Congressional Activity Brief - April 8, 2025
High Profile Actions
The Senate voted 51-48 to terminate the national emergency declared to impose duties on articles imported from Canada (S.J. Res. 37), marking a significant rebuke to the administration's trade policy and responding to concerns about economic impacts on cross-border trade. The chamber also began consideration of H.J. Res. 24, which would disapprove Department of Energy regulations on energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and freezers.
The House unanimously passed two veterans healthcare bills: H.R. 586, the Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act, by a 411-0 vote, and H.R. 1039, the Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act, by a 412-0 vote. These bipartisan measures address specific health concerns for Vietnam veterans and improve VA communications with veterans filing benefit claims.
The House also welcomed two new Republican members from Florida following special elections: Representatives Jimmy Patronis (FL-01) and Randy Fine (FL-06) were sworn in, bringing the chamber's total membership to 433.
Government Efficiency Highlights and Lowlights
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved nine bills, including the Maritime Supply Chain Security Act (H.R. 2390), legislation to update Coast Guard drug overdose treatment policies (H.R. 2351), and the Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act (H.R. 1373). The committee also approved a resolution to designate the House Press Gallery as the "Frederick Douglass Press Gallery."
The Senate Commerce Committee examined "Restoring Boeing's Status as a Great American Manufacturer: Safety First," focusing on quality control issues and the need to maintain U.S. aviation leadership. Boeing's Robert K. Ortberg provided testimony on the company's plans to address safety challenges.
The Senate Finance Committee approved the nomination of Frank Bisignano to be Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, while Senate leadership announced plans for Thursday votes on several key nominations, including Dean Sauer for Solicitor General and Harmeet Dhillon for Assistant Attorney General.
America-First Legislature
Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved nominations for ambassadors to Mexico (Ronald Johnson), Israel (Mike Huckabee), and Panama (Kevin Cabrera), demonstrating continued focus on strengthening diplomatic connections in key regions. Several additional ambassador nominations are scheduled for confirmation votes this week.
The House Rules Committee drafted a new rule for consideration of H.R. 1526, the "No Rogue Rulings Act" and H.R. 22, the "Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act," along with resolutions to disapprove CFPB rules on overdraft lending and digital payment applications, prioritizing judicial reforms and election integrity measures.
The Oversight Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs held a hearing titled "Salt Typhoon: Securing America's Telecommunications from State-Sponsored Cyber Attacks," examining threats to critical communications infrastructure from foreign adversaries.
Pork Alert
The Senate resumed consideration of Elbridge Colby's nomination for Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, with a vote scheduled for today. The Defense Department's top policy position carries significant influence over military spending priorities and resource allocation.
The House introduced 43 new bills (H.R. 2659-2701) and 6 resolutions, while the Senate introduced 7 bills and 4 resolutions, continuing the legislative expansion trend without corresponding reductions in redundant programs. Year-to-date statistics show 4,302 measures introduced but only 2 public bills enacted into law.
The House Rules Committee drafted a new approach to advance four key measures after a previous attempt to govern floor debate failed, highlighting procedural challenges that delay legislative business and increase costs. The new measure (H. Res. 294) was reported out of committee and awaits floor consideration today.
