WASHINGTON, DC - The House Energy and Commerce Committee today announced its hearing and vote schedule for the week of May 26. The committee will vote on several bipartisan bills to improve the nation’s public health system, review legislation aimed at promoting America’s manufacturing renaissance, and conduct oversight of the Department of Energy.
On Wednesday, May 28, the Subcommittee on Health will vote on three bipartisan bills, building on the committee’s record of success in the public health space:
* H.R. 4631, the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act, introduced by Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Michael Doyle (D-PA), would reauthorize the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011 to continue federal research, early identification and intervention, and education related to autism as well as the activities of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. The bill would also include an initiative to designate an official who would oversee the implementation of the strategic plan and the elimination of unnecessary duplication of research with other federal agencies. The bill would require the Government Accountability Office to complete a study on the socioeconomic needs and available services for autistic patients transitioning into adulthood.
* H.R. 4299, the Improving Regulatory Transparency for New Medical Therapies Act, introduced by Health Subcommittee Chairman Joe Pitts (R-PA) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ), would amend the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to improve efficiency, transparency, and consistency of the Drug Enforcement Agency’s process for scheduling new drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It would require DEA to make a final determination 45 days after receiving FDA’s scheduling recommendation for a new drug. Additionally, it would generate more transparency in the application process for clinical trials by requiring that DEA make a final determination within 180 days or provide the applicant with details about what outstanding issues remain unresolved.
* H.R. 4709, the Ensuring Patient Access to Effective Drug Enforcement Act, introduced by full committee Vice Chairman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Reps. Tom Marino (R-PA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Judy Chu (D-CA), would improve enforcement efforts regarding prescription drug diversion and abuse. The legislation would help prevent prescription drug abuse and diversion and ensure patient access to necessary medications by creating a more collaborative partnership between drug manufacturers, wholesalers, retail pharmacies, and federal enforcement and oversight agencies.
Electronic copies of the legislation, a background memo, amendments, and votes will be posted here as available.
Also on Wednesday, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power will begin a markup to consider draft text of the Promoting New Manufacturing Act, legislation to advance the timely issuance of air permits needed to build modern new factories and other energy intensive projects. An important component of the Architecture of Abundance, this legislation will help facilitate a new manufacturing renaissance and allow Americans to realize the benefits of our growing energy development. The subcommittee will convene for opening statements only on Wednesday afternoon and will reconvene on Thursday morning to consider the discussion draft. An electronic copy of the draft text, a background memo, amendments, and votes will be posted here as available.
On Friday, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold a hearing to review the Department of Energy’s loan programs. This hearing continues the subcommittee’s oversight of DOE’s management of the programs, program reforms over the past two years, and will seek an update on their status, especially in light of the secretary’s recent actions and announced solicitations to refocus and generate additional participation in the programs. Witnesses include Executive Director of DOE’s Loan Program Office Peter Davidson, DOE Deputy Inspector General Rickey Hass, and Director of Energy and Science Issues at the Government Accountability Office Frank Rusco. The Majority Memorandum, a witness list, and witness testimony will be posted here as available.
Hearing Details:
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
2 p.m.
2123 Rayburn HOB
Subcommittee on HealthMarkup of H.R. 4631, H.R. 4299, H.R. 4709
4:30 p.m.
2123 Rayburn HOB
Subcommittee on Energy and Power
“Promoting New Manufacturing Act" (Opening Statements Only)
Thursday, May 29, 2014
10 a.m.
2123 Rayburn HOB
Subcommittee on Energy and Power
“Promoting New Manufacturing Act"
Friday, May 20, 2014
9:15 a.m.
2123 Rayburn HOB
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
“Department of Energy Oversight: Status of Loan Programs"
