NE Washington News

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers opened the Full Committee markup of 28 bills by emphasizing the importance of the legislation in improving the lives of the American people. She commended her colleagues for their hard work on the bills, stating, “The breadth of solutions we’re considering is just the latest example of the Energy and Commerce Committee working together to deliver real results for the American people.”

The Committee's focus included securing America's communications infrastructure from foreign adversaries, with Chair Rodgers highlighting the threat posed by China. She emphasized the need to address vulnerabilities in communications networks to safeguard national security and economic competitiveness, stating, “Today, we will continue to build on our efforts this Congress to make our communications networks safer and more resilient to attacks by our adversaries.”

Chair Rodgers also discussed advancing bipartisan legislation to support the health and wellbeing of the American people, including reauthorizing important programs and authorizing the INCLUDE Project at the National Institutes of Health. She expressed excitement about the potential of the legislation to benefit individuals with Down syndrome and advance research efforts for diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.

In the final phase of the markup, the Committee focused on legislation to enhance America's energy infrastructure and leadership. Chair Rodgers highlighted the importance of modernizing and expanding pipeline infrastructure to meet energy demands, citing the benefits of the Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Expansion Act in reducing energy prices and enhancing safety.

Additionally, the Committee addressed the Air Quality Standards Implementation Act of 2024 to ensure efficient implementation of air quality standards for states. Chair Rodgers stressed the significance of protecting public health and the economy while maintaining high air quality standards, stating, “This legislation is essential to ensuring we continue that legacy for decades to come.”

Chair Rodgers concluded by expressing pride in the Committee's accomplishments throughout the 118th Congress and thanked members and staff for their dedication. She affirmed the Committee's commitment to addressing the needs of the American people, stating, “I am proud of what we have done, and what we continue to accomplish, as we plow the hard ground necessary to legislate.”