Congressional Activity Brief - March 21, 2025
High Profile Actions
While the Senate remained in recess until March 24, the House was briefly in session on Friday, preparing for a busy return next week. The House filed a significant number of committee reports, advancing multiple pieces of legislation dealing with national security, immigration enforcement, and financial regulations.
Notable committee reports included H.R. 747 to impose sanctions on Chinese producers of synthetic opioids and hold Chinese officials accountable for the spread of illicit fentanyl. The House also reported out H.R. 875, which would amend immigration law to make driving while intoxicated an offense that renders aliens inadmissible and deportable.
Government Efficiency Highlights and Lowlights
The House Committee on Ways and Means adversely reported H. Res. 195, a resolution requesting information from the President related to the Department of Government Efficiency's access to Social Security Administration operations and data. This marks continued scrutiny of the new department's reach into established federal agencies.
Several reports addressed government transparency and protection of sensitive information, including H.R. 1602, requiring the Treasury Secretary to provide greater transparency and protections for Bank Secrecy Act reports.
The House also prepared for consideration of H.J. Res. 24 and H.J. Res. 75, both providing for congressional disapproval of Department of Energy rules on energy conservation standards - highlighting ongoing tension between regulatory efficiency and congressional oversight.
America-First Legislature
Multiple committee reports advanced legislation promoting American interests on the global stage. H.R. 910 would require the Treasury Secretary to pursue more equitable treatment of Taiwan at international financial institutions, while H.R. 1549 mandates a study on U.S. exposure to China's financial sector.
H.R. 1474 aims to establish a nuclear energy assistance trust fund at the World Bank and other international financial institutions, potentially boosting U.S. influence in global energy development.
H.R. 176, which would amend immigration law regarding aliens who participated in or supported attacks against Israel, also advanced to the full House, demonstrating continued focus on national security concerns.
Pork Alert
The House Rules Committee scheduled a hearing for Monday, March 24, on multiple pieces of legislation including two joint resolutions disapproving Department of Energy rules on energy conservation standards for commercial refrigeration equipment. These resolutions reflect ongoing debates about regulatory costs versus environmental benefits.
Additionally, the House's reporting of H.R. 1577, which provides authority to the Treasury Secretary to take special measures against entities involved in illicit fentanyl financing, raises questions about potential expansion of Treasury powers without sufficient oversight mechanisms.
The House Communications Standards Commission appointments were announced, with Representatives Carey, Cammack, Miller (IL), Morelle, Sherman, and Underwood named as members - adding another layer of congressional administrative structure.
