Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act. It is bipartisan legislation I introduced with my colleague from California, Congressman Mullin. Our energy grid is the backbone of our economy, and every hospital, factory, and family in America depends on it working reliably. Right now, the system connecting new power generation to that grid is badly backlogged. Interconnection studies that should take months are dragging on for years, and that delay is more than just a paperwork problem.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatR+60Stable$749K raised
Diana Harshbarger
Representative · Tennessee · Republican
Diana Harshbarger
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the American Music Tourism Act of 2025. It is bipartisan legislation that I have had the privilege of leading in the House alongside my colleague from California, Congresswoman Barragan, and our partner in the Senate, Senator Blackburn. Whether it is Dolly Parton or Morgan Wallen, they have got a storied history colored by many country music icons. From Dollywood in Pigeon Forge to the birthplace of country music in Bristol, Tennessee, east Tennessee does play a vital role in our Nation's music tourism industry.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true daughter of Tennessee, Dolly Parton--a woman who needs no introduction. Dolly was a native of my district in East Tennessee, and she was from Locust Ridge in Sevier County. She never forgot where she came from. Her music told the truth about hard work, faith, and family, and that truth is why the whole world fell in love with Dolly. But it was her heart that made her a legend back home. She rebuilt the community after the wildfires in 2016 that tore through Sevier County. She opened doors for children to learn to read through her Imagination Library.
Biography
Diana Harshbarger, a licensed pharmacist and small business owner from Kingsport, brings a background in healthcare to her role as U.S. Representative for Tennessee’s 1st Congressional District, first elected in 2020. She prioritizes improving access to affordable healthcare, strengthening border security, and supporting small businesses. Harshbarger has introduced legislation to address pharmacy benefit manager reforms and serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. She approaches her work with a focus on practical problem-solving, aiming to represent the needs and values of East Tennessee residents.
Education
- Pharm.d, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA1987
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2021–PresentRepresented Tennessee's 1st congressional district for 3 terms.
Licensed Pharmacist
1987–2020Became a licensed pharmacist in 1987 and worked in the profession prior to her election to Congress.
Co-Owner, Premier Pharmacy
Operated Premier Pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy, with her husband before entering Congress.
Policy Focus
Health49%
Government Operations and Politics8%
Science, Technology, Communications5%
Taxation5%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Diana Harshbarger's record in Congress.
Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency
Introduced legislation to increase transparency and accountability of pharmacy benefit managers to lower prescription drug costs.
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
Advocated for efficient COVID-19 vaccine distribution and supported measures to improve access in rural Tennessee communities.
Rural Healthcare Access
Supported funding and policies to expand healthcare access and telehealth services in rural and underserved areas of Tennessee.
Veterans Affairs Oversight
Co-sponsored bills to improve oversight and accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs for better veteran care.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Energy and Commerce
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