Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), who was recently  appointed to the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced that she has selected to serve on Health Subcommittee, Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.

“I’m proud to be a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and specifically the Health, Consumer Protection and Commerce, and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittees, which will better position me to tackle many of the most pressing issues facing the Third District and the Commonwealth,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “These Subcommittees will help lead the way as we work to address the COVID-19 pandemic, the addiction crisis, the dangerous spread of disinformation online, and the root causes of climate change and pollution. There is an immense amount of work to be done, and I look forward to hitting the ground running with Chairman Pallone, Chairwoman Eshoo, Chairwoman Schakowsky, and Chairwoman DeGette.”

The Energy and Commerce Committee has the broadest jurisdiction of any authorizing committee in Congress, including oversight and legislation of health care, insurance, biomedical research, environmental policy, climate change, energy infrastructure, electronic and telecommunications, the internet and digital marketplace, privacy, cybersecurity, data security, motor vehicle safety, and interstate and foreign commerce.

Trahan’s selections announced today will give her an even stronger voice on the specific jurisdictions of each subcommittee, including:

Health:

The Health Subcommittee has key jurisdiction as the federal government continues working to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including oversight of the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The Subcommittee also has jurisdiction over legislation addressing public health, mental health, health insurance, hospitals, biomedical research, drug abuse and addiction treatment, and  more.

Consumer Protection and Commerce:

The Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee has direct jurisdiction over the Federal Trade Commission, which is responsible for regulating commercial practices and large mergers that require antitrust scrutiny. As a critic of large digital platforms, Trahan will have a seat on the panel with the power to demand accountability for the dangerous spread of disinformation that has proliferated online. Other online areas of jurisdiction include privacy, data security, and consumer protections. The Subcommittee also has oversight over sports-related matters, including professional baseball changes and decisions by the NCAA regarding student-athletes’ ability to profit off their own name, image, or likeness. Additional information about the Subcommittee can be accessed  here.

Oversight and Investigations:

The Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee is tasked with conducting oversight of all agencies, departments, and programs that the full Committee has oversight of. When warranted, the Subcommittee spearheads investigations and publishes reports on its findings.

Trahan’s appointment to the Energy and Commerce Committee was recently applauded by many prominent industry and nonprofit leaders who understand the importance of maintaining the region’s and the Commonwealth’s voice at the table on these timely issues.

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