WASHINGTON, DC - The House Energy and Commerce Committee today announced its hearing and vote schedule for the week of June 9. The committee will vote on several bills in the energy and health sectors, continue its 21st Century Cures initiative with a discussion of incentives for drug and device development, examine media ownership as it continues to evolve, and discuss how the president’s health care law limits access to doctors and prescription drugs.
On Monday, June 9, the Committee on Energy and Commerce will convene for opening statements for the markup of the following bills:
* 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 to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary duplication in the Drug Enforcement Agency’s process for scheduling new drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It would require DEA to issue an Interim Final Rule within 45 days of receiving FDA’s scheduling recommendation for a new drug, allowing patient access while ensuring appropriate controls are in place. 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 clarify federal standards and improve appropriate enforcement activities related to 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 stakeholders throughout the supply chain and government agencies.
* 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. 4795, the Promoting New Manufacturing Act, authored by Energy and Power Subcommittee Vice Chairman Steve Scalise (R-LA), would facilitate the construction of new manufacturing facilities by advancing the timely issuance of preconstruction air permits. As an important component of the Architecture of Abundance, this legislation will boost our manufacturing renaissance, create jobs, and allow Americans to realize the benefits of our growing energy development.
* H.R. 4801, authored by Reps. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Jerry McNerney (D-CA), would direct the Department of Energy to evaluate potential energy savings available to federal agencies through greater use of thermal insulation on both energy and water use systems in federal buildings. In an environment where money is tight, this legislation provides a path for federal agencies to identify cost-effective opportunities to use energy and water more efficiently and save taxpayers money.
The committee will reconvene Tuesday, June 10, to vote on the legislation. A background memo and electronic copies of the legislation can be found on the committee’s website here. Amendments and votes will be available at the same link as they are posted.
On Wednesday, June 11, the Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing to review incentives for drug and device development. This hearing will build on the the 21st Century Cures initiative as members review whether additional incentives are necessary to accelerate the discovery, development, delivery cycle. The Majority Memorandum, a witness list, and witness testimony will be posted here as available.
Also on Wednesday, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology will hold a hearing to examine media ownership landscape as it continues to evolve. Members will discuss the FCC’s inaction on the 2010 quadrennial review of media ownership rules and its decision to forge ahead with new rules on joint sales agreements and other media ownership changes without the completed quadrennial review. The Majority Memorandum, a witness list, and witness testimony will be posted here as available.
On Thursday, June 12, the Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing to discuss how the president’s health care law has limited access to doctors and prescription drugs. Members will explore how the law’s structure and mandates have decreased choices and access for patients. The Majority Memorandum, a witness list, and witness testimony will be posted here as available.
Hearing Details:
Monday, June 9, 2014
4 p.m.
2123 Rayburn HOB
Committee on Energy and Commerce
Markup of H.R. 4299, H.R. 4709, H.R. 4631, H.R. 4795, H.R. 4801 (Opening Statements only)
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
10 a.m.
2123 Rayburn HOB
Committee on Energy and Commerce
Reconvene Markup of H.R. 4299, H.R. 4709, H.R. 4631, H.R. 4795, H.R. 4801
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
10 a.m.
2322 Rayburn HOB
Subcommittee on Health
Hearing on 21st Century Cures: Examining the Role of Incentives in Advancing Treatments and Cures for Patients
10:30 a.m.
2123 Rayburn HOB
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
Hearing on Media Ownership in the 21st Century
Thursday, June 12, 2014
10 a.m.
2123 Rayburn HOB
Subcommittee on Health
Hearing on The President’s Health Care Law Does Not Equal Health Care Access
