WASHINGTON, DC - The House Energy and Commerce Committee today announced its hearing schedule for the week of Feb. 24, 2014. The committee will examine how the Obama administration’s attack on the Medicare Part D program will increase costs and reduce choices for seniors. The committee will also review the ongoing and growing threat of counterfeit drugs, as well as commence a hearing series on the benefits of and challenges to energy access in the 21st century. Finally, the committee will continue its review of the Federal Trade Commission in light of its 100th anniversary
On Wednesday, Feb. 26, the Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing entitled “Messing with Success: How CMS’ Attack on the Part D Program Will Increase Costs and Reduce Choices for Seniors." The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services earlier this year released a proposed rule, Medicare Program: Contract Year 2015 Policy and Technical Changes to Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D, with policies that would undermine the integrity and success of the Medicare Part D program. Medicare Part D, through its unique private sector-based competitive model, has given seniors access to quality and affordable health care choices for the past ten years. Subcommittee members look forward to hearing from CMS regarding the proposed rule and better understanding what effect it will have on the Medicare Part D program.as they are posted.
On Thursday, Feb. 27, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold a hearing entitled “Counterfeit Drugs: Fighting Illegal Supply Chains." Recent incidents involving counterfeit drugs infiltrating the legal drug distribution systems represent a growing threat to public health in this country, putting patients at risk. As technology has advanced, the threat of and opportunity for illegal distribution of drugs has worsened. Subcommittee members will examine various factors that have contributed to the counterfeit drug problem, including the involvement of organized crime and technological advancements.as they are posted.
Also on Thursday, Feb. 27, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power will hold a hearing entitled “Benefits of and Challenges to Energy Access in the 21st Century: Electricity." The hearing is the first of a series to examine energy access issues. Next week the subcommittee will review the benefits of access to affordable and reliable electricity, including why such access is critical to promoting economic and job growth, raising standards of living, and responding to severe weather events and natural disasters. The hearing will also focus on current challenges to energy access, including U.S. regulatory policies that may affect access to electricity both domestically and internationally. Witnesses to be announced.as they are posted.
On Friday, Feb. 28, the Subcommittee on Commerce Manufacturing, and Trade will hold a hearing entitled “The FTC at 100: Views from the Academic Experts." The subcommittee will continue its examination of the Federal Trade Commission as the agency commemorates its 100th anniversary this year. The subcommittee will hear from academic experts about their views on opportunities and challenges facing the commission as it enters its second century. This hearing follows the subcommittee’s hearing in December with the FTC’s commissioners, which reviewed the agency’s mission, operating budget, and authority.as they are posted.
Hearing Details:
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014
10 a.m.
2123 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on Health
Hearing on “Messing with Success: How CMS’ Attack on the Part D Program Will Increase Costs and Reduce Choices for Seniors"
Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014
10 a.m.
2322 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
Hearing on “Counterfeit Drugs: Fighting Illegal Supply Chains"
Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014
10:15 a.m.
2123 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on Energy and Power
Hearing on “Benefits of and Challenges to Energy Access in the 21st Century: Electricity"
Friday, Feb. 28, 2014
9:30 a.m.
2123 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade
Hearing on “The FTC at 100: Views from the Academic Experts"
