WASHINGTON, DC - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce today announced its hearing schedule for the week of Sept. 30, 2013. The Communications and Technology Subcommittee will continue its spectrum oversight and the Energy and Power Subcommittee will hold a hearing on bipartisan legislation that would consolidate and modernize the cross-boundary approval process for energy infrastructure projects. Finally, the Health Subcommittee will receive an update from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the implementation of the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act.
On Tuesday, Oct. 1, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology will hold a hearing on “Challenges and Opportunities in the 5 GHz Spectrum Band." As part of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) were instructed to examine the possibility of expanding unlicensed use of the 5 GHz band. Continuing the subcommittee’s ongoing oversight of the law’s implementation, members will hear from stakeholders about challenges presented by adding expanded unlicensed use in the band as well as opportunities for new and innovative technologies and services. Witness testimony will be posted at the same link as it is available.
On Wednesday, Oct. 2, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power will hold a legislative hearing on “The North American Energy Infrastructure Act." Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) authored the legislation to reform the cross-border approval process for energy infrastructure projects that traverse the borders of the United States. The North American Energy Infrastructure Act would consolidate and modernize the cross-boundary permitting process for oil pipelines, natural gas pipelines, and electric transmission lines, replacing and superseding the current cross-border approval processes that have been created in an ad hoc fashion by multiple Executive Orders. This legislation, which will help construct the architecture of abundance, will bring more certainty to the process for constructing or modifying job-creating energy infrastructure projects with respect to North American border-crossing permitting decisions.as they are posted.
Finally, on Thursday, Oct. 3, the Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing on “Reviewing FDA’s Implementation of FDASIA." In July of 2012, President Obama signed committee-passed legislation, the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act. The law reauthorized FDA user fees to ensure the continuation of various FDA programs and the creation of new ones to facilitate the review and approval of life-saving and life-improving drugs and medical devices, spurring investment and job creation. It also took action to curb drug shortages and speed the approval of groundbreaking treatments that will save and improve lives. Next Thursday’s hearing will allow members an opportunity to review the implementation of the law and seek an update from FDA drug and device centers on its strategies for innovation and security of the drug supply chain.as they are posted.
Hearing Details
Tuesday, October 1
10:30 a.m.
2123 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
Hearing on “Challenges and Opportunities in the 5 GHz Spectrum Band"
Wednesday, October 2
10 a.m.
2123 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on Energy and Power
Hearing on “The North American Energy Infrastructure Act"
Thursday, October 3
10 a.m.
2123 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on Health
Hearing on “Reviewing FDA’s Implementation of FDASIA"
