WASHINGTON, DC - The House Committee on Energy and Commerce today announced its hearing schedule for the week of Feb. 3, 2014. Members will continue their review of the Toxic Substances Control Act, look into consumer protections in light of recent data breaches, and examine the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act.
On Tuesday, the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy will hold a hearing on “Testing of Chemicals and Reporting and Retention of Information under TSCA Sections 4 and 8." Section 4 outlines situations where EPA may require chemical testing, including standards for such testing. It also allows for regulated companies to collaborate on testing to lower overall costs. TSCA section 8 allows EPA to require chemical manufacturers and processors to keep and submit reports on certain information such as production volumes, chemical identities, by-products, and environmental and health effects. Section 8 also requires EPA to maintain and publish an inventory of any chemicals ever manufactured or processed in the United States for commercial purposes and requires anyone who makes, processes, or distributes chemicals to inform EPA if the chemical presents a substantial risk to human health or the environment. The Majority Memorandum and witness testimony will be available at the same link as they are posted.
On Wednesday, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade will hold a hearing on “Protecting Consumer Information: Can Data Breaches Be Prevented?" American retailers have recently come under attack by sophisticated cyber criminals, and millions of Americans have had their credit cards and other personal information compromised as a result. The subcommittee will examine how companies are preparing to fend off these attacks and what resources exist to identify threats and improve security for consumer information. Representatives from Target and Neiman Marcus, both of whom recently suffered criminal hacks, will testify along with witnesses from the United States Secret Service, the Department of Homeland Security, and the private sector.as they are posted.
Also on Wednesday, the Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing on “Examining the Implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act." Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine at the Food and Drug Administration Michael Taylor will testify. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was signed into law in January of 2011. Since its enactment, FDA has issued a series of proposed rules and guidance documents on subjects such as produce safety, preventive controls, intentional adulteration, third-party accreditation, and foreign supplier verification. Subcommittee members look forward to hearing from FDA about the status of the implementation of FSMA and what effect FDA anticipates its regulations will have on preventing foodborne illnesses as well as on industries.as they are provided.
Hearing Details:
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
10 a.m.
2123 Rayburn
Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy
Hearing on “Testing of Chemicals and Reporting and Retention of Information under TSCA Sections 4 and 8"
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
9:30 a.m.
2123 Rayburn
Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade
Hearing on “Protecting Consumer Information: Can Data Breaches Be Prevented?"
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
10 a.m.
2322 Rayburn
Subcommittee on Health
Hearing on “Examining the Implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act"
