WASHINGTON, DC - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce today announced its hearing schedule for the week of Dec. 2, 2013. The committee will convene three hearings, including comprehensive reviews of the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as well as an examination of how the president’s health care law affects Medicare Advantage beneficiaries.
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade will hold its rescheduled hearing on “The FTC at 100: Where Do We Go from Here?" In 2014, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will mark its 100th anniversary. A century after the agency’s founding, the subcommittee will review its mission, operating budget, and authority as it seeks to promote competition and protect consumers in an ever-changing market. Chairwoman of the FTC Edith Ramirez will testify alongside commissioners Julie Brill, Maureen K. Ohlhausen, and Joshua D. Wright. Witness testimony will be posted at the same link as it is available.
On Wednesday, December 4, the Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing on “Medicare Advantage: What Beneficiaries Should Expect Under the President’s Health Care Plan." The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) cut more than $700 billion from the nearly insolvent Medicare program, including over $300 billion from the Medicare Advantage program, which currently benefits over 14 million Americans - more than a quarter of all Medicare beneficiaries. Studies have shown Medicare Advantage has improved health care outcomes for seniors and served as a foundation for addressing Medicare’s long-term fiscal challenges. However, as the health care law’s cuts to the program begin to take effect next year, the law could put the program at risk. Despite the president’s repeated promise, seniors across the country are losing access to their doctors and many more may see a change in the availability of their plans. Under the president’s health care plan, “Medicare as we know it" will no longer exist. The subcommittee seeks to clarify how the health care law will alter the program, specifically what changes seniors should expect to encounter from their existing health plans.as they are posted.
On Thursday, December 5, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power will hold a hearing on “Evaluating the Role of FERC in a Changing Energy Landscape." Given the energy resurgence the United States is presently experiencing, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s regulatory authority over electricity, natural gas, oil, liquefied natural gas terminals, and hydropower licensing has become increasingly important. Next week’s hearing will focus on the legal and regulatory authorities of FERC and the manner in which it carries out its statutory duties under the Federal Power Act, the Natural Gas Act, and other authorities. Members will have the opportunity to assess FERC’s role in facilitating this new era of energy abundance and its plans to carry out its statutory duties.as they are posted.
Hearing and Markup Details:
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013
10 a.m.
2123 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade
Hearing on “"The FTC at 100: Where Do We Go From Here?"
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
10 a.m.
2123 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on Health
Hearing on “Medicare Advantage: What Beneficiaries Should Expect Under the President’s Health Care Plan"
Thursday, December 5, 2013
9:30 a.m. 2123 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on Energy and Power
Hearing on “Evaluating the Role of FERC in a Changing Energy Landscape"
