The House Committee on Energy and Commerce, chaired by Brett Guthrie of Kentucky's 2nd District, has advanced fifteen pieces of legislation to the full House of Representatives. The legislative package addresses topics such as broadband deployment, energy efficiency standards, and consumer choice in home appliances.
Chairman Guthrie stated, "Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the Department of Energy issued efficiency regulations for nearly every appliance in American households. Energy efficiency is important as a general matter, but it’s a major problem when regulations are drafted to meet arbitrary standards despite diminishing returns on actual, cost-effective gains in efficiency. Closing the digital divide and expanding access to reliable broadband will further drive American wireless and AI leadership. I see this first-hand in parts of my district that still lack the service they need to take full advantage of the digital economy."
Among the measures reported out of committee were several bills aimed at facilitating broadband expansion. These include H.R. 1343 (Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act), H.R. 1588 (Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act), H.R. 1665 (DIGITAL Applications Act), H.R. 1681 (Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Act), H.R. 1731 (Standard FEES Act), H.R. 6046 (Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act), and H.R. 2289 (American Broadband Deployment Act of 2025). Most received unanimous or near-unanimous support, with votes such as 49-0 or 51-0; however, the American Broadband Deployment Act passed by a closer margin of 26-24.
Other notable bills focused on energy regulation and consumer products included H.R. 3474 (Federal Mechanical Insulation Act), H.R. 3699 (Energy Choice Act), H.R. 5184 (Affordable HOMES Act), H.R. 4690 (Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act), H.R. 4593 (SHOWER Act), H.R. 4758 (Homeowner Energy Freedom Act), H.R. 4626 (Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act), and an amended version of H.R. 1355 (Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025).
Congressman Buddy Carter highlighted the intent behind the American Broadband Deployment Act: “This bill brings together proposals from my Republican colleagues to cut red tape and speed broadband deployment. It streamlines approvals for new infrastructure by ensuring fees reflect actual cost, setting clear and timely permitting deadlines, and giving providers relief if they are wrongfully denied access... These reforms will accelerate investment, lower barriers, and help connect all Americans.”
Congressman Rick Allen addressed concerns over appliance regulations: “Under the guise of energy efficiency, the Biden-Harris Administration waged a four-year war on domestic fossil energy and consumer choice. And it was American families that paid the price... These are common sense changes that will ensure certainty for manufacturers and consumers and allow consumer choice."
Congressman Russell Fry commented on economic challenges related to inflation: “The affordability issue was caused by the Biden Administration and congressional Democrats turning a blind eye to what was happening in America when inflation rose... They turned a blind eye to inflation rising faster than incomes to meet it...and the American people suffered for it."
The bills now move forward for consideration by the full House.
