WASHINGTON, DC - The House Energy and Commerce Committee today announced its hearing schedule for the week of May 19. The committee will hear from FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, continue its efforts on 21st Century Cures, discuss legislation to promote new manufacturing, examine ways to modernize and reform Medicare payment structures, and review draft legislation to protect businesses from abusive patent demand letters.
On Tuesday, May 20, the Subcommittee on Health will review the recommendations made by the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) and seek input from distinguished health leaders regarding how PCAST proposals can contribute to 21st Century Cures. The Majority Memorandum and witness testimony will be available at the same link as posted. This is the first hearing of the committee’s 21st Century Cures initiative.
Also on Tuesday, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology will continue its oversight of the Federal Communications Commission. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler will be the sole witness before the subcommittee to discuss a number of issues including incentive auctions, net neutrality rules, broadcast sharing issues, FCC process reform, and the #CommActUpdate.as it is posted.
On Wednesday, May 21, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power will review draft text of the Promoting New Manufacturing Act, legislation designed to advance the timely issuance of air permits needed to build modern new factories and other energy intensive projects. This is an important component of the committee’s effort to build the Architecture of Abundance, and will help facilitate a new manufacturing renaissance by allowing Americans to realize the benefits of our growing energy development.
Also on Wednesday, the Subcommittee on Health will examine ways to modernize and reform Medicare payment structures. As a part of the committee’s ongoing effort to keep the promise of Medicare for seniors, members will review legislative proposals to adopt site of service Medicare payment reforms. Mark E. Miller, PhD, and Executive Director from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission will testify along with other witnesses.
On Thursday, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade will review draft text of legislation brought forward by subcommittee chairman Lee Terry (R-NE) that would address illegitimate patent demand letters. The legislation aims to protect businesses from abusive patent assertion entities (PAEs), or patent trolls, while preserving the ability of companies to legitimately prosecute their patents.
Hearing Details:
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
10 a.m.
2322 Rayburn HOB
Subcommittee on Health
“21st Century Cures: The President’s Council Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) Report on Drug Innovation"
10:30 a.m.
2123 Rayburn HOB
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
“Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission"
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
10 a.m.
2322 Rayburn HOB
Subcommittee on Energy and Power
“Promoting New Manufacturing Act"
10:15 a.m.
2123 Rayburn HOB
Subcommittee on Health
“Keeping the Promise: Site of Service Medicare Payment Reforms"
Thursday, May 22, 2014
9:15 a.m.
2123 Rayburn HOB
Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade
“H.R. ___, a bill to enhance federal and state enforcement of fraudulent patent demand letters"
