High Profile Actions
The Senate concluded a productive week by passing two major pieces of legislation. S.331, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act, passed by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 84-16, demonstrating strong consensus on addressing the fentanyl crisis. More controversially, the Senate approved H.R. 1968, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, by a party-line vote of 54-46, ensuring government funding through September 30, 2025. The Senate also confirmed Stephen Feinberg as Deputy Secretary of Defense with a 59-40 vote.
Government Efficiency Highlights and Lowlights
Four Democrat-led amendments to H.R. 1968 were rejected, including Senator Van Hollen's Amendment No. 1272 to prohibit the use of appropriated funds by the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This amendment's defeat by a 48-52 vote indicates congressional support for the administration's controversial government reorganization initiative.
The Senate also quickly passed S. 1077 approving local funds for the District of Columbia for fiscal year 2025, avoiding unnecessary complications in DC's local governance.
Several cloture motions were filed for key nominations including Michael Kratsios (Office of Science and Technology Policy), Jayanta Bhattacharya (NIH), Martin Makary (FDA), James Bishop (OMB), and Aaron Reitz (Assistant Attorney General), setting up confirmation votes after the spring recess.
America-First Legislature
Senator Paul's amendment to reduce funding for the United States Agency for International Development was decisively rejected 27-73, demonstrating bipartisan support for America's international development commitments despite "America First" pressure.
The House, meeting briefly in pro forma session, saw the introduction of 77 new bills (H.R. 2092-2168) and 6 resolutions. Notable among these was a committee report on H.R. 1048, which would strengthen disclosure requirements for foreign gifts to higher education institutions and prohibit contracts between American universities and "countries of concern."
Pork Alert
The passage of H.R. 1968 continues the concerning pattern of funding the government through continuing resolutions rather than through the regular appropriations process. This approach prevents detailed scrutiny of government spending and maintains funding for potentially inefficient programs without proper review.
The Senate will adjourn for a spring recess until March 24, with pro forma sessions scheduled for March 18 and 20. The Senate confirmed the withdrawal of two notable nominations: David Weldon (CDC Director) and Adam Boehler (Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs).
