Press Releases
Committee Cliff Notes: Weekly Recap – Week of April 24, 2023
Washington,
April 28, 2023
Here’s a recap of key moments from House Republican committees during the week:
Agriculture On Wednesday, April 26, the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit held a hearing called “Producer Perspectives on the 2023 Farm Bill.” This hearing featured producer leaders of 10 national commodity organizations to learn more about challenges facing farmers and rural America. The primary focus of the hearing was Title I of the Farm Bill, crop insurance, and various farm safety net programs, and what about those programs works or needs improvement. As Subcommittee Chairman Austin Scott said in his opening statement, “Farmers need assurance that over the next 5 years, a safety net will be in place that can stand the test of changing markets and extreme weather events.”   On Thursday, April 27, the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development held a hearing called "The Future of Digital Assets: Identifying the Regulatory Gaps in Spot Market Regulation." On April 27, The House Committee on Agriculture and the House Financial Services Committee held complementary hearings focused on the future of digital assets. This particular hearing focused on examining digital asset markets and understanding how the gaps in the regulatory framework are harming consumers and innovators alike. Additionally, in a joint statement, Chairmen Glenn “GT” Thompson and Patrick McHenry, and Subcommittee Chairmen Dusty Johnson and French Hill, said, “Our Committees are embarking on an unprecedented joint effort to pass and sign into law clear rules of the road for the digital asset ecosystem.”  Appropriations On Wednesday, April 26, the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held an oversight and budget hearing called "FY2024 Request for the Federal Aviation Administration." The Subcommittee, joined by FAA Acting Administrator Billy Nolen, discussed the Fiscal Year 2024 budget request for the Agency. On Wednesday, April 26, the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education held an oversight hearing called "Provider Relief Fund and Healthcare Workforce Shortages." Health Resources and Services Administration Administrator Carole Johnson appeared before the Subcommittee, where Subcommittee Members conducted oversight to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly. On Wednesday, April 26, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a budget hearing called "Fiscal Year 2024 Request for the Department of Justice Grantmaking Components." The Subcommittee, joined by DOJ personnel, discussed the Fiscal Year 2024 budget request for DOJ’s grantmaking components. On Thursday, April 27, the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a budget hearing called "Fiscal Year 2024 Request for the Federal Trade Commission." The Subcommittee, joined by FTC Chair Lina Khan, discussed the Fiscal Year 2024 budget request for the Agency.  On Thursday, April 27, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a budget hearing called "Fiscal Year 2024 Request for the Drug Enforcement Administration." Subcommittee Chairman Hal Rogers emphasized his concerns with the growing opioid epidemic.  On Thursday, April 27, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a budget hearing called "Fiscal Year 2024 Request for the Federal Bureau of Investigation." Subcommittee Members focused on the FBI’s efforts to combat cartels and the smuggling of synthetic opioids across the border, including fentanyl. On Friday, April 28, the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held an oversight hearing called “Tribal Perspectives on Housing and Transportation." The Subcommittee, joined by Tribal leaders, discussed housing and transportation needs. Armed Services On Wednesday, April 26, HASC held a full committee hearing on U.S. military posture and national security challenges in Europe. The committee conducted oversight of U.S. aid to Ukraine and pressed the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs and the Commander of U.S. European Command on the future of NATO, what can be done to improve European contributions to the NATO alliance, the importance of modernizing our strategic nuclear deterrent, and Russia and China’s dangerous cooperation.  On Wednesday, April 26, the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing on national security space programs for the Fiscal Year 2024 budget request. The subcommittee received testimony on the Department of Defense’s national security space activities and ways to counter China’s advances in space. On Wednesday, April 26, the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces held a hearing on Army modernization programs for Fiscal Year 2024. The subcommittee conducted oversight of progress in the Army’s innovation and modernization programs. On Thursday, April 27, HASC held a full committee hearing on the Department of the Air Force’s FY24 budget request. The committee conducted oversight of Air Force and Space Force programs and activities and pressed officials on the FY24 budget request and what resources and authorities our Airmen and Guardians need to succeed on any battlefield. On Thursday, April 27, the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations held a hearing on how the Defense Intelligence Enterprise synchronizes intelligence efforts. Witnesses testified on how intelligence efforts aid in countering China and U.S. counterterrorism operations across the globe. On Friday, April 28, HASC held a full committee hearing on the Department of the Navy’s FY24 budget request. The committee pressed Department of Defense officials on the Navy’s unacceptable shipbuilding plans, strike fighter shortfall, and what the Navy needs in order to be able to effectively deter and, if necessary, defeat China. Budget This week, House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington worked with House leadership to introduce H.R. 2811, the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023. This bill tackles the debt ceiling, stops excessive federal spending and inflation, and puts our country back on track for sustained economic growth. On Wednesday, April 26, Chairman Arrington and Budget Committee members led the floor debate on H.R. 2811 before its passage.    Education and Workforce On Wednesday, April 26, the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing called "Reducing Health Care Costs for Working Americans and Their Families." The hearing highlighted Republican solutions to address rising health care costs, it also called out Democrats for scheming with the Biden administration to force every American into government-funded, one-size-fits-all plans.Stop-loss insurance, increasing Association Health Plans, addressing honest billing, and increasing access to telehealth were some of the Republican innovation solutions discussed that will give American workers and their families more choice and affordability.   Energy and Commerce On Wednesday, April 26, the Subcommittee on Health held a legislative hearing called “Lowering Unaffordable Costs: Legislative Solutions To Increase Transparency And Competition In Health Care.” The Health Subcommittee, led by Subcommittee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) considered more than a dozen bipartisan solutions to lower the cost of health care for patients with more price transparency and competition:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure testified in the first panel. The second panel of witnesses were experts and stakeholders.
 On Wednesday, April 26, the Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials held a hearing called “Exposing The Environmental, Human Rights, And National Security Risks Of The Biden Administration’s Rush To Green Policies.” The Environment Subcommittee, led by Subcommittee Chair Bill Johnson, exposed how President Biden’s rushed so-called climate agenda poses serious environmental risks because it empowers the world’s dirtiest polluter, China, makes America dependent on supply chains that use slave and child labor, increases poverty, and threatens our national security.  On Thursday, April 27, the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce held a hearing called “Addressing America's Data Privacy Shortfalls: How A National Standard Fills Gaps To Protect Americans' Personal Information.” Different laws govern how Americans' information can be collected and used, on people and children, across a variety of sectors including: education, financial, health care, and consumer behavior. As a result, people often believe their privacy is protected when in fact it is not. A key part of our efforts is ensuring that these gaps in the law are addressed to protect our most intimate personal information. This hearing, led by Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), focused on identifying and addressing the gaps that exist in order to strengthen people’s privacy protections on online services and preserve innovation and entrepreneurship. It was E&C’s sixth hearing this Congress on why we need a national data privacy and security standard. On Thursday, April 27, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing called “Biosafety And Risky Research: Examining If Science Is Outpacing Policy And Safety.” This hearing, led by Subcommittee Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA), highlighted the need for virus research to be conducted more safely by strengthening standards and obtaining more data about laboratory accidents. In the hearing, Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) also called on public health agencies to be accountable to the American people for how they have lost the public’s trust. This followed the probe that E&C launched this week into NIH’s billion-dollar public relations spending spree.  On Friday, April 28, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing called “Antimicrobial Resistance: Examining An Emerging Public Health Threat.” This hearing, led by Subcommittee Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA), provided an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the ongoing concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the specific factors that may contribute to its rise, current public and private sector efforts to combat AMR, and any viable, effective solutions available to address the issue. Financial Services On Tuesday, April 25, Chairman Patrick McHenry and Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance Chairman Warren Davidson sent a letter to FHFA Director Thompson blasting the agency’s recent changes to the upfront Loan Level Pricing Adjustment structure, which amounts to a tax on responsible homebuyers to subsidize those with lower credit scores. Chairmen McHenry and Davidson demand the FHFA reverse the changes or the Committee will be forced to take action to repeal them through legislation and reconsider the authority of the FHFA to implement pricing changes moving forward.  On Wednesday, April 26, the Financial Services Committee held a full committee markup of various measures to facilitate capital formation and legislation to reform the unaccountable Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Legislation considered, includes:
  On Wednesday, April 26, Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions Chairman Blaine Luetkemeyer introduced legislation to force the Biden Administration to hold TikTok accountable through existing frameworks, rather than creating a new federal bureaucracy that threats the civil liberties and privacy of American citizens, as other proposals would do. On Wednesday, April 26, Chairman Patrick McHenry, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman Bill Huizenga, and Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion Chairman French Hill sent letters to prudential banking regulators reiterating demands for documents and information related to potential coordinated efforts by the agencies to deny banking services to digital asset firms and the ecosystem as a whole. On Thursday, April 27, Chairman Patrick McHenry, House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson, Rep, French Hill, and Rep. Dusty Johnson released a statement on upcoming hearings and joint efforts to develop clear rules of the road for the digital asset ecosystem. On Thursday, April 27, the Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, led by Chairman Blaine Luetkemeyer, held a hearing called “Oversight of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence (TFI)” to conduct oversight of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence at the Treasury Department. On Thursday, April 27, the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion, led by Chairman French Hill, held a hearing called “The Future of Digital Assets: Identifying the Regulatory Gaps in Digital Asset Market Structure” to identify regulatory gaps in digital asset market structure. On Friday, April 28, the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, led by Chairman Warren Davidson, held a hearing called “The Reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program: FEMA’s Perspective” on reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program with FEMA’s Assistant Administrator for the Federal Insurance Directorate David Maurstad testifying. This week, Committee Republicans also sent letters to prudential banking regulators demanding additional information regarding the supervisory efforts of their agencies surrounding recent bank failures. This slate of letters builds upon lawmakers’ extensive efforts to get answers from regulators on the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. Foreign Affairs On Wednesday, April 26, the Committee on Foreign Affairs held a full committee markup on the following legislation:
 Chairman McCaul sent a letter to Secretary Blinken demanding the After-Action Review of the Afghanistan withdrawal be declassified. The Biden administration wants to brush their botched Afghanistan withdrawal under the rug, but the American people have every right to know the truth about one of the greatest turning points in American history and foreign policy.
 Homeland Security On Wednesday, April 26, the Committee on Homeland Security held a full committee markup of H.R. 2794, the Border Reinforcement Act of 2023. In the markup, the bill was passed out of Committee and sent to the floor of the House of Representatives in order to deliver real, commonsense solutions for our Border Patrol agents on the ground, including personnel, infrastructure, and technology. Following the markup, Chairman Green and Chairman Jordan joined Leader Scalise in a press conference highlighting the border security package that will be brought to the House floor next month. On Thursday, April 27, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure held a hearing titled, “CISA 2025: The State of American Cybersecurity from CISA’s Perspective.” In the hearing, Director Easterly and Members detailed the crucial cooperation between the agency and the private sector in the crucial work of securing our nation’s critical infrastructure. This hearing followed a bipartisan letter from Subcommittee Chair Garbarino and Ranking Member Swalwell requesting details on the goals of a new CISA program office and whether these goals complement, replace, or are duplicative to existing efforts already underway in the agency to identify and mitigate systemic risk. This week, Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) penned an op-ed for the New York Post announcing the introduction of the Border Reinforcement Act of 2023.   House Administration On Wednesday, April 26, the Subcommittee on Modernization held a hearing titled, “The Path Toward a More Modern and Effective Congressional Research Service.” This hearing examined the Congressional Research Service’s need to evolve the types of products and services it delivers to Congress in order to meet modern-day needs.  On Thursday, April 27, the Committee on House Administration held a full committee hearing titled, “American Confidence in Elections: State Tools to Promote Voter Confidence.” This hearing was the first in a series leading up to the introduction of the American Confidence in Elections Act (ACE Act), our federalist approach bill to equip states with key election integrity tools. Our hearing featured expert witnesses as we examined voluntary best practices and tools for states to ensure successful election administration.   House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence On Friday, April 28, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence released its annual statistical transparency report regarding the use of national security surveillance authorities. Chairman Turner and Congressman Darin LaHood, leader of the bipartisan FISA 702 Working Group, issued the following statement in response:  Judiciary On Wednesday, April 26, the Judiciary Committee held a full committee hearing called “Oversight of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives” to examine the agency's Pistol Brace rule, the "Frame or Receiver" rule, and its policy of "zero-tolerance" for Federal Firearms Licenses, among other oversight topics.  On Wednesday, April 26, the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement held a hearing called "The Biden Border Crisis: Exploitation of Unaccompanied Alien Children" to examine the unprecedented surge of unaccompanied alien children at the southwest border and how open-border policies enable the exploitation of those children.  On Thursday, April 27, the Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance held a hearing called "Fixing FISA: How a Law Designed to Protect Americans Has Been Weaponized Against Them" to examine the FBI's abuses of its Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) authorities, discuss the FBI's failures to implement meaningful reforms to prevent its abuses, and address the broad issue of warrantless mass surveillance on American citizens.  On Thursday, April 27, the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet held a hearing called "Oversight of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office" to conduct general oversight over the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), including implementation of recent legislation and the USPTO's policy making processes. Natural Resources On Wednesday, April 26, the Subcommittee on Federal Lands held an oversight hearing titled “Examining the President's FY 2024 Budget Request for the U.S. Forest Service.” For the first time ever, USFS Chief Randy Moore testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources and provided much-needed transparency into the agency's activities. The Biden administration has funneled billions of dollars to the agency, without oversight and without addressing burdensome regulations and frivolous litigation impending active forest management. Republicans stressed the need for more active forest management in advance of wildfire season. On Wednesday, April 26, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an oversight hearing titled “Examining the President’s FY 2024 Budget Request for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, and the U.S. Geological Survey.”  The hearing was an important step in holding BOEM accountable and determining why the agency continues to delay the offshore leasing process. Committee Republicans stressed the need for certainty in the leasing and permitting process and the importance of the offshore leasing program to our energy security and our ability to supply our allies with energy resources.   On Thursday, April 27, the Committee on Natural Resources held a full committee markup on the following legislation:
Oversight and Accountability On Wednesday, April 26, the Committee on Oversight and Accountability held a full committee hearing called “The Government Accountability Office’s 2023 High Risk List.” At the hearing, members emphasized that federal government programs created and funded by Congress must fulfill their intended purpose and meet mission objectives. However, massive programs have struggled to fulfill their responsibilities and are vulnerable to serious waste and fraud. Outside of COVID relief programs, members highlighted how the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) has identified roughly $250 billion taxpayer dollars lost to waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement annually. Members stressed that the GAO’s 2023 High Risk List will assist the committee’s efforts to prevent waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement and safeguard taxpayer dollars.  On Wednesday, April 26, the Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services held a hearing called “China in Our Backyard: How Chinese Money Laundering Organizations Enrich the Cartels.” Subcommittee members discussed with witnesses how Chinese Money Laundering Organizations (MLOs) have taken a central role in washing illicit funds stemming from cartels’ production and sale of fentanyl and other illegal narcotics in addition to providing cartels with the necessary precursor elements to produce fentanyl coming across the U.S. southern border. Subcommittee members also examined measures that Congress can take the crack down on Chinese MLOs and why the Biden Administration has not exhausted its tools in combating these illicit activities through sanctions and other measures.  On Wednesday, April 26, the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic held a hearing called “The Consequences of School Closures, Part 2: The President of the American Federation of Teachers, Ms. Randi Weingarten.” Select Subcommittee members inquired about the process for editing CDC guidance, asked Ms. Weingarten about AFT’s scientific understanding of COVID-19, and pressed for further testimony from union officials. Ms. Weingarten confirmed that the CDC accepted two recommendations from her organization and conceded that political activism is an essential part of AFT’s mission. The Select Subcommittee will use Ms. Weingarten’s testimony to further their investigation into prolonged school closures and work to ensure children never again suffer from these unscientific policy decisions.  Rules The House Rules Committee met this week to consider H.R. 2811, Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023 — legislation that responsibly addresses our nation’s debt crisis by limiting reckless spending, saving taxpayer money, and growing our economy— and H.J. Res. 39 —a joint resolution to end the Biden Administration’s protection of Chinese solar manufacturers. Chairman Cole and Rules members were joined by the Chairs and leadership of the Ways & Means, Budget, and Appropriations Committees. They highlighted how President Biden has quickly maxed out our country's credit limit, with the nation’s debt soaring to $31 trillion under democrat-controlled governance over the last two years. They emphasized the need for a new direction. With the Limit, Save, Grow Act, the Republican representatives made clear their commitment to paying our debts and protecting the good faith and credit of the U.S., while reining in the extreme spending that is bankrupting our country and destroying our children’s future. Their robust debate also focused on advocating for American manufacturers. With H.J. Res 39, Congress is stopping President Biden’s misguided rule allowing the Chinese Communist Party to circumvent our trade laws, dump inferior products in the market, and undercut U.S. workers. Both of these items are fundamental to putting Americans first.    Science, Space, and Technology On Wednesday, April 26, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a full committee hearing called “An Overview of the National Science Foundation Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2024.” During the hearing, Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director of the NSF, and Dr. Dan Reed, Chair of the National Science Board, informed Members of the NSF's current priorities and ongoing partnerships and programs. In his opening remarks, Chairman Frank Lucas highlighted NSF's Chips and Science Act funding, extensive STEM programming, and focus on research security practices. "I strongly believe that the nation that leads in science and technology will shape the world order for the next century."  On Thursday, April 27, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a full committee hearing called “An Overview of the Fiscal Year 2024 Proposed Budget Request for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson joined the Committee to discuss the agency's key priorities and bold programs and missions for the upcoming year. During the hearing, Chairman Frank Lucas praised the many accomplishments of NASA, including the Artemis program and the James Webb Space Telescope, but also shared concerns regarding future projects staying within budget and on time.  Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party On Tuesday, April 25, the Select Committee on the CCP kicked off its informal seminar series for members to hear from experts and industry leaders on issues central to winning the competition with the CCP. This week's seminar included a discussion with Michael Brown, former director of the Defense Innovation Unit, and Alex Wang, CEO of Scale AI, regarding the ongoing U.S.-CCP technology battle. On Wednesday, April 26, the Select Committee held a closed-door Taiwan policy roundtable to receive expert recommendations on ways to enhance deterrence against CCP aggression. The roundtable was based on assessments developed during a recent committee wargame exercise. The discussion generated proposals for investing in key U.S. defense capabilities and forces, helping Taiwan shore up its defenses, laying groundwork for robust sanctions, and addressing technology supply chain risks. Also on Wednesday, the Select Committee Republicans sent a letter to the FBI pressing for more information on its efforts to combat the Chinese Communist Party’s transnational repression after an earlier briefing by the FBI failed to address key committee questions on the bureau’s strategy. “We in Congress should expand criminal penalties for individuals who violate U.S. law while engaging in transnational repression,” Chairman Mike Gallagher and Select Committee member Rep. Neal Dunn wrote in an op-ed this week.    Small Business On Wednesday, April 26, the Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development held a hearing titled “Help Wanted: Exploring How Alternative Paths to Student Debt Can Help to Strengthen Small Business.” At Wednesday’s hearing, the House Committee on Small Business Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development held a hearing discussing the country’s labor shortage and how offering more paths to trade schools would help both America’s students and Main Street. Chaired by Rep. Marc Molinaro, the subcommittee heard from several small business owners and trade education experts about their personal experiences with how the national workforce shortage is hamstringing small businesses and how promoting more alternative paths to education would prove to be more cost-efficient and beneficial to the country’s students. Chairman Roger Williams, Reps. Blaine Luetkemeyer, Beth Van Duyne and Dan Meuser penned a letter to the Small Business Administration to request that the agency explain how it plans to oversee fintech firms as it sets to open it its flagship 7(a) lending program in light of the mass pandemic fraud that occurred in the agency’s lending programs.  Transportation and Infrastructure On Wednesday, April 26, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a markup to consider the following legislation:
   Veterans' Affairs On Friday, April 28, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a full committee markup on 7 pending bills:
   Ways and Means On Wednesday, April 26, the Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing to lay out a fact-based foundation on the path to strengthening the Social Security program. The hearing discussed the need for bipartisan cooperation to save and strengthen the program so that its retirement Trust Fund can be protected against looming financial challenges in the next 10 years. In its latest report, the Social Security Trustees cited labor productivity and slower economic growth as the reason the Trust Fund will go insolvent one year earlier than projected. On Wednesday, April 26, the Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing to discuss the tax-exempt status of non-profit hospitals. The Subcommittee examined whether these non-profit hospitals are acting in the best interest of patients, communities, and taxpayers, as well as whether reforms and accountability are necessary to ensure they provide the benefits that justify the billions in tax benefits they receive each year. On Thursday, April 27, the Committee on Ways and Means held a full committee hearing to discuss accountability and transparency at the IRS with Commissioner Daniel Werferl. The committee questioned Commissioner Werfel about the agency’s commitment to protect whistleblowers, its failure to spell out its plan to spend billions of taxpayer dollars, and lack of protections for working-class Americans from an increase in audits. The IRS Commissioner dodged questions about IRS auditing middle-class families and admitted even the supercharged IRS cannot handle the new $600 reporting requirement for electronic transactions.    |