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Washington, D.C. — In a letter today to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf, M.D., a bipartisan group of House Energy and Commerce Committee Leaders requested a briefing about the presence of counterfeit Ozempic and other semaglutide products in the United States’ medical supply chain.  The letter was signed by Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ); Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Ranking Member Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA); and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Ranking Member Kathy Castor (D-FL).   KEY LETTER QUOTE : “In addition to concerns about integrity gaps in the legitimate supply chain, we are also concerned about counterfeit Ozempic entering through illegal channels. For example, in June of this year, Eli Lilly issued an open letter expressing concern that counterfeit versions of its own drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound, were being sold online, through social media and at medical spas. On May 1, 2024, a Department of Justice press release reported that work by FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations resulted in the arrest of an individual for selling misbranded and adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok. The Committee fully supports these continued investigations of unlawful sales.”   BACKGROUND :   The FDA alerted the public on December 21, 2023, to the presence of counterfeit Ozempic injection products in the legitimate drug supply; an investigati ve article l ater found that thousands of counterfeit Ozempic pens had arrived in a warehouse in Elmira, New York, as early as the fall of 2023. The fact that counterfeit medications made it into the legitimate medical supply chain raises concern about potential gaps in our supply chain security infrastructure.    This threat continues to grow.   CLICK HERE to read the full letter.

Washington, D.C — In a new letter to Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Director Renee Wegrzyn, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce (E&C) and House Committee on Education and the Workforce (E&W) request information on how ARPA-H is ensuring that institutions and individuals involved in the research projects it funds comply with Title VI to ensure a harassment and discrimination-free environment.  This letter comes after a rise in antisemitism on college and university campuses, including Columbia University and the University of California, San Francisco where ARPA-H currently funds research. It is signed by E&C Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), E&C Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY), E&C Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA), E&W Chair Virginia Foxx (R-NC), and E&W Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development Chair Burgess Owens (R-UT).  KEY EXCERPT :  “Due to ongoing reports of antisemitism across colleges and universities, federal and congressional investigations into potential civil rights violations at these institutions, and an ongoing congressional investigation into HHS’s and NIH’s handling of these concerns at HHS-funded institutions, the Committees are seeking more information about how ARPA-H ensures that those involved in projects it funds comply with Title VI and relevant civil rights laws to ensure a research environment free of harassment and discrimination, especially towards those of Jewish faith and heritage.”  BACKGROUND :  ARPA-H is an independent agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  ARPA-H reports directly to the Secretary of HHS.  In the last year, ARPA-H has funded more than $595 million in research projects through ISOs and BAA with more than $506 million going to universities and research institutions and the rest to companies or organizations. Some of these research projects include:  August 30, 2024: Up to $39.5 million to Columbia University   August 22, 2024: Up to $7 million to the University of Pennsylvania   August 13, 2024: Up to $18.4 million to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign  July 10, 2024: Up to $27 million to the Wyss Institute at Harvard University  June 12, 2024: Up to $24 million to Yale University School of Medicine  April 1, 2024: Up to $35 million to the University of California, San Francisco  September 26, 2023: Up to $104 million to Harvard Medical School  September 25, 2023: Up to $26 million to Stanford University  Of the fourteen university-based projects ARPA-H funded in the last year, eleven (including the eight listed above) are at universities that were recently or are currently under federal and/or congressional investigation for potential Title VI violations and/or are being sued in federal court for permitting antisemitic behavior on campus.  Columbia University has been sued in federal court, is currently undergoing several investigations by the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, and is undergoing investigation by congressional committees, for complaints of antisemitism.  The Committee on Energy and Commerce is currently investigating the University of California, San Francisco regarding concerns of antisemitism at the university, medical school, and associated medical centers.  The U.S. Department of Education recently closed its investigation into the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign with a resolution agreement that found the university was not meeting its obligation under Title VI as it relates to complaints of shared ancestry discrimination—including 135 complaints of anti-Jewish discrimination.  CLICK HERE to read the full letter.

Washington, D.C. — In response to a recent finding that top National Institutes of Health (NIH) official Dr. Eliezer Masliah falsified research information, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY), and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:  “These findings are deeply troubling and worsen an already growing distrust of the NIH’s scientific research. We expect full transparency with Congress and the public regarding the matter. While Republicans have historically championed the NIH, these types of misconduct—coupled with the agency’s lack of cooperation throughout our ongoing COVID-19, MPXV, and sexual harassment investigations—make it difficult to continue such robust support,” said the Chairs. “The responses to the Committee’s NIH reform framework overwhelmingly agreed that a comprehensive review of NIH is needed. We urge experts and stakeholders to continue engaging in constructive discussion to strengthen the NIH, protect taxpayer dollars, and restore trust in government health agencies.”  A Science magazine article also further details the allegations, which were in part confirmed by the NIH. In June 2024, Chair Rodgers unveiled a framework that lays out the current challenges facing the NIH and contains recommendations for reform. CLICK HERE for a one-pager on the framework.  CLICK HERE to read Chair Rodgers opinion piece with House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Chair Robert Aderholt (R-AL) regarding the effort.

Revelations come following release of new Committee report Washington D.C. — This weekend, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) joined Fox & Friends to discuss a new Committee Report on the failures of the Biden-Harris Clean School Bus Program. Highlights and excerpts from the interview below: On Defending American Leadership:   “This is a so-called clean school bus program, and it’s just another part of the Biden-Harris administration’s rush-to-green [agenda]. “We’ve seen them mandating electric vehicles, banning gas stoves, really shutting down American energy.   “But unfortunately, it’s an agenda where the Chinese Communist Party is leading, and America is dependent upon China because they control 90 percent of supply chains for electric batteries.   “This is not the agenda that America needs. We need an agenda of American innovation and free markets, not one where we are dependent upon China. ”  On the Exorbitant Price Tag of Electric Buses:   “Whether it’s Wisconsin or North Dakota or Washington State, they are unreliable.   “We do not have the infrastructure [to support electric school buses], and they are expensive.   “This is a program where the Biden-Harris administration wanted to hand out free school buses across the nation, but unfortunately, they’re not free.   “They’re very expensive, as you mentioned—$381,000.   “These are hard-earned taxpayer dollars that are going to fund part of their so-called green energy agenda.  “There are other clean alternatives, if it really was a clean bus program, that are about $140,000.   “But unfortunately, the administration is mandating this agenda that is expensive, unreliable, and also makes us even more dependent upon the Chinese Communist Party because they control 90 percent of the supply chains.”   CLICK HERE to read more about the Clean School Bus report.

Letter comes following allegation student was delayed care due to Israeli heritage Washington, D.C. — In a new letter to Columbia University Interim President Katrina Armstrong, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce (E&C) and House Committee on Education and the Workforce (E&W) are demanding answers regarding ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic harassment and intimidation at the University and its associated medical school and centers. The letter, signed by E&C Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), E&C Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY), E&C Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA), E&W Chair Virginia Foxx (R-NC), and E&W Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development Chair Burgess Owens (R-UT) requests that Columbia University respond to the Committees’ questions by no later than October 2, 2024.  It is part of Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-LA) House-wide  effort  to crack down on antisemitism on college campuses.  KEY EXCERPTS : “A report from the Columbia University Antisemitism Task Force highlighted how the hostility on Columbia University campuses had spilled over into the medical center and medical services as well. For example, an Israeli student reported that when she went to health services in July 2024, no one came into the room to see her, and she overheard a discussion between two health care professionals in another room in which one said they would not treat her because she was Israeli. She sat in the room for another ten minutes until someone finally came to address her health needs.”  [...]  “Failing to comply with basic safety protections for members of the Columbia University community and to respond appropriately to and prevent harassment and discrimination, no matter the cause, may be grounds to withhold federal funds from the university and its associated medical centers. Congress has an obligation to ensure compliance with Title VI. If Congress determines an institution of higher education is in violation, it may consider rescinding research and development funds previously appropriated. Similarly, if Congress determines a medical facility is in violation, it may consider rescinding the right to participate in federal health care programs.”  CLICK HERE to read the full letter.  BACKGROUND :  Beginning on April 17, 2024, an encampment sprung up on Columbia University’s campus with hundreds of protestors and tents.  Banners and signs vandalized the campus—including residence halls—with antisemitic sentiments and even support for the terrorist organization Hamas.  Chants and statements by those within the encampment also supported messages of violence and hate towards Jewish students, with a leader of the encampment filmed stating that, “Zionists don’t deserve to live.”  Professors at Columbia University have also openly made antisemitic and pro-Hamas statements—including more than 100 professors signing a letter in support of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas—adding to the harassment of Jewish students.  An English professor held his classes inside the encampment, despite the fact that it was an uncomfortable and unsafe environment for some of the students in the class, who did not attend.  A prominent rabbi at Columbia University warned Jewish students to remain off-campus during the end of the academic year in Spring 2024 due to fears that the university and New York City police could not keep students safe.  Jewish students on campus also expressed concerns over their safety on campus and the mental and psychological toll the hostile environment was taking on their ability to work and learn. Despite over 100 arrests, the protests progressed to the occupation of a campus building and physical attacks of Jewish students, leading campus officials to move some classes online for the remainder of the academic year.  Columbia University also has a medical school, as well as several affiliated medical centers. Antisemitism has no place in an institution where students go to learn how to be the next generation of medical professionals caring for patients of all religions and ethnic backgrounds.  An interview with students at Irving Medical Center, where Columbia University’s medical school is housed, emphasized the extent to which Jewish students felt excluded and unable to openly identify as Jewish or express their Jewish identity on campus.  A nursing student, for example, stated that the sheer number of antisemitic policy violations that are minimized and go unpunished have made the behavior a norm and that the “Columbia nursing [school] is not a place for Jews.”

Washington, D.C. — In a new letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce (E&C) and House Committee on Education and the Workforce (E&W) issued a request for documentation related to the Committees’ ongoing investigation into how the department is preventing and responding to antisemitism at grantee institutions. The letter follows up on a May 23, 2024, letter to which HHS failed to respond to adequately and is signed by E&C Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), E&C Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY), E&C Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA), E&W Chair Virginia Foxx (R-NC), and E&W Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development Chair Burgess Owens (R-UT). KEY EXCERPT :  “Responding on your behalf in an August 22, 2024, letter, the HHS Assistant Secretary for Legislation stated that, “The HHS Office for Civil Right (OCR) enforces federal civil rights laws prohibiting various forms of discrimination in HHS-funded programs and activities […]” and that “OCR takes this duty seriously.” Despite this declaration, the lacking response from HHS failed to provide specific information about how HHS OCR or the NIH have taken steps to ensure that institutions and universities receiving funding from HHS are complying with federal civil rights laws amongst these extensively reported acts of antisemitism, and whether HHS OCR or the NIH have received any complaints regarding potential violations of federal law as it pertains to antisemitism.” The Chairs requested the following documents by no later than October 2, 2024: A list of all misconduct allegations at NIH-funded institutions relating to alleged antisemitic incidents from fiscal year 2023 to present received by HHS OCR and/or the NIH, showing:   the date;   which agency received the allegation;   a brief description of the incident;   role of the alleged perpetrator and victim (e.g., student or faculty) with their names redacted;  institution;   entity responsible for reviewing the case (including whether the complaint is an official Title VI case);   case status;   actions taken by the institution; and   actions taken by HHS/NIH.  All documents and communications, including but not limited to, text messages, emails, and electronic messages, to or from HHS OCR/to or from the NIH referring or related to misconduct allegations or concerns over actions at NIH-funded institutions from fiscal year 2023 to present, referring or relating to, alleged antisemitic incidents; targeting of Jews, Israelis, Zionists, or Zionism; university encampments; and/or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  All documents and communication between HHS OCR and other agencies regarding assistance with Title VI compliance, particularly related to antisemitism (shared ancestry).  All documents and communication between HHS OCR and NIH-funded institutions related to Title VI compliance reviews related to antisemitism (shared ancestry).    From fiscal year 2023 to present, all documents, communications, and guidance provided from HHS OCR and the NIH to grantee institutions and individuals at grantee institutions regarding Title VI responsibilities and protections, including those specific to protections for those of Jewish faith and heritage, and all documents or communications regarding HHS/NIH’s stance on antisemitism, the events occurring on university campuses, and/or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict generally.  CLICK HERE to read the full letter.

Washington, D.C. — The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations today released a new staff report titled “Majority Staff Report: Examining the Environmental Protection Agency’s Electric School Bus Program.” House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA), and Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Chair Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) released the following quote about the report’s findings:   “It is clear the $5 billion Clean School Bus Program is overall a failure and, in many cases, a waste of Americans’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars. The program, led by the radical Biden-Harris EPA, props up a market that relies heavily upon a supply chain dominated by the Chinese Communist Party. Further, the program was constructed without the necessary safeguards to prevent fraud and incentivizes schools to use buses they otherwise would not choose. It’s also important to note that the EPA refuses to tell us how many of these school buses are on the road. As the official tasked with ensuring the success of the program, Vice President Harris bears great responsibility for its significant shortcomings.”  The Chairs also added,  “We commend EPA Inspector General Sean O’Donnell for his assistance in our investigation as well as his own work as the EPA’s watchdog.”  OVERVIEW OF REPORT :  Executive Summary    Introduction to the Clean School Bus Program   Creation of the Clean School Bus Program  2022 Clean School Bus Rebate Program  2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program  2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program  Concerns with Electric School Buses   Cost   Environmental Impact  Battery Production   Battery Recycling   Increased Risk of Fires  Performance  ESB Supply Chains  National Security  Human Rights Issues in the Supply Chain  Problems with the Clean School Bus Program   Lack of Verification Procedures Leads to Waste, Fraud and Abuse   Delay Issues  Program Imbalance  Conclusion   Appendix   OVERVIEW OF INVESTIGATION :  September 13, 2023 : Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations convenes hearing titled "Making the Grade?: Audit of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program"  October 31, 2023 : Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations sends first round of surveys to school districts participating in the Clean School Bus Program.  January 9, 2024 : House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) issues statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an additional $1 billion in grants for President Biden’s electric school bus plan  April 5, 2024 : E&C Republicans Press EPA for Information on Clean School Bus Program that Picks Winners and Losers  September 17, 2024 : E&C Republicans Release Staff Report on Clean School Bus Program

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing titled "A Year Removed: Oversight of Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act Implementation." “We are here because lives are on the line. “Every day, 17 people die waiting for an organ transplant. Many more suffer through years of fear and uncertainty, not knowing if they will get the life-saving care they need in time. “And surviving family members of those willing to donate their organs and tissue deserve to know that their loved one's act of selflessness is put to good use. “Nearly one year ago, the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act, passed Congress unanimously and was signed into law by President Biden. “I’m grateful to my colleagues, Dr. Bucshon and Rep. Kelly, for their bipartisan work in getting this Act signed into law.” THE PROBLEM “That bill sent a clear message that the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network, or OPTN, was in desperate need of reform. “As many of my colleagues—and certainly our witnesses—know, patients are waiting far too long for life-saving organ transplants.  “Tragically, some lose their lives waiting. Victims of a system that’s still struggling through a transition away from an old, broken model. “That is why it is so important that this committee remains informed about the effort to modernize the OPTN. “I’m grateful to hear from our witnesses today about their experience with the law’s implementation and to understand the remaining problems that need to be addressed. “While the leaders of the key organizations involved in this process, Health Resources and Services Administration Administrator Carole Johnson and OPTN Board President Dr. Richard Formica, were unable to testify today, the committee looks forward to receiving transparent and comprehensive updates from both moving forward.” WHY ARE WE HERE? “OPTN plays a critical role in savings lives. However, systemic inefficiencies, outdated practices, and a lack of accountability have hindered its ability to fulfill that mission. “This committee has a duty to ensure that the changes we put in place are happening. “We need to know that conflicts of interest are being eliminated throughout the OPTN, and we need to know that the OPTN is managed in a way that puts patient safety and well-being first. “We cannot allow the status quo to continue any longer. “Changing the name of the governing bodies of the OPTN but keeping the same individuals in place who failed to provide true oversight in the past is unacceptable. “Their inefficiencies and lack of accountability have cost people their lives. “The American people deserve better, and we’re here today seeking that on their behalf.” REMAINING WORK “I’m proud of the bipartisan work of this committee in passing the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act, but that does not mean our work is over.  “While the law is an important first step, challenges remain. Some of our witnesses today are not only advocates but also those performing organ transplantation surgeries. They are on the front lines, and it’s critical their voices are heard.   “We must ensure the promises of our bipartisan reforms do not go unfulfilled but lead to real improvements and better outcomes.    “This hearing is an opportunity to learn about what is happening, to ask tough questions to demand accountability, and to ensure that we save as many lives as possible.   “Past congressional hearings focused on the United Network for Organ Sharing as the sole contractor and manager of the OPTN. But that is not today’s hearing.    “Today is about people. It’s about patients waiting for an organ transplant—families who have lost loved ones—and the lives we can save if both Congress and HRSA get this implementation right. “I am committed to continuing to work in a bipartisan manner to modernize the OPTN, ensure transparency, hold people accountable, and ensure that every life-saving organ is used to its fullest potential.”

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s hearing titled “A Year Removed: Oversight of Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act Implementation.” CURRENT STATE OF ORGAN PROCUREMENT AND TRANSPLANTATION “Today’s hearing is an opportunity to examine the national organ procurement system and provide oversight into the implementation of the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act. “The current state of organ transplantation in our country is inadequate and must be addressed. “There are over 100,000 individuals waiting for an organ transplant and about 17 people die each day waiting for one. “Notwithstanding the need for viable organs, according to one study, there are more than 28,000 viable organs that are not recovered each year. We must do better. “In 1984, the National Organ Transplant Act was signed into law that created a national framework for organ transplants. “The bill established the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, or OPTN, which created a public-private partnership that implements and oversees the organ donation and transplant system. “Currently, the sole contractor responsible for operating the OPTN is the United Network for Organ Sharing, or UNOS. They have been the sole contractor since 1986. During the past 38 years, there have been a myriad of issues plaguing this organ transplant system.” RIGOROUS ORGAN TRANSPLANT OVERSIGHT “While UNOS has provided beneficial services to organ transplant patients, there have been many examples of them operating inefficiently. “I believe this is largely due to them having a monopoly. “Also, there are questions around potential conflicts of interest. For example, partially due to certain agency regulations, some members of the UNOS board also sit on the board of the OPTN. “And let me remind you, this is the oversight organization overseeing the organ transplant system. “According to a Senate Finance Committee report, between 2010 and 2020, more than 1,100 complaints were filed by patients, families, transplant centers and others regarding the organ transplant system. “These inefficiencies are due to the lack of oversight and management of Organ Procurement Organizations, or OPOs. “OPO’s are responsible for the procurement of organs for transplantation and are overseen by UNOS. “There have been many reported cases of transportation failures, which has led to organs being unviable or having to cancel transplant procedures. “In 2018, there was a human heart left behind on a commercial plane. “Another mindboggling story was in 2020 when a kidney was accidentally thrown in the trash by an OPO staff, causing it to be unusable. “There are currently 56 OPO’s operating in the US. The current system we have in place is a patchwork of OPO’s that must rely on commercial couriers and airlines to transfer the organ. “If we can track our Amazon order for socks every step of the way, we should be able to track something as valuable as human organs. “The lack of accountability must be addressed to create a more stable and reliable system. “There are other failures that show there needs to be an overhaul of how the organ transplant system operates.” MODERNIZING THE ORGAN TRANSPLANT SYSTEM “That is what spurred H.R. 2544, the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act , led by Energy and Commerce members Dr. Bucshon and Mrs. Kelly, that was signed into law in 2023 and was unanimously passed by this committee and both the House and Senate. “This bill allows for multiple entities to bid for certain contracts for functions such as logistics and health IT within the organ transplant network. “This allows for companies with expertise in certain areas to competitively bid for contracts and end UNOS’ monopoly over the organ transplant process. “The bill also ensures accountability by having separate boards within the transplant system. “Within Health and Human Services is the Health Resources and Services Administration, or HRSA, which houses the entire organ transplant system. They will now have the authority to modernize the organ transplant system. “It is Congress’ job to ensure that HRSA successfully implements this law so that the previous failures do not happen. “Proper implementation is vital to saving lives. “On top of modernizing the organ transplant system, HHS and Congress must be open to approving new and innovative solutions to help address the organ shortage we are facing. “For example, in my district alone we have a company that develops genetically modified organs from pigs that can be transplanted into humans. “And Virginia Tech has partnered with a doctor in my district to develop an innovative technology that can resuscitate and keep organs viable for longer periods of time from trauma patients. “I am hopeful that we are moving in the right direction to help mitigate the failures of our current organ transplant system, but more must be done. “Congress will be watching to ensure this new law is implemented effectively and we do not face the same mistakes again.”