Rules Committee Hearing H.R. 4626 H.R. 4758

The House Rules Committee held a hearing on February 24, 2026, to discuss two bills: H.R. 4626, the Home Appliance Protection and Affordability Act, and H.R. 4758, the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act. These bills aim to reform energy efficiency standards for household appliances and repeal certain subsidies and mandates related to renewable energy and electrification programs established under the Inflation Reduction Act. Proponents argued that these reforms would reduce regulatory burdens, lower costs for consumers, and protect consumer choice by opposing federal mandates on appliance efficiency and electrification. Opponents contended that the bills would undermine energy efficiency standards that save consumers money, increase pollution, and remove beneficial subsidies that help working-class families afford energy-efficient appliances. The hearing also featured debates on the broader context of energy affordability, tariffs, and legislative process concerns, including the limited opportunity for amendments and debate. Ultimately, the committee moved forward with closed rules for both bills, limiting amendments and debate time, reflecting ongoing partisan divisions over energy policy and regulatory approaches.