High Profile Actions
Senate activity yesterday centered on key nominations and appropriations measures. Stephen Miran was confirmed as Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers by a narrow 53-46 vote, while Keith Sonderling was confirmed as Deputy Secretary of Labor by an identical margin. The Senate began consideration of the "Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act" (H.R. 1968), setting up a cloture vote to advance this crucial government funding measure. Multiple defense-related nominations are now in the pipeline, including Stephen Feinberg for Deputy Secretary of Defense and John Phelan for Secretary of the Navy.
Government Efficiency Highlights and Lowlights
The Senate Commerce Committee approved S. 323, directing the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to develop a National Strategy to Synchronize Federal Broadband Programs, a positive step toward eliminating duplicative efforts across agencies. The committee also approved S. 428 to promote space situational awareness and coordinate space traffic management.
A concerning development emerged with House Ways and Means Committee consideration of H. Res. 127 and H. Res. 195, both inquiring about the newly established Department of Government Efficiency's access to Treasury payment systems, confidential taxpayer information, and Social Security Administration operations. These resolutions suggest potential jurisdictional conflicts between the new efficiency department and established agencies.
America-First Legislature
The Energy and Natural Resources Committee considered multiple bills supporting domestic critical materials processing and mining capabilities, including S. 596 to establish a pilot program supporting domestic critical material processing and S. 789 requiring reports on critical mineral and rare earth element resources worldwide. S. 714 would amend the Energy Act of 2020 to include critical materials in the definition of critical minerals.
Senate Commerce Committee approval of S. 97, requiring SelectUSA to coordinate with state-level economic development organizations to increase foreign direct investment in semiconductor-related manufacturing, signals continued commitment to reshoring strategic industries.
Pork Alert
Despite the continuing budget challenges facing the nation, the Senate's consideration of H.R. 1968 (continuing appropriations) represents the continuation of inefficient government funding mechanisms rather than proper budgeting procedures. The continuing resolution approach prevents meaningful review of spending priorities and allows wasteful programs to continue unchecked.
The Senate also approved S. 843, requiring the Secretary of Commerce to establish yet another grant program - the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Grant Program - adding to the already bloated federal bureaucracy without addressing existing program overlap or effectiveness.
