Press Releases
Committee Cliff Notes: Weekly Recap – Week of May 8, 2023
Washington,
May 12, 2023
Here’s a recap of key moments from House Republican committees during the week:
Agriculture On Wednesday, May 10, the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development of the Committee on Agriculture and the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Inclusion of the Committee on Financial Services held a joint hearing called "The Future of Digital Assets: Measuring the Regulatory Gaps in the Digital Asset Markets." This joint hearing shed light on the insufficient regulatory framework surrounding digital assets and sought clarity on the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over these assets. Panelists discussed the lack of a comprehensive federal regulatory regime for spot trading of commodities and the difficulties in determining whether a digital asset is offered as part of an investment contract (thus meeting the definition of a security) or falls under the definition of a commodity in the CEA. Regulatory uncertainty was a focal point of the hearing, underscoring the need for a clear and consistent regulatory framework for digital assets.  On Thursday, May 11, the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture held a hearing called “Stakeholder Perspectives on Agricultural Trade.” The hearing focused on Title III of the upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization and the US Department of Agriculture’s administration of them, including barriers to accessing new and emerging markets; and ways to protect and enhance agricultural trade in the upcoming Farm Bill. Witnesses discussed ways the United States can maintain and expand its export markets, ensuring a strong demand for American agricultural products. On Thursday, May 11, the Agriculture Committee held a full committee markup of the following bills:
Armed Services On Tuesday, May 9, U.S. Representative Jim Banks (R-IN), Chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, was joined by Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) in a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressing concern regarding the Navy’s Digital Ambassador program following revelations that the Navy appointed a ‘drag queen influencer’ as a Navy Digital Ambassador. In the letter the members wrote, “Perception is driving reality, and both current and former service members are alarmed at ‘a culture putting ‘wokeness’ before training and combat effectiveness.’ Fringe ideologies and drag shows have no place in our military. Rather, the military should be focused on deterring adversaries and remaining a lethal force to defend the nation. Promoting drag shows does nothing to enhance military readiness and warfighting capabilities.”  Budget On Thursday, May 11, the Budget Committee held a full committee hearing called, "Exposing the Woke, Wasteful, and Bloated Bureaucracy." Members highlighted that Democrats and President Biden continue to levy record taxes on the American people – which has resulted in 40-year high inflation – all to fund divisive progressive ideologies that have no place in the federal budget. The American people are making tough decisions and changing their spending habits. Their representatives in Washington need to do the same.    Education and Workforce On Wednesday, May 10, the Education and the Workforce Committee held a markup of H.J. Res. 45 (Good), which would overturn Biden’s student loan scheme. Democrats voted to force taxpayers, who never took on student loan debt or who had the grit to pay off their loans, to pay someone else’s tuition bill.   On Thursday, May 11, the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development held a hearing called “Examining America's Workforce Challenges: Looking For Ways to Improve Skills Development." There are nearly 10 million unfilled jobs in the U.S. and employers across the country are struggling to access the skilled workforce they need. The hearing discussed ways to improve WIOA, the nation’s primary federal workforce development law. Specifically, members argued skills development must be a priority since few Americans are upgrading their skills through the workforce system, employers must be in the driver’s seat, reforms are needed to ensure eligible programs deliver good outcomes and taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.  Energy and Commerce On Wednesday, May 10, the Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, And Critical Materials held a hearing called “The Fiscal Year 2024 Environmental Protection Agency Budget.” EPA Administrator Michael Regan testified. Members questioned how EPA plans to use record spending to advance President Biden’s so-called climate and reckless rush-to-green agenda, which is harming our energy grid reliability, raising energy costs, limiting our manufacturing capacity, hurting innovation, and making us more dependent on China. On Thursday, the EPA released its proposed power plant rules, which risk more blackouts and energy shortages for Americans. E&C Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Environment, Manufacturing, & Critical Materials Subcommittee Chair Bill Johnson (R-OH) said these rules, “will make these problems worse by shutting down reliable energy sources prematurely and adding costly new burdens on sources like natural gas, which is responsible for a significant portion of our emissions reductions.”  On Wednesday, May 10, the Subcommittee on Oversight And Investigations held a hearing called “Closing The Digital Divide: Overseeing Federal Funds For Broadband Deployment.” Americans deserve every assurance that a record amount of broadband resources are truly going to help the unserved communities that need them most. This hearing was part of E&C’s work to ensure robust oversight over broadband funding to minimize risks of waste, fraud, and abuse. Resources must go where they are needed so we can close the digital divide.  On Thursday, May 11, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing called “Preparing For And Responding To Future Public Health Security Threats.” This hearing was the beginning of E&C’s legislative process to make sure the federal government is prepared to handle all public health hazards threatening Americans safety and wellbeing, whether it’s chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, a cyberattack, or another emerging infectious disease, like influenza or COVID-19. On Thursday, May 11, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing called “Examining The Root Causes Of Drug Shortages: Challenges In Pharmaceutical Drug Supply Chains.” From over-the-counter children's cold and flu medicines, to specialized, life-saving drugs for cancer patients, Americans have faced disastrous drug shortages. This hearing examined the root causes of shortages, as well as supply chain vulnerabilities in our pharmaceutical industry.  On Thursday, May 11, the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, And Grid Security held a hearing called “The Fiscal Year 2024 Department Of Energy Budget.” DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm testified. Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) said in his opening remarks, “President Biden’s energy agenda discourages investment in traditional energy sources that provide 24/7 electricity generation. According to the EIA, last year we added the least amount of interstate natural gas pipeline capacity since the agency began collecting data nearly 30 years ago. This did not happen by accident. Republicans on Energy and Commerce have solutions to reverse the Democrats’ regressive energy agenda. H.R. 1, The ‘Lower Energy Costs Act’ passed the House a few weeks ago with a bipartisan vote. The legislation would create a regulatory structure that encourages investment and innovation to bring all forms of energy online.” Financial Services On Sunday, May 7, Chairman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) joined Face the Nation on CBS News to discuss House Republicans’ efforts to limit federal spending, save taxpayer money, and grow the economy in coordination with raising the debt ceiling. Chairman McHenry also outlined the state of the American banking system and Congress’ response to recent bank failures. On Tuesday, May 9, Chairman Patrick McHenry outlined Committee Republicans funding priorities for Fiscal Year 2024 in a letter to the leaders of the House Appropriations Committee. Republicans’ funding priorities include, rescission of unspent “emergency” funds, strengthening public markets, nurturing innovation, countering the influence of China, and fostering a vibrant financial system.  On Wednesday, May 10, the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Inclusion of the Committee on Financial Services and the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development of the Committee on Agriculture held a joint hearing called "The Future of Digital Assets: Measuring the Regulatory Gaps in the Digital Asset Markets." Republicans, led by Subcommittee Chairman French Hill (AR-02), highlighted our unprecedented joint efforts to develop clear rules of the road for the digital asset ecosystem. Republicans also emphasized the urgency of Congressional action on legislation that protects consumers and allows this innovation to thrive here in the U.S.  On Wednesday, May 10, Chairman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman Bill Huizenga (MI-04) sent a letter to SEC Chair Gary Gensler again demanding the SEC comply with outstanding document requests from Congress, including those regarding the Commissions charges against disgraced FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, its disastrous climate disclosure rule, and registration information for digital asset trading platforms. If the SEC continues to stonewall these requests, the House Financial Services Committee will take action.  On Wednesday, May 10, the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy held a hearing called “Federal Responses to Recent Bank Failures.” Republicans, led by Subcommittee Chairman Andy Barr (KY-06), emphasized the role of Democrat-induced inflation and the Federal Reserve’s corresponding interest rate increases, as well as management and supervisory failures, in the recent turmoil in the banking system. On Wednesday, May 10, Chairman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) and Housing and Insurance Subcommittee Chairman Warren Davidson (OH-15) issued statements after the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced it would rescind its unworkable upfront Debt-to-Income fee and request public input on its socialist changes to the upfront Loan Level Pricing Adjustment (LLPA) structure. On Thursday, May 11, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing called “Oversight of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank: GAO’s Preliminary Review.” Republicans, led by Chairman Bill Huizenga (MI-04), examined the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) preliminary review of recent bank failures, particularly the report’s focus on supervisory failures by the Federal Reserve. On Thursday, May 11, Chairman Patrick McHenry (NC-10), along with all of Committee leadership, submitted a comment letter on the SEC’s harmful custody rule. The lawmakers blasted the proposed rule’s impact on digital assets and demanded its rescission. Foreign Affairs On Thursday, May 11, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability held a hearing called "Reviewing the Bureau of Industry and Security, Part I: U.S. Export Controls in an Era of Strategic Competition." Practitioners and former officials from the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and the Department of Defense, joined the Committee to discuss shortcomings, challenges, and solutions for a more effective U.S. export control system. In the midst of our strategic competition with the People’s Republic of China, it is critical that the U.S. address these deficiencies now – or risk further eroding our national security in the face of an existential adversary.  On Friday, May 12, the Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations held a hearing called “Implementation of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.” Survivor-leaders, NGOs, as well as Biden administration officials, joined the Subcommittee to discuss U.S. and international anti-trafficking efforts – including implementation of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.   Homeland Security On Wednesday, May 10, the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security held a hearing entitled, “Evaluating High-Risk Security Vulnerabilities at our Nation’s Ports.” In this hearing, led by Chairman Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Members highlighted the cybersecurity threats posed to U.S. maritime ports by cyber criminals and our adversaries. In the hearing, the Subcommittee heard testimony from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).  On Thursday, May 11, the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability held a hearing entitled, “Censorship Laundering: How the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Enables the Silencing of Dissent.” In the hearing, Members heard from investigative journalists and academics on government efforts to censor public discourse that directly threaten freedom of speech in America.   House Administration On Thursday, May 11, the Committee on House Administration held a full committee hearing titled, “American Confidence in Elections: Protecting Political Speech.” This second hearing in our American Confidence in Elections Act series focused on the importance of protecting political speech. This hearing took place almost a decade to the day since the IRS scandal involving then Acting Director of Exempt Organizations Lois Lerner apologizing for inappropriately targeting conservative organizations' applications for tax-exempt status.    Judiciary On Wednesday, May 10, the Judiciary Committee held a full committee markup on the following legislation:
The Judiciary Committee marked up bills that will support our law enforcement officers, condemn efforts to defund and dismantle the police, and return the Court to its constitutional role as the branch that interprets the law.
  Natural Resources On Wednesday, May 10, the Committee on Natural Resources held a legislative hearing on H.R. 2989, the Save Our Sequoias Act (McCarthy). Over the course of two years, catastrophic wildfires wiped out nearly one-fifth of the world’s Giant Sequoias. More than a century of fire suppression and mismanagement created a massive build-up of hazardous fuels in and around Giant Sequoia groves, leading to unnaturally intense, high-severity wildfires. This hearing was a chance for members to discuss the crucial Save Our Sequoias Act and hear from witnesses how the legislation will save these priceless trees.    On Wednesday, May 10, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a legislative hearing on the following bills:
On Thursday, May 11, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a legislative hearing on the following 2 bills:
On Thursday, May 11, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held an oversight hearing titled “The Biden Administration’s Executive Overreach and its Impact on American Energy Independence.” The Biden administration continues to test the limits of its power through the use of executive orders by weaponizing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). The Biden administration has also taken direct aim at America’s energy industry, resulting in increased prices at the pump and at home for American families. This hearing took a detailed look at examples of executive overreach and provided an opportunity for Congress to hold the White House accountable for its actions. Oversight and Accountability On Wednesday, May 10, the Committee on Oversight and Accountability held a full committee hearing called “ESG Part I: An Examination of Environmental, Social, and Governance Practices with Attorneys General.” At the hearing, members examined the concerns of state attorneys general (AGs) related to the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors by asset managers. ESG priorities are being used by activist shareholders to push a radical, far-left ideology to shape the behavior of American businesses. Members highlighted how ESG commitments are often at odds with their clients’ best interests and even occur without their knowledge. Members also noted that the Biden Administration is routinely pushing ESG priorities over the economic, energy, and national security needs of the United States. Members stressed that the Committee would continue to expose and investigate harmful ESG practices and hold unelected bureaucrats accountable for pushing their own radical, liberal interests.  On Wednesday, May 10, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation held a hearing called “Risky Business: Costly Inaction on Federal Legacy IT.” At the hearing, members examined how legacy federal IT systems create security and operational risks and are costly to maintain over time. Subcommittee members asked witnesses about risks to cybersecurity, how the process of identifying outdated systems can be improved, and how Congress can refocus the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) toward improving, retiring, or replacing existing federal legacy IT systems. On Thursday, May 11, the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic held a hearing called "Investigating Pandemic Immunity: Acquired, Therapeutic or Both." On Thursday, May 11, the Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs held a hearing called "Strengthening the Fleet: Challenges and Solutions in Naval Surface Ship Construction." Subcommittee members discussed with witnesses how the U.S. Navy can produce more quality, and efficient ships to meet demands of the U.S. national security strategy. Subcommittee members also emphasized ways the U.S. Navy has wasted and abused U.S. taxpayer dollars when it comes to shipbuilding practices and have not made common sense decisions or implemented watchdog recommendations. On Thursday, May 11, the Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services held a hearing called “FDA Oversight Part II: Responsibility for the Infant Formula Shortage.” At the hearing, members asked Dr. Susan Mayne, Director of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, questions about the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) response to the nationwide infant formula shortage, its failure to heed whistleblower warnings, and its failure to conduct a forthright and independent review of the crisis. The hearing furthers the committee’s investigation into the crisis to ensure agencies are held accountable and to find solutions to better protect American families in the future.  Rules On Tuesday, May 9, the Committee on Rules met to discuss the following legislation:
  On Wednesday, May 10, the Committee on Rules held a bipartisan hearing called "Examining China's Coercive Economic Tactics" to examine China’s coercive economic tactics and how America can best assert its leadership against these threats. Members and witnesses reiterated the importance of addressing the Chinese Communist Party’s use of global influence campaigns and predatory trade practices.  Science, Space, and Technology On Wednesday, May 10, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a full committee hearing called “An Overview of the Budget Proposal for the National Institute of Standards and Technology for Fiscal Year 2024.” Dr. Laurie Locasio, Director of NIST, joined to provide insight into the organization’s FY24 budget request and their work implementing the CHIPS and Science Act. NIST is home to the CHIPS Program Office and is responsible for overseeing how CHIPS funding is allocated and sent out the door.   On Wednesday, May 10, the Subcommittee on Energy and the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a joint subcommittee hearing called "Return on Unprecedented Investment: An Analysis of the Department of Energy’s Implementation of the IIJA, the IRA, and the CHIPS and Science Act." SST Members were joined by Dr. Geraldine Richmond, DOE Under Secretary for Science and Innovation, and Dr. Kathleen Hogan, DOE Principal Deputy Under Secretary and Acting Under Secretary for Infrastructure. Both witnesses testified on the status of DOE’s implementation of recently passed R&D legislation, including the IIJA, IRA, and the CHIPS and Science Act. The hearing also touched on the Department’s recent reorganization, exploring its impact on the implementation of these laws and on DOE’s civilian research, development, demonstration, and commercial application programs in general.  On Thursday, May 11, the Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing called "An Overview of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2024." Dr. Richard Spinrad, NOAA Administrator, joined to brief SST Members on NOAA’s FY24 budget request and how it will advance NOAA’s core mission of protecting lives and property. On Thursday, May 11, the Subcommittee on Research and Technology held a hearing called “Reauthorizing the U.S. Fire Administration and Fire Grant Programs: Evaluating Effectiveness and Preparedness for Modern Challenges.” Witnesses testified to the effectiveness and priorities of the United States Fire Administration and the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs. Their feedback will help inform legislation to address current program authorizations that expire on September 30, 2023. Small Business On Wednesday, May 10, the Committee on Small Business held a full committee hearing titled “Taking on More Risk: Examining the SBA'S Change to the 7(a) Lending Program Part I.” At Wednesday’s full committee hearing, the House Committee on Small Business discussed the troubling changes the Small Business Administration is making to their flagship 7(a) Lending Program. These changes, which have bipartisan concern, will expand the program, jeopardizing its solvency and risking taxpayer money and potentially higher fees for businesses if too many risky loans go bad. The SBA neither has the capacity nor track record to keep up with the increased loan volume or to protect against loan fraud. On Thursday, May 11, the Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure held a hearing titled "Leveling the Playing Field: The State of Small Business Contracting" to spotlight the decades-long decline in federal contracting opportunities for small businesses and how Congress can work to reverse this trend.   Transportation and Infrastructure On Wednesday, May 10, the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing called “Freight Forward: Overcoming Supply Chain Challenges to Deliver for America.” Subcommittee Republicans and trucking industry representatives and other highway infrastructure stakeholders discussed solutions to ease the burden of supply chain disruptions on Americans, including addressing the truck driver shortage, eliminating burdensome regulations, and investing in new technology.   On Thursday, May 11, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing called “Assessing the Shortage of United States Mariners and Recruitment and Retention in the United States Coast Guard.” Subcommittee Republicans pressed Coast Guard and maritime officials about the urgent need to address recruitment and retention challenges facing the Coast Guard and maritime workforce.  On Thursday, May 11, the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing called “Getting Back on Track: Exploring Rail Supply Chain Resilience and Challenges.” Members of the Subcommittee and freight rail industry stakeholders reviewed ways to address the Supply Chain Crisis and provide Americans with some much-needed relief. Veterans' Affairs On Tuesday, May 9, the Technology Modernization Subcommittee held an oversight hearing titled "Electronic Health Record Modernization Deep Dive: Pharmacy." The Subcommittee held their second oversight hearing on VA EHRM this Congress and specifically examined the Oracle Cerner electronic health record (EHR) system’s pharmacy functions, including changes and enhancements that were completed in February and April 2023. Pharmacy has been one of the most dysfunctional, dangerous areas of the system, directly contributing to at least one veteran death and multiple incidents of serious harm. While some of Oracle Cerner’s pharmacy enhancements have successfully addressed a few of the previously identified problems, others have fallen short of what was promised and created more complications, frustrating workarounds, and risks. Subcommittee Chairman Rosendale also discussed VA’s April 21 announcement that it will halt future deployments of the Oracle Cerner EHR while prioritizing improvements at the five sites currently using the system, as part of a larger program reset. Pharmacy is one of the key areas requiring the most dramatic improvements for veterans and VA providers. Chairman Rosendale and both subcommittee and non-subcommittee members pressed VA and Oracle executives on that.   Ways and Means On Tuesday, May 9, the Committee on Ways and Means held a full committee hearing called “Trade in America: Securing Supply Chains and Protecting the American Worker – Staten Island.” Outside at the Staten Island port, the Ways and Means Committee held a field hearing with Americans on the front line of America’s trade relationships. Tuesday’s conversation highlighted how China’s unfair trade practices are hurting American workers, job creators, and farmers, and how America must use trade enforcement tools to protect workers’ role at the center of our trade policy. Witnesses testified about China’s human rights abuses and illicit trade tactics, such as forced labor and American intellectual property theft, that the CCP is deploying to achieve its scheme of dominating the global economy.   On Wednesday, May 10, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing called "Examining Policies that Inhibit Innovation and Patient Access." The Subcommittee discussed the Biden Administration’s decisions to limit access to new and innovative treatments for patients through Democrat price-controls, coverage restrictions in Medicare, devaluing accelerated approved drugs and breakthrough medical devices, and allowing China to steal American intellectual property.  |