▶ 0:13:20line from sexual exploitation. The committee on energy and commerce is working to address the biggest issues facing our country and our constituents. Every bill we're considering today is bipartisan and in many cases members of this committee have been working together on them over several congresses. Every bill today either passed out of the committee unanimously and through the House last year with strong bipartisan votes or were negotiated and agreed upon on a bipartisan biccameal basis at the end of last year.
▶ 0:13:50Every single bill we are considering today had bipartisan agreement last Congress and I hope we can pick up where we left off and move them all forward today. earlier this Congress, ranking member, my good friend from New Jersey, Palone. Uh, and I testified before the House um, administration committee to talk about our committee budget. And I really appreciate what my good friend said at the hearing when he said uh, while we were not able to get these bipartisan bills and provisions at all last Congress, I know that we're committed to getting them done this Congress.
▶ 0:14:19And I'm glad to report that we're moving these bills forward because they make our country stronger. We need to pass this critical legislation. In particular, we'll advance healthc care legislation to lower cost for patients, support cancer research, and address substance use disorder. And I'm thankful for to all of my colleagues who have supported this legislation to increase access to care for patients and their families.
▶ 0:14:41Today, we have an opportunity to advance multiple bills that will strengthen our communications infrastructure and better prevent attacks from our adversaries who are continually seeking to compromise our critical infrastructure. These bills will help fortify our networks against our threats. While technological leadership is critically important to our national security and economic prosperity, as a father and a grandfather, I am extremely concerned by the stories we are hearing from parents about the potential unintended consequences of new technologies.
▶ 0:15:10From protecting Americans from romance scams to increasing price transparency and ticketing and lodging, today should be a chance to celebrate bipartisan wins that serve our constituents. I am still hopeful we can make progress soon on some of the other bills I have discussed with my friends from across the aisle. But nonetheless, we're marking up some outstanding legislation today. And I want to thank all of our sponsors for their hard work getting us to this point. I always say the work we do here in the House affects people in their homes.
▶ 0:15:40This legislation make Americans homes safer safer, healthier, and more prosperous. Thank you for all your hard work. I appreciate everybody's efforts and I for advancing this legislation. I yield back and I recognize the ranking member uh Mr. Palone for five minutes for his opening statement. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We're here today for what would normally be a routine markup of 26 bills. However, these are not normal times.
▶ 0:16:05I know Republicans want to proceed with business as usual around here, but the daily chaos and illegal activity that we're seeing from the Trump administration is not business as usual. The reality is most of the bills we're considering today were already agreed to last year as part of a bipartisan biccameal legislative package that was set to be passed and signed into law in December before Elon Musk interveneed and killed the agreement. We should be passing that entire package as one bill today.
▶ 0:16:34That package included important provisions that would have lowered costs for hardworking Americans. But instead of passing it and sending to the president's desk to be signed into law, my Republican colleagues allowed Elon Musk decide what becomes law. What's especially upsetting about this is that my Republican colleagues know this was a good agreement that would have helped people.
▶ 0:16:54It included provisions to lower prescription drug prices, crack down on junk fees, lower gas prices, ensure our water is safe to drink, and fund community health centers and teaching health centers. Republicans repeat repeatedly look the other way. First, as President Trump gave Elon Musk and his Doge lackeyis free reign to loot the American government and destroy our institutions and illegally fire tens of thousands of public servants who go to work every day to serve the American people.
▶ 0:17:22And now, as Trump's reckless tariffs are leading to the largest middle class tax increase in at least 50 years, these tariffs are crashing our economy, raising costs for groceries and other goods, and wiping out the hard-earned retirement savings of middle class families. Amidst all this chaos, Republicans have refused to hold this administration accountable. We're marking up 26 bills that would task various federal agencies with more responsibilities.
▶ 0:17:47While at the very same time, the Trump administration is gutting the agencies and firing the public servants who would implement these new laws. Republicans are bringing up consumer protection bills while also ignoring Trump's attempted illegal firing of the Democratic FTC commissioners and reports that Doge has arrived at FTC to fire people at an already understaffed agency. And this illegal action threatens the ability of our nation's leading consumer protection watchd dogss to do their job, including protecting children from big big tech online harms.
▶ 0:18:17But Republicans blindly move ahead without acknowledging the new reality. Meanwhile, we will debate health related bills today like the support act all while President Trump eliminates 20,000 jobs at the Department of Health and Human Services. Amidst a continued fentinel crisis and a measles and bird flu outbreak, a 25% reduction of the workforce at HHS is alarming and truly irresponsible. The truth is, Republicans want to hold this markup today so they can continue to pretend like everything is normal.
▶ 0:18:47But it's all a charade. It's time for this committee to wake up and pay attention what's going on around us. This is not business as usual. The Trump administration is driving up costs, ruining our economy, and putting American families at risk. It's time for Republicans to pull their heads out of the sand and start demanding some accountability before it's too late. And with that, I yield back, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. The gentleman yields back. Are there any other opening statements?
▶ 0:19:14Seeing none, the chair calls up HR 1442 and ask the clerk to report. HR 1442, a bill to ban the sale of products with a high concentration. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for amendments at any point. So ordered. Does anyone to seek to be recognized on the bill? Seeing none, um, yes. See, yes, the gentle lady from Colorado, you're recognized for five minutes.
▶ 0:19:44I move to strike their last word. Your gentle lady's recognized. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I'm so proud of ENC's work last Congress to advance a common health package, including health reforms that will make a meaningful difference. This committee advanced legislation on a bipartisan basis to make it easier for kids with cancer to find treatment, fund research into curing diabetes, prevent maternal deaths, and support research related to Down syndrome, among other critical reforms and investments.
▶ 0:20:14One such bill, Give Kids a Chance Act, incentivizes the development of drugs for rare pediatric diseases. Another, the Accelerating Kids Access to Care Act makes it easier for kids with serious conditions to find the care that they need. And let's not forget the PBM reforms that Mr. Carter has championed so much and that we all support that are part of that package.
▶ 0:20:38Democrats and Republicans came together last year to agree on a package of those bills which was originally included in the December 2024 continuing resolution. That was, of course, until Elon Musk and Donald Trump told the House Republicans to remove it. I've said time and time again that if Republicans still want to bring this House package to the floor for a vote, Democrats will stand with you and we'll pass it. We could pass it on the suspension calendar.
▶ 0:21:09But I keep hearing that the majority doesn't have any plan to bring it up for a vote. So to my Republican colleagues, I ask you, do you want to make it easier for kids with life-threatening diseases to see a doctor? Do you support research to cure diabetes? Do you want to make it easier for entrepreneurs to invest in life-saving treatments for childhood cancer? I know that the Democrats over here do.
▶ 0:21:36And to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, this was your chance to show your constituents that you do, too. It's shameful that Republicans are hiding behind geraness to avoid this vote. Well, wait, that's different. That but they will in a minute and they're going to delay the legislation. I reiterate that we all agreed upon. Mr.
▶ 0:21:55Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to enter a section by section of the December healthc care package into the record outlining the 550 pages of bipartisan legislation that for some reason are not being considered today. Without objections, so order. Thank you. It's full of common sense reforms and reauthorizations as everybody in this room knows. I keep hearing about this wonder all these wonderful bills today and some of them are just fine. In fact, some of their are in this package.
▶ 0:22:26We had the opportunity to do the whole package at least the part in this committee's jurisdiction in today's markup. But instead, we didn't. And I know in a moment u my colleague Mr. Palone is going to give us an opportunity to pass those bills. So, so frankly, Mr. Chairman, you just said and many of your members have said they want to get the package done. So, let's do it. Let's pass that package. Let's do it today.
▶ 0:22:55It just feels like we're stringing America's patience along. There's nothing wrong with any of these provisions, which we all agreed on last year. So, why pick and choose? Why just do these ones for today? and why not do all of them? So, I just want to ask that question and with that I'll yield back. Gentle lady yields back. Anyone seeking discussion on the bill? Turning to amendments. Anyone have an amendment? M for purposes.
▶ 0:23:25Gentleman from New Jersey seek recognition. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. File report. Oh god. No, I don't know the number. Clerk will report the amendment. You know the amendment to HR1442 offered by Mr. Palone. Without objection, the reading the amendment is dispensed with and gentleman from New Jersey is recognized for five minutes in support of the amendment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
▶ 0:23:47My amendment is simple and straightforward and it basically follows up on the uh the comments that were made by uh our ranking member of the health subcommittee, Mr. Get. It would attach the bipartisan biccameal legislative package that was set to pass and be signed into law at the end of the year before Elon Musk interveneed and killed the agreement in December.
▶ 0:24:11This is a common sense legislative package that was signed off on by leaders of the committee as well as house and senate leadership. So rather than taking a peacemeal approach today where we pass a portion of the bills included in that agreement which may or may not ever be brought to the House floor for a vote by the Republican leadership. My amendment would allow us to take up the entire bipartisan agreement and send it to the House floor for a vote. There are critical provisions of that package that are not included in this markup today.
▶ 0:24:39It would also be stronger for us to move ahead with the entire package in one bill rather than breaking them up. Now, my amendment includes the entire comprehensive package that would meaningfully meaningfully lower costs for hard-working American families, which would pass overwhelmingly if it was allowed to get a vote on the House floor. It would have passed overwhelmingly in December. And frankly, it would be the first thing this Republican Congress accomplishes to actually lower costs for American families.
▶ 0:25:06Everything else the president is doing is moving us in the opposite direction. So to detail a few of the things the agreement includes, it would finally take on pharmaceutical benefit managers to lower prescription drug costs for Americans at the pharmacy counter. And it would lower the cost of filling up your gas tank with your round E15.
▶ 0:25:25It would also help ensure our water is safe to drink and provide muchneeded funding for both the community health centers that serve millions of Americans as well as the teaching health centers that train the next generation of doctors right here in our communities. Again, these are all provisions that were part of that end of the year bipartisan agreement that were ignored by the committee Republicans at this markup. My amendment is a clear win for American consumers who we all know are struggling to keep up with rising cost of living.
▶ 0:25:52Something that's being made worse as we speak as President Trump engages in a reckless trade war that is causing market turmoil, driving up costs, and ruining people's retirement savings. Trump's reckless tariffs are the largest middle class tax increase in at least 50 years. And let me just say, Mr. Chairman, you know, over the weekend, it was a very sad thing for me to see people come up to me talking about their 401ks, talking about their pensions.
▶ 0:26:21As I was driving um back to um to Washington from New Jersey on um yesterday actually, I stopped at a service area and people came up to me who I didn't even know weren't even from my district and were crying. I mean, literally, I am not making this up, Mr. Chairman, crying over the impact on their 401ks uh and their pensions.
▶ 0:26:45you know, the the uh one guy said to me, you know, my my 401k is worth 20 to 30% less today than it was um than it was a week or two ago. And you know, I I I just I I just don't understand. I mean, I you know, people think that the stock market is just I mean, some people think the stock market is just, you know, a haven for the wealthy and, you know, people that clip coupons and don't work.
▶ 0:27:11But in reality, there's so many people sue 401ks and their pensions and everything is invested in it and they rely on it to live. So I um and I don't want to just mention the stock market, but you know, I I I think that people are crying out for us to to take to get rid of these tariffs to take on the Trump administration on a bipartisan basis and say, "What are you doing?" And having a hearing or an opportunity to, you know, to bring these agencies in that are being impacted. But with that, Mr.
▶ 0:27:40Chairman, I yield. Thank you. The the gentleman yields back and I'll recognize myself to speak in opposition of the amendment. You know, I've reated several times that that we're committed to working and moving the policies that were included in the December deal through this committee. And that's why HR 1442 is on the markup today.
▶ 0:28:00And I've also been committed and and reiterate that we're going to move and bipartisan bills through the committee, bills that have Republican sponsors, Democrat sponsors, and we've had a commitment from the leader to make sure these go get votes on the floor, the ones in the in the commerce title. So, what we're we we saw the Senate Democrats try to move this entire package and they couldn't get it through the Senate through opposition.
▶ 0:28:27So what we want to do is move Republican priorities, Democrat priorities, and the commerce title through today and continue to work on on the issues that we've all tried to address together. So instead of conducting a process that will run into roadblocks, we want to move these bills so they can get bipartisan policies through the committee and on the House floor. And the Youth Poisoning Act moved through this committee unanimously, the bill underlying bill, and passed overwhelmingly on the House floor.
▶ 0:28:57And this illustrates how widely supported these policies are. And and I am committed to continue to work on the policies in the overall package, but we're moving the this the commerce title and and a couple of other bills today to get to the get to the floor. We get them through the House and onto the into the Senate. So, I urge my colleagues to to oppose this amendment with my commitment that we will continue to work on the policies that are in your amendment that are not included on the bills today.
▶ 0:29:28So, I will yield to the gentleman from Georgia. Did you start the clock? Gentleman from Georgia is recogn Well, you want my time or if you if you don't mind, you're out of time. I'll yield to you. Yeah, I don't think I had five minutes. The time Yeah, that's fine. Move the strike and last word, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Chairman, let me see. It's their side. Their turns. I'm sorry. Getting your own time. I need to go. Who's Who's uh Yeah, we didn't have the clock on my time.
▶ 0:29:54So, I could yield you to my time or I'll yield back and then recognize who's Oh, the gentle lady from California, Miss Five minutes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move the strike the word. Ranking member Palon's amendment represents the past two years of hard bipartisan work that we've done on this committee. Each of the bills in this amendment is long overdue. Each was ready to go last Congress as part of the carefully negotiated bipartisan package.
▶ 0:30:24As we all know, Elon Musk blew up that package because he convinced Republicans their thoughtfully crafted policies were just too big. If it wasn't for congressional Republicans giving in to Elon's whims by killing that end of the year deal, the bills in today's market would already be helping the American people by improving the vetting process so that we can better build high-speed broadband to rural areas, securing US leadership in next generation wireless communications,
▶ 0:30:54reauthorizing the NIA for the first time in 30 years so it can better carry out its mission to close the digital divide. side and jumpstart innovation, making ticket prices for events more transparent, and so much more. The delay of these bills hurts consumers, threatens national security, and risk Americans technological leadership.
▶ 0:31:19Even worse, Republicans have left significant portions of the agreed upon package out of this markup. This includes key health and environment provisions that would have improved life-saving care in therapies for children with cancer and rare diseases, boosted public health preparedness, make drug prices more transparent, enhanced our drinking water systems, and reduce air pollution and vulnerable communities.
▶ 0:31:49While I'm glad to see some of the package revived today, this markup is leaving more questions than answers. Why are we moving some bipartisan policies but not others? Why spend this committee's precious time relitigating settled debates, discussing the same bills we moved last Congress? Why haven't we received any assurances that the package will be considered on the floor as opposed to being dissected and sold for parts?
▶ 0:32:16Perhaps it's because this administration and our Republican colleagues are more focused on gutting Medicaid, jeopardizing care for millions of Americans, raising prices for American consumers by engag engaging in destructive trade wars, and seeding our global leadership to China and other foreign adversaries. This bipartisan this partisan Republican agenda is hurting our families, businesses, and economy.
▶ 0:32:46We need to return to bipartisan priorities that help Americans. And we can start by passing this package of bills together just as we intended at the end of last year. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote yes on this amendment. And with that, I yield back the balance of my time. Gentle lady yields back. Uh the chair recognized gentleman from Georgia for five minutes to speak on the chair moved the strike and last word. Gentleman's recognized. Mr.
▶ 0:33:12Chair, I just want to be clear on on this amendment because last year at the end of the year package with the healthc care package, trust me, no one no one out of the 435 members of Congress was more disappointed than I was. It had PBM reform that I have fought for since day one. And it is bipartisan, by the way. And we intend to continue to work on that. And I will mention two things. First of all, this is just the beginning of PBM reform.
▶ 0:33:40the bills that were in that and part of the lower cost, more transparency act that was passed unanimously out of this house. That's the beginning of PBM reform. We did try to move that package. They ran it over in the Senate. There were problems with it. I just want to make sure that we understand that that the PBM reform is still going to be part of of what we do. We have a commitment from leadership.
▶ 0:34:03We have a commitment from the chairman, you just heard it, of this committee that we're going to move forward on parts of this and and it's extremely important because it is bipartisan. PBM reform is bipartisan. We all understand that. So, I just want to make sure everyone understands that that just because we are taking some of the commerce parts out of this that the health title will be considered at some point. And I'll yield back.
▶ 0:34:30Gentleman yields back and the chair recognize the gentle lady from Florida for five minutes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Members, this is not a normal Um, we're watching an administration, a president who has gone rogue.
▶ 0:34:54And people really did expect a new president and a new Congress to help them with the cost of living, to work in a bipartisan way to solve problems. Uh, but instead, everything now is getting more expensive. Their lives are getting harder. I know we're all hearing from friends and neighbors back home and they're confronted now when you have a rogue president.
▶ 0:35:20Now they're confronted with a weak and timid Congress led by a GOP that cannot stand up to this rogue president. And Mr. Chairman, when we got together, when we opened up the session three months ago in the committee, I asked you about all of the bipartisan initiatives that came out of this committee that didn't cross the finish line at the end of the year. Uh what you what you expected, what you intended.
▶ 0:35:48This was for those of you who do not know what happened at the end of the year. Elon Musk worked with Speaker Johnson to kill the package of bipartisan initiatives that would cut cost and improve people's lives and improve their health. They killed it, Elon Musk said, because the bill had too pages. We were on the verge of passing lifesaving and cost-saving legislation that originated in this proud committee.
▶ 0:36:17This included legislation to reduce costs by uh helping our community health centers, preventing maternal deaths, supporting pediatric cancer research, improving pandemic preparedness, reauthorizing the mission zero initiative, and so much more. Here's what you said, Mr. Chairman. You said, "We're disappointed that though the bills of last year didn't get past the finish line. There was a lot of hard work by members of this committee and it was bipartisan and they were important.
▶ 0:36:47I'm trying to find the right avenue for them. They're still alive. It's a priority for this side of the committee. We're just trying to find the right avenue to be able to move those policies forward. They're a priority. Well, that was almost three months ago. And uh while we've consider we're considering a handful of bills from that package, there is so much more that you're not living up to your end of the bargain to get passed, particularly when it comes to health.
▶ 0:37:15Um today, committee Republicans are including just one of the health bills uh from the package, a weakened support act. Meanwhile, you all have sat idly by while Elon Musk has taken a chainsaw to what makes American America great. Our scientific enterprise, everything we're doing in innovation and medical research. You just sit there and let it happen. Uh there are other important bills too.
▶ 0:37:45Uh where is the legislation to address price gouging practices by Where's the legislation to make it easier with children with complex medical conditions to receive outofstate specialty care or to help doctors practices and disproportionate share hospitals make ends meet? You know, all of that provides stability for people back home and you are just throwing them um to the mercy of this rogue president.
▶ 0:38:15Meanwhile, the cost of living is going up. Uh, President Trump is firing tens of thousands of American workers and scientists, trying to illegally shut down cutting edge research. He's freezing congressionally appropriated funding. I thought maybe you would honor your your responsibility under article one of the US Constitution, but I guess that's too much to ask. All of this does nothing to help keep Americans healthy and well.
▶ 0:38:45In fact, it does the opposite. It's incredibly costly. It's a threat to our safety and security in this country. If you want a road map to empower China and our adversaries, you're writing that map right now. And for what? To scrape together every penny to be found to give massive tax breaks to the wealthy and the well-connected on the backs of Americans. Look, people of all political stripes are outraged. This is not business as usual.
▶ 0:39:14And we really do expect you to join us uh to do everything that we can working together to protect our democracy, to protect our cutting edge innovation where we're currently the world leader, to protect our way of life. That shouldn't be too much to ask. And I hear what you say, but I'm I think we're closely watching what you do and what you're doing is not living up to your responsibility to this country. Gentle lady, I'll yield back my time. Gentle lady yields back.
▶ 0:39:44The chair recognized the gentleman from from Virginia for five minutes for Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Speak on the amendment. Speaking to the amendment, I I just have to say that I understand that procedurally we can't make the objection germanine. I wish we had done so sooner. But I will tell you there's a reason for that.
▶ 0:40:05And the reason for that is is that when you take something this large and add it to a bill that deals with uh interestingly I was looking at the bill and it it's confusing as to whether it deals with sodium nitrates or sodium nitrites. It looks like nitrites in the text of the bill, but it's nitrate in the uh leadup in the in the title of the bill. And so I found that interesting. And I find it particularly interesting, Mr.
▶ 0:40:34chairman because I have a food sensitivity to both nitrites and nitrates, but not everybody does. That said, we have members on this committee who've not heard these bills before. We have a whole myriad of bills that are included in this amendment and many of the many of the points of debate and some people I understand are going to vote against some of these today that we're bringing up.
▶ 0:40:57But everything that's in this amendment, mo many of the members on this body heard last year, but not all of them. We have new members. We have freshmen who weren't even a member of Congress in the last term on this committee. And as a result, I think that we should vote no on this amendment so that the debate can be had so the new members can hear the issues involved in each of these.
▶ 0:41:25so they can make them their own minds up hearing from members of both sides of the aisle making the points that they ought to make. And we're going from sodium nitrate or sodium nitrate depending on which part controls. I believe it's the text of the bill and not the title, but we're going from that to recycling water, consumer products safety standards for certain batteries, foreign adversary communications, promoting resilient supply chains, deploying American blockchains,
▶ 0:41:56secure space, future networks, the take it down act, rural broadband protection, American music tourism, Informing consumers about smart devices, securing semiconductor supply chains, hotel fee transparency act, transparency in charges of certain key events for ticketing, the routers act, NIA reauthorization, etc., etc., etc.
▶ 0:42:23Now, all that being said, I may very well vote for all of those. Think I will most likely. But, Mr. Chairman, everyone on this committee, including the new members and particularly the freshman members, have a right to hear the arguments and the debates and make up their own mind. And if we adopt this amendment, we are denying them that right. And we are taking away from them the ability to make a fully informed decision on these important measures.
▶ 0:42:53And so I would say that there's two ways to get to Germanus. one, you can do a procedural motion or you can vote no on the amendment and let each bill be taken up in its own time today or other days. I yield back. Gentleman yields back. The chair recognizes a gentle lady from California, Miss Buttergon, for five minutes to speak on the uh thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word. Gentle age is recognized.
▶ 0:43:18Um, I'd like to thank uh, Ranking Member Palone for offering the amendment to restore the full bipartisan endofear package which includes important policies to reform the practices of pharmacy benefit managers or PBMs as was spoken about um, by Mr. Carter. Um, one of the interesting things that I heard say was 435 members like we all agree this is all okay.
▶ 0:43:41Um, and we're going to continue to push this, but to right now it doesn't feel like 435 members voices matter when Republicans are in control. The one voice that matters to them is Elon Musk. If he says, "Wait a second, let's go take this PBM reform out of the bill," they're going to take it out of the bill. Why? Because that's who they're beholden to. It's not the constituents who are paying the higher prices.
▶ 0:44:12It's not the constituents who are concerned about the price of their medicine that they're worried about. They're worried about Elon Musk. So, PBM reform, more than half of adults in this country are worried they won't be able to afford their family's prescription drug costs. Nearly one in three Americans report not taking their medicines as prescribed because of the cost. This is unacceptable.
▶ 0:44:38No one should have to cut pills in half, skip a dose, or choose between medicine and groceries. When people delay care because they can't afford it, they get sicker and the cost. Emergency room visits, hospital stays go up for everyone. PBMs exploit a system that track that lacks transparency, thrives on anti-competition behavior, and leaves patients paying the price. This is a non-partisan issue.
▶ 0:45:07That's why I've been proud to co-lead several bills to reform PBM practices, including the Help Copase Act with Chair Buddy Carter and the Drug Act with Representatives Miller Meeks. Last Congress, Democrats reached a bipartisan biccameal agreement with Republicans on policies to reform PBMs with greater transparency and accountability for PBM practices. This will lead to lower prescription drug prices for patients and reduce health care costs for employees.
▶ 0:45:36Right now, the American people are begging for us to do something to pre bring down prices. What can we do? PBM reform. This committee worked hard to craft and pass these PBM reforms which were all set to pass the House and be signed into law last December. But what happened?
▶ 0:45:55Of course, that last minute phone call from the president and tweets from the unelected billionaire who is now apparently running the show, who's calling the shots, who's the one person's voice, unfortunately, that Republicans are to caused this reform to be taken out of agreement. Elon Musk did all of this and then later admitted he doesn't even know what a PBM is.
▶ 0:46:21Meanwhile, House Republicans stood by in silence, choosing loyalty to Trump and Musk over lowering costs for the American people, which of course we're seeing today as the economy tanks, the stock market tanks, as 401k plans are evaporated. And what do my colleagues say over there? Oh, it's just some short-term pain.
▶ 0:46:46Some people don't have 20 years to rebuild a 401k plan to retire. So, who are we fighting for? Are we working for Americans or billionaires and big corporations? I know what House Democrats are doing. We're fighting for the American people. We're fighting to bring down cost. We just need Republicans to join us. And one way to do that is to start, I'd rather finish what we started.
▶ 0:47:14I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and pass long overdue PBM reform to lower costs for the people who need it most. And with that, I yield back. General Lady yields. Does anyone else wish to be recognized? Uh the gentleman from New York, Mr. Tonko, is recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move to strike the last word. Gentleman's recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
▶ 0:47:39I want to echo ranking member Palone's concerns about the end-of-ear agreement being broken up broken up through this process because of Elon Musk. This allows for some pieces of widely supported bipartisan legislation to be left behind. I'm indeed worried this is already the case before the end ofear agreement fell apart in December.
▶ 0:48:01It includes several bipartisan bills from the Environment Subcommittee's This included two recycling bills that have been considered by the Energy and Commerce Committee in the past and were passed by the Senate on numerous occasions. One of these bills would establish a pilot recycling program at the EPA to award grants to improve recycling accessibility in underserved and rural communities.
▶ 0:48:26The other would improve data collection on our nation's recycling systems and explore the potential of a national composting strategy. Neither bill is going to fix our nation's waste and recycling challenges, but they were good common sense bipartisan efforts with widespread stakeholder support. Similarly, the omnibus would have reauthorized EPA's DRA program, which provides grants to replace the oldest and the dirtiest diesel engines.
▶ 0:48:55And a fourth provision would have allowed for a year-round sale of E15 fuels, an action which has now been taken by both the Biden and Trump administrations. Again, none of these proposals are radical. They have historically enjoyed bipartisan support. They serve the American public extremely well and are denied because of the force of an unelected individual named Elon Musk.
▶ 0:49:19If this amendment is not adopted, I do hope these are policies that will be returned to by the committee in the future. They are essential bills that need to be included in the final outcome. With that, Mr. Chair, I thank you and yield back. Gentleman yields back and the chair will recognize Mr. Peters from California. Thank you, Mr. Sorry. I I move to strike the last word. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today, we're considering a variety of bills that fall within this committee's jurisdiction.
▶ 0:49:48including, as we've as been noted, a number that were part of the year-end package that Congress considered just a few months ago. Uh, as folks at home might recall, that's the bill that was blown up because um of this body's reaction to Mr. Musk's objection to the page count. Um, many of those pages were things we voted on here in this very room, things we agreed on almost unanimously.
▶ 0:50:14The legislation would have reduced the cost of prescription drugs for all Americans by reforming pharmacy benefit managers, extending teleaalth coverage for seniors on Medicare, giving safety net hospitals some financial certainty about the billions of dollars of cuts coming their way.
▶ 0:50:29It also included other bills I co-led to prevent fraud in Medicaid and Medicare to restore telealth for patients who need cardiac rehabilitation and reauthorized comprehensive opioid opioid recovery centers that provide wraparound support to people in recovery from addiction. And while I support the other bills that are being considered today, I think it is a stain on this committee's bipartisan reputation that we are dividing up the legislation we worked on last Congress.
▶ 0:50:56We're going to work on a lot of partisan things this Congress, but these p these bipartisan bills should already be law. Um, and look, I I think one of the things people on the other side of the aisle like work reasons that they like working with me is because I have been willing to speak up against people on my side when I think they're wrong. That means sometimes environmental groups.
▶ 0:51:26That means sometimes labor groups. That means sometimes President Biden. And I didn't do that on any sense of disloyalty or personal animist toward President Biden. But when I thought his policies were wrong, I spoke up. So I don't blame Elon Musk or Grover Norquist uh N. Gingrich or Tucker Carlson for anything that happens here. I think it's on all of us who have a vote here to up for the work we do here. And we had a package that should be law.
▶ 0:51:56We all agreed on it. It should be law. And because of this outside objection, frankly, the Republicans just folded up. And I I think this is an opportunity to make good on your promises, to stand behind the work of this committee, to stand behind the work of Congress and the role of Congress. And we need you. We can't do it just as Democrats. Um we are all independently elected to office on the same day as Donald Trump was.
▶ 0:52:26And you know, today we've got tariffs. We've got a president who says he doesn't care if car prices go up. We've got um we're going to pretend this week the Senate's pretending that extending tax tax cuts that were temporary in 2017 doesn't cost any money. They're going to pretend that um we got measles. Um you all need to step up and don't you have to you can still support President Trump.
▶ 0:52:52You can still work to make sure he's successful, but we got to ask you to stand up for what's right as members of Congress independently elected to do your job. As I've said before, we work with presidents. We don't work for presidents. Let's do our jobs. I yield. Gentleman yields back. The gentle lady from Massachusetts seeks recognition for five minutes to speak on the amendment. Um, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word in support of the amendment. Nice.
▶ 0:53:21So once again, we find ourselves having to shine a light on a package of bipartisan bills that should already be law. This amendment is an opportunity for my colleagues across the aisle to get back to governing. This package of bills contains thoughtful bipartisan work that almost every single one of you supported last Congress. bills to make it easier for children battling rare diseases to cross state lines for the life-saving care that they need.
▶ 0:53:52To reinvest in children's cancer research and to advance solutions to pediatric diseases, 95% of which currently have no treatments or cures for our children. This package passed overwhelmingly in this committee. But as my colleagues have mentioned, when this package was included in the bipartisan spending deal at the end of last year, Elon Musk demanded that it be stripped out. And not a single one of my colleagues across the aisles spoke up.
▶ 0:54:21You didn't make a call asking for it to be put back in. You didn't threaten to vote against the package. You left these bills and the kids who are depending on us to pass them out to dry. And now you're allowing the administration to fire critical HHS staff who would be implementing the very policies that we're debating today.
▶ 0:54:45You know, this committee has put its head in the sand while the Health and Human Services Department that we have direct oversight of is being dismantled without a single hearing on the matter. And what has the majority decided to do instead? Maybe maybe a closed door briefing that only half of the committee gets to attend and ask questions. That's not oversight. It's not transparency. And it sure as hell accountability.
▶ 0:55:12The truth is, it's hard to trust our Republican colleagues to join us to move bipartisan legislation that helps our constituents. You all fold to the whims of the president and his billionaire donors rather than working across the aisle to stand up against these deeply harmful firings and cuts. The American people deserve elected officials who are serious about lowering costs and improving lives, not servants to the president at the expense of good policy and good governance.
▶ 0:55:42So, I support this amendment. I support this package as we all did just a few months ago. And I yield back. Thank you. The gentle lady yells back. Any person on the Republican, anybody on the Democrat side seeking recognition? Seeing none, seeing no further discussion, the vote occurs on the amendment. Gentlemen ask for a roll call vote and the roll call being request. The clerk will call the row. Mr. Lada.
▶ 0:56:12Mr. Griffith. Mr. Griffith votes no. Mr. Bill Rackus. Mr. Mr. Bill Rackus votes no. Mr. Hudson Mr. Hudson votes no. Mr. Carter of Georgia. Mr. Carter of Georgia votes no. Palmer. Mr. Dunn. Mr. Dunn votes no. Mr. Krenshaw. Mr. Joyce. Mr. Weber. Mr.
▶ 0:56:41Weber votes no. Mr. Allen Mr. Allen votes no. Mr. Mr. Balderson Mr. Fulture Mr. Fulture votes no Mr. Fluger Mr. Fluger votes no Mrs. Harshburgger Mrs. Harshburgger votes no Mrs. Miller Meeks Mrs. Kamik Mrs. Kamock votes no Mr. Obernolulti Mr. James Mr.
▶ 0:57:10James votes no Mr. Ben Mr. Benz votes no. Miss Hchin. Mr. Fry. Mr. Fry votes no. Miss Lee. Mr. Langworthy. Mr. Langworthy votes no. Mr. Kaine. Mr. Kane votes no. Mr. Roelly. Mr. Rley votes no. Mr. Evans. No. Mr. Evans votes no. Mr. Goldman. Mr.
▶ 0:57:41Goldman votes no. Miss Fedoric. Miss Fedorchic votes no. Mr. Palone I. Mr. Palone votes I. Miss Dette I. Miss Dette votes I. Miss Shakowski I. Miss Shakowski votes I. Miss Matsui. Miss Matsui votes I. Miss Caster. Miss Caster votes I. Mr. Tonko. Mr. Tonko votes I. Miss. Clark.
▶ 0:58:11Miss. Clark votes I. Mr. Ruiz. Mr. Ruiz votes I. Mr. Peters. Mr. Peters votes I. Dingle. Mrs. Dingle votes I. Mr. VC. Mr. VC votes I. Miss. Kelly. Miss. Baragon. Mr. Sodto. Mr. Sodto votes I. Miss Shrier. Miss Shrier votes I. Mr. Han. Mr. hand votes I.
▶ 0:58:41Miss Fletcher Miss Fletcher votes I. Miss Accaziocortez Miss Accaziocortez votes I. Mr. Aenclaus Mr. Aenclaus votes I. Mr. Carter of Louisiana Mr. Carter Louisiana votes I. Mr. Mendez Mr. Menendez votes I. Mr. Mullen. Mr. Mullen votes I. Mr. Lansman. Mr. Lansman votes I. Miss Mlen. Mlen votes I.
▶ 0:59:09Chairman Guthrie Chairman Guthrie votes no chair Chairman Guthrie votes no Mr. Lada Mr. Lada votes no Palmer Mr. Palmer votes no Mr. Krenshaw Mr. Krenshaw votes no Dr. Joyce no Mr. Oberonotei Mr. Balderson, Miss Kelly. Did you get all those? Mr.
▶ 0:59:40Chairman, Mr. Chairman, how am I recorded? Uh, Mr. Griffith. Mr. Griffith is recorded. No. Anyone? None. none, the clerk will report. Mr. Mus. Yes. Gentlemen, Mr. Chairman, I'm sorry. Gentle, gentleman from Florida. Yeah, I'm inquiring as to how I voted. Mr.
▶ 1:00:10Billis voted no. Thank you. okay. So, gentlemen will report. Chairman Guthrie, on that vote, there were 27 nos and 23 eyes. With 27 nos and 23 eyes, the amendment is not agreed to. Are there any further amendments? Mr. Chairman, be may I ask you a question? Yes, you may.
▶ 1:00:40Gentleman's recognized. As you know, I have concerns that moving the end of the year bills separately could result in Republican le bills moving to the floor uh and Democratic bills being left behind. I know this isn't your intention, but I do worry about the the Republican leadership.
▶ 1:01:00Uh so, as I mentioned, that's why we continue to be frustrated that these bills, well, that's one of the reasons we're frustrated that these bills did not become law last Congress and that we're not moving them as a package today. Uh my staff raised these concerns with your staff in preparation for the mark markup. And I know that your staff sent us an email and I want to make sure I understand the path forward.
▶ 1:01:24According to the staff email, we understand that floor staff confirmed that all the CMT bills and the CAT bills would be on the floor likely under suspension, but on the same day, and that it was uh an agreement uh with Mr. Scaliz and the leadership uh that that would happen that they would all move on the floor the same day. So I was just going to ask you is that your understanding? Is that our path forward?
▶ 1:01:54So yes. So your staff did bring that to our attention. We talked to the leaders. The leader has given us a commitment that the bills regardless of who the sponsor is that we're are passing today will come to the floor. These are bills that we all agree on and and I understand your concern. But I do have a commitment that ensure that it will to the floor.
▶ 1:02:15And I will also commit to you that I will work with our Senate colleagues once he's passed the floor and with the White House to see that the bills regardless of the party of the sponsor are signed into law. But let me I appreciate that, but let me ask you my I don't have the email in front of me, but I don't want to be a stickler for the email, but my understanding is we're talking about the same day that they're going to be brought up the same day. Is that accurate?
▶ 1:02:38My understanding that is the commit that is the commitment probably mostly under suspensions and there's so many bills but yes they will floor that's that that is the commitment and I will commit to you that there will be the Democrat bills will be included in whatever process the floor does that will be Democrat and Republican bills together and have the have the commitment for the leader to do that. Well I appreciate that. Thank you for that confirmation and as we've all said we look forward to continue to work on these bills this Congress. Thank you, Mr.
▶ 1:03:08Chairman, thank you. So, no, seeing no further amendments. No, anyone want to speak on the bill? The delay from Massachusetts. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word in support of the bill. Gentle is recognized. Thank you. I introduce the bipartisan Youth Poisoning Protection Act to address an alarming and growing public health crisis. the promotion and use of sodium nitrite, a dangerous and toxic chemical as a method for suicide.
▶ 1:03:38Three years ago, the New York Times brought to light a disturbing trend, an online suicide assistant forum hidden in the dark corners of the internet are actively encouraging individuals to take their own lives. These forms have been instrumental in the rise of suicides using sodium nitrate, a chemical that in its safe low concentration form is often used to cure meat and fish.
▶ 1:04:02However, in high concentrations, sodium nitrate becomes highly toxic at levels comparable to cyanide. If the story ended there, it would still be tragic. But sadly, it gets even worse. While anonymous users of these online forums tout sodium nitrite as a painless way to end one's life, survivors of this method share a very different haunting reality. They describe excruciating experiences.
▶ 1:04:29Nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain, h heart palpitations as the poison deprivives the body of vital oxygen. When my office became aware of the growing availability of this substance as a suicide method, we acted immediately. Many websites we contacted took swift action to remove listings for sodium nitrate or to restrict sales to businesses with legitimate proven uses for it. But despite these efforts, there are still bad actors out there.
▶ 1:04:56Websites designed specifically to sell this poison as part of a suicide kit preying on individuals in their darkest moments. Unfortunately, there are currently no federal laws that can effectively stop these dangerous transactions. The Youth Poisoning Protection Act changes that. This legislation would prohibit the sale of sodium nitrate to consumers in concentrations higher than 10%, the threshold established by independent experts for safe use.
▶ 1:05:26This bill is not aimed at affecting legitimate business operations. Some businesses like those that cure meat or fish in large quantities require high concentrated uh sodium nitrite as part of their process. This bill does not disrupt those operations. Its sole focus is on preventing the direct sale of highly concentrated sodium nitrate to consumers, specifically stopping the bad actors who are exploiting vulnerable individuals by promoting this deadly chemical for suicide.
▶ 1:05:56This is a straightforward solution with the potential to save countless lives. I urge all members of this committee to join us in supporting this essential bipartisan legislation that was advanced through this committee and passed overwhelmingly on the House floor last year. It's simple. It's an effective step toward saving lives and I believe we have a shared responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back the balance of my time. Thank you. The gentle lady yields back. Any further discussion on the bill?
▶ 1:06:26Seeing none, the question now occurs on adopting HR 1442. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed, no. I'm sorry. A roll call has been requested. So, um, the clerk will call the role. Lada. Mr. Griffith. Mr. Griffith votes I. Mr. Bill Rackus. Mr. Billis votes I. Mr.
▶ 1:06:56Hudson Mr. Hudson votes I. Mr. Carter of Georgia Mr. Palmer Mr. Dunn Mr. Dunn votes I. Mr. Krenshaw Mr. Joyce Mr. Joyce votes I. Weber. Mr. Weber votes I. Mr. Allen Mr. Allen votes I. Mr. Balderson Mr. Mr. Balderson Mr.
▶ 1:07:25Balderson votes I. Mr. Fulture Mr. Fulture votes I. Mr. Fluger Mr. Fluger votes I. Mrs. Harshburgger Mrs. Harshburgger votes I. Mrs. Miller Meeks Mrs. Miller Meeks votes I. Mrs. Kamik Mrs. Kamock votes I. Mr. Obernolulty. Mr. Obernolulti votes I. Mr. James. Mr. James votes I. Mr. Bence. Mr. Bence votes I. Ms. Miss Houchin Mrs. Houchin votes I.
▶ 1:07:56Mr. Fry Mr. Fry votes I. Miss Lee Mr. Langworthy Mr. Langworthy votes I. Mr. Kaine. Mr. Kain votes I. Mr. Roelly. Mr. Roelly votes I. Mr. Evans. Mr. Evans votes I. Mr. Goldman. Mr. Goldman votes I. Miss Fedorchic. Miss Fedoric votes I. Mr. Palone. Mr. Palone votes I. Miss Dette. Mr.
▶ 1:08:26Deette votes I. Miss Shakowski. Miss Shakowski votes I. Miss Matsui. Miss Matsui votes I. Miss Caster. Miss Caster votes I. Mr. Tonko. Mr. Tonko votes I. Miss. Clark. Miss. Clark votes no. Mr. Ruiz. Mr. Ruiz votes I. Mr. Peters. Mr. Peters votes I. Miss. Miss Dingle votes I. Mr. VC, Mr. VC votes I.
▶ 1:08:56Miss Kelly, Miss Kelly votes I. Baragon. Mr. Sodto. Mr. Sodto votes I. Miss Shrier. Miss Shrier votes I. Mr. Han. Mr. Han votes I. Miss Fletcher. Miss Fletcher votes I. Miss Accaziocortez. Miss Accaziocortez votes I. Mr. Aenclaus. Mr. Mr. Aenclaus votes I. Mr. Carter of Louisiana. Mr. Carter of Louisiana votes I. Mr. Mendez.
▶ 1:09:26Mr. Mendez votes I. Mr. Mullen. Mr. Mullen votes I. Mr. Lansman. Mr. Lansman votes I. Miss. Mlelen. Miss Mlen votes I. Chairman Guthrie. Chairman Guthrie votes Mr. L votes I. Mr. Palmer votes I. Mr. Carter of Georgia votes I.
▶ 1:10:09Chairman Guthrie on that vote there were 50 eyes and one Excuse me. The chair calls up 973 and ask the clerk to report HR 973. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for a minute. Any points or order? Does anybody seek recognition on bill?
▶ 1:10:37M the gentle lady from New York is recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Gentle ladies recognize. Thank you. I am a proud co-sponsor and co-lead of HR 973, legislation that serves as a solution to a problem that we in this committee and Americans across the country agree is desperately needed.
▶ 1:11:02Just as I was proud to join with Congressman Torres in supporting this bill last Congress, and I'm grateful for his continued leadership. And while my belief in this bill's necessity remains absolute, I am simply stunned that is not already law. The leaders of this committee along with a biccameal bipartisan group of congressional leaders negotiated an endofear package that included this very legislation along with a number of other bills being considered at today's markup.
▶ 1:11:32Democrats and Republicans were ready and willing to pass this legislative package, most of which went through the regular order in December of 2024. The only reason these bills are not already law, is because they were killed on the orders of one man, Elon One man through one tweet was all it took to undermine months of painstaking bipartisan negotiations to advance the priorities of both parties.
▶ 1:12:03I can't tell you if it was fear, feelalty, foolishness, or just an infatuation with All I know is that one social media post from the wealthiest man in the world in world history who also just so happens to be Donald Trump's biggest financial supporter and my Republican colleague shriveled up and allowed an ineffective embarrassing bill to pass.
▶ 1:12:30And now they have the audacity to ask us to sit here today and pretend that everything is normal. It is not. I refuse to accept this scam of a status quo. I will no longer sit back and trade support for each other's bills.
▶ 1:12:48Let House GOP leadership use that bipartisan support to fill up the suspension calendar with only Republican bills and then simply hope and pray that Elon Musk or whoever the preferred billionaire of the day is willing to permit Democratic bills to move forward. I'm done with waiting on Republicans to magically regrow the backbone Donald Trump ripped from their bodies.
▶ 1:13:13I'm done letting my support for common sense legislation at the committee level be used as cover to advance Republican priorities while Democratic bills and Democratic priorities are left to rot or die because that's what the oligarch class ordered. We are in crisis and we need to act like it. We are being led by an ad administration run by a convicted felon and is Nazi saluting billionaire sidekick.
▶ 1:13:43An administration that routinely and proudly seeks to bend, circumvent, and straight up ignore the rule of law, the constitution, and even federal court rulings whenever any of them stand in the way of their goals. And all the while, my colleagues across the aisle say nothing and do nothing.
▶ 1:14:04This administration fires dozens of inspector generals, the very people responsible for finding the waste, fraud, and abuse they pretend to care so deeply about. What's the response? Silence. This administration tries to illegally fire Democratic FTC commissioners to ensure no dissenting views are represented on the commission. And what's the response? Silence.
▶ 1:14:30This administration weaponizes once independent agencies to serve as their own personal enforcers to shake down law firms. And what's the response? Silence. The lawlessness and disregard for the lives of those impacted by this administration is only escalating. And enough is enough. Business, as usual for me, is over.
▶ 1:14:54So, while I still believe in this bill, and while I support a number of the other bills in this markup on the merits, if my Republican colleagues want the ability to say their bills passed through this committee unanimously, sorry to disappoint, but that time is over. I will be voting no on every bill today and will continue to do so until we return to something approaching normaly and the Democratic bills receive their deserved consideration.
▶ 1:15:23With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Thank you. The gentle lady from New York yields back. The gentleman from New York is recognized to speak on the bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The safety of the American consumers must always come first in that uh to remain true when looking at the rising appeal of e-mobility devices. Rechargeable lithium ion batteries are everywhere. They power ebikes and scooters, and they're all over New York City and every other major city in this country.
▶ 1:15:50But far too many of these batteries are cheaply made overseas, particularly in China, with little regard for safety. The flood of shoddily manufactured lithium-ion batteries into the United States with no serious safety standards has led to deadly fires and explosions and has even led to the deaths of innocent people and first responders. In New York City alone, these batteries have caused 850 fires since 2021, resulting in more than 450 injuries and 34 tragic deaths.
▶ 1:16:20Just this year, 279 e-mobility fires have been reported already. A staggering increase from 44 in 2020. And this problem isn't just limited to New York. Across the country, families have been left homeless and first responders put in danger by lowquality batteries powering many of these ebikes and scooters.
▶ 1:16:41HR973, the setting consumer standards for lithium ion batteries act, sponsored by my colleague, Representative Richie Torres, is a common sense solution that will set clear safety standards for rechargeable lithium ion batteries used in e-mobility devices, ensuring that only safe, tested products reach American consumers. I'm proud to co-lead this legislation and I urge my colleagues to support the bill.
▶ 1:17:06HR 973 protects American consumers and first responders from dangerous, even life-threatening products from overseas and China. And with that, I yield back. Gentleman yields back. Is there further discussion on the bill? Seeing none, the question now occurs on adopting HR 973. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed, no. No. The eyes have it and the bill is agreed to.
▶ 1:17:36The chair calls up HR 633 and asks the clerk to report HR 633. A bill to require covered platforms to remove non. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill open for amendment at any point. So ordered. Does anyone seem to be recognized on the bill? Gentleman from Texas.
▶ 1:18:04Gentleman from Texas is recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Pull my notes up. I rise in support of the Take It Down Act and um am deeply concerned about the rise in deep fake pornographic images in the United States that destroy innocent lives as well as the inconsistent or rather non-existent legislation to protect victims of this egregious act at a state level.
▶ 1:18:34This bill is a critical step to solve this problem and protect innocent victims of non-consensual intimate imagery. We've heard time and again of the horrific stories of people ranging from celebrities to 14-year-old girls that have been victimized by this harmful content by strangers or even their peers.
▶ 1:18:53While AI has the potential to be harnessed for incredible things, there are far too many predators out there who abuse its power to exploit innocent people, which is why Congress must implement decisive federal guidelines. Myself, as a father of three girls, it's sickening. It's harmful and it must stop. Big tech will not remain complicit anymore. They will take it down. This common sense legislation is simple and should be a no-brainer to support.
▶ 1:19:21It would criminalize the publication of non-consensual sexually sexually exploitative images, including AI generated deep fakes and require platforms to remove them. This legislation has also been narrowly crafted to ensure that it does not affect consensual and constitutionally protected speech. Which brings me back to the fact that this should be a no-brainer to support.
▶ 1:19:43And if anyone here is on the fence about this legislation, I urge you to put yourself in the shoes of your daughter, your wife, your sister, or anyone who has fallen victim to these egregious acts. The Take It Down Act has not only passed the Senate unanimously, but President Trump and First Lady and Melania Trump have openly supported this legislation. I'm proud to be one of the House co-leads on this bipartisan biccameal effort to prevent explicit material from circulating and harming innocent victims.
▶ 1:20:12And of all the things that we do in Congress, I think this act, this take it down act in a bipartisan fashion can move the needle to protect innocent people, can move the needle to protect our sisters, our daughters, our wives, and anyone who has been taken advantage of. I urge both Republicans and Democrats on this co on this committee to support this legislation and get it swiftly signed into law and yield back. Gentleman yields back. The gentleman from Cal the gentle lady from Florida is first.
▶ 1:20:42Gentle lady from Florida. Amendment at the desk. Do you want to speak on the bill or amendment? Do you want to speak on the bill? Gentleman from speak on the bill. Okay. We speak on the bill and then gentle lady from Florida. You have a speak on the bill as well. All right. Gentleman from California is recogn last word on the bill. Uh the Take It Down Act is a critical step in protecting individuals, especially our children, from the devastating consequences of online exploitation.
▶ 1:21:06As a father of twin 10-year-old daughters who are just beginning to explore the digital world, I worry constantly about the risks they face. The idea that they could be exposed, harassed, or exploited online is terrifying. Everyday intimate images are weaponized without consent, causing lasting harm. According to the cyber civil rights initiative, one in 12 US adults have been impacted by the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. 90% of them are women.
▶ 1:21:36This crisis is even more dire for children. In 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received over 32 million reports of online child sexual exploitation. Even more troubling, cases of extortion, where minors are coerced into sharing explicit images, have surged by 322% since 2019.
▶ 1:22:00Young people are especially vulnerable in the digital age where a single mistake or moment of trust can lead to a lifetime of trauma. Sadly, this is not something that is only happening in one part of the country. It's affecting victims everywhere. Last week, in the Coachella Valley, where my district is located, a deeply disturbing case has come to light. A Reddit page appeared. It was dedicated to seeking, posting, and trading intimate images of women without their consent.
▶ 1:22:31This group does not stop at violating women's privacy. It also shares their full names and locations, putting their safety at grave risk. Even more dis disturbingly, this operation has moved to a private Telegram group where the predatory behavior has escalated unchecked. This page should have never been allowed to exist and it probably wouldn't have if the Take It Down Act had been signed into law in the December 2024 endofear package like it was intended.
▶ 1:23:02But instead of putting our children's safety first, Republican chose President Trump and Musk's petty politics over protecting victims and children. They decided to take it down following Musk's orders. And because of that inaction, individuals continue to suffer. These predators continue to exploit and our communities continue to live in fear. That said, we must go further. We need to design digital platforms that protect children's privacy from the start.
▶ 1:23:31That's why we must also consider the Senate's Kids Online Safety Act or KOSA, which puts the responsibility where it belongs on tech companies to make their platform safer in the first place. Because while removing removal is essential, prevention is just as critical. And I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the take it down act and urge a vote on KOSA to end this digital abuse now. So let's do the right thing. I yield back.
▶ 1:24:01Gentleman yields back. The chair will recognize the gentleman from Georgia for five minutes to speak on the bill. Move the right and last word. Mr. Mr. Chairman, I'd like to express my support for HR 633, the Take It Down Act, which will protect all Americans from vengeful, deep fake pornography that is produced and promoted against their will. AI has been revolutionary thus far and has offered a golden pathway to further innovation and technology that can improve and even save lives.
▶ 1:24:30Unfortunately, the advancement of AI has also opened new doors to ruin people's lives when malicious, LWD, and pornographic content. Revenge porn is something that no one should ever be sub subjected to as it has led to the destruction of lives and the dreadful outcome of suicide for some. We must give our nation's children protection from these AI generated deep fakes. This bill will criminalize the publication of non-consensual exploitive images including AI deep fakes.
▶ 1:25:00This law will provide a strict framework for social media and other online platforms to swiftly remove deep fakes and other pornographic material in 48 hours or less. I am happy to support the Take It Down Act out of the Energy and Commerce Committee today. And I would also like to thank Senator Cruz and the First Lady for their advocacy on this piece of legislation. It's time we all work together to empower victims and help them take it down. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back. Gentleman yields back.
▶ 1:25:30The chair recognized and speak on the bill. Mrs. Dingle from Michigan. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move to strike the last word. Gentle ladies recognized. I am a proud co-lead of this bipartisan biccameal take it down act which recently passed the Senate unanimously and I want to thank Representative Salzar, Dean, and Fluger as well as Senator Cruz and Clolobachar for their leadership on this critical Let's be clear, this bill should
▶ 1:26:00already be law. Last year, this bill was included in the end of the year bug budget package until it was stripped out because some of my colleagues caved to outside pressure. I'm glad to see them say they're supporting it today and I hope they'll stay strong if somebody tries to cause problems again.
▶ 1:26:23And while I do support this bill, I will offer an amendment today and others are going to as well which will make it even stronger for those who need protections the most. I hope my colleagues will consider them before they automatically reject them. We have to work together to protect women and children from new and evolving threats. As artificial intelligent advances, so do new forms of abuse, primarily targeting women and children.
▶ 1:26:54Deep fake pornography is not just a tool for harassment. It's being weaponized to silence and humiliate women, exploit children, and destroy lives. We've seen it used against women in public life, young girls, and even our own colleagues. No one in this committee thinks that this is acceptable and it's a crisis that demands immediate action. Take it.
▶ 1:27:22The Take It Down Act provides victims with a path to justice, ensures these harmful images are removed, and holds perpetrators accountable. But let me be clear, this isn't just about AIdriven exploitations. It's part of a broader fight to protect women and survivors of abuse. For years, I've worked to address domestic violence, coercive control, and the misuse of technology to harm victims.
▶ 1:27:52I've been focused on ensuring survivors have the tools they need to reclaim their safety. And I'd be remiss, my friends, if I didn't point out contradictions here today. Some of my colleagues rightfully expressed their support for protecting women and children. And I I I think we all share that. and I believe they mean it.
▶ 1:28:14But at the same time, they back efforts that are gutting the very agencies responsible for enforcing these protections. We can't have it both ways. We need to protect women and children. So, I hope my colleagues will consider good faith amendments today to strengthen this bill. We cannot afford to wait. We must act now to protect women and children from new and emerging threats.
▶ 1:28:43So, I urge my colleagues to consider the amendments today and to support the Take It Down Act and move it through this committee. It's time we deliver for women and children who are counting on us not to play political games, but to keep them safe. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back. Thank you. The gentle lady yells back. Anyone seeking rendition to speak on the bill? Little gentle lady from Massachusetts. Gentle lady from New York will be next. Yeah, Mr.
▶ 1:29:13Chairman, I move to strike recognized for five minutes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I strongly support the Take It Down Act, uh, bipartisan legislation that addresses an urgent and growing threat, the proliferation of non-consentual, sexually exploitive images online. This problem is particularly alarming with respect to children, and with the rise of artificial intelligence, it's only getting worse. AI can now create these images within seconds, and they often spread online in mere minutes or hours.
▶ 1:29:41The impact on these victims is devastating. They can ruin reputations, destroy careers, and cause significant mental health harm, all with little recourse for those whose lives are upended by this abuse. Congress has the responsibility and the obligation to act. This legislation is an essential step toward protecting victims, particularly minors, and taking divisive action, a decisive action, excuse me, against this crisis.
▶ 1:30:09It's worth noting that while this bill shares bipartisan support, the agency responsible for implementing it after it passes is currently being undermined. The president's unlawful attempt to remove two FTC commissioners will hinder the implementation of the Take It Down Act. And in doing so, it will make it harder to take down these sexually exploitive images popping up across the internet without victim's consent.
▶ 1:30:34So, I urge my colleagues to join me in standing for a strong independent FTC that will be instrumental in combating this crisis. I'll also add, Mr. Chairman, that passing this bill should not be seen as the end of our work. It would be a mistake to believe that enacting this legislation alone solves the broader challenges facing Americans online. It's my hope that this committee will continue the bipartisan progress we've made, particularly on comprehensive privacy reform and stronger children's privacy protections.
▶ 1:31:04These efforts directly implement uh complement the Take It Down Act, further advancing our shared goal of protecting Americans of all ages online. And finally, I want to acknowledge the concerns raised by many civil liberty and technology groups about the potential impact of this bill on encrypted services. These concerns focus primarily on whether encrypted platforms such as messaging apps and storage services could fall under the bill's definition of a covered platform.
▶ 1:31:34As someone who has spent considerable time in this committee working to protect and promote encryption in order to safeguard Americans privacy, I can assure you that I'm committed to ensuring that the language in our bill is as clear and protective as possible of this vital technology. The Take It Down Act defines a covered platform as any website, online service, or application that primarily provides a forum for userenerated content.
▶ 1:32:03That word forum is critical. A forum is a space for open public discussion, a place for public discourse. Social media platforms like X and Tik Tok are prime examples. On the other hand, services that operate more like private channels where information is exchanged securely and privately between a select group of users are not forums.
▶ 1:32:26Encrypted services such as messaging apps that ensure content is only seen by the intended recipients, not by the service provider, fit this definition of a channel, not a forum. That's why I do not believe that encrypted services will fall under the scope of this bill. They are not the platforms targeted by the take it down act and their encryption should not be compromised. But that doesn't mean that anyone can simply use encrypted services to publish NDI legally.
▶ 1:32:56Under the bill, the publication of NDI becomes a criminal offense. I'm proud of the work that this committee is doing to address this pressing issue, one that affects more and more of our constituents every day, and look forward to continuing that work. I urge my colleagues to support the Take It Down Act and to stand with the victims it aims to protect. And I yield back the balance of my time. Thank you. The gentle lady yields back. Any members seeking recognition for discussion? Gentle lady from New York, Miss Aassio Cortez. You're recognized for five minutes. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
▶ 1:33:26And um I'd like to thank the primary sponsors of this bill on both sides of the aisle um for making this issue such a priority. Right now, one in eight teenagers in the United States has a friend who has been impacted by deep fake harassment in schools.
▶ 1:33:44this issue has completely exploded very rapidly right under our noses and I'm very thankful for the responsiveness uh for of of members and leadership for bringing this bill forward. Um I also want to reiterate that uh take it down is an a very important step right now. Many of our platforms lack legal clarity on this issue. Unfortunately non-consensual deep fake pornography is in a legal area.
▶ 1:34:13a a gray legal area and absent clarity, it's very difficult for platforms to take this material down. So, this bill will provide the clarity that is needed in order to help um uh help victims of this be able to take down some of uh these materials. I also want to emphasize that our work in this issue is not done.
▶ 1:34:37Uh this what this bill excludes is the ability for victims to have a civil uh right of action and which means that essentially out having their day in court without going to criminal trial isn't necessarily a possibility or it's less of a possibility with this bill.
▶ 1:34:59And so I'm I'm very supportive of us um passing this legislation and I look forward to us bringing forward civil right of action uh for victims in future legislation so that we can have a full uh package of um of of the ability for victims to be able to stand up for themselves and take down this material. With that, I yield back. Thank you. General lady yields. Are there any further discussion on the bill?
▶ 1:35:28The gentleoman from uh Washington, Dr. Shrier, is recognized. Uh thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to uh the sponsors of this really important bill, the Take It Down Act. It's a great bill. It's a necessary bill. It demands the immediate removal of real or deep fake sexual images uh that are posted online without the consent of the victim. Uh these images are so traumatizing and destru destructive.
▶ 1:35:58I mean at the very least they are shaming and embarrassing but they are also threatening and lead to extortion and trafficking and are awful for the victims. And that is why this is such a necessary bill and such a great bill and I support this bill. It protects people and particularly children.
▶ 1:36:21Um, but right now it's feeling like empty words because my Republican colleagues just stood by uh while the administration filed fired FTC commissioners, the exact people who enforce this law. And without enforcement, this is just a discussion. This is not going to protect anybody.
▶ 1:36:44In fact, it feels almost like my Republican colleagues are just giving a wink and a nod to the predators out there who are waiting to exploit kids and other innocent victims. So, I I just want to say that if my colleagues really truly want to protect kids like I do, they will insist that the administration restore the FTC commissioners, uh the cops on the beat, who will enforce this law, who will punish the perpetrators and truly
▶ 1:37:14uh protect kids and other victims out there. Please consider uh reinstating the people who will enforce this excellent law. Thank you. General Lady yields. Is there any further discussion on the bill? Seeing none, For what purpose does the gentleman, Mr. Sto seek to be recognized? To introduce amendment 633-01.
▶ 1:37:45The clerk will report the amendment. Amendment to HR 633 offered by Mr. Sodto of Florida. At the end of the bill, add the following. Objection. The reading of the amendment is gentleman reserves a point of order. Without objection, the reading of the amendment is dispensed. Is there any discussion on the amendment? Mr. Sodto is recognized.
▶ 1:38:14Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And this amendment would condition the effective date of this act on the withdrawal of the president's illegal attempt to fire two FTC commissioners. We have an opportunity to vote on many important consumer protection bills today, including the Take It Down Act, which I support and plan to vote for today.
▶ 1:38:36We also have the informing consumers about smart devices act, the ticket act, the hotel fees transparency act, and eventually comprehensive privacy and social media regulation. All require a strong, fully functional federal trade commission. This is why we must take this unlawful attempt to fire two FTC commissioners head on. Silence, mere complaining is not enough.
▶ 1:39:04Our constituents are counting on us and on the FTC to stop fraud, to stop exploitation and abuse of kids like the Take It Down Act would do to help seniors protect consumers and lower costs. Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, whose term would not expire until 2029, and Commissioner Alvo Bedoya, whose term doesn't expire till next year, were terminated without cause. This was illegal, unconstitutional.
▶ 1:39:34Under Humphrey's Executive US, a case that dates back to 1935, presidents, including President Trump, cannot fire FTC commissioners without cause. They said the court at that time, the Constitution, never gave presidents eliminable power of removal. President Trump's attempts to fire these folks were illegal. It's time for this committee to reassert our power, to reassert our responsibility.
▶ 1:40:01It's time to act to protect exploited kids like we hope to do with this bill today and swindled consumers and struggling seniors. It's time to get off the sidelines and act. Otherwise, these good consumer protection bills passed today will be ineffective uh when they finally get into law. And it's time to make sure the Congress steps up to make sure President Trump is abiding by the Constitution and by the independent power of the FTC. And with that, I yield. The gentleman yields. Is there any further discussion on the amendment? The Mr.
▶ 1:40:31Chairman, I move the strike last word. Gentleman from Michigan is Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am profoundly disappointed by this thinly veiled delay tactic. This amendment is nothing less than an attempt to derail this very important bill that we have to move forward. Everybody wants to talk about how we care about women and children, but when it comes down to moving it quickly to protect the most vulnerable, my Democrat colleagues are using stall tactics and performative protesting. This is not the time for games.
▶ 1:41:01This is not gamesmanship. But if we want to talk about hypocrisy, if we want to talk about saying one thing and doing another, let's just talk about people who were here in the 117th Congress, the 2021 2022 during the same time frame that 33 children below the age of 13 died in Tik Tok challenges. Let's talk about the time that they were in the majority in the House, they were in the majority in the Senate and they had a very popular president with Kelly Slaughter leading the FTC. They want to talk about cops. Well, you know what?
▶ 1:41:29Sometimes there are bad cops who don't do their jobs and have to be fired. I haven't heard of any of the Democrats who are in the majority talking about that. They want to talk about delay tactics. Well, the facts of the matter is Kelly Slaughter was a um the interim chair at the beginning of 2021. She was in her position for seven years. The the gentleman's who introduced this amendment was literally on this committee during this time frame and did nothing. Did absolutely nothing.
▶ 1:41:58They care more about protecting unelected bureaucrats than they care about protecting children's lives and protecting parents' rights. They're talking about us standing by while these terrible bureaucrats are fired. And they stood by and let them stay. Well, the American people are sick and tired of it, which is why they elected President Trump and gave us the majority in Congress. They need to stop with these games, stop talking out of both sides of their mouths, do their dog on jobs.
▶ 1:42:22And for the same people who said, I quote, "We also support the Take It Down Act and we stand with the families here today and the excruciating stories that you have to tell us." Excruciating. Excruciating pain for people who also have daughters and sons. Excruciating. Does that seem like pain that can be delayed in assuagas? Does that sound like pain that the American people are ready to allow Congress to play games with? Absolutely not.
▶ 1:42:50I would encourage a no vote on this politically driven agenda and I hope and pray that my colleagues will turn more of their focus to the American people than Elon Musk. I yield. Gentleman yields. The chair recognizes the ranking member from New Jersey, Mr. Palone. I um move to strike the last word. Gentleman's recognized. Mr. Chairman, I I have to totally disagree with the gentleman, Mr. James.
▶ 1:43:16I look, the bottom line is we had a hearing a couple I guess last week or a week or so ago uh on kids privacy bills and I made the point that day that the Republican majority in this committee is basically trying to give the impression that they're acting on kids privacy that they're concerned about kids privacy. Bottom line is those bills passed out of it committee uh last session and the Republican leadership refused to bring them up on the floor.
▶ 1:43:47So, who's kidding who here? If the FTC commissioners uh are fired, I know he only fired the two Democrats, but who knows? Trump might fire the Republicans uh as well because, you know, we don't know what he does from one day to the next. He likes to fire people, particularly for independent agencies. There's going to be no enforcement. There's going to be no enforcement of the Take It Down Act. there'll be no enforcement of anything related to kids privacy.
▶ 1:44:11You know, when you talk about um who's pulling the wool over the eyes, the wool's being pulled over the eyes by the Republicans because, you know, they pass bills out of committee, then they don't bring them up on the floor. Uh they fire the commissioners that would enforce the law. So, it's all very nice to say that we're going to pass the Take It Down Act and hopefully, you know, based on the commitment that Chairman Guthrie made that all these bills are going to go to the floor uh together one day. I hope so.
▶ 1:44:38I mean, I know he's going to try and he has that commitment from Scaliz, but we never know. Uh last Congress, we had so many bills that never reached the floor. Uh so, who knows what happens with the take it down out. Who knows if they ever bring up the kids privacy bills. But in any case, there's not going to be any enforcement if there's no FTC. And that's where we are. You know, the the FTC has a long track record of working on a bipartisan basis to reign in big tech attempts to mislead consumers and misuse their personal data.
▶ 1:45:08President Trump's unlawful attempts to decimate the independent bipartisan FDC is just another, in my opin opinion, blatant giveaway to the big tech CEOs who sat on the dis at his inauguration. President Trump illegally attempted to fire these commissioners because he does not want the FTC to do the important work of holding big tech accountable. So, they're the ones that are behind all this. They're the ones that don't want to enforce the law. They're the ones that don't care about privacy.
▶ 1:45:36And they're sitting there uh you know, Trump is doing their work by firing or attempting to fire these commissioners. Media reports have been circulating that Mark Zuckerberg, the head of Facebook, has asked President Trump to direct the FTC to dismiss its antitrust case against Facebook. Instead of defending the independence of the FTC, the current FTC chairman has confirmed that he would do as directed by the president. And the absence of minority commissioners would certainly make that a lot easier.
▶ 1:46:04So, if we all want to be serious about protecting consumers, including our kids, from harms online, it's not enough to pass the Take It Down Act. We also have to be fullthroated advocates for a fully functioning independent bipartisan FDC. And I call on my Republican colleagues who recognize that the president's illegal power grab is hurting everyday Americans and helping big tech and it has to be reversed. If Republicans want to show they care about protecting children, they will support Mr.
▶ 1:46:33Innesota's amendment to ensure there is a cop on the beat. Otherwise, we have no cop on the beat. And we can do whatever we want here to pass bills, move bills forward. Meanwhile, Trump fires people at the Health and Human Services, at the FDA, at the CDC, fires commissioners of all the independent agencies. Who's going to be the cop on the beat? There isn't going to be anybody left to enforce the law. So, we can add all the laws we want here. And I'm not saying we shouldn't. I support this. But to suggest somehow that this is not an important amendment.
▶ 1:47:03This is the this is a crucial amendment. And if it goes down to defeat, then what who is going to be the cop on the beat? But in any case, I yield back the balance of my time. The gentleman yields. The gentle lady from Illinois, Miss Kelly, is recognized. I want to yield my time to the gentleman from Florida, Missto. Thank you so much, Representative Kelly. You know, we had a bipartisan privacy bill. It was killed by the Republicans last term.
▶ 1:47:29Social media regulation still outstanding because it was killed by the Republicans. Big tech billionaires had a better seat at the inauguration than the Republican governors did. False slandering FTC commissioners is not going to work today. Hyitz won't distract us and fake news will not go unchecked. I urge you all to join us in this. This is about the power of Congress. Otherwise, we have a king and not a president.
▶ 1:47:55We have cops who are taken off the beef for the very bills that you all seem to care about. This is the moment. Step up. Let this committee do its job. And I yield back. I yel back the balance of my time. The general lady yields. If there's no further Dr. Shrier, the chair recognizes Dr. Shrier from Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to applaud this amendment.
▶ 1:48:25Uh, this amendment says restore the cops on the beat, restore the enforcers of this law that will protect children. At the same time, we pass the Take It Down Act. One without the other just doesn't make sense. So, I'm going to address what my colleague, Mr. James, said. This is not a delay tactic. This is a speed it up tactic. This is a get your tails in gear act amendment. This is this is a move it along amendment.
▶ 1:48:53This is a hustle and get it done so we can get these both done together and protect kids act. Unless you uh get those FTC commissioners who are going to enforce taking down pornographic images, you're going to get nothing. And so I ask all of my colleagues, my Republican colleagues, get it together. Call the White House. Restore the FTC commissioners. Get this law enforced. and you have partners here to pass it and protect our children.
▶ 1:49:23I yield back. The gentle lady yields. If there is no further discussion, the vote on the amendment shall occur. A recorded vote has been requested. The cur the clerk will call the vote. Mr. Lada, Mr. Griffith, Mr. Mr. Griffith votes no. Mr. Bill Rakus. Mr. Bill Rackus votes no.
▶ 1:49:53Mr. Hudson. Mr. Carter of Georgia. Mr. Carter of Georgia votes no. Mr. Palmer. Mr. Dunn. Mr. Krenshaw. Mr. Joyce. No. Mr. Joyce votes no. Mr. Weber. Mr. Mr. Weber votes no. Mr. Allen, no. Mr.
▶ 1:50:22Allen votes no. Mr. Balderson. Mr. Balderson votes no. Mr. Fulture. Mr. Fulture votes no. Mr. Fluger. Mr. Fluger votes no. Mrs. Harshburgger. M. Harshburgger votes no. Mrs. Miller Meeks. Mrs. Miller Meeks votes no. Mrs. Kamock. Mrs. Kamik votes no. Mr. Mr. Oberalty Mr. James Mr.
▶ 1:50:51James votes no Bence Mrs. Howchin Mrs. Howchin votes no Mr. Fry Mr. Fry votes no ms Lee Mr. Langworthy Mr. Langworthy votes no Mr. Kane Mr. Kane votes no Mr. Roelly no Mr. votes no. Mr. Evans, no. Mr. Evans votes no. Mr. Goldman Mr.
▶ 1:51:21Goldman votes no. Mrs. Fedoric. Mrs. Vidoric votes no. Mr. Palone I. Mr. Palone votes I. Miss Dette. Mr. Dette votes I. Miss Shakowski. I. Miss Shakowski votes I. Miss Matsui I. Miss Matsui votes I. Miss Caster. Miss Caster votes I. Mr. Tonko. Mr. Tonko votes I. Miss. Clark. Miss. Clark votes I. Mr.
▶ 1:51:51Ruiz. Mr. Ruiz votes I. Mr. Peters. Miss. Dingle. Mrs. Dingle. Votes I. Mr. VC. Mr. VC votes I. Miss Kelly. I. Miss Kelly votes I. Miss. Baragon. Mr. Sodto. Mr. Mr. Sodto votes I. Miss Shrier. Miss Shrier votes I. Mr. Han. Mr. Han votes I. Miss Fletcher.
▶ 1:52:21Miss Fletcher votes I. Mr. Accaziocortez. Mr. Kaziocortez votes I. Aenclaus. Mr. Aenclaus votes I. Mr. Carter of Louisiana. Mr. Carter of Louisiana votes I. Mr. Menendez. Mr. Mendez votes I. Mr. Mullen. Mr. Mr. Mullen votes I. Mr. Lansman Mr. Lansman votes I. Miss Mlen. Miss. Mlelen votes I. Chairman Guthrie. No.
▶ 1:52:52Chairman Guthrie votes no. How's Mr. Lada recorded? Mr. Lad is not Mr. Mr. Hudson recorded. Mr. Hudson is not Mr. Mr. Hudson votes no. How is Mr. Cshaw recorded? Mr. Mr. Krenshaw votes no. How is Mr. Palmer recorded? Mr. Palmer is not Mr. Palmer votes no. Does anyone else Miss Lee votes no.
▶ 1:53:37How was Mr. Obernulti recorded. Mr. Obernulti is not recorded. Mr. Obernulti votes no. The clerk will report the result. Mr. Chairman, on that vote, there were 22 eyes's and 28 nos. The amendment is not agreed to. Are there any further Mrs. Dingle from Michigan is recognized. Thank you, Mr.
▶ 1:54:08Chair. I have an amendment at the desk labeled amendment The clerk will report the amendment. Amendment to HR 633 offered by Mrs. Dingle. Page two. Without objection, the reading of the amendment is dispensed. The gentleman reserves a point of order. Reco. The general lady from Michigan is recognized.
▶ 1:54:38Thank you, Mr. Chair. As many on this committee know, I strongly support the Take It Down Act. However, we must ensure it is as strong, effective, and impactful as possible. And I want to ensure that this bill actually works.
▶ 1:54:55That's why I'm offering this amendment to tighten up the bill text, close loopholes, and hold platforms accountable so that we can strengthen its ability to protect survivors of online abuse. Deep fake images are often indistinguishable from authentic content. So, we need to fully capture AIdriven exploitation in this bill.
▶ 1:55:21We have to prevent ambiguity and strengthen the takedown process by ensuring key terms are carried over properly. My amendment makes necessary refinements to the bill text, including carrying language from section to section to ensure the bill explicitly covers both non-consensual authentic in imagery and digital forgeries.
▶ 1:55:46It also strengthens the takedown process and ensures enforcement mechanisms work. Importantly, my amendment also ensures that constitutionally protected speech is preserved by incorporating essential provisions for consensual content and matters of public concern.
▶ 1:56:08My goal is to protect survivors of abuse, not suppress lawful expression or shield misconduct from public accountability. If we are looking to protect women, children, and those who are targeted by deep fake content, the provisions I propose are not partisan. I've heard from many, many stakeholders that we need to tighten up this bill. And my amendment is good policy.
▶ 1:56:36Survivors deserve a clear path to justice and we must act decisively to protect them. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Ensure the Take It Down Act is as strong as possible. Thank you and I yield back. The gentle lady yields. The gentleman from Texas, Mr. Fluger, is recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
▶ 1:56:58And u I appreciate my colleague uh who who I know supports uh the bill overall and actually we've heard a lot of support from the other side of the aisle. I recommend we move forward with the bill and actually start protecting kids. U but I do appreciate uh my colleague from Michigan. Um the I just think the word virtually is is unnecessary here and and I don't think that it it adds anything.
▶ 1:57:26In fact, I think it opens legally a lot of vulnerabilities to interpretation. Um, you know, and and kind of line by line, I mean, the the constitutionally protected speech, I mean, the notice and the takeown process already require that evidence uh that an image was published without consent of the person. Um, and I think that that particular piece right there, when you look at the word virtually, does open a lot of loopholes.
▶ 1:57:50Um, we could we could go further into digital forgeries, but these are a category uh and a subcategory of intimate visual depictions and the definition of digital forgery is added in the definition of this legislation. So, um, app while I appreciate the the efforts, let's move forward. Let's quit the stall tactics and uh and move forward with uh voting on the major legislation. Uh, I don't support this amendment. Yield back. Gentleman yields. Does any further member wish to speak on the amendment?
▶ 1:58:33If there's no further discussion, yes. A roll call has been requested. The clerk will request the role. Mr. Lada. Mr. Lada votes no. Mr. Griffith. Mr. Griffith votes no. Mr. Bill Rackus. Mr. Billis votes no. Mr. Hudson. Mr. Hudson votes no. Mr. Carter of Georgia. Mr. Palmer. Mr. Palmer votes no. Mr.
▶ 1:59:03Dunn. Mr. Crenshaw. Mr. Joyce. Mr. Joyce votes no. Weber. Mr. Allen. Mr. Balderson, no. M Mr. Balderson votes no. Mr. Weber votes no. Mr. Fulture Mr. Fulture votes no. Mr. Fluger Mr. Fluger votes no. Mr. Harshburgger Mrs.
▶ 1:59:33Harshburgger votes no. Mrs. Miller Meeks Mrs. Kamik M. Kamik votes no. Mr. Obernolulti Mr. James Mr. James votes no Mr. Bence Mrs. Houchin Mrs. Houchin votes no Mr. Fry Mr. Fry votes no Miss Lee Miss Lee votes no Mr. Langworthy Mr.
▶ 2:00:03Langworthy votes no Mr. Kain Mr. Kane votes no Mr. Roelly Mr. Roelly votes no Mr. Evans Mr. Evans votes no Mr. Goldman. Mr. Goldman votes no. Mrs. Fedoric. Mrs. Fedoric votes no. Mr. Mr. Palone votes I. Mr. Digette. Mr. Get votes I. Miss Shakowski.
▶ 2:00:32Miss Shakowski votes I. Miss Matsui. Miss Matsui votes I. Miss Caster. Miss Caster votes I. Mr. Tonko. Mr. Mr. Tonko votes I. Miss Clark. Miss Clark votes I. Mr. Ruiz. Mr. Ruiz votes I. Mr. Peters. Mrs. Dingle. Mr. Dingle votes I. Mr. VC. Mr.
▶ 2:01:02VC votes I. Miss. Kelly. Miss. Kelly votes I. Miss. Baragon. Mr. Sodto Mr. Sodto votes I. Miss Shrier Miss Shrier votes I. Mr. Han Mr. Han votes I. Miss Fletcher. Miss Fletcher votes I. Miss Accaziocortez.
▶ 2:01:32Miss Accaziocortez votes I. Mr. Aenclaus. Mr. Mr. Aenclaus votes I. Mr. Carter of Louisiana. Mr. Carter of Louisiana votes I. Mr. Mendez. Mr. Mendez votes I. Mr. Mullen. Mr. Mullen votes I. Mr. Lansman. Mr. Lansman votes I. Miss.
▶ 2:02:03Mlen. Miss. Mlen votes I. Chairman Chairman Guthrie votes no. How was Dr. Dunn recorded? Dr. Dunn is not recorded. No. Mr. Dunn votes no. How's Mr. Carter recorded? Mr. Carter is not recorded. How is Dr. Mr. Carter? Dr. Miller Meeks recorded. Mrs. Miller Meeks is not recorded. Mr. Miller, Mr. Krenshaw recorded. Mr. Krenshaw is not recorded. Mr. Krenshaw. How is Mr. Allen recorded? Mr. Allen is not recorded.
▶ 2:02:34Mr. Allen votes no. The clerk will report the result. Mr. Chairman, on that vote, there were 22 eyes's and 28 nos. The amendment is not agreed to.
▶ 2:02:56Are there any further Is there an amendment? Miss Caster is recognized. Yes. Uh Caster 13 is at the desk. Mr. Chairman, the clerk will report the amendment. Amendment to HR 633 offered by Miss Caster of Florida. Page one.
▶ 2:03:20Without objection, the reading of the amendment is dispensed with and the general lady is recognized for five minutes in support of the Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh for years this committee has investigated the malign actions of the big tech platforms that have done everything to hook our kids to steal their attention.
▶ 2:03:42U and we've done a lot of investigation on what we need to do to counter uh pred online predators and pornographers and online bullies. Uh we heard from the Facebook whistleblower Francis Hogan who told us that Meta, Facebook, Instagram, they all knew about the harm it was causing our kids, but they just kept on in the face of of that understanding of the the hit to the well-being of our kids.
▶ 2:04:09We even watched as Mark Zuckerberg was forced to apologize to parents here in the Congress for uh the harm the harms uh from stealing attention uh online. We uh and to the credit of this committee after all of those years really being informed by our own personal experience as parents and some grandparents and hearing from uh parents who suffered tragedies.
▶ 2:04:37Uh we finally took action and passed the kids online safety act last September. You know, I sat with parents in the audience in the United States Senate when KOSA passed the Senate almost unanimously and they had really thought that that was the moment in time after all the years and all of the hurt that the Congress was going to stand up to these platforms and to take action to protect kids online.
▶ 2:05:05Their hopes were dashed when Republican Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scaliz killed the bill. I mean, we had passed it here out of this committee in a bipartisan way. And and I've said it before, Gus Billis deserves a lot of credit for bringing us together and helping to hammer out a bipartisan KOSA that passed out of this committee. Um, I don't think that kids and families can wait any longer. U, so Mr. Mr.
▶ 2:05:35Chairman, my amendment today would add the Kids Online Safety Act uh to strengthen the Take It Down Act. And after all these years, it is plain as day that the big tech platforms elevate their bottom line over the mental, physical, and social well-being of our kids. In fact, it was 2023 when the United States Surgeon General published an advisory on the impacts of social media. He said it's an important contributor to our nation's worsening youth mental health emergency.
▶ 2:06:05He wrote, "Adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of anxiety and depression and the average daily use in this age group as of the summer of 2023 was 4.8 hours." And he wrote that social media platforms can be sites for predatory behaviors and interactions with malicious actors who target children and adolescents like adults seeking to sexually exploit children or to financially extort them through the threat of or actual distribution of
▶ 2:06:35intimate images. He recommended that Congress take action. Legislation from Congress should shield young people from online harassment, abuse, and exploitation, and from exposure to extreme violence, and sexual content that too often appears in algorithm-driven feeds. Parents are desperate for loss and tools to help keep kids safe online.
▶ 2:06:58Just look at the fact that Jonathan Hates's Anxious Generation uh book has been on the bestseller list for well over a year. And while the Take It Down Act would criminalize posting of non-consensual uh images of children and adults, we should make it stronger. Dr. Ruiz reminded me, he pointed out that take it down. Yes, it's important, but it's reactive.
▶ 2:07:25It doesn't do anything proactive to prevent the harm in the first place. So, what does KOA do? You all know this very well because we've been working on this for years. The amendment would require platforms to take reasonable measures to prevent and mitigate harm online to minors. Provides kids, teens, and parents the opportunity to turn off recommended data-driven algorithms.
▶ 2:07:48It requires covered platforms to provide parents with tools to help manage a minor's use of a platform, including options to control safety settings, track their time online, limit purchases, and address harmful usage. And it enables these by default. It ensures that covered platforms offer offer easytouse controls prohibiting the use of dark patterns that mislead or confuse consumers.
▶ 2:08:15Similar to take it down, KOSA implements a dedicated reporting channel to alert platforms of harm to miners. For too long, these big tech companies have operated uh with few checks, constantly depo deploying deceptive platform designs. Members of this committee have said time and time again, you're committed to protecting kids online. Now is your chance. I urge you to support my amendment and make the online world safer for our kids. I yield back my time.
▶ 2:08:44The gentle lady from Florida yields. The gentleman from Florida is recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate strike the last word. I seek recognition again. Uh I want to oppose the amendment. Uh, I want to thank my colleague for her continued support for the Kids Online Safety Act.
▶ 2:09:02Miss Caster, you've been uh my steadfast partner in protecting children online and I know for certain that this is one of your priorities, probably your top priority, and of course, it's my top priority as well. I want to be clear. I'm committed to moving KOSA across the finish line and working with you to do so. We have had asurances. We have gotten insuranceances and we continue to work with the leadership on this particular issue.
▶ 2:09:29It's just not the time or place for this particular amendment because I think we're risking uh the take it down act and we do not want to do that. Uh I'm disappointed the previous text is being offered as an amendment to the taken down act. As I said a bill which is almost surely going to be signed into law after it passes the committee and the full house. I will tell you this uh folks, this is good work that we're doing in a bipartisan fashion.
▶ 2:09:57We don't need these uh stalling and and delaying tactics, but uh I agree with everything you said, most everything you said, Miss Caster, and I appreciate you so very much. However, this is not the time. This will kill the Take It Down Act.
▶ 2:10:13I'm not even certain which version of the particular uh amendment, which version of the bill um that that was filed last time, whether it's the version that passed the committee or maybe it was the version the version that we filed together or it could be the Sen Senate language. So, let's get that straight. We're not ready yet. Um but again, I commit this is my top priority. I know I believe it is yours.
▶ 2:10:43Uh we have assurances from the chairman of this committee. I've been working with leadership on this. Let's get this done. Uh but I do not want to jeopardize the take it down act. As a matter of fact, uh in Pasco County, which is I think I have a couple more minutes.
▶ 2:11:00in Pasco County, which is in my district, uh the sheriff approached me, uh Sheriff Noco, uh and he said a teacher uh was found to be making AI images, computerenerated images of uh of children, performing sexual acts, very sick, very sick.
▶ 2:11:23Uh and because we don't have the taken out down act uh we can't prosecute this uh this particular um that that that is doing this this terrible thing to to our children.
▶ 2:11:41uh and obviously uh he is being prosecuted in certain uh with certain other uh charges but not with this particular charge but the taken down act will address this issue. Uh so let's not jeopardize this particular bill. Let's get it to the president's desk as soon as possible. I I'd like to ask the the gentle lady, my good friend from Florida, from the Tampa Bay area to withdraw.
▶ 2:12:09If not, um, I'm going to have to recommend that we vote down this amendment. Thank you very much. Will the gentleman yield for a question? Yes, please. Yes. Um, thank you so much, Mr. Bill Rockus, and I appreciate the the questions um and and comments that you're making, but you you just said something. We heard from Mr. James earlier that these amendments uh are just stalling and delaying tactics.
▶ 2:12:30And I understand what you're saying that you want to see this bill move quickly, but was this not raised in the markup in the subcommittee before it came to the full committee when when did a subcommittee actually look at at this bill? This is a uh well what we did was this is a four corners agreement. Uh and uh and that's why we don't want to stall this any further.
▶ 2:12:58uh you know most people actually are familiar with this particular bill. Uh again the four corner agreements will move forward and that's why so so I mean I I don't know why you would object to to getting this bill through uh because we have I mean more than likely we're going to have a unanimous vote on this particular bill in committee uh and it'll get to the floor of the house as soon as possible. So, I mean, let's do our work.
▶ 2:13:27And I think that that it is a stalling tactic. And I believe that some of these amendments are just placed there. It's frankly, it's frustrating that uh that we're not moving forward on this particular bill that everyone agrees to and it's vitally necessary to protect our kids. Thank you for yielding. Will the gentleman yield? Oh, I guess I'm out of time, so I can't yield. So, I guess you'll have to ask for time. Thank you. I yield back. M.
▶ 2:13:58Someone else seek recognition. Uh, the gentle lady from Texas. Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word. The gentle lady is recognized. Um, thank you so much. Look, I I hadn't anticipated speaking, but I appreciate your your answers to uh my questions to Mr. Bill Rockus. I just um it sounds like this is an issue. This is the first time this committee is considering this bill. It didn't go through regular order. It didn't go through a subcommittee. This is the first time that we are weighing in on this take it down act.
▶ 2:14:28And I don't think that sitting here offering amendments, debating the substance of the bill, trying to make it better, trying to address long-term issues about kids privacy is a waste of time or is a delay tactic. If all we're here to do is take something that the president wants or that Elon Musk wants, we don't need to be here. We're all legislators. Many people in this room have been working for years on this issue and we are here to do this work. This isn't delaying.
▶ 2:14:58There may very well be a unanimous vote at the end of this markup, at the end of discussion, but we're here to discuss it and we're here to try to make it better if we can, to try to identify problems if we can. That's what a markup is for. This is our job. This is why we're here. And I'm so frustrated. We've heard over and over in this committee about bills that we passed last year that got pulled out of the year-end package because Elon Musk tweeted that he didn't like it.
▶ 2:15:28And as our our colleague noted um in a hearing recently, he said it was too long. He said it was, you know, too many pages without understanding the substance. And a week later, he asked what pharmacy benefit managers were. Why are we substituting his judgment for our judgment? We have been working on these issues for years and offering amendments in a markup is exactly what we're here to do. So I just think that we should kind of cool the rhetoric about slowing it down.
▶ 2:15:57We're considering it in this committee today. But this is our job. This is what we're here to do. And general lady yield. I will yield for a question. Yes, Mr. Bill Rockus. Okay. Well, no. I just want to make a couple statements uh and clarify. We did have a subcommittee hearing on this particular bill this year. We pa it passed the Senate unanimously and you know how hard how difficult that is. Uh and uh also we have a hundred groups that are supporting this particular bill.
▶ 2:16:26Uh and the ranking member of course agreed in December to move this bill forward. So in my opinion that's enough. Uh if you don't like the bill, you don't think the bill is good enough, obviously you can vote it down. But I think we should Thank you.
▶ 2:16:39I'll reclaim my time that I'm not saying I dislike the bill, but I am saying I dislike what's happening on this committee where we want to take legislation prepared by someone else, eliminate input from members on both sides of the aisle, certainly eliminate any democratic participation or amendments, not debate them. We're here to make good legislation, and when things come to us, we can, you're right, we could just have an up or down vote. you all vote down this amendment today.
▶ 2:17:10If you vote down any of these amendments, you have more votes than we do. So, we'll just consider the bill as written. But that does not absolve us absolve us of the responsibility of doing our jobs here. And it is very frustrating for many of us to sit over here and see work we've done for years destroyed by this administration to see agencies. We just had a hearing last week on SAMA and mental health or on the FDA.
▶ 2:17:35And during the hearing, the former commissioner of the FDA said, "The FDA, as we know it, is gone because they just fired everybody." We were sitting in this room while people were swiping their badges to figure out if they still had a job. We have been working not only on smart legislation, but making sure we have agencies to implement it. It was the same issue with the FTC commissioners in an earlier bill.
▶ 2:18:01This administration is firing people and making it impossible to carry out the legislation that we're passing. So that is frustrating. We shouldn't stop doing the work that we're doing here, the work that we were sent here to do on behalf of the people who sent us here. So with that, I yield back. The gentle lady from Texas yields. The chair recognizes the chairman of the committee, uh, Mr. Guthrie. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. And and we sat down and looked and and we respect everybody's work here.
▶ 2:18:28we have and and I understand that there's opportunities for you to bring amendments and discuss some issues you want to discuss and that's a fair point. Um but when we sat down and looked at the end of your package, we want to make sure that both sides of the aisle get bills today. We want to make sure as I told the the ranking member, we went to leadership and said, "We don't want to just pass bills out of committee and you only pass Republican bills on the floor." So, we had a commitment for them to do that. But I do appreciate that you're bringing amendments so you can discuss some things you want to discuss.
▶ 2:18:57And so what we agreed on is bills that passed not necessarily unanimously across the floor but essentially out of committee across the floor. The take it down act didn't pass the house last Congress. That's a fair point. Uh but it was in the year package so negotiated on. That's why we had a subcommittee hearing on it last week to make sure that we have the chance to to talk about these. This is a bill that has gone from from the Senate to us. So as soon as we pass it, it goes to the president and that's why we're trying to get it signed into law. I had a as we had in the hearing.
▶ 2:19:27I know all of us have these stories. I had a young man, Eli Hock, who took his life the other day, about two or three weeks ago because of what was going on to him online. And so, um, when we say stalling tag, we're just trying to get this, we want to get this signed into law. I appreciate your points. You you you make well-made points, but we really tried to construct this markup so that all of us could get the agenda, at least what we had in the the commerce title of the end of year package because we're frustrated it didn't get passed. I'm frustrated it didn't get passed.
▶ 2:19:57So, we're trying to to do it and we're doing it today, at least the commerce titles, but your points are well taken and and but I I want you to know from our side, we're trying to include everybody in this process, too. So, I will yield back. The gentleman yields. If there's no further discussion, the vote occurs on the Chair recognizes a gentleoman from Washington, Dr. Shrier. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
▶ 2:20:23Uh, I want to thank Representative Caster for introducing this amendment to offer up the stronger version of the Kids Online Safety Act. It's a bill I very enthusiastically support. Uh, this bill, frankly, which we all support, didn't make it to the floor last year because Republican leadership blocked it. And that was a dangerous and devastating loss for all of our constituents who have been asking us for protections.
▶ 2:20:50Uh, too many children and families have been harmed by the addictive algorithms that social media companies push on our kids. And it is essential to include the duty of care standard in any legislation that aims to hold big tech accountable when their algorithms present dangerous information and content to children. And the Kids Online Safety Act does exactly that.
▶ 2:21:15uh enforcing the duty of care and giving parents the individual right of action would make sure this bill has teeth. So I want to thank Representative Caster again for introducing this amendment and I encourage all my colleagues to support it. I yield back. Gentle lady yields. The gentleoman from New York is recognized. Uh thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um and I' I'd like to um thank everyone for for the intent of this bill. This is my first time serving on this committee.
▶ 2:21:44I understand this bill is deeply bipartisan. Um, in good faith, I want to just raise some questions around uh first amendment uh concerns regarding the bill, particularly uh through the duty of care Um, I'm very concerned with especially this administration's stance uh towards the LGBTQ community and uh the the intended blurring
▶ 2:22:14of lines between LGBT rights and accusations of things uh such as quote unquote grooming and just the existence of trans people as as some sort of alleged threat to children. Um, I deeply appreciate that this version that's been presented today has removed the the the specific mentioning of grooming.
▶ 2:22:38Uh, but I maintain my concern about using the duty of care uh as the vehicle for this kind of enforcement, especially because that is historically housed under the FTC and we have seen a partisan u dismissal of the FTC as well.
▶ 2:22:58Uh and so I I raised this I understand that this bill I'm sure will return here and I'd like for us to continue this discussion uh so that we can continue to to engage in this effort to protect our kids and children's safety online and privacy. Um and again I I appreciate uh the debate and discussion on this and I yield back. The gentle lady yields. If there is no further discussion, the vote occurs on the amendment.
▶ 2:23:24The ranking member has requested a record vote and the clerk will call the role. Mr. La. Mr. La votes no. Mr. Griffith. Mr. Griffith votes no. Mr. Bill Rakus. Mr. Bill Rakus votes no. Mr. Hudson. Mr. Hudson votes no. Mr. Carter of Georgia. Mr. Carter of Georgia votes no. Mr. Palmer. Mr. Palmer votes no. Mr. Mr.
▶ 2:23:54Dunn. Mr. Mr. Dunn. No. Mr. Dunn votes no. Mr. Krenshaw. Mr. Joyce. No. Mr. Joyce votes no. Mr. Weber. Mr. Weber votes no. Mr. Allen. Mr. Allen votes no. Mr. Balderson. Mr. Balderson votes no. Mr. Fulture Mr.
▶ 2:24:25Fluger Mr. Fluger votes no Harshburgger Mrs. Harshburgger votes no Mrs. Miller Meeks Mrs. Miller Meeks votes no Mrs. Kamik Mrs. Kamik votes no Obernulty Mr. Obernulti votes no Mr. James Mr. defense. Mrs.
▶ 2:24:54Houchin Mrs. Houchin votes no. Mr. Fry Mr. Fry votes no. Miss Lee Ms. Lee votes no. Mr. Langworthy Mr. Langworthy votes no. Mr. Kane, Mr. Kane votes no. Mr. Roelly Mr. Roelly votes no. Mr. Evans Mr. Mr. Evans votes no. Mr. Goldman Mr.
▶ 2:25:23Goldman votes no. Mrs. Fedorchic. Mrs. Fedoric votes no. Mr. Palone Mr. Palone votes I. Mr. Dette. Mr. Dette votes I. Miss Shakowski. I. Miss Shakowski votes I. Miss Matsui. Miss Matsui votes I. Miss Caster. Miss Caster votes I. Mr. Tonko. Mr. Tonko votes no.
▶ 2:25:53Miss Clark. Miss. Clark votes I. Mr. Ruiz. Mr. Ruiz votes I. Mr. Peters. Mrs. Dingle. Mrs. Dingle. Votes I. Mr. VC. Mr. VC votes I. Miss. Kelly. Miss. Kelly votes I. Miss Baragon. Miss Baragon votes I. Mr. Sodto Mr. Sodto votes I. Miss Shrier.
▶ 2:26:24Miss Shrier votes I. Mr. Han. Mr. Han votes I. Miss. Fletcher. Miss. Fletcher votes I. Miss Accaziocortez. Mr. Accaziocortez votes no. Mr. Aenclaus. Mr. Aenclaus votes I. Mr. Carter of Louisiana. Mr. Carter of Louisiana votes I. Mr. Mendez Mr. Mendez votes I. Mr. Mullen. Mr.
▶ 2:26:54Mr. Lansman. Mr. Lansman votes I. Miss. Mlen. Miss. Mlen votes I. Chairman Guthrie. Chairman Guthrie votes no. How is Mr. James recorded? Mr. James is not recorded. How? Mr. James votes no. How is Mr. Fulture recorded? Mr. Fulture is not recorded. Mr. Fulture votes no. The clerk will report the results. What how is Mr. Cshaw recorded? Mr.
▶ 2:27:24Cshaw is not recorded. Mr. Cshaw votes no. We good. Mr. Chairman, on that vote there were 20 eyes's and 31 nos. The amendment is not agreed to. Are there any further Check.
▶ 2:27:52The chair recognizes the U ranking member, Mr. Palone. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment. The desk 6332 XML. The clerk will report the amendment. Amendment to HR 633 offered by Mr. Palone page six line 19 strike depiction of without objection the reading of the amendment is dispensed with and the gentleman is recognized for five minutes in support of his amendment.
▶ 2:28:22Thank you Mr. Chairman. The take it down act has an admirable goal which is swift recourse for victims of one of the most harmful trends to proliferate in the social media era. The sharing of graphic authentic and deep fake intimate imagery without the subject's consent. And these violations represent some of the worst of what social media and artificial intelligence have to offer. It's our duty to protect Americans, particularly our children, against such horrible acts.
▶ 2:28:49That is why the Take It Down Act was included in the end of the year bipartisan package and would already be law if my Republican colleagues had not bowed to Elon Musk demands to not move the package. Now, that being said, this bill did not receive careful consideration in our committee last Congress, and it is our obligation in this markup to identify and address loopholes and uncertain language that creates the opportunity for abuse that would tarnish the promise to victims this bill intends to empower.
▶ 2:29:16And more than 10 days ago, we reached out to the Republican majority to request a discussion on a number of potential improvements to the bill. Many recommended by cons conscientious stakeholders. Committee Republicans categorically declined to discuss any changes to the bill. I have a couple my amendment addresses two of these important deficiencies. But Mr.
▶ 2:29:36Chairman, I do want to stress, you know, I I I the thing that really disturbs me here is the fact that we have these reasonable technical amendments that are not being considered or even discussed. And I understand Mr. Guthrie, the chairman Guthrie mentioned that, you know, they just want to take up the Senate bill, which is why they don't want to do the any changes at all. that, you know, when you have deficiencies and we're trying to correct them, uh, you know, some people may think these things are not important, but I think they are.
▶ 2:30:04So, let me address what the amendment does. First, it would prevent bad actors from falsely claiming to be authorized to make a takeown request on behalf of someone else. This is a common sense guardrail to protect against weaponization of this bill, the take down images that are published with the consent of the subject matter of the images.
▶ 2:30:24And second, my amendment would narrow the exemption that prohibits criminal prosecution of a person for possessing or publishing an intimate image of him or herself so that it applies only where the nude or sexually explicit images solely of the person in question.
▶ 2:30:41Failure to narrow the scope of this exemption could allow, for example, a person to escape criminal liability for distributing real or deep fake intimate images of his or her well himself or his ex-girlfriend in order to cause the ex-girlfriend, for example, psychological, financial, and reputational harm. That I don't think that's the intent of the drafters or the members of this committee. Again, I understand that you might say, "Well, what does it matter?" But I think it does matter.
▶ 2:31:09And so I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and ensure the provisions of this bill do not lead to unintended but easily foreseeable consequences for victims. And with that, I yield back, Mr. Chairman. Gentleman yields back. Anyone seeking to gentleman from Florida purp? Yeah. Strike the last word. Gentleman's recognized. Thank you, uh, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate it. Let's not pretend these amendments are thoughtful policy contributions. Uh, they're delay tactics, plain and simple.
▶ 2:31:38This bill passed the Senate with full, as I said, full bipartisan uh support UC, which is practically unheard of uh with these type of bills. It has broad bipartisan support as I said in in the House as well. Uh and we have a four corners agreement. Uh we have 100 groups backing this particular bill. Uh we're here to protect children and support survivors. So uh I object to this particular uh amendment.
▶ 2:32:09I urge my colleagues again to vote no on this particular amendment and and vote yes on the bill as is. I don't want to jeopardize I don't want to jeopardize this bill uh by adding something here that uh that I consider a stalling tactic. Uh so uh yes of course I'll yield. Mr. Mr. Billas, Mr. Chairman, look, I I I think it's unfortunate you see this as a delayed tactic. That's not what it is. First of all, Mr.
▶ 2:32:39Chairman Guthrie already said that he's going to take up the Senate bill. So, that can be done at any time by the leadership. They don't even need to pay any attention to what we do here today if that's what they want to do. Um, I'm just want you to understand that when we have some technical amendments that we think are important to the victims that those should be considered and they were not today. It's not a delaying tactic. You can take up the Senate bill whenever you want. And according to the chairman of the committee, he's going to do that anyway. So, there's no delay here.
▶ 2:33:09It's just an effort to point out that there are some problems here that should be addressed. And I'm only asking that they be considered and not be considered a delaying tactic. That's not my intention. But I yield back. And I yield back, Mr.
▶ 2:33:32With respect for my dear friend, I just want to say, you know, delayed tactics was when we didn't pass this bill last year and I'm a strong supporter, as you know, of take it down and I just believe we've got to pass the most strongest bill possible. Ranking members Palona amendment makes necessary changes I believe to ensure the legit legitimacy of takedown requests by ensuring that those submitting requests are acting in good faith under penalty of perjury.
▶ 2:34:01And I have actually seen where people have tried stalling tactics of il of not legitimate um takedown requests. It would also close a potential loophole that would exempt people who disclose non-consensual intimate images from criminal provisions simply because the image depicts themsel as well as their victims. Common sense improvements like this only serve to further strengthen protections for women and children on online and I thank you for yielding your time. Will the gentleman yield to me? Yes, I will.
▶ 2:34:30I just say I I know everybody on both sides supports this bill and wants the the premise of this bill to be done. My point in saying I don't think it's tactics that you're doing that intention. You're you guys are doing an affairy at all. But I do if if we adopt the Senate bill, it does get to the floor early when we get back from Eastern and right to the president's desk. So um that that's I guess is what we're trying to say. Um I will yield back to my friend from Florida. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
▶ 2:35:00Any discussion? Seeing none, there's no further discussion. The vote occurs on the amendment. All them in favor shall signify by saying I. I. All the pose, nay. Nay. The nays have it in the amendment is not to. Are there any further amendments? Gentleman from from Massachusetts, Mr. Aenclaw. What purpose? You seek recognition. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. Z.
▶ 2:35:28Gentleman's recognized to discuss his amendment report. I'm sorry. The clerk will Amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR63. Without objection, the reading of the amendment is dispensed with and the gentleman is recognized for five minutes in support of the amendment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I strongly support the intent of the Take It Down Act. As we all know, there's an epidemic of non-consensual deep fake pornography, primarily targeting women and girls.
▶ 2:35:53The vast majority of online deep fake imagery is is deep fake pornography, and the vast majority of that targets women. This is also however a major problem for young men. Not just because young men also can be sexually exploited online, but also because uh this type of deep fake pornography lies to young men about the nature of sex and it also impairs their ability to form healthy intimate relationships on their own.
▶ 2:36:17Last Congress, I introduced bipartisan legislation to hold social media companies accountable for the proliferation of deep fake abuse and online harms on their platforms. Section 230's liability shield for online platforms has led to a lack of an incentive for their CEOs and boards of directors to ensure users safety or address harmful content on their apps.
▶ 2:36:37And my bill, the Intimate Privacy Protection Act, conditions the applicability of section 230's liability shield on a platform implementing a duty of care, a set of basic steps that requires companies to be responsive to complaints about cyberstalking, intimate privacy violations, and digital forgeries.
▶ 2:36:53So, while I fully support the Take It Down Act's inclusion of criminal statutes for publication of non-consensual intimate images, and I do believe that those notice and takedown provisions will go a long way to helping victims of deep fake abuse, I believe that ultimately a stronger bill would condition those requirements on uh or would condition rather section 230 on those requirements. If we want social media platforms to be better actors in this space, we need to make them liable for their inaction.
▶ 2:37:20Uh, and for that reason, this amendment would strike the tax of take it down and replace it with my intimate privacy protection act. It's important for Congress to steal itself for the fight ahead to sunset section 230. And uh, we know how big tech lobbies on this issue. First, big tech will come to Congress and they will claim, well, if you take section 230 away, you're going to impair freedom of expression.
▶ 2:37:42Well, as ranking member Palone and former chairwoman Kathy McMorris Rogers said in their excellent op-ed in the Wall Street Journal last term, we have the First Amendment for freedom of expression issues. James Madison didn't write section 230. It was written in the 1990s and it's a liability shield for big tech uh platforms. It is not a sacrosan protection for the First Amendment.
▶ 2:38:03The second thing the social media corporations will say about section 230 is, "Oh, if you take this away, then we're going to lose on AI to China." And I think that's just nonsensical. I mean, OpenAI just raised a $40 billion round, the most lucrative private round in history of venture capital based entirely on AI. I think there's plenty of money going towards artificial intelligence and our competition with China. And the third thing that big tech companies will do on section 230 is they won't even show up themselves.
▶ 2:38:31They'll fund a bunch of front groups to come lobby on uh esoteric and distinct issues, but they're suspiciously wellunded and they're always targeting uh the protection of section 230 and the degradation of intellectual property. So, we have to steal ourselves for 230 reforms and understand the the absolute barrage of corporate lobbying that's will come our way. And Chairman Guthrie, I am happy to withdraw this amendment.
▶ 2:38:56uh if I could get just got a commitment to you that you are willing to work on section 230 reform with ranking member Palone and and uh ENC Democrats. I look for the opportunity for us to work forward and and tomorrow will be good time to ask questions as some people are going to be before our hearing tomorrow on AI and China and and and regulations. So yeah, I would be willing to work with you. And you believe that we do need to look at section 230? I think we need to look at everything as we look at privacy and see where where it needs to go. I'm willing to work with you.
▶ 2:39:26I'm not committing to any end result, but willing to work together. Sure. Your your predecessor took a bold stand on that, and I would encourage you to take a similarly bold stand up against the big tech lobby. Uh I will withdraw the amendment and I'll yield back my time. Without objection, the amendment is withdrawn. Is there any further gentleman from well let let me uh let's see if there's no further discussion.
▶ 2:39:53The question now occurs on adopting HR 633 as excuse me 633. Uh roll call vote has been requested by Mr. Billis of Florida. So the clerk will call the role. Mr. Lada I. Mr. Lada votes I. Mr. Griffith. Mr. Griffith votes I. Mr. Bill Rackus. Mr. Bill Rackus votes I. Mr. Hudson. Mr. Hudson votes I. Mr. Carter of Georgia. I Mr. Carter of Georgia votes I. Mr. Palmer.
▶ 2:40:23Mr. Dunn. Mr. Krenshaw. Mr. Dunn votes I. Mr. Joyce. Mr. Joyce votes I. Mr. Weber. Mr. Weber votes I. Mr. Allen. Mr. Allen votes I. Mr. Balderson Mr. Balderson votes I. Mr. Fulture Mr. Fulture votes I. Mr. Fluger Mr.
▶ 2:40:53Fluger votes I. Mrs. Harshburgger M. Harshburgger votes I. Mrs. Miller Meeks. Mrs. Miller Meeks votes I. Mrs. Kamik. Mrs. Kamik votes I. Mr. Obernoli. Mr. James, Mr. Bence, Miss Hchin, Miss Houchin votes I.
▶ 2:41:25Fry, Miss Lee, Miss Lee votes I. Mr. Langworthy. Mr. Langworthy votes I. Mr. Kaine. Mr. Kane votes I. Mr. Roelly. Mr. Roelly votes I. Mr. Evans. Mr. Evans votes I. Mr. Goldman. Mr. Goldman votes I. Mrs. Fedorchic. Mrs. Fedorchic votes I. Mr. Palone.
▶ 2:41:56Mr. Palone votes I. Mr. Digette. Mr. Get votes I. Miss Shakowski. Miss Shakowski votes I. Miss Matsui. Miss Matsui votes I. Miss Caster. Miss Caster votes I. Mr. Tonko. Mr. Tonko votes I. Miss Clark Miss Clark votes no. Mr. Ruiz Mr. Ruiz votes I. Mr. Peters Mrs. Dingle Mrs. Dingle votes I. Mr. VC Mr. VC votes I.
▶ 2:42:26Miss Kelly Miss Kelly votes I. Miss Baragon M. Mr. Sodto Mr. Sodto votes I. Miss Shrier Miss Shrier votes I. Mr. Tran Mr. Han votes I. Miss Fletcher. Miss Fletcher votes I. Mr. Kaziocortez. Mr. Kaziocortez votes I. Mr. Aenclaus. Mr. Aenclaus votes I. Mr. Carter of Louisiana. Mr. Carter of Louisiana votes I. Mr. Mendez. Mr. Mendez votes I. Mr. Mullen. Mr.
▶ 2:42:56Mullen votes I. Mr. Lansman. Mr. Lansman votes I. Miss. Mlen. Miss. Mlelen votes I. Chairman Guthrie. Chairman Guthrie votes I. Mr. Palmer is not recorded. M Palmer votes I. Mr. James. Mr. James votes I. Miss Baragon is not recorded. Miss Baragon votes I. Mr. Mr.
▶ 2:43:26Krenshaw votes I. Seeing none, the clerk will report. Chairman Guthrie on that vote there were 49 eyes and one no. The the eyes have it and the bill is agreed to.
▶ 2:43:57The chair calls up HR 1664 and ask the clerk to HR 16664 a bill to direct the secretary of Without objection the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for amendment at any point so ordered. Does anybody seek recognition on the bill?
▶ 2:44:15What purpose of the gentle lady from the very happy city of Gainesville, Florida seek The gentleoman from the Gator Nation aka Title Town uh whose Gator Boys just brought home the natty last night seeks recognition on the bill. Will the ungentle lady yield? Gentle lady is recognized. Don't ruin the thunder here. Gentle is recognized. All right. Thank you, Mr.
▶ 2:44:45Chairman. All right. I would like to encourage my colleagues to support HR1664, deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025, a bipartisan effort that I have introduced with my friend, Representative Darren Sodto. This bill is about securing America's future in a rapidly evolving digital world.
▶ 2:45:08Blockchain technology is transforming industries, strengthening our economy, enhancing national security, and revolutionizing how we manage data. But we're at a crossroads. Nations like China are racing ahead, claiming dominance in this space. We cannot afford to fall behind. This legislation directs the Department of Commerce to lead the charge, advising the president, establishing a blockchain deployment program, and ensuring that the US remains competitive.
▶ 2:45:39Blockchain isn't just a buzzword. It is a tool to empower our businesses and safeguard our supply chains. It is the backbone of innovations in supply chain security, digital identity, and smart contracts. It's about fostering innovation, creating jobs, and protecting our national interests. But for too long, innovators in this space have faced uncertainty, inconsistent policies, and the risk of being pushed offshore. This bill takes a strategic and thoughtful approach.
▶ 2:46:09It directs the Department of Commerce to support this right here at home, the development of blockchain right here at home, while keeping consumer protection and national security front and center. It ensures that companies can innovate with confidence and that our values, not those of authoritarian regimes, shape the global digital infrastructure of the future. This is about leadership and this is about economic opportunity.
▶ 2:46:33And it is about securing America's role as the world's most innovative, most free, and most forwardthinking economy. I'm so proud to sponsor this legislation, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Will the general lady yield? I will yield to my good friend from the Gator Nation as well. It's great to be a Florida Gator. I yield back. Mr.
▶ 2:46:58Chairman, I will say uh even even the Georgia Bulldogs up here on the dis, Mr. Chairman, were cheering for the Gators. And I know that made them a little uncomfortable, but once again, the SEC is proving why we are the dominant conference. And with that, I yield back. The gentle lady yields back as a gentleman from Florida. You're recognized. You're part of the Gator Nation as well, but you are recognized to speak on the bill. Thank you, chairman. And all Flidians are Gators last night.
▶ 2:47:27And congratulations uh to my co-introducer, Cat Kamik, and uh all our friends at UF for a huge win last night. I'm proud to be able to co-inttroduce the Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025. Commerce needs to take a more aggressive role in helping foster both blockchain and distributive ledger technology.
▶ 2:47:50To make it simple, blockchain helps keep information fixed and trustworthy so it can't be altered later on. uh that fidelity, that fixed ledger. um make sure we could have um different aspects like cryptoc currency exist as well as big data to make sure that we could have information on any number of things from public health uh to disaster relief uh to uh resolving other conflicts, gathering that data and then
▶ 2:48:20helping with our best scientists and with uh artificial intelligence to help solve some of the toughest problems u that face um both the nation uh and the world. And so we need to get more aggressive about this. We need to make sure America continues to be um the leader in blockchain technology. And uh so I'm proud to co-introduce this bill and I yield back. Gentleman yields back. Is there further discussion? Seeing none, the question now occurs on adopting HR 1664. All them those in favor say I.
▶ 2:48:51I. All those opposed? No. No. The eyes have it and the bill is agreed to. The chair calls up HR2444 and asks the clerk to report Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for amendment at any point. So ordered. Does anybody seek recognition on the bill? Gentle lady from Indiana seeks recognition.
▶ 2:49:22You are recognized. Thank you. Uh Mr. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Gentle is recognized. I'm proud to be working alongside uh my uh my friend uh Representative John James on this important legislation. The United States should never be at the mercy of the CCP or any foreign adversary. Our supply chains must be Americanmade, driven by American workers.
▶ 2:49:47My home state of Indiana is one of the most manufacturing intensive states in the country and our supply chains are critical to our manufacturing success. The Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act is a strong step toward ending our dependence on foreign manufacturing, lowering costs, and protecting our national security. Again, I'm proud to be an original co-sponsor of this bill and look forward to its passage today. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back. Gentle lady yields back. The gentle lady from Michigan seeks recognition.
▶ 2:50:17Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move to strike the last lady is recognized. I want to thank my colleagues, Representative James and Kelly, for their leadership in advancing bipartisan supply chain legislation. I'm proud to support the promoting resilient supply chains act, which builds on the progress we made last Congress to strengthen American manufacturing and protect our economic and national security.
▶ 2:50:40Over the last several years, we've taken meaningful steps to bolster our industrial base, foster innovation, and create jobs. This bipartisan legislation continues that work by giving the federal government the tools it needs to reinforce supply chain resilience and prevent future disruptions. I'm pleased that we are moving it forward in this committee. Last Congress, we worked across the aisle to pass this bill in the House, and I was proud to co-lead several of its key provisions.
▶ 2:51:10We even reached a bipartisan biccameal agreement on a supply chain measure for the year-end funding bill, a deal that should have been a win for American workers and manufacturers. But instead, it was gutted at the last minute because my colleagues caved to LMU's public opposition. And that setback only highlights why we must act now.
▶ 2:51:33This legislation includes critical provisions from last Congress's supply chains act, which I co-led, including designating the assistant secretary of commerce to lead a governmentwide supply chain resilience effort. It also expands supply chain mapping, monitoring, and coordination with labor to proactively address potential disruptions. A strong national strategy will ensure we are prepared for future challenges rather than reacting to crisises.
▶ 2:52:04For too long, poorly negotiated trade deals, job outsourcing, and the decline of unionization have howled our out our industrial base, leaving manufacturers and suppliers vulnerable. We have a responsibility to rebuild American manufacturing and protect workers because doing so is essential to both our economic strength and our national security.
▶ 2:52:28This bill is an important step towards preventing debilitating shortages, strengthening domestic semiconductor production, and safeguarding our auto industry from threats to innovation and Supply chain resilience is vital to our long-term economic success and I'm glad to see bipartisan momentum behind this effort. Strongly urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support HR2444 ensure we get this done. Thank you and I yield back. Thank you.
▶ 2:52:58The gentle lady yields back. The gentleman from Michigan seeks recognition. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Recognized for five minutes. I'd like to take the last word. You're recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill. Yes, sir. uh no matter how you slice it and no matter what industry, there's not a single American who isn't impacted by supply chains. Now, after co everybody became a supply chain expert, but I actually have a master's degree in it and ran an automotive logistics company that specializes in supply chains.
▶ 2:53:25Michigan's 10th congressional district and supply chains are are equivalent to rocket fuel. It's providing the firepower to the number one manufacturing district in the entire country. And uh this is vital not just for Michigan, but also for the uh for the nation. Having a strong and reliable supply chain for this nation is essential to ensuring that every American can get food, fuel, household products, and every other consumer product that they need each and every single day.
▶ 2:53:52This is why I introduced HR2444, the promoting resilient supply chains act of 2025. I want to thank uh my friend and colleague, Representative Dingle, for her support and uh and her efforts. Uh Rep. Houchin, Rep. Robin Kelly and uh Rep. Pat Ryan, who shows that while the West Point class of 1987 is okay, the class of 2004 is the best. I appreciate all their support on this very bipartisan bill.
▶ 2:54:22This is this is important to bring jobs back home, to lower costs for hardworking families, no longer just about economics. Uh supply chain are are vital to American uh interest in national security. We have to do everything in our power to ensure our nation's supply chains are resilient, shockresistant, and protected from nefarious foreign adversaries. This includes public enemy number one, the Chinese Communist Party.
▶ 2:54:47The threat from China is real, and the time to act was years ago, but the next best time to act is right now. To achieve a strong resilient supply chain, we must have a coordinated whole of government approach that decreases dependence on our adversaries and leverages American ingenuity and our independence. The promoting resilient supply chains act is a step in the right direction.
▶ 2:55:12This legislation will create a supply chain resilience program to identify and address gaps in critical industries and emerging technologies. Establish an early warning system to predict and prevent supply chain disruption. reduce dependence of adversarial nations on adversarial nations by incentivizing domestic manufacturing and doing all of this powered by quantum computing and AI to make sure that we continue to stay ahead of our enemies.
▶ 2:55:39Resilient global supply chains are the cornerstone of American innovation leadership and we must take clear and decisive action on this global competition with China. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on HR 2444, the Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act 2025. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back. Gentleman yields back. The gentle lady from Illinois is recognized for five minutes to discuss the bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Supply chain vulnerabilities cannot be addressed if they are not identified.
▶ 2:56:07But for far too many suppliers and producers, particularly small and medium manufacturers, the cost and complexity of supply chain mapping and monitoring can be a substantial barrier. We must heed the lessons learned from the CO 19 supply chain crisis and do our best to ensure this is not another supply chain shock. There is not another supply chain shock.
▶ 2:56:28Our nation's manufacturing base and supply chains are critical for supporting our capacity to develop and produce high-tech revolutions essential for prosperity in the 21st century. That is why last Congress I was proud to co-lead the Democratically supply chains act with now Senator Blunt Rochester, Rep. Debbie Dingle, and former Rep. Wild.
▶ 2:56:50I am very pleased that this version of the promoting resilient supply chains act that is under consideration today includes vital provisions from the supply chain act which garnered the support of over 160 stakeholders. The bill among other things esta establishes a robust program that includes an expanded mapping and monitoring initiative to address supply chain shocks before they occur, a national strategy that elevates the importance of the issue and provide a plan of action to address supply chain resiliency.
▶ 2:57:21My hope is that my colleagues, particularly those in the majority who control the House floor, remain committed to addressing supply chain resiliency to ensure America remains competitive and not overly reliant on foreign adversaries.
▶ 2:57:34I would be very disappointed if unelected individuals who have an outside influence in the current Trump administration and Republican party are able to again meddle in this committee's affairs by obstructing critical bipartisan bills like this promoting resilient supply chain act from receiving consideration on the House floor as a standalone bill or as part of a larger package.
▶ 2:57:56So, while I will support this bill and others in committee, I want to stress that voting on individual parts of this bipartisan package will not result in them becoming law. We should pass a bipartisan agreement as a package just as it was intended at the end of last year. I yield back. Gentle general lady yields back. Is there further discussion? Seeing none, the question now occurs on adopting HR 244.
▶ 2:58:25A roll call has been requested. Gentleman from Ohio requests a roll call Roll call has been record. The clerk will call the roll. Okay. The clerk will call the roll. Mr. La. Mr. La votes I. Mr. Griffith. Mr. Griffith votes I. Mr. Bill Rakus. Mr. Hudson. Yeah. Mr. Carter of Georgia. Mr. Carter of Georgia votes I. Mr.
▶ 2:58:55Palmer. Mr. Palmer votes I. Mr. Dunn. Mr. Krenshaw. Mr. Joyce. Mr. Joyce votes I. Mr. Weber. Mr. Weber votes I. Mr. Allen. Mr. Allen votes I. Mr. Balderson. Mr. Balderson votes I. Mr. Fulture. Mr. Fulture votes I. Mr. Fluger. Mr. Fluger votes I. Mr. Harshburgger. Mr. Mr. Harshburgger votes I. Mrs.
▶ 2:59:25Miller Meeks Mrs. Kamik Mr. Kamik votes I. Mr. Obernulty. Mr. Obernoli votes I. Mr. James. Mr. Benz. Mr. Benz votes I. Ms. Howchin. Mrs. Howchin votes I. Mr. Fry. Miss. Lee. Ms. Lee votes I. Mr. Langworthy. Mr. Langworthy votes I. Mr. Kane. Mr. Kane votes I.
▶ 2:59:55Mr. Roelly. Mr. Evans. Mr. Evans votes I. Mr. Goldman. Mr. Golden votes I. Miss Fedorek. M. Fedoric votes I. Mr. Palone. Mr. Palone votes I. Mr. Get. Mr. Gette votes I. Miss Shakowski. Miss Shakowski votes I. Miss. Matsuie. Miss. Matsui. Votes I. Miss Caster. Miss Caster votes I. Mr. Tonko. Mr. Tonka votes I. Miss. Clark. Miss Clark votes no. Mr. Ruiz, Mr.
▶ 3:00:25Ruiz votes I. Mr. Peters. Mrs. Dingle. Mr. Dingle votes I. Mr. VC. Mr. VC votes I. Miss. Kelly. Miss. Kelly votes I. Miss Baron. Miss. Bargon votes I. Mr. Sodto. Miss Ryer. Miss Ryer votes I. Mr. Han. Mr. Han votes I. Miss. Fletcher. Miss Fletcher votes I. Mr. Kaziocortez Mr. Kaziocortez votes I. Mr.
▶ 3:00:56Aenclaus Mr. Carter Louisiana Mr. Carter Louisiana votes I. Mr. Mendez Mr. Menend Mr. Mullen Mr. Mullen votes I. Mr. Lansman. Mr. Lansman votes I. Miss. Mlen. Miss. Mlen votes I. Chairman Guthrie. Chairman Guthrie votes I.L. Mr. Mr. Aenclass votes I. Miss Miller Meeks is not recorded.
▶ 3:01:26Mr. Miller Meeks votes I. Mr. Hudson is not recorded. Mr. Hudson votes I. Mr. Bill is not recorded. Mr. Bill Rakis votes I. Mr. Dunn votes I. Mr. Kshaw votes I. Mr. James votes I. Mr. Mendez is not recorded. Mr. Mendes votes I.
▶ 3:01:57Mr. Reley is not recorded. Mr. Ry votes Cler report. Chairman Guthrie. On that vote, there were 51 eyes and one no.
▶ 3:02:24The eyes have it and the amendment the excuse me, the I have the eyes have it and the bill is agreed to is adopted. I'm sorry. Bill is adopted. The chair will calls out HR2480 and ask the clerk to report Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for a minute. Any points? So ordered. Does anyone seek recognition? Mr. Lansen, what do you seek recognition?
▶ 3:02:54Uh to speak on behalf of the bill. The gentleman from Ohio's recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh the securing semiconductor supply chains act is a straightforward common sense bill designed to bolster US manufacturing and the domestic production of semiconductors. As you all know semiconductors are foundational to all of the technology that we use.
▶ 3:03:18uh they are the building blocks uh that power everything from smartphones and laptops to cars, medical devices, critical infrastructures, even some of appliances and they are essential for our national security, economic growth and continued innovation. This bill is very simple.
▶ 3:03:38It requires that Select USA, a division within the Department of Commerce, work with state economic development agencies, all of us have uh these in our states to determine how to better attract foreign investments in America's semiconductor industry.
▶ 3:03:59Uh with this information, Select USA will then inform us on ways to bolster investment in US allies and partners uh so that we are bringing more and more dollars to American semi semiconductor uh industries uh and businesses.
▶ 3:04:20Everything that we do right now uh should involve as it relates to trade um investments in American manufacturing and American workers. We desperately need those investments. Our businesses do, our workers do. So I urge my colleagues to support support this bill. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back. Thank you. The gentleman yields back. The chair is there is there further discussion, Mr. Chairman? Yes. Is there no further discussion on the Republican side?
▶ 3:04:49The gentle lady from California is recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word. Both of you. I'm sorry. I was going with Miss Bagon, but Miss Matsui, you're recognized. Both from California. Go ahead. My first. I didn't see you. That's why you're first. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move the strike. The last I support um Congressman Lansman bill to secure the semiconductor supply chain.
▶ 3:05:13It's an economic and national security imperative to bring advanced semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States and secure a resilient diversified supply chain. This bill is a common sense way of increasing collaboration between states and federal agencies to attract investment in the United States. As co-author of the original CHIPS act, I'm proud of our bipartisan work to invest in a once- in a generation program for our long-term economic growth.
▶ 3:05:44The Chips and Science Act is working as intended, leveraging $50 billion of government funding to spur a nine-fold investment of 450 billion from the semiconductor industry in the United States. Yet, President Trump has called for abandoning this historic effort to reignite domestic manufacturing, and he has slashed our nation's ability to conduct cuttingedge research.
▶ 3:06:09To make things worse, last week, President Trump unleashed the largest tax hike since 1968 through his disastrous tariffs, which will raise prices for American families. Because of tariffs, the price of almost every electronic good is going to go up. The price of the component parts and raw materials to make them is going to go up.
▶ 3:06:32Make no mistake, these tariffs will come out of the pockets of US consumers and they will hurt our ability to compete worldwide. And he's not done. The president is threatening future tariffs on a semiconductor industry and other goods. This is a critical industry. We spent years working together in this room to increase the domestic manufacturing of semiconductors and build international cooperation. We need to be the best in the world.
▶ 3:07:00I urge my colleagues to remember why bills like this are important and not let Donald Trump force us to fail. It's critical that we continue supporting the development of our worldclass semiconductor industry. Congressman Lansman's bill ensures we have a secure and stable supply chain. With that, I urge my colleagues to vote yes on the bill and I yield back my The general lady yields. The chair recognizes the gentleman from Oregon.
▶ 3:07:30Mr. Chairman, I move to strike last word. Gentleman's recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting 2480, the securing semiconductor supply chains act, which I co-lead with Congressman Lansman. This bipartisan bill seeks to unlock barriers to expand foreign direct investment into our domestic manufacturing semiconductor area.
▶ 3:07:55Last year, Intel has brought to or sought to invest some 36 billion to create a research and development facility or add to their facilities in Oregon, my my state. The economy, workforce, and people of Oregon are feeling the benefit of this proposed investment. In the last few months, President Trump brought Apple, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to invest hundreds upon hundreds of billions of dollars here in the United States.
▶ 3:08:21We have discovered the risks of depending upon rival nations to ensure the availability of semiconductor chips for our economic stability. This bill directs the select USA program to engage with state level economic development organizations about how they are attracting foreign direct investment to onshore activities related to semiconductor manufacturing. It's a priority of this Congress to fight for policies that have the opportunity to create good paying jobs for all Americans. I urge support for this bill. I yield back. The gentleman yields.
▶ 3:08:51The chair recognizes a gentleoman from Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word. So recognized. I support this bill and any effort to strengthen American semiconductor manufacturing and supply chains. That's exactly why Democrats voted to pass a Chips and Science Act.
▶ 3:09:10It has already created over 115,000 manufacturing and construction jobs and generated nearly 450 billion dollars in private investment across 28 states. But here's the hypocrisy that's hard to ignore.
▶ 3:09:27My Republican colleagues are advocating for semiconductor manufacturing today, but they stayed silent as Donald Trump stood before Congress during his joint address and called for the repeal of what he calls this quote horrible unquote chips act, the very law that made these investments possible. House Republicans can't have it both ways. If they truly support American semiconductor manufacturing, they should defend the progress we've made.
▶ 3:09:56Just look at where Chips Act funding is going. Texas, Arizona, and Ohio have been awarded billions in chips funding. Intel's expansion in Ohio, Samsung's facility in Texas, TSMC's massive investment in Arizona, all made possible by by the CHIPS Act. In fact, most major CHIPS funded projects are in red states.
▶ 3:10:23These investments for communities are not just numbers on a spreadsheet. They're about good paychecks and health care for working families. And yet, Republicans from these states, Republicans on this very committee, stay silent while Trump continues his crusade to gut the very law that made these investments possible. Let's be clear about the contrast here.
▶ 3:10:48Democrats are actually bringing jobs home with real legislation, real investment, and real results. The CHIPS Act is delivering for working Americans. Meanwhile, Donald Trump's tariffs have tanked the economy, raised prices for families, and triggered job losses in industries that rely on global supply chains. His approach isn't bringing back jobs. It's driving economic instability.
▶ 3:11:17This isn't just political hypocrisy. It's a direct threat to the American worker and businesses. If Republicans truly care about strengthening US semiconductor manufacturing, they should stand up to Trump and protect the Chips Act. Otherwise, they're just playing politics with our economy and our future. I urge my colleagues to stop the games, put our country first, and defend the progress that we've made. I yel back. The gentle lady yields.
▶ 3:11:47Is there any further discussion on the bill? Seeing none, the question now occurs on adopting HR 2480. All those in favor say I. I. Oppose. No. The eyes have it and the bill is agreed to. The chair calls up HR1402 and asks the clerk to report.
▶ 3:12:15HR1402, a bill to require sellers of event tickets to disclose comprehensive. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed and the bill will be open for amendment at any point. Does the chair does anyone reach to be recognized on the bill? The gentleman from Florida is recognized. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word. So recognized.
▶ 3:12:38I urge my colleagues to support HR1402, the Ticta Act, a bipartisan bill that I'm proud to lead alongside ranking member Shakowski. This legislation is about protecting consumers and ensuring fans can enjoy live events by improving ticket price transparency. HR1402 requires all event ticket sellers to display the total ticket price, including all required fees upfront.
▶ 3:13:07provide refunds for cancelled or postponed events and protect consumers from deceptive ticketing websites. This bill also prohibits speculative ticket sales, which is the practice of selling tickets that one does not actually possess. By eliminating this loophole, we are ensuring fairer access to tickets for all fans.
▶ 3:13:31I applaud the president for his work to reinforce the boats act and uh and combat malicious uh practices that prevent America's fans from enjoying their live event experiences. I look forward to working with the administration on these efforts which are complimentary to the ticket act. I appreciate the leadership of the chair and the ranking member of the full committee and working with us on this particular bill.
▶ 3:13:59a very important bill and I look forward to seeing it signed into law. So, uh, if I'll yell back unless my time appreciate it. The chair recognizes his gentle lady from Illinois, Miss Shakowski. Well, thank you so much. I am so proud to uh to to work with you on on this on Gus. Um, we have worked a long time on this legislation.
▶ 3:14:26It's been about It's been a couple of years and we should not have any problems with this right now because we know that this legislation um has passed the House of um pretty much unanimously and we have had uh sponsors across the aisle at all times. So, this should be pretty easy right now for us today.
▶ 3:14:54You know, we know that there were scammers who would be available and people who um you you thought you were getting your ticket for a particular price and then by the end of the discussion as you're making your ticket uh b uh to to buy your ticket that those prices suddenly went up maybe 20 30
▶ 3:15:2640% and that was your choice. The initial cost that you thought you were going to get and then the big cost that you were going to get. So, you know, Gus and I have worked hard on this legislation and the reason it's important to families is because these events are so important.
▶ 3:15:51Um, you know, may may not be the most dramatic thing that we're discussing today, but people are making a decision to take uh a weekend off to to go to a wonderful event that you've been dreaming for, the one that your kids have been begging you to to take.
▶ 3:16:12And then at the end of the the conversation, you find out that one that the price is just zoomed up and two that it was a scam in the first place. So for us to make families be able to enjoy and uh and be able to have the amount of money that they are promised. We need to get this legislation passed.
▶ 3:16:43Um, as I said, we have passed it unanimously in the House of Representatives, in the Congress itself. We had it um almost unanimously. Um, people are looking forward to be able to uh in good faith without having to have extraneous prices on them or scams to get their wonderful important work and their and their
▶ 3:17:13the family to be able to enjoy the best. So, I'm just really happy um and that Gus and I have been able to work together on a very popular bill and I look forward to hopefully a unanimous passage today. And with that, I yield back. The general lady yields. The chair recognizes a gentleman from Louisiana, Mr. Carter. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word. So recognized.
▶ 3:17:40Americans often face excessive price gouging for tickets from online bots and resellers who often buy up large quantities of tickets and resell them at unreasonable amounts. This behavior hurts the hardworking people across the spectrum of the concert and events industry from our musicians and our operators of establishments. The Ticket Act is a major step in the right direction in cracking down on this behavior.
▶ 3:18:09I am proud to support this bill. I'm committed to ensuring Americans can enjoy live entertainment without the fear of being scammed. I want to thank ranking member Scowski for sharing these concerns and working with me to address these predatory behaviors.
▶ 3:18:28A key issue we face with online scammers today is inadequate enforcement of the Better Online Ticket Sales Act of 2016 or the Bots Act, which was intended to stop ticket scalpers from using software to acquire large quantities of tickets. Unfortunately, this legislation hasn't produced the intended outcomes that Congress had intended. In fact, the FTC had only used the its bots authority once.
▶ 3:18:58You don't want to do it when they find three New York based brokers in 2021. That's why this week I've introduced the main event act which representative Harshburgger with Representative Harshburgger rather.
▶ 3:19:13This bipartisan bill strengthens the protections for consumers by providing reporting requirements for bot attacks, creating a complaint database for customers so customers can share their experiences which will in turn be shared with law enforcement. Third, and enacting data security requirements for online ticket sellers.
▶ 3:19:36Music and culture are heart of why millions of people visit my hometown of New Orleans and other areas of Louisiana. I will continue to fight to ensure that online scammers do not steal our opportunity to share our history and our culture to the world and rob our artist from the incredible work they contribute to our overall economy and cultural well-being. Mr. Chairman, I yield. The gentleman yields.
▶ 3:20:03The chair recognizes a ranking member from New Jersey, Mr. Palone, for his five minutes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm glad to be here today advancing legislation like the Ticket Act that will lower costs for American families and protect consumers from predatory practices.
▶ 3:20:19But I'm still disappointed that House Republicans allowed Elon Musk to derail a bipartisan and biccameal agreement we reached at the end of last year to move the ticket act and many of the bills that are on today's agenda as well as other good bills that my Republican colleagues refused to include in today's markup. Now, my late friend, Congressman Bill Pascal, I have to mention, Bill, we he and I worked for many years to combat price gouging and any anti-consumer tactics in the event ticketing industry.
▶ 3:20:47And I appreciate all the work that ranking member Shakowski and Congressman Pascal did to get us uh to this consensus legislation. But again, it's not acceptable that is not yet law because the Republicans allowed the whims the whims of a a of a billionaire to stand in the way. So I hope this time that uh Republicans will stand with consumers and I encourage all my colleagues to support the bill. I yield back, Mr. Chairman. The gentleman yields. Is there any further discussion?
▶ 3:21:22none, there's no further discussion. The vote will occur. On adopting HR1402, all those in favor say I. I. Opposed? No. The eyes have it and the bill is agreed The chair calls up HR1 1479 and asks the clerk to report.
▶ 3:21:54HR1 1479, a bill to prohibit. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for amendment at any point. So ordered. Does anyone seek to be recognized on the bill? Mr. Chairman, the the chair recognizes Miss Caster. Thank you, Mr. Chair, I move to strike the last word. So ordered. Well, I want to thank uh Representative Kim and and my new partners, Rep.
▶ 3:22:20Mullen and Fry as we reintroduce the B bipartisan legislation that would uh that ensures that costs are transparent for stays in short-term lodging uh hotels and motel. You know, most people who go online to research a a vacation, a trip at u hotel or uh some short-term uh accommodation, you do, you know, people really value their their hard-earned dollars.
▶ 3:22:49And the worst thing in the world is you do all of that research and you go and make that hotel reservation and then by the time you get to checkout, they've added all of these fees that were not disclosed upfront. So, the Hotel Fees Transparency Act would prohibit unfair or misleading price advertising for places of short-term lodging and would require require accurate price listings that include all mandatory and resort fees.
▶ 3:23:17Uh because we know that visitors are often lured into hotels or motel that don't disclose all of the fees online. It's a real trap for consumers as they plan their vacation budget. And and families really shouldn't have to play a guessing game when planning a trip uh and when they're trying to determine where to stay, especially at a time where the high cost of living is is squeezing families.
▶ 3:23:44American families and consumers need all the help they can get uh to save their hard-earned money. So, this cost-saving legislation will um will really help. I regret that it was killed by Elon Musk at the end of the last Congress. Uh we don't know really know why uh Speaker Johnson caved to Elon Musk. Uh but we're not going to give up. So, I hope you all will uh will join me in support of this bipartisan bill.
▶ 3:24:14And Mr. Chairman, I'd like to ask unanimous consent uh to submit a couple of letters for the record. One is from the American Hotel and Lodging Association that supports consistent and broadly applicable mandatory fee disclosure and display requirements across the entire lodging booking and advertising ecosystem. one from Booking Holdings, which includes Booking.com, Priceel Line, Kayak, and others.
▶ 3:24:39They say that this legislation will empower consumers to make informed decisions by requiring total price display upfront for all covered platforms and properties. And the letter from Traveltech that says the legislation ensures consumers will see accurate total service pricing no matter where they live or shop for lodging. and I yield back the balance of my time. Without objection, the lady yields. The chair recognizes a gentleman from South Carolina, Mr. Fry. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
▶ 3:25:09I move to strike the last word. So ordered. Uh Mr. Chairman, the tourism industry is the backbone of South Carolina's economy, particularly in the dis in my district along the Grand Strand. Each year, millions of uh visitors travel to our coastline, and they expect a fair, straightforward experience. Unfortunately, as Miss Caster talked about, too often they are met with unexpected fees. uh that undermine their trust and add undue stress to their vacations.
▶ 3:25:35The Hotel Fees Transparency Act is a common sense bipartisan measure aimed at restoring transparency and fairness to the hospitality industry. This legislation ensures that consumers are provided with clear upfront pricing for their lodging free from the hidden fees that have become all too prevalent in this industry.
▶ 3:25:54By requiring hotels to disclose all mandatory fees as part of the advertised room rate, we are empowering consumers to make informed decisions and fostering a marketplace built on trust and integrity. This is a win for visitors and for the local businesses who serve them, ensuring our coastline and many others remain a top tier, family-friendly destination.
▶ 3:26:15I'm proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort and I urge my colleagues to support this bill so that we can continue protecting hardworking Americans from misleading pricing tactics and strengthening the foundation of our tourism economies. With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back. Gentleman yields. The chair recognizes a gentleman from California, Mr. Mullen. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I want to thank my colleagues, Representative Kim from my home state of California and Ranking Member Caster and Representative Fry for leading this bill.
▶ 3:26:44I also want to thank our Senate partners, Senators Clolobachar and Moran. I am proud to co-lead it and look forward to getting it back on the floor as quickly as possible. I know you have all been here working on this uh much longer uh than when I joined the committee uh recently, but I want to acknowledge the hard work that you and the committee staff have put into this bill. I am proud that uh my home state of California already leads the way on fee transparency, and I believe setting a complimentary national standard is long overdue.
▶ 3:27:13No one should be duped into booking hotel stays thinking it costs one thing and then finding out about hidden fees or charges later on in the process. I'm glad there is bipartisan uh support for basic consumer protections like this and I look forward to more uh collaboration in the future. I do want to note that this bill relies on enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission. We're all aware of the attempted firings at the FTC which raises concern about the implementation and enforcement. Uh, let's all be mindful of that.
▶ 3:27:42And with that, I yield back. Gentleman yields. The question now is on adopting HR1479. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed, no. The eyes have it and the bill is agreed to. The chair calls up HR 859 and asks the clerk to report. HR 859 a bill to require the disclosure of a camera recording cap.
▶ 3:28:11Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for amendment at any point so ordered. Does anyone seek recognition on the bill? Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from Idaho, Mr. Fulture is recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have a bill at the desk. The bill has been read. You are recognized for five minutes to speak.
▶ 3:28:31My bill, the Informing Consumers About Smart Devices Act, would require makers of internet connected smart appliances to disclose to consumers when their product is equipped with a camera or a microphone. And just to to summarize, Mr. Chairman, we've seen this before. This is a bipartisan bill. It's a good bill. We've we've passed through here before, but we're concerned about being unknowingly recorded and having conversations or pictures taken unknowingly by an appliance.
▶ 3:28:59And by doing so, you can risk having privacy violations or uh even information that could lead to scams or other harms to people. This is about disclosure about disclosure upfront when you're purchasing an appliance you typically would not uh assume would have a camera or a microphone. Um refrigerators, dryers, washers, toasting machines or toasters, those types of things. But uh that's what this is all about.
▶ 3:29:28It's about simply disclosure uh and having that upfront before the purchase. And I want to thank my colleagues uh Seth Molton from Massachusetts for his leadership on this as well as the senators Cruz, Canwell, and Curtis. And that's the brief summary. Mr. Chairman, I yield back. Gentleman yields. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question now occurs on adopting HR859. All those in favor say I. I oppose.
▶ 3:29:58No. The eyes have it and the bill is agreed to. The chair calls up HR2481 and asks the clerk to report. HR2481, a bill to require online. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for amendment at any point. Does anyone seek to be recognized for the bill?
▶ 3:30:30seeing none. No, he's just saying. The question now occurs on adopting HR2481. All those in favor say I. Those opposed, no. The eyes have it and the bill is agreed to.
▶ 3:30:59The chair calls up HR 617 and asks the clerk to report. HR 617, a bill to amend the Visit America Act. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for amendment at any point. The question the chair recognizes the gentleoman from Tennessee, Miss Harshburgger. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, Mr. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my bill, the American Music Tourism Act.
▶ 3:31:27This legislation, Senate Companions, been led by Senator uh Marshia Black from Tennessee and has since advanced favorably out of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This legislation would direct the National Travel and Tourism Office within the Department of Commerce to promote tourism from music related attractions and locations at no additional cost to the taxpayer.
▶ 3:31:53Currently, American music tourism is valued at 5.5 billion dollars and projected to grow more than double in the next five years. I'd like to make sure we see this industry reach its goal. And from my own uh corner of the country, which is East Tennessee, we are distinguished by legendary uh country music stars like Dolly Parton and Morgan Wallen. And across our 50 states, we've had so many remarkable landmarks of music history and significance that could benefit from this legislation.
▶ 3:32:22And my bill will help boost tourism and economic development across our nation, especially for local museums and small venues, all of whom bring people together to enjoy and appreciate good American music. I thank my colleague, Representative Baragon, for co-leading this legislation. And I would ask all my colleagues to support the bill. With that, Mr. Chairman, I will the gentle lady yield. Yeah. Yes. M Mr. chairman.
▶ 3:32:47Um I would ask the gentle lady if um she's not talking about in some cases uh like the birthplace of country music which would be uh totally Bristol, Virginia, Tennessee. And and and for those who don't know, the the musicians came together for the first time on the Tennessee side of State Street. But to get there, they had to come through the train station on the Virginia side of State Street.
▶ 3:33:10So, we share that uh distinction of representing those two areas and and have great stars like Johnny Cash and of course the Carter family was at those original recordings and uh you can stop by and see the birthplace of country music uh museum anytime you want to and eat in either one of our districts. I'm so happy you can put one foot in Tennessee and one foot in Virginia when you step under the Bristol sign and it's awesome. And you're right, it is a birthplace country music and I love my bluegrass too though, Morgan.
▶ 3:33:40I do love the bluegrass as well. And we have a lot of that in both of our districts as well. With that, I yield back. Sorry, I forgot to mention that. Now, Mr. Chairman, I yield back. General lady yields. The gentle woman from California, Miss Baragon, is recognized. Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word. So, recognized. Um, I just I want to rise today to also uh support the American Music Tourism Act. Uh, because music is more than entertainment. It's an economic driver. It's a cultural force and a unifying thread in our national identity.
▶ 3:34:09This bill is important for commun communities across the country, some of which were just spoken about, but also um no out in California. Uh we definitely have music venues there and festivals and concerts that are so important. By directing the Department of Commerce to develop a strategy to boost and attract visitors to America's iconic music venues, we are investing in the heart of our creative economy. There's no better example of this than in my home city of Los Angeles, one of the world's greatest music capitals.
▶ 3:34:38From legendary venues like the Capitol, like the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theater to the studios that have shaped the global music landscape, LA is a magnet for music lovers and an economic powerhouse. Because of it, greater investment in music tourism means more jobs, more growth, and a stronger creative economy. I I want to thank my colleague for working with me on this in a bipartisan manner and uh supporting the arts. And with that, I yield back. Is there any further discussion on the bill?
▶ 3:35:07Seeing none, call for the question now occurs on adopting HR 617. A roll call vote has been requested and the clerk will call the role. Mr. Lada. Mr. Griffith. Mr. Griffith votes I. Mr. Bill Rakus. Mr. Bill Rackus votes I. Mr. Hudson. Mr. Hudson votes I. Mr. Carter of Georgia. Mr. Carter of Georgia votes I. Mr. Palmer. Mr. Dunn. Mr. Dunn votes I. Mr. Krenshaw.
▶ 3:35:38Mr. Joyce. I. Mr. Joyce votes I. Mr. Weber. Mr. Weber votes I. Mr. Allen. Mr. Mr. Balderson. Mr. Balderson votes I. Mr. Fulture. Mr. Fulture votes I. Mr. Fluger. Mrs. Harshburgger. Miss Harshburgger votes I. Mr. Miller Meeks. Mrs. Miller Meeks votes I. Mrs. Kamik. Mr. Obernolulty. Mr. Obernalty votes I. Mr.
▶ 3:36:08James. Mr. Bence. Mr. Ben votes I. Mrs. Houchin. Mrs. Houchin votes I. Mr. Fry. Mr. Fry votes I. Miss. Lee. Mr. Langworthy. Mr. Langworthy votes I. Mr. Kaine. Mr. Kane votes I. Relly M. Mr. Roelly votes I. Mr. Evans Mr. Evans votes I. Mr. Goldman Mr. Goldman votes I.
▶ 3:36:37Miss Fedorch Mr. Fedoric votes I. Mr. Palone Mr. Palone votes I. Mr. Digette. Mr. Dette votes I. Miss Shakowski. Miss Shakowski votes I. Miss Matsui. Miss Matsui votes I. Miss Caster, Miss Caster votes I. Mr. Tonko, Mr. Tonko votes I. Miss Clark, Miss Clark votes no. Mr. Ruiz, Mr. Ruiz votes I. Mr. Peters, Mr. Peters votes I. Mr. Dingle, Mrs. Dingle votes I. Mr.
▶ 3:37:07VC, Mr. VC votes I. Miss Kelly, Miss Kelly votes I. Miss Baron, Miss Bargon votes I. Mr. Sodto, Mr. Sodto votes I. Miss Shrier, Miss Shrier votes I. Mr. Han, Mr. Han votes I. I Miss Fletcher. Miss Fletcher votes I. Mr. Kaziocortez. Mr. Kaziocortez votes I. Mr. Aenclauss. Mr. Aenclaus votes I. Mr. Carter of Louisiana. Mr. Carter of Louisiana votes I. Mr. Mendez. Mr. Mendez votes I. Mr. Mullen. Mr. Mullen votes I. Mr. Lansman.
▶ 3:37:38Mr. Lansman votes I. Miss. Mlen. Miss. Mlen votes I. Chairman Guthrie. M. Chairman Guthrie votes I. Mr. Lad is not recorded. Mr. Lad votes I. Mr. Mr. Palmer votes I. Mr. Allen votes I. Miss Lee votes I.
▶ 3:38:08Mr. Fluger votes I. Mr. James votes I. Seeing no other, the clerk will report. 51. Chairman Guthrie on that vote there were 51 eyes. Oh, does Mr. Krenshaw has it recorded? Mr. Krenshaw votes I has report. Chairman Goth on that vote.
▶ 3:38:37There were 52 eyes and one no. The eyes have it and the bill is agreed to. The chair calls up HR 2269. Ask the clerk to HR 2269. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for amendment at any points ordered. Does anyone speak to be recognized on the bill? Mr. Mullen, what purpose? Gentleman from California see recognition. Thank you, Mr. Chair, for including the wipes act. Gentleman's recognized.
▶ 3:39:09I want to thank my colleague, Representative Mlan, for co-leading this bill as well as our Senate partners um Mkeley and Collins. This common sense legislation addresses an issue that impacts every wastewater treatment plant across the country. Operators in my district say one of the biggest threats to their infrastructure is the improper disposal of wet wipes. When people flesh them instead of throwing them away, as is often the case, these wipes damage sewers and treatment plants. These issues can cost hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars a year to fix.
▶ 3:39:39This bill would address the issue at its source, requiring a simple packaging label to remind consumers that wipes should not be flushed. This will reduce costs and help the environment. That is why I support this bill. I urge my colleagues to do the same and I yield back. Gentlemen yields back. Anybody seeking further discussion? Seeing none, the question now occurs on adopting HR2269. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed, no. The eyes have it and the bill is agreed to.
▶ 3:40:13The chair calls up HR 906 and ask the clerk to report. HR 9006. A bill to direct. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for amendment at any point. So ordered. Mr. Chairman, does anyone seek to be recognized on the bill? The gentle lady from Florida is recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I moved to strike the last word. Gentle is recognized. Uh Mr.
▶ 3:40:34Chairman, the bipartisan select committee on the competition between the United States and Chinese Communist Party continues its important work this Congress, uh, including this bill that would require the FCC to make a public record of businesses that hold authorizations from the FCC and have any ownership by foreign adversarial governments such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. It would require this to be public. Last Congress, I partnered with my colleagues uh including uh Mr.
▶ 3:41:04Dunn of this committee on the committee to release a bipartisan report on the actions to safeguard and boost the American economy. The report found that the widespread adoption of certain PRC developed technologies in the US poses a significant risk to national security and data protection concerns and threatens long-term US technological competitiveness.
▶ 3:41:28The report recommends enacting the FACT act to shine light on companies connected to foreign adversarial governments like the CCP and to ensure greater accountability and transparency in our critical communications networks. Once again, this is another bill that passed unanimously through the subcommittee and the full committee last year before passing the house as a vo on a voice vote. It was included in the UR package and should have already become law.
▶ 3:41:54But for Speaker Johnson's capitulation to Elon Musk as our adversaries target our communication systems, it's as critical as ever for the US to continue to take steps to protect America's telecommunications infrastructure and strengthen our national security. So I urge a yes vote on the bill and thank you and yield back. Thank you. The gentle lady yields back. Is there any discussion? Mr. The gentleman from New Jersey. for our purp recognition. Uh chairman, I move to strike the last word.
▶ 3:42:24Gentleman is recognized. Uh thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to co-lead this important legislation, the Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act with my colleagues, Mr. Whitman, Miss Caster, and Mr. Kana. No matter the sector, industry, or technology, we know malign actors like the Chinese Communist Party and other foreign adversaries seek to infiltrate our communications infrastructure and disrupt our national security.
▶ 3:42:52America's tech and telecommunication sectors are key to our national security, and we must institute whatever safeguards we can to understand which adversaries are present in our networks so that we can know how to This bipartisan legislation will take common sense steps to protect our nation's telecommunications infrastructure, requiring the Federal Communications Commission to publish a list of entities tied to our adversaries that hold access to these critical
▶ 3:43:22communications systems. Through common sense, transparent measures like this legislation, we can maintain important safeguards to keep our critical wireless communications infrastructure secure. I thank my colleagues for their partnership and I urge the committee to support this important legislation. Mr. Chair, I yield back. Gentlemen yields back. Is there further discussion? Seeing none, the question now occurs on adopting HR 9006. All those in favor say I.
▶ 3:43:54All those opposed, no. The eyes have it and the bill is agreed to. The chair calls up HR 2449 and asks the clerk to report Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for amendment at any point. So order. Does anyone seek recognition on the bill? Gentle lady from California seek recognition. Uh Mr. Chairman, I move the strike to last. Gentle lady's recognized. Mr.
▶ 3:44:23Chairman, 6G is going to be a global evolution in the way we communicate. If America leaves a race for next generation wireless, this global technology will based on our values. Democracy, open markets, and transparency. But if we fall behind, our foreign adversaries will have a new way to expand their reach. That's why I'm so glad to see this bipartisan bill moving forward today.
▶ 3:44:47The Future Networks Act ensures our brightest minds in industry, government, and academia are collaborating on the strategically vital development of 6G. I appreciate this bill being included in today's markup and look forward to it receiving a vote on the floor soon. With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Gentle lady yields back. Is there any further discussion? Gentle lady from Michigan. What purpose you seek recognition? Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move to strike the last. Gentle lady is recognized.
▶ 3:45:14As co-chair of the Congressional 5G and Beyond Caucus, it's crucial for us to take decisive action leading the establishment of wireless standards and advancing the adoption of next generation wireless technologies. Rep. Metsu's future next networks act will create a task force dedicated to 6G, a critical step that needs to be done now to compete against our adversaries, secure our supply chains, and accelerate the deployment of next generation wireless services.
▶ 3:45:43This legislation is vital to ensuring Americans leadership is advanced in advanced wireless technologies, recognizing the central role of connectivity and economic growth, national security, and technological innovation. As China continues to vive for dominance in the telecommunication sector, we've got to remain forward thinking to maintain America's leadership.
▶ 3:46:07I'm hopeful this 6G task force will explore all aspects of deploying this technology while prioritizing security, domestic manufacturing, and global competitiveness, laying the foundation to better protect American interests in increasingly interconnected world. We are a global leader in advanced wireless technologies and we must take and continue to take proactive steps to maintain our competitive edge.
▶ 3:46:33Investing in 6G will help us stay ahead in innovation and security and I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation. Thank you and I yield back. Gentle gentle lady yields back. Is there discussion? Seeing none, the question now occurs on adopting HR 2449. All those in favor say I. Those opposed say no. The eyes have it and the bill is agreed to.
▶ 3:46:58The chair calls up HR 2458 and asks the clerk to report HR 2458. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill open for amendment at any point. So order. Does anybody seek to be recognized on the bill? What purpose? Gentleman from New Jersey seek recognition. Gentleman's recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
▶ 3:47:28I'm glad to have reintroduced HR2458, the Secure Space Act with Chair Guthrie last month. This legislation is an important step forward in protecting our satellite networks and their relevant supply chains from security threats by non-rusted actors, and we can't allow our satellite networks to face the same security challenges as other communication networks here and globally.
▶ 3:47:50Specifically, this bill would extend secure and trusted communications network act framework to the satellite marketplace by ensuring that satellite systems that want to serve the United States market are not owned or operated by entities or their affiliates that have been identified as national security risk. This bill is beneficial not only for our country but also will help for the US's ability to protect our allies as they too rely on these global satellite networks for broadband and emergency services.
▶ 3:48:20And I want to thank Chair Guthrie for working with me on it. For all these reasons, this is a worthwhile bill and I urge my colleagues to support it and I yield back, Mr. Chairman. Gentleman yields back. Is there further discussion? Seeing none, the question occurs on adopting HR 2458 and a roll call vote has been requested. So the clerk will call the Mr. La, Mr. Griffith, Mr. Griffith votes I. Mr. Bill Rakus Mr.
▶ 3:48:50Hudson Mr. Hudson votes I. Mr. Carter of Georgia. Mr. Carter of Georgia votes I. Mr. Palmer Mr. Dunn. Mr. Dunn votes I. Mr. Krenshaw. Mr. Joyce. Mr. Joyce votes I. Mr. Weber. Mr. Weber votes I. Mr. Allen. Mr. Balderson. Mr. Balderson votes I. Mr. Fulture. Mr. Fulture votes I. Mr. Fluger. Mr. Mr. Fluger votes I. Mr. Harshburgger M. Harshburgger votes I. Mrs.
▶ 3:49:20Miller Meeks Mr. Miller Meeks votes I. Mrs. Kamik Mr. Obernolulti Mr. Obernolulti votes I. Mr. James Mr. James votes I. Mr. Bence Mr. Ben votes I. Mrs. Hchen Mrs. Howchin votes I. Mr. Fry. Mr. Fry votes I. Ms. Lee. Mr. Langworthy. Mr. Langworthy votes I. Mr. Keane. Mr. Mr. King votes I. Mr. Roelly. Mr. Roelly votes I. Mr. Evans. Mr.
▶ 3:49:50Evans votes I. Mr. Goldman. Mr. Goldman votes I. Miss Fedorchic. Mr. Palone. Mr. Palone votes I. Mr. Digette. Mr. Deette votes I. Miss Shakowski. M. Shakowski votes I. Miss Matsui. Miss Matsui votes I. Miss Caster. Miss Caster votes I. Mr. Tonko. Mr. Tonko votes I. Miss. Clark. Miss. Clark votes no. Mr. Ruiz. Mr. Ruiz votes I. Mr. Peters, Mr. Peters votes I. Mr. Dingle, Mrs. Dingle votes I. Mr.
▶ 3:50:19VC, Mr. VC votes I. Mr. Kelly, Miss Kelly votes I. Miss Baron, Miss Baron votes I. Mr. Sodto, Mr. Sodto votes I. Miss Shrier, Miss Shrier votes I. Mr. Han, Mr. Han votes I. Miss Fletcher, Miss Fletcher votes I. Mr. Kaziocortez, Miss Accaziocortez votes I. Mr. Oenclaus, Mr. Aenclaus votes I. Mr. Carter of Louisiana. Mr. Mr. Carter of Louisiana votes I. Mr. Mendez, Mr. Mendez votes I. Mr. Mullen. Mr. Mullen votes I. Mr.
▶ 3:50:49Lansman. Mr. Lansman votes I. M. Mlen. M. Mlen votes I. M. Chairman Guthrie. Chairman Guthrie votes I. Mr. Lad is not recorded. Mr. Lad votes Mr. Bill Rakis votes I. Mr. Palmer votes I. I. Mr. Mr. Allen votes I. Miss Fedoric votes I. Mr.
▶ 3:51:18Krenshaw votes I none. The clerk will report. want to have Miss Miss Kamock recorded? Miss Kamik's not recorded. Yep. Miss Cam votes I report. Chairman got three. On that vote, there were 52 eyes's and one no.
▶ 3:51:48The eyes have it and the bill is The chair calls up HR 866 and ask the clerk to report. HR 866. A bill to direct. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for amendment at any point. So ordered. Does anyone seek recognition on the bill? Gentle lady from Illinois. Oh, he has a Is there any amendments to the bill?
▶ 3:52:14Gentle lady from Illinois, you're recognized on your amend to would clerk a report. Amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR 866 offered by Miss Kelly. Strike all after the without objection. Reading the amendment is dispensed with and the gentle lady is recognized for five minutes in support of the amendment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have an amendment at the desk titled Ames_01. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
▶ 3:52:40Building out and securing our broadband infrastructure has been a priority of mine since joining this committee, while closing the digital divide is something that I remain deeply committed to. We must protect the privacy and security of those millions of Americans who rely on the internet to accomplish critical everyday tasks like online banking, educational purposes, remote sensing and monitoring, and more leisure activities like shopping and streaming.
▶ 3:53:05The removing our unsecure technologies to ensure reliability and security or routers act would require the assistant secretary for communications and information at the department of commerce to conduct the study of the national security risk posed by routers, modems or devices that combine both that combine both that are designed, developed or manufactured or supplied by our foreign adversaries.
▶ 3:53:29My amendment seeks to ensure that the secretary studies cyber security vulnerabilities as part of the department's study on the national security risk of consumer routers, modems, and other devices that are associated with our foreign adversaries. This amendment is not only good government given the recent cyber attacks we have seen on our communications networks and personal devices, but it also corresponds with an amendment Senator Luhan offered that was added to the Senate version of this bill last month.
▶ 3:53:58My amendment will make a technical clarification to ensure that the secretary relies on the entire expertise of the department when conducting the study required by this bill. For these reasons, I urge all my colleagues to support the amendment and I yel back. Gentle lady yields back. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the um if there's no further discussion, the vote occurs on the amendment.
▶ 3:54:26All those in favor shall signify by saying I. I. All those opposed, nay. The eyes have it and the amendment is agreed to. Are there any further amendments? The question now occurs on adopting HR866 as amended. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed, no. The eyes have it and and the bill is agreed to. The chair calls up HR2482 and ask the clerk to report.
▶ 3:54:57HR2482 a bill to reauthorize the national. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for amendment at any point. So ordered. Does anyone seek to be recognized on the bill? The gentle lady from California seeks recognition. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Lady is recognized. The pace of innovation has increased dramatically over the last few years, but with ever advancing technologies come ever more complicated questions. We need strong leadership and expertise to help us meet this moment.
▶ 3:55:27From closing the digital divide to advising on the rapid deployment of AI and bolstering our cyber security infrastructure, the National Telecommunication Information Administration, NTIA, plays a vital role. Yet, Congress has not reauthorized NTIA for over 30 years. We must empower NIA to keep the United States as a vanguard of global tech leadership.
▶ 3:55:51This bill elevates the NTIA administrator to the under secretary level and codifies the key offices that manage our federal spectrum and lead an international negotiations. These common sense steps modernize NTI's mission and provide new tools to ensure the agency and the country can stay the course as innovation leader. I recognize the crucial importance of including this bill in today's markup and I look forward to receiving a vote on the floor soon.
▶ 3:56:19With that, I yield back the balance of my time. Gentle lady yields back and the chair recognized gentleman from Ohio for five minutes. Well, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Uh, strike the last word. Gentleman's recognized. And I want to thank, uh, first working with my good friend, the general lady from California on this piece of legislation. One of the things that's important that we do in this committee is on, you know, looking at and reauthorizing. And NIA had not been reauthorized since 1992.
▶ 3:56:46So, it has to be done and get this thing done and get it done right because we know that NTI plays a significant role in closing the digital divide, managing our nation spectrum, and advocating the United States telecommunication positions on the world stage. So, Congress recently provided NTI with 42.8 billion to address broadband deployment in digital equity and inclusion. This this reauthorization one way to ensure the NTI has the tools it needs to effectively manage these programs.
▶ 3:57:16Today's NTI also plays a key role in our effort to maintain leadership and communications. As federal spectrum manager, NTI works with other federal agencies to ensure their spectrum interests are protected while also working to identify spectrum can be made available for commercial use. And finally, this legislation also takes the long needed action of elevating the head of the NIA from an assistant secretary to an under secretary position.
▶ 3:57:43So this is very important as we look at making sure that we connect all Americans across this nation. I want to thank my committee, my colleagues on the committee for their support of the legislation in the last Congress. Mr. Chairman, I ask an affirmative vote and I yield back. Gentleman yields back. Is there further discussion? Seeing none, the question now occurs on adopting HR 2482. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed, no. No. The eyes have it and the bill is agreed to.
▶ 3:58:14The chair calls up HR 2399 and ask the clerk to report. HR2399, a bill to require the federal without objection. The first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for amendment at any point. So ordered. Does anyone seek recognition on the bill? The gentle lady from Indiana, what partic Mr. Chairman, I'd like to strike strike the last word. Gentle lady's recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm proud to co-lead the Rural Broadband Protection Act uh that we have here in our markup today.
▶ 3:58:43I'm grateful for the partnership of Representative Kelly from Illinois. I also want to thank Senators Capido, Curtis, and Clolobachar for their work in the Senate to move this effort forward. With this bipartisan legislation, we aim to connect more Americans in rural and unserved areas to broadband service while protecting taxpayer dollars. This bill is straightforward and common sense.
▶ 3:59:04It puts safeguards in place to ensure that universal service funds, high-cost program supports providers that are truly capable of delivering high-speed broadband to the hardest to reach communities. This is an issue I understand personally. In southern Indiana, we have deeply rural areas that have long been left behind.
▶ 3:59:23As a state senator, I helped launch one of the strongest broadband programs in the country, third in the nation at the time, and where we brought connectivity to thousands who had been unserved or underserved for far too long. Now, at the federal level, we have a responsibility to do the same responsibly and efficiently. This bill does exactly that. It ensures that broadband providers actually deliver on the promises they've made to bring high-speed internet to difficult to serve areas.
▶ 3:59:50In doing so, we want to maximize the investment of broadband dollars and connect more people to the service they need to thrive in education, in business, and in healthcare. I look forward to its swift passage out of the committee and across the House floor. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back. Gentle lady yields back. Is there anyone seeking further Is there further discussion on the bill? Seeing none, a roll call has been requested and the clerk will call the Mr. La. Mr.
▶ 4:00:20Lada votes I. Mr. Griffith. Mr. Griffith votes I. Mr. Bill Rackus. Mr. Bill Rakus votes I. Mr. Hudson. Mr. Hudson votes I. Mr. Carter of Georgia. Mr. Carter of Georgia votes I. Mr. Mr. Dunn. Mr. Dunn votes I. Mr. Krenshaw. Question occurs on adopt. Mr. Joyce. Mr. Joyce votes I. Mr. Weber. Mr. Weber votes I. Mr. Allen Mr. Balderson Mr. Balderson votes I. Mr.
▶ 4:00:49Fulture Mr. Fulture votes I. Mr. Fluger Mr. Fluger votes I. Mrs. Harshburgger M. Harshburgger votes I. Mrs. Miller Meeks. Mrs. Miller Meeks votes I. Mrs. Kamik. Mrs. Kamik votes I. Mr. Obernulty. Mr. James. Mr. James votes I. Mr. Bence. Mr. Mr. Benz votes I. Mrs. Houchin Mrs. Houchin votes I. Mr. Fry. Mr. Fry votes I. Miss. Lee. Mr. Langworthy. Mr.
▶ 4:01:19Langworthy votes I. Mr. Kaine. Mr. Kane votes I. Mr. Roelly. Mr. Roelly votes I. Mr. Evans. Mr. Evans votes I. Mr. Goldman. Mr. Golden votes I. Mrs. Fedoric. Mrs. Fedoric votes I. Mr. Palone. I. Mr. Palone votes I. Mr. Dette. I. Mr. Gette votes I. M. Shakowski. I Miss Shakowski votes I. Miss Matsui, Miss Matsui votes I. Miss Caster, Miss Caster votes I. Mr. Tonko, Mr. Tonko votes I. Miss Clark. Miss.
▶ 4:01:49Clark votes no. Mr. Ruiz. Mr. Ruiz votes I. Mr. Peters. Mr. Peters votes I. Miss Dingle. Mrs. Dingle votes I. Mr. VC. Mr. VC votes I. Miss. Kelly. Miss. Kelly votes I.................... Miss. Baron. Miss. Bargon. Votes I. Mr. Sodto. Mr. Sodto votes I. Miss Shrier. Miss Shrier votes I. Mr. hand. Mr. Han votes I. Miss Fletcher. Miss Fletcher votes I. Mr. Accaziocortez. Mr. Accaziocortez votes I. Mr. Aenclaus. Mr. Aenclaus votes I. Mr. Carter of Louisiana.
▶ 4:02:20Mr. Carter of Louisiana votes I. Mr. Mendez. Mr. Mendez votes I. Mr. Mullen. Mr. Mullen votes I. Mr. Lansman. Mr. Lansman. Mr. Lansman votes I. Miss. Mlen. Miss. Mlen votes I. Chairman Guthrie. I. Chairman Guthrie votes I. Mr. Mr. Palmer. Mr. Palmer's not recorded. Mr. Palmer votes I. Mr. Krenshaw. Mr. Krenshaw is not recorded. Mr. Krenshaw votes I. Is Mr. Ladder recorded?
▶ 4:02:50Mr. Lad is recorded as I. Is anyone Mr. Allen? Is he not record? Mr. Allen is not recorded. Mr. Allen votes I. Seeing no others report, would the clerk re Well, before I I want to clarify for the record, this this vote was on the adoption of HR2399. Uh will the clerk report? Chairman got three on that vote. There were 51 eyes and one no.
▶ 4:03:18The eyes have it and the ch and the bill is agreed to. The chair calls up HR2037 and asks the clerk to report. HR2037, a bill to provide outreach and technical. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for amendment at any point. So ordered. Does anyone seek recognition? Mr. Carter from Louisiana. What purp you seek Your microphone if you'd get that. There you go. All right. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
▶ 4:03:47uh open open rand. This bill requires the national telecommunication information administration NIA to conduct outreach and provide technical assistance to small communications networks providers regarding the benefits, uses and challenges of open radio access network standards and other open network architectures.
▶ 4:04:12Open RAND is a nonproprietary standardized network deployment approach that promotes open network with interoperable equipment and visualized network operations. The NTIA must also conduct outreach and provide assistance to small providers regarding participation in the public wireless supply chain innovation fund, a competitive grant program that funds efforts to accelerate the development, deployment, and
▶ 4:04:42adoption of open RAND. I'm proud to have introduced this bipartisan open rand outreach act with Representative Richard Hudson. The bill provides greater federal support for small telecommunication companies in rural and disadvantaged communities to help these companies improve their network and remove potentially insecure Chinese network hardware.
▶ 4:05:05Specifically, the bill directs the National Telecommunication and Information Administration to provide outreach and technical assistance to small communications networks providers about the benefits of transitioning to open RAN, open radio access networks or open OAN technologies.
▶ 4:05:26NTIA will also inform providers of the $ 1.5 billion wireless supply chain innovation grant program funded by the chips act to help these networks switch to open RAND and replace older Chinese-made equipment. This is a pivotal step toward strengthening our nation's telecommunications infrastructure by providing technical assistance and outreach to small telecom telecommunication providers especially in rural areas.
▶ 4:05:55This bill opens the door to more secure, diverse and competitive wireless network landscape. The shift to open rand technology not only enhances national security by reducing reliance on foreignmade equipment but also boosts American manufacturing and fosters innovation and 5G.
▶ 4:06:17This bill ensures that rural communities are no longer left behind in the race for cutting edge technology driving down cost and improving smaller carriers to build stronger more resilient networks. Mr. Chairman, I urge favorable passage. I yield back. Gentleman yields back. Is there further discussion on the bill? Mr. Chairman, are there any amendments? Oh, any amendments on the bill? Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. We had further discussion. Oh, Miss M. We had discussion on the bill.
▶ 4:06:45Let me recognize we Oh, it's a it's an amendment nature of a substitute. So, let's report the amendment. All right. The clerk will report amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR 2037 offered by Mr. Hudson. Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following. That objection to reading the amendment is dispensed with and the gentleman is recognized for five minutes in support of the amendment. I'll recognize you. Gentleman's recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
▶ 4:07:10Um, HR 2037, the open rand outreach act helps pave the way for greater US competition with China by promoting technology that encourages vendor diversity. Uh specifically, this legislation requires NIA to provide support to our small and rural telecom providers that want to deploy open RAN technology. Promoting a more competitive market of trusted vendors to provide 5G equipment remains an important strategic component to protect US networks.
▶ 4:07:36As an open network infrastructure, open RAN technology can help diversify communications technology by allowing multiple components from multiple manufacturers. This bill will give small and rural providers information and support to deploy open RAN technologies if providers would like to implement this technology into their networks. My amendment in the nature of substitute simply makes technical updates to the legislation as well as expands the definition of an open RAN network based on feedback received we received at the end of last Congress.
▶ 4:08:05I want to thank Representative Troy Carter for working with me to reintroduce this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support the the AIS and the underlying bill. And Mr. Chairman, I'd be happy to yield to Miss Matsui or she can claim her own time. From California. Oh, you're yelling your time. So, yeah. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Um, Mr. Hudson, I I move to strike the last word and speak in support of this uh outreach act. This bill will promote national security and connectivity by helping our small telecom providers learn about open RAN networks.
▶ 4:08:35I have long championed the development and deployment of open interoperable equipment to keep our networks secure and competitive. That's why back in 2020, I joined Chairman Palone, then ranking member Walden, and Congressman Guthrie to introduce the USA Telecommunications Act, which eventually formed the foundation of the public wireless supply chain innovation fund included in the Chips and Science Act.
▶ 4:08:59I'm glad to see that today's bill will inform small providers about this critical grant program to help these networks switch to open RAN and replace potentially insecure Chinese equipment. This will help small providers benefit from more secure and competitive wireless network landscape to bring connectivity to our rural and disadvantaged communities. With that, I urge my colleagues to support this bill and I yield back the balance of my time. Gentleman yields back. Gentleman yields back.
▶ 4:09:27If there's no further discussion, see no further discussion, the vote occurs in the amendment. All those in favor shall signify by saying I. I. All those opposed, nay. The eyes have it and the amendment is agreed to. The question now occurs on adopting HR2037 as amended. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed, no. No. The eyes have it and the bill is agreed to.
▶ 4:09:53The chair calls HR 1717 and ask the clerk to report HR 1717. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for amendment at any point. So ordered. Does anyone seek to be recognized on the bill? Speaker. Uh for what purpose is the gentleman from New Jersey seek recognition? Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Gentleman recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm pleased that the committee is moving forward with the Communication Safety Act, which passed this committee in the full house last Congress.
▶ 4:10:22With cyber security threats and natural disasters that threaten critical infrastructure on the rise, we need expert collaboration to protect American families access to communications networks. The FCC should have a permanent advisory council that can provide recommendations regarding both the rapid restoration of communication services in the event of widespread or major network disruptions and the steps communications providers can take to help secure end users and servers.
▶ 4:10:48This bill would codify an existing FCC advisory council, the communication security reliability interoperability council or sysri which focuses on improving next generation 911 emergency preparedness network security resiliency and interoperability. CISRI has improved the reliability, availability and performance of our communications networks during natural disasters, terrorist attacks and cyber security attacks.
▶ 4:11:12The bill specifies that CISRIC must include representatives from a wide range of stakeholders from the communications industry, academia, the public's interest sector, and state, local, and tribal governments. The bill would also require banal reporting to the FCC, Congress, and the public with recommendations to improve communications networks on such issues so that we can stay informed of these issues as well. Finally, I want to thank Representative Joyce for his leadership on this important leadership legislation and being a partner on it. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and I yield back.
▶ 4:11:42Gentleman yields back. The gentleman from Pennsylvania. What purpose you seek recognition? Mr. Chairman, I move to strike. You are recognized for five minutes. I want to thank my colleague, Congressman Menendez, for helping to co-lead HR 1717, the Communication Security Act. More than ever, it is clear that we need to ensure that our wireless networks are standing up to the highest scrutiny.
▶ 4:12:04Salt typhoon and other cyber attacks on our networks have made it clear that these threat actors like China will stop at nothing to gain access to our communications networks. We need to ensure that we are giving the Federal Communications Commission the right tools to be able to combat threats, identify best practices, and see what we can do to bolster our networks and our infrastructure. This bill will do exactly that.
▶ 4:12:31and why more allowance for the FCC to create a permanent council to address these threats. I urge my colleagues to all vote in favor of HR 1717 and I yield back. The gentleman yields back. Is there further discussion? Seeing none, the question now occurs on adopting HR 1717. A roll call has been requested and the clerk will call the role. Mr. Lada. Mr. Griffith. Mr. Griffith votes I. Mr. Gloakus. Mr. Mr. Loracus votes I. Mr.
▶ 4:13:01Hudson Mr. Hudson votes I. Mr. Carter of Georgia. Mr. Carter of Georgia votes I. Mr. Palmer. Mr. Dunn. Mr. Dunn votes I. Mr. Krenshaw. Mr. Joyce. Mr. Joyce votes I. Mr. Weber. Mr. Allen. Mr. Allen votes I. Mr. Mr. Balderson votes I. Mr. Fulture. Mr. Fulture votes I. Mr. Fluger. Mr. Fluger votes I. Mrs. Harshburgger. Mrs. Harshburgger votes I. Mrs. Miller Meeks. Mrs. Mr. Miller Meeks votes I. Mrs.
▶ 4:13:31Mrs. Kamik Mr. Kamik votes I. Mr. Obernolulti Mr. James Mr. James votes I. Mr. Benz Mr. Benz votes I. Mrs. Houchin Mr. Howchin votes I. Mr. Fry. Mr. Fry votes I. Miss Lee Mr. Langworthy. Mr. Langworthy votes I. Mr. Kane. Mr. Kane votes I. Mr. Roelly. Mr. Ry votes I. Mr. Evans. Mr. Mr. Evans votes I. Mr. Goldman Mr. Golden votes I. Miss Fedorchic.
▶ 4:14:02Mr. Fedoric votes I. Mr. Palone. Mr. Palone votes I. Mr. Dette. Mr. Dette votes I. Miss Shakowski. Mr. Shakowski votes I. Miss. Matsule. Miss. Matsui votes I. Miss Caster. Miss Caster votes I. Mr. Tonko. Mr. Tonko votes I. Miss. Clark. Miss. Clark votes no. Mr. Ruiz. Mr. Ruiz votes I. Mr. Peters. Mr. Peters votes I. Miss Dingle.
▶ 4:14:33Mr. Dingle votes I. Mr. VC. Mr. VC votes I. Miss Kelly. Miss. Kelly votes I. Miss. Bargon. Miss. Bargon. Votes I. Mr. Sodto. Mr. Stoodto votes I. Miss. Shrier. Miss. Shrier votes I. Mr. Han. Mr. Han votes I. Miss. Fletcher. Miss. Fletcher votes. I. Mr. Kaziocortez. Mr. Kaziocio Cortez votes I. Mr. Aenclaus. Mr. Aenclaus votes I. Mr. Carter of Louisiana. Mr. Carter. Louisiana votes I. Mr. Mendez. Mr. Menendez votes I. Mr. Mullen. Mr. Mullen votes I. Mr. Lansman. Mr.
▶ 4:15:02Lansman votes I. M. Mlen. Miss. Mlen votes I. Chairman Guthrie. Chairman Guthrie votes I. Mr. Dada. How's he recorded? Mr. Lad is not recorded. Votes I. Mr. Les. Recognition of vote. Mr. Weber. Mr. Weber is not recorded. Mr. Weber votes I. Mr. Palmer's not recorded. Mr. Palmer votes. Mr. Crrenshaw. Mr. Crunch not recorded. He's coming. He's coming. He's coming.
▶ 4:15:32Is anybody on your side need Okay, you're all here. 51. The clerk will report. I got to 50 to1. 50 to1. Chairman got three on that vote. There were 50 eyes and one no. 50 eyes and one no. The eyes have it and the bill is adopted. Unfortunately, we now have votes on the floor, time constraints later this afternoon and evening and a full committee hearing tomorrow.
▶ 4:16:00So, I move to adjourn the markup and return at a later date to complete the health portion of the markup. And I now recognize the ranking member for five minutes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm going to try to be briefer because I know we have to go to vote. But as I mentioned previously, we can't go through the motions and pretend everything is normal and hold bipartisan markups while career scientists, public health experts, and essential personnel who are working to fight cures, fight diseases, and protect us uh are being terminated.
▶ 4:16:30Unfortunately, HHS is refusing to respond to my multiple written requests for information on the department's recent actions, and that's unacceptable. Now, I understand that you've scheduled a bipartisan staff briefing later this week on Friday, and the Democratic staff will be going to that, but this is not sufficient. We need So, can be heard. This is not sufficient. The members absolutely need to hear directly from the secretary himself.
▶ 4:16:57So last week I asked you to hold a hearing on these secretar's actions and cutting all the staff at HHS or the 25% and you responded by quoting and I quote my point was still taken and that this committee should be doing oversight. So my question is do you plan to schedule a hearing with Secretary Kennedy soon? We have no we have not set a date or plans to there will be a hearing. We're going to have a budget hearing like we normally do.
▶ 4:17:24As you know, we've we've requested a bipartisan briefing and we are currently we don't have a scheduled hearing with the right. Well, I don't I I don't know whether that's a yes or no, but I would ask you again to have a hearing with Secretary Kennedy. I also requested a hearing on the measles outbreak almost a month ago. Another child has died. Are you planning on holding a hearing soon on these measel fatalities? There there's no schedule for that. Well, again, I would ask you to hold a hearing on that as well.
▶ 4:17:54I I have to stress uh that having this bipartisan briefing with the staff on Friday uh just doesn't cut it. We need to hear from the secretary himself. We need to hear from him on both the cuts at HHS and we need to hear him from him on the measles and these other problems that that I suggested. You know, we we pride ourselves on bipartisan achievements and we have to get back to the essential oversight of this committee. And I don't understand what's happening with these departments.
▶ 4:18:24I don't think you do as well. And so I'm going to continue to make these requests until this committee is sufficiently informed of the department's plans, how they're going to impact public health, and what it means for the American people. I don't think we have the answers, and this just having the staff go to a a briefing doesn't cut it. Mr. Will the gentleman yield? Yes. Thank you very much for raising this issue, Mr.
▶ 4:18:46alone because with the devastating cuts we're seeing to biomed research and to and to vaccines and everything else, we need the secretary here. Every single member of Democratic member of the health subcommittee requested the secretary to come and talk to us in person shortly after his confirmation in February and he has still yet to come. And so I just I will join you on behalf of the health subcommittee to say we need the secretary here sooner rather than later.
▶ 4:19:14and a staff briefing at 4:00 on a Friday afternoon is not what we need for in this great urgency. I yel back. And and Mr. Chairman, understand I'm not worried about the timing. I just think that having a staff briefing briefing is not sufficient. We need the secretary to come before the members at a hearing and that's you know you still seem to suggest that's going to happen. I hope that you follow through on it. Thank you. I appreciate your comments.
▶ 4:19:41So, so for documents for the record for the full committee markup, the documents are as on this list without objection. So, order be entered into the record and without objection, staff is authorized to make technical conforming changes to the legislation approved by the committee today. So, order and without objection, the committee stands