Here’s a recap of key moments from House Republican committees during the week:

Appropriations

On Tuesday, July 18, the Committee on Appropriations held a full committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies bill. The FY24 Transportation and Housing bill, which was approved by the Committee, prioritizes highway, railway, and aviation safety while maintaining housing assistance for our nation’s most vulnerable.

On Wednesday, July 19, the Committee on Appropriations held a full committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bill. The FY24 Interior bill, which was approved by the Committee, rightsizes agency funding levels, expands access to critical minerals, promotes domestic energy production, and limits job killing regulations by the EPA.

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Armed Services

On Tuesday, July 18, the Quality of Life Panel held an event with Department of Defense officials to discuss spousal employment, child care, housing, compensation, and access to health care for servicemembers and their families.
On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation held a hearing called "Man and Machine: Artificial Intelligence on the Battlefield" on the barriers that prevent the Department of Defense from adopting and deploying artificial intelligence (AI) effectively and safely, the Department’s role in AI adoption, and the risks to the Department from adversarial AI.
On Wednesday, July 19, the Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing called "Admissions, Curriculum, and Diversity of Thought at the Military Service Academies" on admissions criteria and process, curriculum development, standards, and content, and impacts on thought and learning at the Military Service Academies.

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Education and Workforce

On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a hearing called "Cutting Corners at WHD: Examining the Cost to Workers, Small Businesses, and the Economy." Biden’s Department of Labor is encouraging the Wage and Hour Division to enact rules that are excessively burdensome, impose enormous costs on businesses and workers, and harm job creation and economic growth. This hearing allowed Members to slam “Bidenomics” which has left 58 percent of Americans living paycheck-to-paycheck, 70 percent stressed about their finances, and the bottom 50 percent of American households needing to earn $5,000 more this year just to have the same purchasing power they did in 2019.

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Energy and Commerce

On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security held a legislative hearing called "American Nuclear Energy Expansion: Updating Policies for Efficient, Predictable Licensing and Deployment." The following legislation was discussed:

• H.R.___, NRC Mission Alignment Act 
• H.R.___, Modernize Nuclear Reactor Environmental Reviews Act 
• H.R.___, Nuclear Licensing Efficiency Act  
• H.R.___, Nuclear Advisory Committee Reform Act  
• H.R.___, Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act  
• H.R.___, Advanced Reactor Fee Reduction Act 
• H.R.___, Advanced Nuclear Reactor Prize Act  
• H.R.___, Advancing Nuclear Regulatory Oversight Act  
• H.R.___, Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act 
• H.R. 995, Global Nuclear Energy Assessment and Cooperation Act (Carter)
• H.R.___, Strengthening American Nuclear Competitiveness Act   
• H.R.___, Advanced Nuclear Deployment Act  
• H.R.___, Nuclear Fuel Security Act  
• H.R. 4528, Strengthening the NRC Workforce Act of 2023 (DeGette)
• H.R. 4530, NRC Office of Public Engagement and Participation Act of 2023 (Levin)

On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing called "Innovation Saves Lives: Evaluating Medicare Coverage Pathways for Innovative Drugs, Medical Devices, and Technology." Members focused on how it’s critical that America’s seniors can access the best proven treatments and that doctors are able to provide the most effective care based on their patients’ needs. 

On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing called "Examining Emerging Threats to Electric Energy Infrastructure." Driving the hearing was how America's electric grid keeps our hospitals, military bases, homes, and businesses powered – and its critical we evaluate threats to our grid and mitigate risks.
On Wednesday, July 19, the Energy and Commerce Committee held a full committee markup of 15 health bills. Members discussed bills to bolster treatment and prevention programs for substance use disorders, prepare for the next public health security threat, take care of mothers and infants, and fund the Children’s Hospital program to train the next generation of world-class pediatricians. Legislative vote summary:

• H.R. 824, the Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023, led by Rep. Tim Walberg, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 29 to 20.
• H.R. 3226, the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act of 2023, led by Rep. Anna Eshoo, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 48 to 0.
• H.R. 3838, the Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023, led by Rep. Michael Burgess, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 50 to 0.
• H.R. 3843, the Action for Dental Health Act of 2023, led by Rep. Robin Kelly, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 50 to 0.
• H.R. 3884, the Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2023, led by Rep. Michael Burgess, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 50 to 0.
• H.R. 3821, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act of 2023, led by Rep. Bill Pascrell, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 51 to 0.
• H.R. 3391, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0, led by Rep. Jennifer Wexton, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 50 to 0.
• H.R. 3836, the Medicaid Primary Care Improvement Act, led by Rep. Dan Crenshaw, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 51 to 0.
• H.R. 4531, the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, led by Rep. Brett Guthrie, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 49-0.
• H.R. 4529, the Public Health Guidance Transparency and Accountability Act of 2023, led by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 25 to 21.
• H.R. 4381, the Public Health Emergency Congressional Review Act, led by Rep. Greg Murphy, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 28 to 21.
• H.R. 3813, the CDC Leadership Accountability Act of 2023, led by Rep. Brett Guthrie, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 27 to 20.
• H.R. 4421, the Preparing for All Hazards and Pathogens Reauthorization Act, led by Rep. Richard Hudson, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 28 to 23.
• H.R. 4420, the Preparedness and Response Reauthorization Act, led by Rep. Richard Hudson, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 27 to 22.
• H.R. 3887, the Children’s Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2023, led by Rep. Dan Crenshaw, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full House by a roll call vote of 27 to 17.

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Financial Services

On July 14, Chairman Patrick McHenry (NC-10), and the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), issued a statement regarding the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York’s ruling in SEC v. Ripple Labs Inc. et al. and the need for legislative clarity in the digital asset ecosystem to prevent further uncertainty in our financial markets.
On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on Capital Markets held a hearing called "Oversight of the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance." Lawmakers grilled SEC Division of Corporation Finance Director Erik Gerding on the Division’s inattention to its core mission as it pursues a partisan agenda that hampers the free market system under his watch.
On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy held a hearing called "Climate-Risk: Are Financial Regulators Politically Independent?" Members pressed witnesses on financial regulators’ recent coordinated efforts to inject climate policies into bank regulation and supervision, including the promulgation of rulemakings for managing climate-related financial risks.

On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions held a hearing called "Potential Consequences of FinCEN’s Beneficial Ownership Rulemaking." Committee Republicans questioned witnesses on the potential repercussions of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s (FinCEN) proposed beneficial ownership reporting regime, including its contradictions with Congressional intent, burdens imposed on small businesses, and the lack of education for small businesses regarding their reporting obligations under the proposed rule.

On Wednesday, July 19, Committee Vice Chair and Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion Subcommittee Chair French Hill (AR-02), along with House Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodity Markets Chair Dusty Johnson, sent a joint letter to SEC Chair Gary Gensler underscoring the importance of collaborating with Congress to provide legislative clarity for the digital asset ecosystem.

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Foreign Affairs

On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific held a hearing called "Achieving Peace through Strength in the Indo-Pacific: Examining the FY24 Budget Priorities." Senior officials from the State Department and USAID joined the committee to discuss U.S. policy towards and engagement with the CCP, the future of Taiwan’s defense, and the Indo-Pacific as the frontlines of U.S.-China competition. It is essential that the Indo-Pacific is resourced appropriately to ensure our partners are secure and economically resilient enough to withstand growing CCP military aggression, economic coercion, and ideological bullying.

On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations held a hearing called "The Dire State of Religious Freedom Around the World." The subcommittee held a hearing urging the Biden Administration to take stronger steps to protect and promote religious freedom around the world, especially in extreme situations where there are mass killings and religious purging. Joined by issue area experts with deep and personal knowledge, Members discussed steps the United States Government can take to fulfill their legal obligations and protect people of faith.

On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing called "Stability and Security in the Western Balkans: Assessing U.S. Policy." The Europe subcommittee pressed Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Gabriel Escobar on the Biden Administration’s failed policies in the Western Balkans. In particular, as tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as between Kosovo and Serbia grow to levels not seen since the 1990s, the absence of U.S. leadership in the region has potentially violent consequences.

On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing called "Great Power Competition Implications in Africa: The Russian Federation and its Proxies." In advance of a Russia-Africa summit next week and the day after Russia scuttled the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the subcommittee convened expert witnesses to discuss the strategic aims in Africa of the Russian Federation and its proxies, including the Wagner Group. With malign Russian influence spreading throughout the continent, as evidenced in countries such as Mali, Central African Republic and Sudan, it is essential that the U.S. provides a positive set of alternative options that advance the interests of Africans and Americans alike.

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Homeland Security
 
On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement and the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability held a joint hearing entitled “Opening the Flood Gates: Biden’s Broken Border Barrier.” Members and witnesses discussed the effectiveness of the border barrier system and the effects of the Biden administration’s cancellation of border wall contracts on the safety and security of the American people.
On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security held a hearing entitled “Strategic Competition in the Arctic.” This hearing examined the existing and future security threats in the Arctic Region and opportunities for the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to effectively respond and address these threats.
On Wednesday, July 19, the Committee on Homeland Security held a full committee hearing entitled “Biden and Mayorkas’ Open Border: Advancing Cartel Crime in America.” Members discussed how President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas’ open border policies have emboldened cartels to profit from human smuggling and trafficking of migrants and use migrants to overwhelm U.S. Border Patrol in order to smuggle drugs like fentanyl across the Southwest Border.

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House Administration

On Wednesday, July 19, the Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing titled “Oversight of the U.S. Capitol Police Office of Inspector General.” USCP Inspector General Mr. Ron Russo testified. The hearing reviewed the status of recommendations made by the OIG, evaluated the independence of the OIG, and investigated recent allegations made by whistleblowers against the OIG’s leadership.

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Judiciary

On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on Responsiveness and Accountability to Oversight held a hearing called "Compliance with Committee Oversight" to examine the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services's and the U.S. Department of State's compliance to the Committee's document requests and subpoenas.

On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet held a hearing called "Is There a Right to Repair?" to examine the current legal landscape of the right to repair and related intellectual property issues, including potential future avenues for policy making. The hearing also discussed laws and regulations at both the federal and state level and the implications for a range of industries from automotive to software to consumer electronics.

On Wednesday, July 19, the Judiciary Committee held a markup session to consider the following legislation:

• H.R. 1631, the Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes Act (Issa)
• H.R. 4250, the Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying (PRESS) Act (Kiley)
• H.R. 4639, the Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act (Davidson)

This markup worked on legislation that will protect journalists from government overreach while prohibiting the federal government from forcing them to reveal documents, communications, and other information. Additionally, the markup worked on legislation that will free the public from unreasonable government searches and seizures in order to protect the privacy rights of Americans.

On Thursday, July 20, the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government held a hearing called “Hearing on the Weaponization of the Federal Government,” to examine the federal government's role in censoring Americans, the Missouri v. Biden case, and Big Tech's collusion with out-of-control government agencies to silence speech.

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Natural Resources

On Tuesday, July 18, the Indo-Pacific Task Force held an oversight hearing titled “The Biden’s Administration’s Proposed Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2023." This hearing was an opportunity for the bipartisan task force to hear from representatives from the Departments of State, the Interior and Defense, as well as representatives of FAS Governments, and begin deliberation on the Biden administration's proposed Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2023.

On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held an oversight hearing titled “ESA at 50: The Destructive Cost of the ESA.” This hearing examined how the ESA is being implemented, its successes and failures in recovering listed species and the cost it imposes on American families. Additionally, on July 18, 2023, Westerman announced the creation of a joint ESA Working Group with the Congressional Western Caucus to examine how the ESA is being implemented by federal agencies, ESA’s practical impacts on the American people, how litigation is driving ESA decision making and how success is defined under the ESA. The work of the subcommittee and the working group will inform legislation in the Natural Resources Committee to modernize and reauthorize the ESA.
On Wednesday, July 19, the Committee on Natural Resources held a markup on the following bills:

• H.R. 1607, To clarify jurisdiction with respect to certain Bureau of Reclamation pumped storage development, and for other purposes (Schweikert)
• H.R. 2839, To amend the Siletz Reservation Act to address the hunting, fishing, trapping, and animal gathering rights of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and for other purposes (Hoyle)
• H.R. 4374, the Energy Opportunities for All Act (Crane)

This markup focused on three bills, including Rep. Crane's H.R. 4375 that would nullify the Administrations mineral withdrawal in Chaco Canyon, which was widely disapproved of throughout Arizona, as well as Rep. Schweikert's H.R. 1607 which increases hydropower storage in the state. 

On Thursday, July 20, the Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a legislative hearing on the following bills:

• Discussion draft of H.R. ____, the Military and Veterans in Parks (MVP) Act (Kiggans)
• H.R. 1786, the GROW Act (Levin)
• H.R. 1829, To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site to Gila County, Arizona (Crane)
• H.R. 2468, the Mountain View Corridor Completion Act (Owens)

As we continue to celebrate the month of America's founding, the Natural Resources Committee is committed to honoring our nation's military members and veterans. Despite the many benefits and enjoyment public lands bring to visitors, many of those lands remain inaccessible to veterans, particularly wounded warriors.Today's hearing focused on legislation that would improve outdoor recreation opportunities for America’s heroes, provide spaces for relaxation and healing for military families and identify outdoor-focused employment for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

On Friday, July 21, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held an oversight field hearing titled "Securing Supply Chains: Access to Critical Minerals in the American Southwest." Mineral exploration, supply and production is abundant across the United States, including in the American Southwest. It is in America's best national security, economic and environmental interests to maximize the production and development of minerals domestically, rather than source them from adversarial foreign nations. Harmful regulatory policies and schemes promoted by non-governmental organizations and the Biden administration's work toward a "keep it in the ground" mentality often forces American-based companies to source hardrock and critical minerals in their supply chains from abroad. This hearing was an opportunity for members to learn more about the issues at play and conduct necessary oversight on the administration's policies. 

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Oversight and Accountability

On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs will hold a hearing called “Canceling Consumer Choice: Examining the Biden Administration’s Regulatory Assault on Americans’ Home Appliances.” At the hearing, Subcommittee members asked Dr. Geraldine Richmond of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) questions to better understand how the DOE rules would raise costs and burdens and limit choices for American consumers. Members also pointed out DOE’s refusal to appear before the Subcommittee two months ago and emphasized the importance of agency transparency.

On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services held a hearing called “Why Expanding Medicaid to DACA Recipients Will Exacerbate the Border Crisis” to examine how the Biden Administration’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Services’ (CMS) proposed rule to expand taxpayer funded federal health benefits to illegal immigrants benefiting from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is going to lead to higher healthcare costs and fewer benefits for millions of Americans. At the hearing, subcommittee members asked Dr. Ellen Montz, Deputy Administrator and Director for the Center of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight at CMS, questions to bring transparency to these rules and understand how they could worsen the crisis at our border.

On Wednesday, July 19, the Committee on Oversight and Accountability held a full committee hearing called “Hearing with IRS Whistleblowers About the Biden Criminal Investigation.” IRS whistleblowers who investigated Hunter Biden’s evasion of taxes on his $8.3 million in income exposed the Department of Justice’s politicization and misconduct during the investigation. The Department of Justice prevented investigators from following evidence that could have led to Joe Biden; divulged sensitive information to Hunter Biden’s attorneys; and allowed the clock to run out to prevent charging Hunter Biden with felonies. President Biden’s politically appointed U.S. Attorneys for D.C. and Central District of California denied the U.S. Attorney in Delaware’s request to bring charges, which has now put Hunter Biden on the path to a sweetheart plea deal. Additionally, the IRS whistleblowers’ testimony confirms the Oversight Committee’s findings about the Biden family’s influence peddling schemes.

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Rules

The House Rules Committee met this week to consider the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R. 3935), legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aviation safety and infrastructure programs, and the Schools Not Shelters Act (H.R. 3941), a bill to prohibit schools that receive federal funding from being used as shelters for migrants. Chairman Cole and Rules members discussed how H.R. 3935 will modernize the FAA and ensure it can meet the demands of the 21st century. The bipartisan bill encourages innovation and research in aviation, provides new protections and enhanced flying experiences for passengers, and supports a strong aviation workforce. They also rejected Democrat-led efforts and ideas to shelter illegal migrants in school facilities. The Republican representatives reiterated that schools should be focused on providing the best education opportunities for their students—who are already struggling with post-pandemic learning losses. Our children should not shoulder the burden of the Biden Administration’s failed open border agenda.

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Science, Space, and Technology

On Wednesday, July 19, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a full committee hearing called "Members’ Day Hearing: House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology." During the hearing, SST Members heard from colleagues on and off the Committee on their interests and priorities under the Committee’s jurisdiction.

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Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party

On Wednesday, July 19, the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party hosted a a thunderdome debate with policy experts on trade and economic engagement with China. The event featured two bipartisan, two-person teams debating three main policy areas, including: China trade relations, technology exports controls, and investment flows. Chairman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) moderated.

On Thursday, July 20, the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party held a hearing called "The Biden Administration's PRC Strategy" with three administration officials: The Honorable Ely Ratner, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, The Honorable Daniel J. Kritenbrink, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and The Honorable Thea Rozman Kendler, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration.

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Small Business

On Tuesday, July 18, the Committee on Small Business held a full committee markup on the following legislation:

• H.R. 4666, A bill to require the SBA OIG to submit quarterly reports on PPP/EIDL fraud (Bean)
• H.R. 4667, A bill to require the SBA Administrator to issue guidance on the return of PPP funds (Salazar)
• H.R. 4480, the SERV Act (Davids)
• H.R. 4670, A bill to require a report on SBA contracting programs (Houlahan)
• H.R. 4668, the POST IT Act (Molinaro)
• H.R. 4669, DOE and SBA Research Act (LaLota)
• H.R. 4671, A bill to reform corrective action reports (Glusenkamp Perez)
• H.R. 3995, the Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act (Van Duyne)

On Wednesday, July 19, the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations held a hearing called "Burdensome Red Tape: Overregulation in Health Care and the Impact on Small Businesses." Members heard from witnesses the detrimental impact which overregulation by federal agencies has had on small health providers as well as specific regulations which hamper small businesses.

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Veterans' Affairs

On Tuesday, July 18, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a legislative hearing on:

• H.R. 705, Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act (Bost)
• Discussion Draft: Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act

Chairman Bost’s bill, H.R. 705, the Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act, would prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from transmitting certain information to the national instant criminal background check system (NICS) solely because VA has determined that a person requires a fiduciary, without the order or finding that the person is a danger to themselves or others. Veterans should not be subject to different rules and reporting standards compared to civilians simply because they cannot manage their benefits.

Ms. Stefanik’s bill, H.R. 4562, would ensure VA pension benefits are paid out for the entire month when a veteran passes away. By providing this benefit, the family might be able to better manage the financial hardships that come with a veteran’s passing.
On Tuesday, July 18, the Subcommittee on Health held a markup of the following legislation:

• H.R. 3520, Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023 (Miller-Meeks)
• H.R. 3581, COPE Act (Kiggans)
• H.R. 1278, DRIVE Act (Brownley)
• H.R. 1639, VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Act of 2023 (Lee)
• H.R. 1774, VA Emergency Transportation Act (Alford)
• H.R. 1815, Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act (Slotkin)
• H.R. 2683, VA Flood Preparedness Act (Mace)
• H.R. 2768, PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act (LaLota)
• H.R. 2818, Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act (Bacon)

These bills focus on strengthening programs within VA and in the supporting community, while also helping veterans cope with growing inflation. They would make access to health care more transparent both in the VA and in the community, especially for those veterans seeking rehabilitative substance abuse treatment, provide mental health support to veteran caregivers and offer additional tools to addressing veteran suicide, and expand long term care options.

On Wednesday, July 19, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a markup of the following legislation:

• H.R.3848, HOME Act (Chavez-DeRemer)
• HR. 3874, Veterans Education Assistance Improvement Act (Rosendale)
• H.R. 3898, Transcript Assurance for Heroes Act (Crane)
• H.R. 3900, Job Security Pilot for Military Families Act (Deluzio)
• H.R. 3933, TAP Promotion Act (Van Orden)
• H.R. 3943, Servicemember Employment Protection Act (Franklin)
• H.R. 3981, Veterans Education Oversight Expansion Act (McGarvey)

These bills would require schools approved for VA educational assistance to provide digital official transcripts, increase assistance for housing homeless veterans based on inflation, and modernize USERRA law. Additionally, this legislation would alter the criteria for military housing assistance for G. I. beneficiaries to take less than full-time classes if they do not need additional credits to graduate. Finally, congressionally chartered Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) would have permission to go on base and teach about available VA benefits. Republicans favor these bills because they provide modernization and education improvements while better preparing our veterans and their families for their transition back into civilian life. 
On Wednesday, July 19, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a markup of the following legislation:

• H.R. 196, Expediting Temporary Ratings for Veterans Act (Rosendale)
• H.R. 592, Department of Veterans Affairs Electronic Health Record Modernization Improvement Act (Bost)
• H.R. 608, To terminate the Electronic Health Record Modernization Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (Rosendale)
• H.R. 2499, VA Supply Chain Management System Authorization Act (Kiggans)
• H.R. 3504, VA Medical Center Security Report Act of 2023 (Kiggans)
• H.R. 4278, Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act of 2023 (Bost)
• H.R. 4461, Modernizing Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Benefit Questionnaires Act (Luttrell)
• H.R. 1659, Department of Veterans Affairs IT Modernization Improvement Act of 2023 (Takano)
• H.R. 2733, Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Training Act of 2023 (Underwood)
• H.R. 4225, VA Acquisition Review Board Act of 2023 (Mrvan)

The markup considered bills that will improve the lives of our nation’s veterans and their families. Importantly, the markup considered the Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act, which would give the VA Secretary authority to expedite the removal, demotion, or suspension of VA employees who are a disservice to veterans. The markup also considered the VA Medical Center Security Report Act of 2023 which requires VA to collect data from its local police units to give Congress a better picture of the challenges VA police face in a rapidly changing world.

On Thursday, July 20, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization held a joint oversight hearing titled “VA Contracting: Challenges in Competition and Conflicts of Interest.”

The subcommittees examined the Department of Veterans’ (VA) lax attitude toward monitoring and mitigating contractors’ organizational conflicts of interest. Oversight & Investigations Chairwoman Kiggans probed VA’s handling of a widely reported potential conflict of interest on the part of McKinsey Consulting and its opioid manufacturer clients, as well the Department’s enforcement of safeguards meant to prevent contractors from performing inherently governmental activities. Technology Modernization Chairman Rosendale scrutinized how VA officials engage with consulting firms and technology companies, including Microsoft, and questioned what due diligence, if any, is being performed beyond accepting companies’ representations at face value. Five VA witnesses outlined their existing process to vet potential organizational conflicts of interest and explained how the Department can do better in several areas.

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Ways and Means

On Wednesday, July 19, Chairman Jason Smith participated in the Oversight and Accountability Committee’s hearing with 2 IRS Whistleblowers.

In a stunning hearing, two IRS whistleblowers testified that the Department of Justice repeatedly acted to show Hunter Biden preferential treatment in their investigation into his alleged felony tax crimes. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) participated in the hearing with the two whistleblowers who previously provided over 14 hours of testimony to the Ways and Means Committee, which the committee voted to make public last month.
On Wednesday, July 19, the Subcommittee on Tax held a hearing called "Biden’s Global Tax Surrender Harms American Workers and Our Economy."