WASHINGTON, DC - On Tuesday, the House of Representatives will consider two pieces of bipartisan legislation as part of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s ongoing efforts to protect the public health and streamline government to better function in the 21st century. H.R. 212, the Drinking Water Protection Act, and H.R. 734, the Federal Communications Commission Consolidated Reporting Act, were both approved by the Energy and Commerce Committee by voice vote in early February.
“This week’s votes on the House floor will help advance two of our longstanding priorities - protecting the public health and modernizing government for the innovation era," said Upton. “Great Lakes drinking water provides a critical lifeline for millions of Americans, and algal blooms are a threat that require action. And as part of the ongoing effort to better position the FCC for the 21st century, our bipartisan solution consolidating eight reports into one is a step in the right direction. On Tuesday, we look forward to building upon our bipartisan record of success."
H.R. 212, the Drinking Water Protection Act
Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) authored the bipartisan Drinking Water Protection Act in response to the water emergency caused by algal blooms in Toledo, Ohio, last summer. The bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and submit a strategic plan for assessing and managing risks associated with harmful algal blooms in drinking water.
H.R. 734, the Federal Communications Commission Consolidated Reporting Act
Authored by Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR), and Ranking Member Anna Eshoo (D-CA), the FCC Consolidated Reporting Act aims to reduce the reporting workload and increase efficiency at the FCC. The legislation would consolidate a number of existing reports required by law into a single, comprehensive report on the state of the communications marketplace. The House has passed similar legislation with broad bipartisan support in both the 112th and 113th Congresses.
