016......... S. 1579........... NATIVE Act.
114-229..... 9/30/2016......... S. 1878........... Advancing Hope Act
of 2016.
114-236..... 10/7/2016......... H.R. 5578......... Survivors' Bill of
Rights Act of
2016.
114-249..... 12/8/2016......... H.R. 4665......... Outdoor Recreation
Jobs and Economic
Impact Act of
2016.
114-274..... 12/14/2016........ S. 3183, H.R. 5104 BOTS Act of 2016.
114-255..... 12/13/2016........ H.R. 34, H.R. 6... 21st Century Cures
Act.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEARINGS HELD PURSUANT TO CLAUSES 2(n), (o), OR (p) OF RULE XI
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serial No. Hearing Title Hearing Date(s)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
114-6.............. Examining the U.S. Public February 3, 2015
Health Response to
Seasonal Influenza.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-8.............. Federal Efforts on Mental February 11, 2015
Health: Why Greater HHS
Leadership is Needed.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-9.............. Examining ICD-10 February 11, 2015
Implementation.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-10............. The Fiscal Year 2016 February 11, 2015
Department of Energy
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-11............. The Fiscal Year 2016 EPA February 25, 2015
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy and Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-13............. Examining the FY 2016 HHS February 26, 2015
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-19............. Reauthorization of the March 4, 2015
Federal Communications
Commission: The FCC's FY
2016 Budget Request.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-24............. FCC Reauthorization: March 19, 2015
Oversight of the
Commission. (Subcommittee
on Communications and
Technology).
114-25............. Examining the 340B Drug March 24, 2015
Pricing Program.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-30............. H.R. _, the TSCA April 14, 2015
Modernization Act of 2015.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-37............. FCC Reauthorization: April 30, 2015
Improving Commission
Transparency.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-42............. Update on the Current State May 15, 2015
of Nuclear Waste
Management Policy.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-45............. Oversight of the Consumer May 19, 2015
Product Safety Commission.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-48............. Medicaid Program Integrity: June 2 , 2015
Screening Out Errors,
Fraud, and Abuse.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-54............. Oversight Failures Behind June 12, 2015
the Radiological Incident
at DOE's Waste Isolation
Pilot Plant. (Subcommittee
on Oversight and
Investigations).
114-59............. Examining the June 24, 2015
Administration's Approval
of Medicaid Demonstration
Projects. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-63............. Medicaid at 50: July 8, 2015
Strengthening and
Sustaining the Program.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-66............. Medicare Part D: Measures July 14, 2015
Needed to Strengthen
Program Integrity.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-67............. Oversight of Pipeline July 14, 2015
Safety, Regulatory
Certainty, and Job
Creation Act of 2011 and
Related Issues.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-69............. Continuing Concerns with July 28, 2015
the Federal Select Agent
Program: Department of
Defense Shipments of Live
Anthrax. (Subcommittee on
Oversight and
Investigations).
114-70............. Continued Oversight of the July 28, 2015
Federal Communications
Commission. (Subcommittee
on Communications and
Technology).
114-71............. Oversight of the Nuclear September 9, 2015
Regulatory Commission.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy and Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-73............. Oversight of Federal September 11, 2015
Facility Cleanup under September 16, 2015
CERCLA. (Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-74............. Strengthening Medicaid September 11, 2015
Program Integrity and
Closing Loopholes.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-76............. Improving the Medicaid September 18, 2015
Program for Beneficiaries.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-79............. An Overdue Checkup: September 29, 2015
Examining the ACA's State
Insurance Marketplaces.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-81............. Examining Potential Ways to October 1, 2015
Improve the Medicare
Program (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-82............. Transporting Nuclear October 1, 2015
Materials: Design,
Logistics, and Shipment.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-84............. Improving Federal Spectrum October 7, 2015
Systems. (Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-88............. Examining the Medicare Part October 21, 2015
D Medication Therapy
Management Program.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-91............. Reviewing the Accuracy of October 23, 2015
Medicaid and Exchange
Eligibility
Determinations.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-94............. E-manifest: An Update on October 27, 2015
Implementation.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-98............. Examining Legislation to November 3, 2015
Improve Medicare and
Medicaid. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-99............. Examining the Costly November 5, 2015
Failures of Obamacare's CO-
OP Insurance Loans.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-100............ Examining the Regulation of November 17, 2015
Diagnostic Tests and
Laboratory Operations.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-101............ Oversight of the Federal November 17, 2015
Communications Commission.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-102............ U.S. Public Health November 19, 2015
Preparedness for Seasonal
Influenza: Has the
Response Improved?
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-104............ Oversight of the Federal December 1, 2015
Energy Regulatory
Commission. (Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-106............ The Nuclear Waste Fund: December 3, 2015
Budgetary, Funding, and
Scoring Issues.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-107............ An Overdue Checkup Part II: December 8, 2015
Examining the ACA's State
Insurance Marketplaces.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-112............ Status of the Public Safety February 2, 2016
Broadband Network.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-114............ Examining Implementation of February 4, 2016
the Biologics Price
Competition and Innovation
Act. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-115............ Examining Medicaid and February 10, 2016
CHIP's Federal Medical
Assistance. (Subcommittee
on Health).
114-116............ Industry Perspectives on February 10, 2016
the Consumer Product
Safety Commission.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-118............ The Fiscal Year 2017 HHS February 24, 2016
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-119............ DOE for the 21st Century: February 24, 2016
Science, Environment, and
National Security
Missions. (Subcommittee
Oversight and
Investigations).
114-123............ The Fiscal Year 2017 DOE March 2, 2016
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-124............ Examining the U.S. Public March 2, 2016
Health Response to the
Zika Virus. (Subcommittee
on Oversight and
Investigations).
114-127............ Medicare Access and CHIP March 17, 2016
Reauthorization Act of
2015: Examining
Implementation of Medicare
Payment Reforms.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-129............ Oversight of the Federal March 22, 2016
Communications Commission.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-130............ Fiscal Year 2017 EPA March 22, 2016
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy and Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-133............ NHTSA Oversight. April 14, 2016
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-135............ Unlawful Reinsurance April 15, 2016
Payments: CMS Diverting
$3.5 Billion from
Taxpayers to Pay Insurance
Companies. (Subcommittee
on Oversight and
Investigations).
114-137............ Medicare Access and CHIP April 19, 2016
Reauthorization Act of
2015: Examining Physician
Efforts to Prepare for
Medicare Payment Reforms.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-138............ Fiscal Year 2017 Nuclear April 20, 2016
Regulatory Commission
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy and Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-139............ How Secure are U.S. April 20, 2016
Bioresearch Labs?
Preventing the Next Safety
Lapse. (Subcommittee on
Oversight and
Investigations).
114-140............ EPA's Brownfields Program: April 21, 2016
Empowering Cleanup and
Encouraging Economic
Redevelopment.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-146............ The Obama Administration's May 17, 2016
Medicare Drug Experiment:
The Patient and Doctor
Perspective. (Subcommittee
on Health).
114-149............ Medicare and Medicaid May 24, 2016
Program Integrity:
Combatting Improper
Payments and Ineligible
Providers. (Subcommittee
on Oversight and
Investigations).
114-150............ Examining Cybersecurity May 25, 2016
Responsibilities at HHS.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-153............ Combatting Superbugs: U.S. June 14, 2016
Public Health Responses to
Antibiotic Resistance.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-154............ FCC Overreach: Examining June 14, 2016
the Proposed Privacy
Rules. (Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-155............ The Renewable Fuel June 22, 2016
Standard--Implementation
Issues. (Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-156............ A Review of EPA's July 6, 2016
Regulatory Activity During
the Obama Administration:
Energy and Industrial
Sectors. (Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-157............ Federal, State, and Local July 7, 2016
Agreements and Economic
Benefits for Spent Nuclear
Fuel Disposal.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-159............ The ACA's Cost Sharing July 8, 2016
Reduction Program--
Ramifications of the
Administration's Decision
on the Source of Funding
for the CSR Program.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-161............ Oversight of the Federal July 12, 2016
Communications Commission.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-162............ Oversight of CERCLA July 13, 2016
Implementation.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-167............ An Examination of Federal September 9, 2016
Mental Health Parity Laws
and Regulations.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-168............ The Affordable Care Act on September 14, 2016
Shaky Ground: Outlook and
Oversight. (Subcommittee
on Health and Subcommittee
Oversight and
Investigations).
114-170............ The Department of Energy's September 15, 2016
Role in Advancing the
National, Economic, and
Energy Security of the
United States.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-171............ Midterm Review and Update September 22, 2016
on the Corporate Average
Fuel Economy Program and
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Standards For Motor
Vehicles. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade and Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-173............ Bioresearch Labs and September 27, 2016
Inactivation of Dangerous
Pathogens. (Subcommittee
on Oversight and
Investigations).
114-176............ Examining the United States November 30, 2016
Preventive Services Task
Force (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-178............ Waste and Duplication in December 7, 2016
the USDA Catfish
Inspection Program
(Subcommittee on Health).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINTED HEARINGS OF THE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serial No. Hearing Title Hearing Date(s)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
114-1.............. Protecting the Internet and January 21, 2015
Consumers Through
Congressional Action.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-2.............. A Permanent Solution to the January 21, 2015,
SGR: The Time Is Now. January 22, 2015
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-3.............. EPA's 2014 Final Rule: January 22, 2015
Disposal of Coal
Combustion Residuals from
Electric Utilities.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-4.............. What are the Elements of January 27, 2015
Sound Data Breach
Legislation?(Subcommittee
on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-5.............. Examining Public Health January 27, 2015
Legislation to Help
Patients and Local
Communities. (Subcommittee
on Health).
114-6.............. Examining the U.S. Public February 3, 2015
Health Response to
Seasonal Influenza.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-7.............. H.R. 212, the Drinking February 5, 2015
Water Protection Act.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-8.............. Federal Efforts on Mental February 11, 2015
Health: Why Greater HHS
Leadership is Needed.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-9.............. Examining ICD-10 February 11, 2015
Implementation.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-10............. The Fiscal Year 2016 February 11, 2015
Department of Energy
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-11............. The Fiscal Year 2016 EPA February 25, 2015
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy and Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-12............. The Uncertain Future of the February 25, 2015
Internet. (Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-13............. Examining the FY 2016 HHS February 26, 2015
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-14............. Update: Patent Demand February 26, 2015
Letter Practices and
Solution. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-15............. The Needs of Drinking Water February 27, 2015
Systems in Rural and
Smaller Communities.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-16............. 21st Century Energy March 3, 2015
Markets: How the Changing
Dynamics of World Energy
Markets Impact our Economy
and Energy Security.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-17............. Understanding the Cyber March 3, 2015
Threat and Implications
for the 21st Century
Economy. (Subcommittee on
Oversight and
Investigations).
114-18............. The 21st Century March 4, 2015
Electricity Challenge:
Ensuring a Secure,
Reliable, and Modern
Electricity System.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-19............. Reauthorization of the March 4, 2015
Federal Communications
Commission: The FCC's FY
2016 Budget Request.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-20............. EPA's Proposed 111(d) Rule March 17, 2015
for Existing Power Plants:
Legal and Cost Issues.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-21............. Discussion Draft of H.R. _, March 18, 2015
Data Security and Breach
Notification Act of 2015.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-22............. H.R. _, Improving Coal March 18, 2015,
Combustion Residuals March 24, 2015
Regulation Act of 2015.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-23............. H.R. 906, to Modify the March 19, 2015
Efficiency Standards for
Grid-Enabled Water
Heaters. (Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-24............. FCC Reauthorization: March 19, 2015
Oversight of the
Commission. (Subcommittee
on Communications and
Technology).
114-25............. Examining the 340B Drug March 24, 2015
Pricing Program.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-26............. The Internet of Things: March 24, 2015
Exploring the Next
Technology Frontier.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-27............. Examining the Growing March 26, 2015
Problems of Prescription
Drug and Heroin Abuse:
State and Local
Perspectives.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-28............. Next Steps for Spectrum March 26, 2015
Policy. (Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-29............. EPA's Proposed 111(d) Rule April 14, 2015
for Existing Power Plants,
and H.R. _, Ratepayer
Protection Act.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-30............. H.R. _, the TSCA April 14, 2015
Modernization Act of 2015.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-31............. Medicare Post Acute Care April 16, 2015
Delivery and Options to
Improve It. (Subcommittee
on Health).
114-32............. H.R. _, Targeting Rogue and April 16, 2015
Opaque Letters (TROL) Act.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-33............. Title II: 21st Century April 23, 2015
Workforce. (Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-34............. Combatting the Opioid Abuse April 23, 2015
Epidemic: Professional and
Academic Perspectives.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-35............. Legislative Hearing on 21st April 30, 2015
Century Cures.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-36............. Strategic Petroleum Reserve April 30, 2015
Discussion Draft and Title
IV Energy Efficiency.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-37............. FCC Reauthorization: April 30, 2015
Improving Commission
Transparency.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-38............. What is the Federal May 1, 2015
Government Doing to Combat
the Opioid Abuse Epidemic?
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-39............. Examining Microbeads in May 1, 2015
Cosmetic Products.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-40............. Discussion Drafts May 13, 2015
Addressing Hydropower
Regulatory Modernization
and FERC Process
Coordination under the
Natural Gas Act.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-41............. Stakeholder Perspectives on May 13, 2015
the IANA Transition.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-42............. Update on the Current State May 15, 2015
of Nuclear Waste
Management Policy.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-43............. FCC Reauthorization: May 15, 2015
Improving Commission
Transparency Part II.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-44............. Discussion Draft Addressing May 19, 2015
Energy Reliability and
Security. (Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-45............. Oversight of the Consumer May 19, 2015
Product Safety Commission.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-46............. What are the State May 21, 2015
Governments Doing to
Combat the Opioid Abuse
Epidemic? (Subcommittee on
Oversight and
Investigations).
114-47............. Quadrennial Energy Review June 2, 2015
and Related Discussion
Drafts. (Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-48............. Medicaid Program Integrity: June 2 , 2015
Screening Out Errors,
Fraud, and Abuse.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-49............. An Update on the Takata June 2 , 2015
Airbag Ruptures and
Recalls. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-50............. Discussion Draft on June 3, 2015
Accountability and June 4, 2015
Department of Energy
Perspectives on Title IV:
Energy Efficiency.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-51............. Examining H.R. 2017, the June 4, 2015
Common Sense Nutrition
Disclosure Act of 2015.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-52............. Examining H.R. 1786, James June 11, 2015
Zadroga 9/11 Health and
Compensation
Reauthorization Act.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-53............. EPA's Proposed Ozone Rule. June 12, 2015
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-54............. Oversight Failures Behind June 12, 2015
the Radiological Incident
at DOE's Waste Isolation
Pilot Plant. (Subcommittee
on Oversight and
Investigations).
114-55............. Examining H.R. 2646, the June 16, 2015
Helping Families in Mental
Health Crisis Act.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-56............. EPA's Proposed Ozone Rule: June 16, 2015
Potential Impacts on
Manufacturing.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power and Subcommittee
on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-57............. Progress Toward a June 16, 2015
Nationwide Public Safety
Broadband Network.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-58............. A National Framework for June 18, 2015
the Review and Labeling of
Biotechnology in Food.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-59............. Examining the June 24, 2015
Administration's Approval
of Medicaid Demonstration
Projects. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-60............. Vehicle to Vehicle June 25, 2015
Communications and
Connected Roadways of the
Future. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-61............. Examining Public Health June 25, 2015
Legislation: H.R. 2820,
H.R. 1344, and H.R. 1462.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-62............. Internet Governance July 8, 2015
Progress After ICANN 53.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-63............. Medicaid at 50: July 8, 2015
Strengthening and
Sustaining the Program.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-64............. H.R. 702, Legislation to July 9, 2015
Prohibit Restrictions on
the Export of Crude Oil.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-65............. H.R. 985, Concrete Masonry July 10, 2015
Products Research,
Education, and Promotion
Act of 2015. (Subcommittee
on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-66............. Medicare Part D: Measures July 14, 2015
Needed to Strengthen
Program Integrity.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-67............. Oversight of Pipeline July 14, 2015
Safety, Regulatory
Certainty, and Job
Creation Act of 2011 and
Related Issues.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-68............. Promoting Broadband July 22, 2015
Infrastructure Investment.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-69............. Continuing Concerns with July 28, 2015
the Federal Select Agent
Program: Department of
Defense Shipments of Live
Anthrax. (Subcommittee on
Oversight and
Investigations).
114-70............. Continued Oversight of the July 28, 2015
Federal Communications
Commission. (Subcommittee
on Communications and
Technology).
114-71............. Oversight of the Nuclear September 9, 2015
Regulatory Commission.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy and Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-72............. Protecting Affordable September 9, 2015
Coverage for Employees.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-73............. Oversight of Federal September 11, 2015,
Facility Cleanup under September 16, 2015
CERCLA. (Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-74............. Strengthening Medicaid September 11, 2015
Program Integrity and
Closing Loopholes.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-75............. Protecting Infants: Ending September 17, 2015
Taxpayer Funding for
Abortion Providers Who
Violate the Law.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-76............. Improving the Medicaid September 18, 2015
Program for Beneficiaries.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-77............. Broadcast Ownership in the September 25, 2015,
21st Century. December 3, 2015
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-78............. Legislative Hearing on VIN September 25, 2015
Database and Auto
Whistleblower Bills.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-79............. An Overdue Checkup: September 29, 2015
Examining the ACA's State
Insurance Marketplaces.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-80............. The Disrupter Series: How September 29, 2013
the Sharing Economy
Creates Jobs, Benefits
Consumers, and Raises
Policy Questions.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-81............. Examining Potential Ways to October 1, 2015
Improve the Medicare
Program (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-82............. Transporting Nuclear October 1, 2015
Materials: Design,
Logistics, and Shipment.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-83............. EPA's CO2 Regulations for October 7, 2015
New and Existing Power
Plants. (Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-84............. Improving Federal Spectrum October 7, 2015
Systems. (Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-85............. Volkswagen Emissions October 8, 2015
Cheating Allegations:
Initial Questions.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-86............. Examining Legislative October 8, 2015
Proposals to Combat our October 20, 2015
Nation's Drug Abuse
Crisis. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-87............. Examining Ways to Improve October 21, 2015
Vehicle and Roadway
Safety. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-88............. Examining the Medicare Part October 21, 2015
D Medication Therapy
Management Program.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-89............. Technical Assistance for October 22, 2015
Rural Water Systems: S.
611, the Grassroots Rural
and Small Community Water
Systems Assistance Act.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-90............. EPA's CO2 Regulations for October 22, 2015
New and Existing Power
Plants: Legal
Perspectives.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-91............. Reviewing the Accuracy of October 23, 2015
Medicaid and Exchange
Eligibility
Determinations.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-92............. Fighting Fraud Against the October 23, 2015
Elderly, an Update.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-93............. Common Carrier Regulation October 27, 2015
of the Internet:
Investment Impacts.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-94............. E-manifest: An Update on October 27, 2015
Implementation.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-95............. Breaking Down Barriers to October 28, 2015
Broadband Infrastructure
Deployment. (Subcommittee
on Communications and
Technology).
114-96............. Update on Low-Level October 28, 2015
Radioactive Waste Disposal
Issues. (Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-97............. Examining the EU Safe November 3, 2015
Harbor Decision and
Impacts for Transatlantic
Data Flows. (Subcommittee
on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade
and Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-98............. Examining Legislation to November 3, 2015
Improve Medicare and
Medicaid. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-99............. Examining the Costly November 5, 2015
Failures of Obamacare's CO-
OP Insurance Loans.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-100............ Examining the Regulation of November 17, 2015
Diagnostic Tests and
Laboratory Operations.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-101............ Oversight of the Federal November 17, 2015
Communications Commission.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-102............ U.S. Public Health November 19, 2015
Preparedness for Seasonal
Influenza: Has the
Response Improved?
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-103............ The Disrupter Series: The November 19, 2015
Fast-Evolving Uses and
Economic Impacts of
Drones. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-104............ Oversight of the Federal December 1, 2015
Energy Regulatory
Commission. (Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-105............ The Disrupter Series: December 1, 2015
Mobile Payments.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-106............ The Nuclear Waste Fund: December 3, 2015
Budgetary, Funding, and
Scoring Issues.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-107............ An Overdue Checkup Part II: December 8, 2015
Examining the ACA's State
Insurance Marketplaces.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-108............ Examining Legislation to December 9, 2015
Improve Health Care and
Treatment. (Subcommittee
on Health).
114-109............ H.R. _, the EPS Improvement January 12, 2016
Act of 2016 (Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-110............ A Legislative Hearing on January 12, 2016
Four Communications Bills.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-111............ Legislative Hearing on February 2, 2016
Eight Energy
Infrastructure Bills.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-112............ Status of the Public Safety February 2, 2016
Broadband Network.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-113............ H.R. 3797, the Satisfying February 3, 2016
Energy Needs and Saving
the Environment Act
(SENSE) Act and H.R. _,
the Blocking Regulatory
Interference from Closing
Kilns (BRICK) Act.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-114............ Examining Implementation of February 4, 2016
the Biologics Price
Competition and Innovation
Act. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-115............ Examining Medicaid and February 10, 2016
CHIP's Federal Medical
Assistance. (Subcommittee
on Health).
114-116............ Industry Perspectives on February 10, 2016
the Consumer Product
Safety Commission.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-117............ Outbreaks, Attacks, and February 12, 2016
Accidents: Combatting
Biological Threats.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-118............ The Fiscal Year 2017 HHS February 24, 2016
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-119............ DOE for the 21st Century: February 24, 2016
Science, Environment, and
National Security
Missions. (Subcommittee
Oversight and
Investigations).
114-120............ Disrupter Series: 3D February 26, 2016
Printing. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-121............ Legislative Hearing to March 1, 2016
Examine Pipeline Safety
Reauthorization.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-122............ Examining the Financing and March 1, 2016
Delivery of Long-Term Care
in the U.S. (Subcommittee
on Health).
114-123............ The Fiscal Year 2017 DOE March 2, 2016
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-124............ Examining the U.S. Public March 2, 2016
Health Response to the
Zika Virus. (Subcommittee
on Oversight and
Investigations).
114-125............ Disrupter Series: Wearable March 3, 2016
Devices. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-126............ Disrupter Series: Digital March 16, 2016
Currency and Block Chain
Technology. (Subcommittee
on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-127............ Medicare Access and CHIP March 17, 2016
Reauthorization Act of
2015: Examining
Implementation of Medicare
Payment Reforms.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-128............ Privatizing the Internet March 17, 2016
Assigned Number Authority.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-129............ Oversight of the Federal March 22, 2016
Communications Commission.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-130............ Fiscal Year 2017 EPA March 22, 2016
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy and Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-131............ Flint Water Crisis: Impacts April 13, 2016
and Lessons Learned.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy and Subcommittee
on Health).
114-132............ Legislative Hearing on April 13, 2016
Seven Communications
Bills. (Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-133............ NHTSA Oversight. April 14, 2016
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-134............ H.R. 4775, Ozone Standards April 14, 2016
Implementation Act of
2016. (Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-135............ Unlawful Reinsurance April 15, 2016
Payments: CMS Diverting
$3.5 Billion from
Taxpayers to Pay Insurance
Companies. (Subcommittee
on Oversight and
Investigations).
114-136............ Deciphering the Debate Over April 19, 2016
Encryption: Industry and
Law Enforcement
Perspectives.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-137............ Medicare Access and CHIP April 19, 2016
Reauthorization Act of
2015: Examining Physician
Efforts to Prepare for
Medicare Payment Reforms.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-138............ Fiscal Year 2017 Nuclear April 20, 2016
Regulatory Commission
Budget. (Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy and Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-139............ How Secure are U.S. April 20, 2016
Bioresearch Labs?
Preventing the Next Safety
Lapse. (Subcommittee on
Oversight and
Investigations).
114-140............ EPA's Brownfields Program: April 21, 2016
Empowering Cleanup and
Encouraging Economic
Redevelopment.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-141............ H.R. 4979, the Advanced April 29, 2016
Nuclear Technology
Development Act of 2016
and H.R. _, the ``Nuclear
Utilization of Keynote
Energy Policies Act.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-142............ The Pet Medication April 29, 2016
Industry: Issues and
Perspectives.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-143............ Health Care Solutions: May 11, 2016
Increasing Patient Choice
and Plan Innovation.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-144............ Daily Fantasy Sports: May 11, 2016
Issues and Perspectives.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-145............ Concussions in Youth May 13, 2016
Sports: Evaluating
Prevention and Research.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-146............ The Obama Administration's May 17, 2016
Medicare Drug Experiment:
The Patient and Doctor
Perspective. (Subcommittee
on Health).
114-147............ Examining H.R. 3299, May 19, 2016
Strengthening Public
Health Response Act.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-148............ Legislative Hearing on 17 May 24, 2016
FTC Bills. (Subcommittee
on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-149............ Medicare and Medicaid May 24, 2016
Program Integrity:
Combatting Improper
Payments and Ineligible
Providers. (Subcommittee
on Oversight and
Investigations).
114-150............ Examining Cybersecurity May 25, 2016
Responsibilities at HHS.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-151............ Advancing Patient Solutions June 10, 2016
for Lower Costs and Better
Care. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-152............ Home Appliance Energy June 10, 2016
Efficiency Standards Under
the Department of Energy
Stakeholder Perspectives.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-153............ Combatting Superbugs: U.S. June 14, 2016
Public Health Responses to
Antibiotic Resistance.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-154............ FCC Overreach: Examining June 14, 2016
the Proposed Privacy
Rules. (Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-155............ The Renewable Fuel June 22, 2016
Standard--Implementation
Issues. (Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-156............ A Review of EPA's July 6, 2016
Regulatory Activity During
the Obama Administration:
Energy and Industrial
Sectors. (Subcommittee on
Energy and Power).
114-157............ Federal, State, and Local July 7, 2016
Agreements and Economic
Benefits for Spent Nuclear
Fuel Disposal.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-158............ Examining the Advancing July 7, 2016
Care for Exceptional Kids
Act. (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-159............ The ACA's Cost Sharing July 8, 2016
Reduction Program--
Ramifications of the
Administration's Decision
on the Source of Funding
for the CSR Program.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-160............ Strengthening our National July 12, 2016
Trauma System.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-161............ Oversight of the Federal July 12, 2016
Communications Commission.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-162............ Oversight of CERCLA July 13, 2016
Implementation.
(Subcommittee on
Environment and the
Economy).
114-163............ Disrupter Series: Health July 13, 2016
Care Apps. (Subcommittee
on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-164............ Federal Power Act: September 7, 2016
Historical Perspectives.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-165............ Examining Legislation to September 8, 2016
Improve Public Health.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-166............ Rural Call Quality and September 8, 2016
Reliability. (Subcommittee
on Communications and
Technology).
114-167............ An Examination of Federal September 9, 2016
Mental Health Parity Laws
and Regulations.
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-168............ The Affordable Care Act on September 14, 2016
Shaky Ground: Outlook and
Oversight. (Subcommittee
on Health and Subcommittee
Oversight and
Investigations).
114-169............ Disrupter Series: Advanced September 14, 2016
Robotics. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade).
114-170............ The Department of Energy's September 15, 2016
Role in Advancing the
National, Economic, and
Energy Security of the
United States.
(Subcommittee on Energy
and Power).
114-171............ Midterm Review and Update September 22, 2016
on the Corporate Average
Fuel Economy Program and
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Standards For Motor
Vehicles. (Subcommittee on
Commerce, Manufacturing,
and Trade and Subcommittee
on Energy and Power).
114-172............ Modernizing the Telephone September 22, 2016
Consumer Protection Act.
(Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-173............ Bioresearch Labs and September 27, 2016
Inactivation of Dangerous
Pathogens. (Subcommittee
on Oversight and
Investigations).
114-174............ Disrupter Series: Self- November 15, 2016
Driving Cars (Subcommittee
on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
114-175............ Understanding the Role of November 16, 2016
Connected Devices in
Recent Cyber Attacks.
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade
and Subcommittee on
Communications and
Technology).
114-176............ Examining the United States November 30, 2016
Preventive Services Task
Force (Subcommittee on
Health).
114-177............ Volkswagen's Emissions December 6, 2016
Cheating Settlement:
Questions Concerning ZEV
Program Implementation.
(Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations).
114-178............ Waste and Duplication in December 7, 2016
the USDA Catfish
Inspection Program
(Subcommittee on Health).
114-179............ Mixed Martial Arts: Issues December 8, 2016
and Perspectives
(Subcommittee on Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDENDUM
Select Investigative Panel of the Committee on Energy and Commerce
Membership and Organization
ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH CONGRESS
(Ratio 8-6)
MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee,
Chairman
JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY, Illinois, JOSEPH R. PITTS, Pennsylvania
Ranking Member DIANE BLACK, Tennessee
JERROLD NADLER, New York LARRY BUCSHON, Indiana
DIANA DeGETTE, Colorado SEAN P. DUFFY, Wisconsin
JACKIE SPEIER, California ANDY HARRIS, Maryland
SUZAN K. DelBENE, Washington VICKY HARTZLER, Missouri
BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN, MIA B. LOVE, Utah
New Jersey
SELECT INVESTIGATIVE PANEL STAFF
Majority Staff
March Bell, Staff Director and
Chief Counsel
Rachel Collins, Investigative
Counsel and Legislative Clerk
Maureen Condic, Senior Science
Advisor
Chuck Flint, Policy Coordinator
Mary Harned, Investigative Counsel
Emily Johns, Research Assistant
Emily Lataif, Research Assistant
Mike Reynard, Communications
Director
Frank Scaturro, Senior
Investigative Counsel
Matthew Tallmer, Investigator
Detailees
Pierre Kamga, GAO
Minority Staff
Heather Sawyer, Staff Director
Zachary Baron, Senior Counsel
Vanessa Cramer, Professional Staff
Member
Karen Lightfoot, Communication
Director/Senior Advisor
Summary of Activities
Total Bills and Resolutions Referred to Committee................ 0
Public Laws...................................................... 0
Bills and Resolutions Reported to the House...................... 0
Hearings Held:
Days of Hearings............................................. 2
Select Investigative Panel............................... 2
Hours of Sitting............................................. 6:33
Select Investigative Panel............................... 6:33
Business Meetings:
Days of Meetings............................................. 1
Select Investigative Panel............................... 1
Hours of Sitting............................................. 00:57
Select Investigative Panel............................... 00:57
On October 7, 2015, H. Res. 461 was considered in the
House, and the resolution was passed, without amendment, by a
roll call vote of 242 yeas and 184 nays (Roll Call No. 538).
The resolution provided:
Resolved, That there is hereby established a Select
Investigative Panel of the Committee on Energy and
Commerce (hereinafter ``select panel''). Sec. 2. (a)
The select panel shall be composed of not more than 14
Members, Delegates, or the Resident Commissioner
appointed by the Speaker, of whom not more than six
shall be appointed on the recommendation of the
minority leader. Any vacancy in the select panel shall
be filled in the same manner as the original
appointment. (b) Each member appointed to the select
panel shall be treated as though a member of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce for purposes of the
select panel. (c) No member may serve on the select
panel in an ex officio capacity. (d) The Speaker shall
designate as chair of the select panel a member elected
to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Sec. 3. (a)
The select panel is authorized and directed to conduct
a full and complete investigation and study and issue a
final report of its findings (and such interim reports
as it may deem necessary) regarding--(1) medical
procedures and business practices used by entities
involved in fetal tissue procurement; (2) any other
relevant matters with respect to fetal tissue
procurement; (3) Federal funding and support for
abortion providers; (4) the practices of providers of
second and third trimester abortions, including partial
birth abortion and procedures that may lead to a child
born alive as a result of an attempted abortion; (5)
medical procedures for the care of a child born alive
as a result of an attempted abortion; and (6) any
changes in law or regulation necessary as a result of
any findings made under this subsection. (b) The chair
of the Committee on Energy and Commerce shall cause any
such report to be printed and made publicly available
in electronic form. Sec. 4. Rule XI and the rules of
the Committee on Energy and Commerce shall apply to the
select panel in the same manner as a subcommittee
except as follows: (1) The chair of the select panel,
consistent with the notification, consultation, and
reporting requirements of rule 16 of the rules of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce, may authorize and
issue subpoenas pursuant to clause 2(m) of rule XI in
the investigation and study conducted pursuant to
section 3, including for the purpose of taking
depositions. (2) The chair of the select panel, upon
consultation with the ranking minority member, may
order the taking of depositions, under oath and
pursuant to notice or subpoena, by a member of the
select panel or a counsel of the select panel. Such
depositions shall be governed by the regulations issued
by the chair of the Committee on Rules pursuant to
section 3(b)(2) of House Resolution 5, One Hundred
Fourteenth Congress, and printed in the Congressional
Record. The select panel shall be deemed to be a
committee for purposes of such regulations. (3) The
chair of the select panel may, after consultation with
the ranking minority member, recognize--(A) members of
the select panel to question a witness for periods
longer than five minutes as though pursuant to clause
2(j)(2)(B) of rule XI; and (B) staff of the select
panel to question a witness as though pursuant to
clause 2(j)(2)(C) of rule XI. Sec. 5. Service on the
select panel shall not count against the limitations in
clause 5(b)(2)(A) of rule X. Sec. 6. The select panel
shall cease to exist 30 days after filing the final
report required under section 3.
HEARINGS
On March 2, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing entitled
``Bioethics and Fetal Tissue.'' The purpose of the hearing was
to focus upon ethical issues raised as a result of information
recently made public about fetal tissue donations, transfer of
fetal tissue, and use of fetal tissue by research institutions.
The Select Investigative Panel received testimony from R. Alta
Charo, Professor of Law and Bioethics, University of Wisconsin
at Madison; Paige Comstock Cunningham, Executive Director, The
Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity; Gerard Kevin Donovan,
Senior Clinical Scholar, Kennedy Institute of Ethics,
Georgetown University; Lawrence S.B. Goldstein, Distinguished
Professor, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine,
Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San
Diego School of Medicine; Patrick Lee, Professor, Center for
Bioethics, Franciscan University of Steubenville; and Kathleen
M. Schmainda, Professor, Center for Imaging Research, Medical
College of Wisconsin.
On April 20, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing entitled ``The
Pricing of Fetal Tissue.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
focus upon the issues raised as a result of information the
Select Investigative Panel has learned about the fetal tissue
industry. The Select Investigative Panel received testimony
from Benjamin Sasse, Senator, United States Senate; Jeanne
Shaheen, Senator, United States Senate; Kenneth Sukhia, Sukhia
Law Group; Michael Norton, Thomas N. Scheffel and Associates,
P.C.; Catherine Glenn Foster, Charlotte Lozier Institute, Sound
Legal; Brian Lennon, Warner, Norcross, and Judd; Fay Clayton,
Robinson, Curley, and Clayton, P.C.; and Robert Raben,
President and Founder, The Raben Group.
BUSINESS MEETING
On September 21, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of
the Committee on Energy and Commerce held a business meeting to
consider a report of the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce recommending that the U.S.
House of Representatives find StemExpress, LLC, and Catherine
Spears Dyer, founder and Chief Executive Officer of
StemExpress, LLC, in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply
with subpoenas duly issued by the Select Investigative Panel of
the Committee on Energy and Commerce. A motion to order the
Report approved was agreed to by a by a roll call vote of 8
yeas and 0 nays.
DOCUMENT REQUESTS
On December 17, 2015, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce sent document request letters
to 4 entities.
On December 18, 2015, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce sent document request letters
to 5 entities.
On January 6, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce sent document request letters
to 3 entities.
On January 20, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce sent a document request letter
to 1 entity.
On January 21, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce sent document request letters
to 17 entities.
On January 28, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce sent a document request letter
to 1 entity.
On February 12, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce sent a document request letter
to 1 entity.
On March 30, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce sent document request letters
to 4 entities.
On May 18, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce sent a document request to 1
entity.
On May 19, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce sent document requests to 21
entities.
On May 25, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce sent a document request to 1
entity.
On November 2, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce sent document requests to 3
entities.
SUBPOENAS
On February 16, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce issued 3 subpoenas.
On March 29, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce issued 12 subpoenas.
On April 29, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce issued 9 subpoenas.
On May 5, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce issued 12 subpoenas.
On November 2, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce issued 4 subpoenas.
On November 3, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce issued 1 subpoena.
DEPOSITIONS
On May 6, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce conducted a deposition.
On May 11, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce conducted a deposition.
TRANSCRIBED INTERVIEWS
On July 21, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce conducted a transcribed
interview.
On October 6, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce conducted a transcribed
interview.
On October 19, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce conducted a transcribed
interview.
On November 1, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce conducted a transcribed
interview.
On November 17, 2016, the Select Investigative Panel of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce conducted a transcribed
interview.
REPORT
Please refer to the final report of the Select
Investigative Panel of the Committee on Energy and Commerce for
additional information.
HEARINGS HELD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serial No. Hearing Title Hearing Date(s)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
114-A.............. Bioethics and Fetal Tissue. March 2, 2016
(Select Investigative
Panel).
114-A.............. The Pricing of Fetal April 20, 2016
Tissue. (Select
Investigative Panel).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISSENTING VIEWS
The House Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats exercise
their right under House Rule XI to submit these dissenting
views to this Energy and Commerce Committee end-of-114th
Congress, legislative and oversight activity report (Activity
Report).
House Rule XI gives the majority party authority and
responsibility to set our committee's agenda and to determine
the scope and scrutiny of its oversight and investigative
actions.
While there were significant bipartisan accomplishments
this Congress of the Committee, unfortunately, there were too
many missed opportunities. During this Congress, Committee
Republicans focused a great deal of their attention on a trio
of topics relating to their opposition of the Affordable Care
Act (ACA), climate change, and EPA regulation of fossil-fuels
and greenhouse gas emissions.
The attack of the ACA and its implementation of the Act
continued for the third straight Congress to be the
Republicans' top political target. Committee Activity Report
statistics, coupled with the more than 60 votes taken in our
committee and on the House floor to repeal or defund the ACA,
affirm this widely-held observation. For example, the Health
subcommittee held 47 days of hearings and its Members sat for
almost 16 hours of legislative markup time in the 114th
Congress. That was more than one-third of the committee's total
sitting time at markups (46.5 hours). Unfortunately, the
Republican Majority's agenda was not focused on how to enhance
the ACA, but instead on how to undermine it wherever possible.
The majority's oversight of the ACA resulted in zero
solutions to provide more affordable, quality health care
coverage to Americans. On the other hand, the majority's health
agenda included pursuits of unsubstantiated claims of fraud and
abuse in the Marketplaces and the Medicaid program.
The ACA's successes are clear. Over 20 million individuals
now have health insurance because of the ACA and the uninsured
rate is at a historic low. The majority of people with
Marketplace plans are satisfied with their coverage. The ACA
protects all Americans from being denied insurance coverage or
charged a higher premium based on a pre-existing condition.
Americans now have access to free preventive services, kids can
stay on their parents' plan up to age 26, and there are no
lifetime or annual limits on coverage. Since the enactment of
the ACA, the solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund has been
extended by 13 years. In addition, unnecessary hospital
readmissions in Medicare have fallen for the first time on
record, resulting in 100,000 fewer readmissions in 2015 alone.
None of the health reform plans released by the majority in
this session would provide coverage to as many individuals,
offer better benefits, or protect individuals with preexisting
conditions more than the ACA already does.
Committee Republicans also targeted the EPA's Clean Power
Plan and a series of carbon, methane, and fracking regulations,
wrongly labelled and caricaturized by Republicans as so-called
``job-killers.''\1\ The Subcommittee on Energy and Power
convened for 37 days of hearings and nine days of markup
activity. Energy and Power subcommittee members also spent more
than 89 hours in hearings and nearly eight hours in legislative
markup sessions. Committee time would have been more productive
if the Republican Majority accepted the scientific fact that
climate change exists, and worked in a bipartisan fashion with
Democrats to modernize our energy infrastructure and to make it
cleaner, cheaper, and healthier, all while creating more
American jobs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Committee Activity Report statistics for the 114th Congress
could be construed as measuring even higher on these counts. It could
be claimed, for instance, that the hourly and daily amounts spent by
the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations on (and in preparing
for) ACA-health, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental protection
related hearings and oversight and investigative activity are also
revealing indicators of committee engagement on the trio of topics.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In fact, most of the Subcommittee on Energy and Power's
attention focused on bills that would have curtailed
environmental protections, diminished public participation and
transparency, allowed more pollution, increased harm to public
health and disregarded well established science. At the same
time, it rejected Democratic efforts to provide actual funding
for sorely needed electric grid and gas pipeline infrastructure
modernization. Similarly, the Subcommittee on Environment and
the Economy continued to pursue partisan legislation on coal
ash disposal, despite strong opposition from Subcommittee
Democrats and the Obama Administration.
The Subcommittee on Energy and Power also considered
several bills designed to undermine critical protections in the
Clean Air Act. These included a bill that would give opponents
of the EPA's Brick and Clay rule the ability to put off much-
needed reduction in toxic air pollution; a bill that would give
waste coal-burning power plants a free pass on EPA's Mercury
and Cross-State rules, allowing them to emit more than their
fair share of pollution; and a bill that would eviscerate the
health-based air quality standards at the heart of the Clean
Air Act, undermining decades of progress on cleaning up
pollution and protecting public health from all criteria
pollutants--not just ozone. Testimony received in hearings on
these bills did not demonstrate the need for legislation or
justify the particular policy changes proposed. In reality,
these bills were thinly veiled attempts by House Republicans at
dismantling one of the most successful public health laws.
Unfortunately, this Congress, Committee chairmen afforded
their Republican colleagues an unwarranted abundance of chances
and platforms to attack these Republican-targeted laws,
programs, and agency regulators. Consequently, the committee
did not have time to take up and address other important
problems that are hurting American workers, consumers, and
business owners. For example, the Subcommittee on Environment
and the Economy continued to ignore major threats to public
health, including our deteriorating drinking water
infrastructure and the risks posed by climate change to
drinking water, Superfund cleanups, and waste disposal sites.
These were lost opportunities to focus on building a stronger
economy that creates more good paying jobs and protects
consumers.
Our overall consumer economy, including the American
workforce, rely and depend heavily on a highly functioning and
productive Congress and Energy and Commerce Committee.
Accordingly, the majority party should have set an agenda that
is focused on strengthening our economy and consumer
protections, not on partisan gamesmanship.
Frank Pallone, Jr.,
Ranking Member,
House Energy and Commerce Committee.
[all]