Week In Congress - Feb 17 - Feb 21. 2025
During the week of February 17-21, 2025, the Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 7, the budget resolution for fiscal year 2025, as amended. The following amendments were adopted:
Sullivan Amendment No. 1029, which established a deficit-neutral reserve fund related to protecting Medicare and Medicaid. This was adopted by a vote of 51 yeas to 49 nays.
Lee Amendment No. 922, which established a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to Congress continuing its work to rein in the administrative state by supporting legislation that prevents Federal agencies from finalizing major rules without congressional approval, strengthens the Article I law-making powers of Congress, cuts spending resulting from costly regulations, reduces inflation, and unleashes economic growth. This was adopted by a vote of 53 yeas to 47 nays.
Key nominations and legislation considered and decided on during the week of February 17 to February 21, 2025, included:
Howard Lutnick was confirmed as Secretary of Commerce.
The Senate began consideration of the nomination of Kashyap Patel to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A motion to close further debate was entered, with a vote on cloture scheduled for February 20, 2025. Ultimately, Kashyap Patel was confirmed as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Senate continued consideration of S. Con. Res. 7, the budget resolution for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025, which included budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034. The Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 7, as amended.
Kelly Loeffler was confirmed as Administrator of the Small Business Administration.
The Senate began consideration of the nomination of Daniel Driscoll to be Secretary of the Army. A cloture vote was scheduled for February 24, 2025.
The Senate began consideration of the nomination of Jamieson Greer to be United States Trade Representative. A cloture vote was scheduled after the disposition of the nomination of Daniel Driscoll.
The Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 11, providing for a joint session of Congress to receive a message from the President.
The Senate agreed to S. Res. 84, congratulating the Philadelphia Eagles on their Super Bowl LIX victory.
The Senate agreed to S. Res. 85, congratulating the Jackson State University Tigers for winning the 2024 Celebration Bowl.
The Senate agreed to S. Res. 87, designating February 2025 as American Heart Month.
The Senate agreed to S. Res. 88, designating March 7, 2025, as National Speech and Debate Education Day.
The Senate agreed to S. Res. 89, expressing support for National FFA Week.
The House introduced 48 public bills (H.R. 1397–1444), 1 private bill (H.R. 1445), and 2 resolutions (H. Res. 142–143). On February 21, the House introduced 68 public bills, H.R. 1446–1513; and 8 resolutions, H. Res. 144–151.