Congressional Activity Brief - March 25, 2025
High Profile Actions
The Senate continued its confirmation push with the approval of three key health and technology nominees: Michael Kratsios as Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (74-25), Jayanta Bhattacharya as Director of the National Institutes of Health (53-47), and Martin Makary as Commissioner of Food and Drugs at HHS (56-44). The Senate has also set up a vote on James Bishop's nomination for Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget for Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the House began consideration of H.R. 1048, the "Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions Act," which would strengthen disclosure requirements for foreign gifts to higher education institutions and prohibit contracts between American universities and entities from countries of concern. Two Ogles amendments were adopted, expanding the bill's reach to include special administrative regions and Chinese military companies.
Government Efficiency Highlights and Lowlights
The House Oversight Committee advanced several significant government reform measures, including H.R. 1295, the "Reorganizing Government Act of 2025," and H.R. 2249, the "Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act." These bills aim to streamline government operations and strengthen executive authority over agency leadership. The committee also approved H.R. 1210, the "Protecting Taxpayers' Wallets Act," focused on fiscal responsibility.
The House Transportation Subcommittee on Emergency Management held a hearing on "Reforming FEMA: Bringing Common Sense Back to Federal Emergency Management," examining ways to improve disaster response efficiency. Meanwhile, the Armed Services Subcommittees held a joint hearing on the "Posture and Readiness of the Mobility Enterprise," addressing transportation readiness concerns.
On the national security front, the Senate Intelligence Committee received a classified briefing on worldwide threats from intelligence agency leaders, while the House Homeland Security subcommittee approved ten bills focused on countering terrorism and transnational repression.
America-First Legislature
The House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee held a hearing on "American Trade Negotiation Priorities," focusing on strengthening America's position in global trade. The House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee examined "Metals, Minerals, and Mining: How the Chinese Communist Party Fuels Conflict and Exploitation in Africa," highlighting concerns about China's influence on the continent.
The House Judiciary Committee advanced seven bills focused on law enforcement and Second Amendment rights, including H.R. 38, the "Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act," and H.R. 2240, the "Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act of 2025."
The Senate Finance Committee approved the nomination of Mehmet Oz to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and heard testimony from Frank Bisignano, nominee for Commissioner of the Social Security Administration.
Pork Alert
The House passed H.R. 1534, the IMPACT Act, by a vote of 350-73, which funds research and development of technologies to improve cement, concrete, and asphalt production efficiency. While this bill focuses on infrastructure improvement, critics have questioned whether such initiatives should be funded through private-sector innovation rather than government programs.
The House Rules Committee set up consideration of H.J. Res. 24 and H.J. Res. 75, which would disapprove Department of Energy rules on energy conservation standards for commercial refrigeration equipment and walk-in coolers and freezers. These resolutions reflect ongoing debates about the cost-effectiveness of government-mandated energy efficiency standards.
The Senate introduced 33 bills and 5 resolutions, continuing the trend of legislative expansion without corresponding efforts to eliminate redundant or ineffective programs.
