U.S. Congressman Fred Upton

Washington, DC, Oct 18 - Last week, I proudly released a report highlighting the legislative work of the House Energy and Commerce Committee thus far in 2012.  The report details a record of accomplishment on issues where our committee has been able to make strides toward the overall goal of creating a more efficient, limited government that provides the necessary conditions for job creation and economic growth.

In a year when many would suggest that Congress is hopelessly gridlocked, our committee has continued the long, hard work of negotiating bipartisan solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing concerns. The committee saw through the enactment of measures to support job creation and technological innovation, save and improve lives through medical advancement, improve motor vehicle safety, and streamline outdated government regulations.

Those bipartisan efforts will have a real and positive impact for families and employers here in Southwest Michigan.  In particular, I was proud to lead the successful push to enact bipartisan legislation to improve U.S. pipeline safety standards as well as legislation to streamline the federal approval process for prescription drugs and medical devices – allowing local employers like Perrigo, Pfizer, and Stryker to better compete with companies overseas and bring their lifesaving products to American patients faster. The President signed both of these important bills into law earlier this year.

The year is not over, and our committee will use the remaining opportunities to keep on working to advance our agenda. Most recently, we have launched a bipartisan investigation into the deadly meningitis outbreak that has impacted families here in Michigan and across the nation. We are also monitoring implementation of laws enacted on our watch, and we are gathering input from our constituents in anticipation of future hearings and legislative action. 

To read the full quarterly report and learn more about our efforts at the Energy and Commerce Committee, please visit http://energycommerce.house.gov/.   As always, my door is open and I look forward to your continued input on the issues that matter to you.

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