Last night, Congresswoman Annie Kuster was assigned to the Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee for the 116^th Congress. The E&C Committee has wide jurisdiction over critical issues including health care, energy, climate change, the environment, broadband and internet policy, as well as interstate and foreign commerce. Established in 1795, the committee is the oldest continuous standing committee in the House of Representatives.

“I’ve heard from people throughout New Hampshire about the need to improve access to affordable, quality health care, address climate change, protect our environment, and expand access to broadband internet,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “I’m excited about the opportunity to serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee and fight for the priorities that are important to New Hampshire communities. We have the opportunity to deliver a win-win for our state by growing our economy and expanding economic opportunity while combating climate change and protecting our environment for future generations.”

“I’m pleased to welcome Rep. Kuster to the Energy and Commerce Committee where she will play a crucial role in ensuring all Americans have access to affordable and quality health care, safe drinking water, high-speed internet and a cleaner environment,” said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ). “As a longtime champion of protecting Medicare for seniors and combating the opioid epidemic in New Hampshire, Rep. Kuster will be a powerful voice on these issues and many more as she joins the Committee. I congratulate her on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to working with her.”  

Areas of jurisdiction include:

• health care, including mental health and substance abuse
• health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid
• biomedical research and development
• food, drug, device and cosmetic safety
• environmental protection 
• clean air and climate change
• safe drinking water
• toxic chemicals and hazardous waste
• national energy policy
• renewable energy and conservation
• nuclear facilities
• electronic communications and the internet
• broadcast and cable television
• privacy, cybersecurity and data security
• consumer protection and product safety
• motor vehicle safety
• travel, tourism and sports   
• interstate and foreign commerce

The Committee also oversees several federal departments and agencies, including:

• Department of Health and Human Services
• National Institutes of Health
• Food and Drug Administration
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Indian Health Service
• Environmental Protection Agency  
• Department of Energy
• Nuclear Regulatory Commission
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission    
• Federal Communications Commission
• Federal Trade Commission
• Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• Department of Commerce
• Department of Transportation
• Department of Homeland Security  

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