Before we begin this edition of Brett’s Bulletin, I wanted to take a moment to honor the life and sacrifice of Staff Sergeant Benjamin Pennington and Technical Sergeant Ashley Pruitt. Our hearts continue to break for the families and loved ones of these two Kentucky heroes, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. |
Earlier this month, the Kentucky delegation in the House led our colleagues in a moment of silence to remember these two brave young Americans. A grateful nation and Commonwealth will forever remember them and their families. |
Combating Illicit Drugs As Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I am continuing the efforts to counter the devastation in American communities that has been caused by the distribution and use of illicit drugs. Recently, our Subcommittee on Health conducted a hearing titled Policies to Protect Our Communities from Illicit Drug Threats. |
This hearing examined over a dozen bills targeted to combat the supply chain dynamics of illicit drugs and their precursors, in addition to looking at new and emerging illicit drug threats. Take a look at my opening statement above. This hearing was an important step in continuing to prevent drug overdose deaths. |
Fighting for Affordability in Health Care Our Committee held another hearing in our health care affordability series focused on the role providers (like hospital systems) play, and examined ways we can increase transparency in health care. During the hearing, I told a story about a recent interaction my wife and I had, where a health care provider sent us to collections without ever sending us the bill. |
This type of situation is exactly why Americans feel like the health care system is broken and unaffordable - and they're right.
We must increase price transparency and end these predatory practices. |
Unleashing American Energy Republicans in Congress are working diligently to ensure American families have access to affordable and reliable energy that they can depend on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, especially during natural disasters. My Committee recently conducted a hearing looking at energy grid reliability during January’s Winter Storm Fern. |
Our hearing focused on how many energy grids in the nation that rely on green energy production underperformed during the storm. For example, in New England, over 30% of their energy production at the peak of the storm was powered by burning wood and refuse (garbage), while renewable sources, like wind and solar, only made up 6% of the grid’s power. I believe in an all-of-the-above approach, but this is a clear reminder that when renewable sources fall short, the grid still has to turn to power that is available 24/7. Republicans on my Committee are committed to restoring American energy dominance and ensuring the reliability of our energy production. |
Supporting Emergency Communications FirstNet has been a critical resource to help first responders communicate during emergencies.
Last week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce advanced legislation to reauthorize FirstNet for 10 years to ensure we keep our communities connected and safe! |
Streamlining Permitting to Support American Energy I joined Punchbowl News for a productive conversation about the work I'm doing as Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to streamline the energy permitting process so that Americans have access to reliable and affordable power. Take a look! |
Supporting Mammoth Cave National Park Last May, I introduced the Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act to allow the National Park Service to acquire an additional 551.14 acres of land to enhance protections in the Green River watershed, further conserving the area’s wildlife and cultural heritage while generating additional tourism to Kentucky’s Second District. |
I’m excited to report that on March 18, 2026, this bill cleared the first hurdle towards passage, receiving a hearing in the House Committee on Natural Resources. This hearing featured testimony from Edmonson County Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey, who spoke to the benefits this expansion would have on the region. I am hopeful that the Committee will move to advance this bill soon! |
Hosting Kentucky's Future Leaders in Washington |
It's always a blast to host young Kentuckians from back home for a tour of our nation's Capitol Building! In the last couple of weeks, my office welcomed students from Alvaton Elementary, Jody Richards Elementary, North Hardin Christian School, and Cumberland Trace Elementary School. Thanks for making the trip! |
Growing Our Local Economy |
I stopped by to meet with Barren Inc. President Maureen Carpenter to discuss the incredible investments being made in Barren County. These exciting new developments will continue to make Barren County a great place to live and grow a business! |
Supporting Barren County Law Enforcement |
It was great to sit down with Barren County Sheriff, Kent Keen, to discuss the way in which federal dollars, that I was able to help secure, will support his department in continuing to keep Barren County safe. |
Visiting with Folks from Back Home Spring is one of the busiest travel seasons in Washington! Glad I was able to meet with several families from Kentucky's Second District during their Capitol tours. |
Kentuckians in Our Nation's Capitol Over the past couple of weeks, it was an honor to host more than 30 groups from Kentucky to the Capitol and hear about the issues that are most important to them. |
Thank you to all the incredible Kentuckians who made the trip and for all you do to advocate for the issues most important to you! |
Addressing the DHS Shutdown Unfortunately, the partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is still ongoing. The House has consistently voted to end this unnecessary shutdown, voting FOUR times to pass bipartisan legislation to ensure that we pay our dedicated federal employees and keep Americans safe.
Due to Senate procedure requiring 60 votes to pass most pieces of legislation, Democrats in the Senate have forced the DHS shutdown to continue for over forty days. It’s time they come to the table to negotiate in good faith and vote to responsibly fund this important department that keeps Americans safe. |
Holding Fraudsters Accountable If you’re like me, you’ve been frustrated by the ongoing fraud that has recently been exposed in federal programs. In addition to the ongoing Congressional investigations, including the one by my House Committee on Energy and Commerce into fraud in federal health programs, the House recently voted to pass H.R. 1958, the Deporting Fraudsters Act. |
This bill establishes that aliens who have admitted to, or been convicted of, defrauding the U.S. government or unlawful receipt of public benefits are deportable and inadmissible. This is a commonsense bill that will ensure bad actors who are illegally in our country and commit fraud can be rightly deported. |
I joined Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy to discuss Operation Epic Fury and the impacts it is having on domestic energy production. |
As the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I have been on the frontlines of Congressional efforts to lower the costs of energy for American families. Take a look! |
My office and I are happy to help you. My constituent services team can help provide assistance with a variety of federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security, Post Office, and more. Please click HERE or call 270-842-9896 or 202-225-3501 to contact my office. |
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Sincerely,
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Brett Guthrie
Member of Congress
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