Week In Congress - Feb 3 - Feb 7, 2025
Sources
· https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-171/issue-22/daily-digest
· https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-171/issue-23/daily-digest
· https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-171/issue-24/daily-digest
· https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-171/issue-25/daily-digest
· https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-171/issue-26/daily-digest
Congressional Activity Heats Up: Key Nominations Confirmed, Legislation Debated
Washington, D.C. – The first week of February 2025 saw a flurry of activity on Capitol Hill, with the Senate confirming several key nominations and both chambers debating significant legislation. The House of Representatives also saw intense debate and votes on some critical bills.
Senate Confirms Key Biden Administration Officials
The Senate successfully confirmed several of President Biden's key nominees, filling critical roles within the executive branch. The confirmations include:
Christopher Wright, of Colorado, as Secretary of Energy on February 3, by a vote of 59-38
Douglas Collins, of Georgia, as Secretary of Veterans Affairs on February 4, by a vote of 77-23.
Pamela Bondi, of Florida, as Attorney General also on February 4, by a vote of 54-46
Eric Turner, of Texas, as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development on February 5, by a vote of 55-44.
Russell Vought, of Virginia, as Director of the Office of Management and Budget on February 6, by a vote of 53-47.
These confirmations came after some contentious debate, with some nominations requiring a motion to proceed to executive session and cloture votes to limit debate.
Legislative Activity in the Senate Beyond nominations, the Senate was active in introducing and debating legislation.
The Senate introduced numerous bills and resolutions, including S. 353-378 on February 3, S. 379-401 on February 4, S. 402-438 on February 5 and S. 439-491 on February 6.
The Senate passed several resolutions, including S. Res. 55 recognizing January as "National Mentoring Month", S. Res. 56 congratulating the University of Vermont men's soccer team, S. Res. 64 honoring the victims of the mid-air collision, and S. Res. 66 supporting "Career and Technical Education Month".
The Senate also considered a variety of bills including S. 93, S. 98, S. 99, S. 161, S. 195, S. 216, S. 245, S. 246, S. 257, S. 258, S. 260, S. 278, S. 281, S. 283, S. 306, S. 314, S. 315, S. 347, S. 351, S. 68 and S. 273.
House Focuses on Fentanyl and Energy
The House of Representatives was also busy this week, passing several bills including:
H.R. 27, the "Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act," which amends the Controlled Substances Act regarding fentanyl-related substances. This bill passed after a recorded vote of 312-108.
H.R. 26, the "Protecting American Energy Production Act," which prohibits a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing. This bill passed by a yea-and-nay vote of 226-188.
In addition to these bills, the House also passed several other measures under suspension of the rules, including the 9/11 Memorial and Museum Act (H.R. 835), the Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act (H.R. 42), the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2025 (H.R. 43), the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act (H.R. 226), the Nutria Eradication and Control Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 776), the Emergency Wildfire Fighting Technology Act of 2025 (H.R. 836), and a bill to convey the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site to Gila County, Arizona (H.R. 837).
Committee Activity Numerous committees in both the House and Senate held meetings and hearings. The Senate committees focused on organizing for the 119th Congress, establishing rules, and designating subcommittee assignments. Key hearings included:
The Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry examined farmer and rancher views on the agricultural economy.
The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs investigated the real impacts of debanking in America.
The Committee on the Judiciary held hearings to examine the poisoning of America, focusing on fentanyl.
House committees held hearings on a range of topics, including education, energy, community banking, cybersecurity, and illicit drug threats.
Looking Ahead
The Senate is set to continue consideration of the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard to be Director of National Intelligence on Monday, February 10. The House is scheduled to convene and consider further legislation. The coming weeks promise further debate and action as the 119th Congress continues to address pressing national issues.