Full Committee Markup of 29 Bills

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a full committee markup session on July 21, 2026, considering 29 bills primarily focused on energy infrastructure, data center energy demands, pipeline safety, healthcare transparency, and drug policy. Key procurement-related discussions included the passage of the Ratepayer Protection Act (HR 9340), which establishes federal standards for states to ensure large data centers bear the full cost of necessary electric grid upgrades, protecting residential ratepayers from increased utility bills. The committee also advanced the High-Capacity Grid Act (HR 6633) to modernize the electric grid with advanced conductors, and the Load Forecasting Enhancement Act (HR 9332) to improve demand forecasting for electricity, particularly addressing surging needs from AI data centers. Additionally, the committee approved pipeline safety legislation (HR 9338) to strengthen enforcement and funding for the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration. Healthcare-related bills included the Lower Cost, More Transparency Act (HR 9393), which enhances price transparency and accountability in healthcare, and several bills promoting access to biosimilars and opioid overdose prevention. The committee also passed legislation addressing the illicit use of xylazine (HR 1266) and measures to combat counterfeit fentanyl pills (HR 8005). Multiple roll call votes were conducted, with bipartisan support for most measures. Amendments were discussed and adopted to refine provisions, including those related to environmental and community impacts of data centers, technical assistance for load forecasting, and drug scheduling. The session concluded with authorization for staff to make technical and conforming changes to the approved legislation.