WASHINGTON, DC - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce today announced its hearing schedule for the week of September 9, 2013. The committee will continue its extensive work on three important policy issues - the Yucca Mountain nuclear repository, the readiness of the health law ahead of October 1 enrollment, and the changing landscape of America’s video marketplace.
On Tuesday, Sept. 10, the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy will hold a hearing on “Implementing the Nuclear Waste Policy Act - Next Steps." Tuesday’s hearing comes on the heels of the August 13 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission must resume its consideration of the Department of Energy’s license application for Yucca Mountain. NRC Chairman Allison Macfarlane will testify along with Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Peter Lyons. Officials from both NRC and DOE previously committed to complying with the court’s decision during testimony before the subcommittee. Committee leaders have expressed that the first order of compliance should be for NRC to complete the Safety Evaluation Report (SER) on Yucca Mountain and release it publicly. Witness testimony will be available at the same link as posted.
Also on Tuesday, Sept. 10, the Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing on “PPACA Pulse Check: Part 2." With less than a month before the exchanges are scheduled to open for enrollment, members will hear testimony evaluating the status of the law’s implementation, which has been marked by delays, missed deadlines, broken promises and special waivers. Members are concerned with the many challenges and burdens employers and states face as a result of the law. The Obama administration indicates it has only heard “isolated incidents" of the law’s negative impact on businesses, but reports show a wide array of disruptions and confusion. A witness list and Majority Memorandum are posted here. Witness testimony will be available at the same link as posted.
On Wednesday, Sept. 11, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology will hold a hearing on “Innovation Versus Regulation in the Video Marketplace." Increased competition and evolving technology have made for a more robust video marketplace but current laws and regulations vary depending on the technology used for delivery. The hearing is an extension of the ongoing work of the subcommittee to examine the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA), portions of which are set to sunset on Dec. 31, 2014. Previously the subcommittee has examined whether STELA still serves an important function or if it is out of step with today’s video marketplace and are discussing whether Congress should reauthorize the law as is, allow it to lapse, or revise it.as they are posted.
HEARING DETAILS
Tuesday, September 10
10 a.m.
2123 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy
Hearing on “Implementing the Nuclear Waste Policy Act - Next Steps"
10:15 a.m.
2322 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on Health
Hearing on “PPACA Pulse Check: Part 2"
Wednesday, September 11
2 p.m.
2123 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
Hearing on “Innovation Versus Regulation in the Video Marketplace"
