The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), regarding legislation advanced by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee today:

“Today’s actions by the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee represent a mixed bag for American consumers and innovators.

“On the bright side, the Committee advanced the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024, which will extend Medicare telehealth flexibilities for two years and expand the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program. We believe a permanent fix is still necessary, but Medicare providers and beneficiaries should not lose access to the telehealth services upon which they rely. We encourage Congress to pass this legislation as it continues to work on a permanent solution.

“On the other hand, the Committee advanced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which is a historic first step Congress has taken in mandating an ancient technology which burdens electric vehicles. More, it would stifle innovation, impose unnecessary costs on automakers, and increase prices for consumers. This proposed legislation is like mandating fax machines on the International Space Station, and Congress should spend what little session time that remains addressing real problems, like the Safely Ensuring Lives Future Deployment and Research In Vehicle Evolution (SELF DRIVE) Act. This legislation would actually save American lives, cut down on hospital admissions and allow American automakers to compete with China in the race for autonomous vehicle leadership.”

About Consumer Technology Association (CTA):

As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.

About CES:

CES is the most powerful tech event in the world – the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by CTA, CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2025 takes place Jan. 7-10, 2025, in Las Vegas. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social.