Press Releases
Committee Cliff Notes: Weekly Recap – Week of December 4, 2023
Washington,
December 8, 2023
Here’s a recap of key moments from House Republican committees during the week:
Agriculture On Wednesday, December 6, the Committee on Agriculture held a full committee hearing called "Member Day." Member Day gives an opportunity for all Members of the House to come and testify on issues within the Agriculture Committee’s jurisdiction. Most Members used their allotted time to discuss the upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization. Chairman Thompson is proud of the sheer volume of input the committee have received thus far from around the country and this was yet another opportunity to hear what programs are working, what programs need fixed, and what programs are not working. Armed Services On Thursday, December 7, U.S. Representatives Mike Rogers (R-AL) and Adam Smith (D-WA), Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the FY24 NDAA Conference Report and said in a statement, “Providing for our national defense is Congress’ most important responsibility under the U.S. Constitution, and the NDAA is key to fulfilling that duty...Through months of hard-fought and productive negotiations, we have crafted a bipartisan and bicameral conference report that strengthens our national security and supports our servicemembers.” On Tuesday, December 5th, the Quality of Life Panel held a briefing on access to health care with Department of Defense health care officials on ways to improve health care for military servicemembers and their families. “The Military Health System is one of the largest health institutions – proper oversight and accountability is vital to ensure that the system works,” Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) said. “Our servicemembers and their families deserve timely access to quality health care. The health of our servicemembers is crucial for our overall readiness.” On Wednesday, December 6, the Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation held a hearing called "Back to the Future" on how military advancements of the past can be used to guide the Department of Defense’s technological advancements in the future. On Thursday, December 7, the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing on regional missile defense assets and assessing COCOM and allied demand for capabilities. There was a particular focus on Patriot, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), and Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD). In his opening statement, Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO) said, “Over the last month, we’ve seen Iranian proxies attempt to sink U.S. military and civilian vessels transiting the Red Sea. These attacks by the Houthis, which were named a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the Trump administration, have only intensified over the past week. U.S. missile defense assets in the area, particularly those aboard the USS Carney were able to intercept some of the incoming missiles and UAVs. This quick action likely saved the lives of U.S. Navy sailors and commercial seamen.” Budget On Wednesday, December 6, the Budget Committee held a full committee hearing called "Budget Process Reform Member Day." Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Ranking Member Brendan Boyle (D-PA), and Representative Rudy Yakym (R-IN) held a Member Day Hearing centered on budget process reform. The Committee received testimony from 11 GOP Members of Congress, including 10 off-Committee Members. The hearing’s livestream can be found HERE, and Chairman Arrington’s opening statement can be found HERE. Education and Workforce On Tuesday, December 5, the Committee on Education and the Workforce held a full committee hearing called "Holding Campus Leaders Accountable and Confronting Antisemitism." The Committee called on the presidents of Harvard, UPenn, and MIT to answer for the rampant antisemitism engulfing their campuses and threatening their Jewish students. The bad news: These presidents were unwilling to call out antisemitic hate and violence. The good news: Their shocking answers were on display for the whole world to see. The Committee held college presidents’ feet to the fire over the social, cultural, and political campus conditions giving rise to rampant antisemitism.    Energy and Commerce On Tuesday, December 5, the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security held a hearing called "America’s Future: Leading a New Era of Energy Dominance, Security, and Environmental Stewardship." Members discussed building upon America’s legacy of reducing emissions without sacrificing innovation, economic development, or national security. Through bills like the Lower Energy Costs Act, the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act, the Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act, and the Atomic Energy Advancement Act, America can lead the way with clean, reliable, and affordable energy. On Tuesday, December 5, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a hearing called "Oversight of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration." The hearing focused on ensuring the NTIA has the right tools to strengthen American communications networks to make sure America maintains its dominance in the communications sector. On Tuesday, December 5, the Committee on Energy and Commerce held a full committee markup on 44 bills:
 Financial Services On Tuesday, December 5, the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion, led by Chairman French Hill (AR-02), held a hearing called "Fostering Financial Innovation: How Agencies Can Leverage Technology to Shape the Future of Financial Services." Lawmakers questioned witnesses from various financial regulatory agencies on the ways in which they are facilitating new and emerging technologies like digital assets, distributed ledgers, quantum computing, and greater use of artificial intelligence.  On Wednesday, December 6, the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, led by Chairman Warren Davidson (OH-08), held a hearing called "Housing Affordability: Governmental Barriers and Market-Based Solutions." Lawmakers explored the factors driving up housing costs across the nation and reforms to make the American dream of homeownership more accessible.   On Friday, December 8, the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion, led by Chairman Hill, held a field hearing in Little Rock, Arkansas, called "Connecting Communities: Building Innovation Ecosystems Across America." Lawmakers traveled to Little Rock, Arkansas to speak with witnesses regarding the ways in which technology can be leveraged to expand Americans’ access to financial services and products. Foreign Affairs On Tuesday, December 5, the Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing called "The Future of Freedom and Democracy in Belarus" with the Head of Belarus’ United Transitional Cabinet, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, to discuss prospects for a future democratic Belarus, the authoritarian regime of Alyaksandr Lukashenka, and the current Belarusian regime’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. “Alyaksandr Lukashenka is an illegitimate dictator,” Subcommittee on Europe Chairman Kean stated. “The fraudulent 2020 Belarusian presidential election made a mockery of democracy… Vladimir Putin already considers Belarus and its people to be part of Russia.” On Tuesday, December 5, the Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing called "The Sahel in Crisis: Examining U.S. Policy Options" regarding instability in the Sahel Region with witnesses from the State Department, Department of Defense and USAID. The Sahel region has suffered from 8 illegal seizures of power by the military since 2020, violent Islamic extremists control vast swathes of territory and the military juntas are increasingly relying on Russian security personnel. Questioning focused on the administration’s policy failings regarding the Sudan conflict and their lack of a coherent plan to address the mounting instability throughout the region.    Homeland Security On Tuesday, December 5, the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology held a hearing entitled, “Protecting our Preparedness: Assessing the Impact of the Border Crisis on Emergency Management.” Witnesses detailed the immense strain placed on emergency management resources, entities, and personnel, and the public safety threats posed by the unprecedented amount of inadmissible aliens who have crossed our borders and traveled to cities across America, such as New York City. Members received confirmation that the current public safety crisis due to our open borders has made it extremely difficult for first responders to carry out their sworn duties.   On Tuesday, December 5, the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security held a hearing entitled, “Identity Management Innovation: Looking Beyond REAL ID.” In this hearing, members examined the status and challenges around the implementation of the REAL ID Act. The hearing also explored potential digital solutions and improvements for identity management and digital security enhancement for the Transportation Security Administration. On Wednesday, December 6, the Committee on Homeland Security held a hearing called "Member Day." The non-committee members who provided testimony highlighted the historic crisis at our Southwest border created by President Biden’s open-borders policies and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ refusal to enforce the laws passed by Congress.  House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence This week, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence held an open markup of H.R. 6611, the FISA Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2023. With terrorist organizations like Hamas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Hezbollah calling for attacks on the United States and American allies, Chairman Turner told his colleagues that now is not the time to let Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act expire and urged his colleagues to support HPSCI’s bipartisan legislation, which addresses the unacceptable compliance failures within the FBI and redouble Congress’ efforts to protect civil liberties.  The bill passed out of markup, and, if approved by the House of Representatives and signed into law, would include the most transformative reforms to the FISA program since it was first enacted in 1978. On Thursday, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Attorney General William Barr, Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien, and Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Devin Nunes wrote a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson in support of HPSCI’s bipartisan legislation.  Earlier in the week, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick moderated a “Beyond the SCIF” panel at Holy Family University, discussing the importance of reauthorizing FISA Section 702.  Judiciary On Tuesday, December 5, the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government held a hearing called “Oversight of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division,” to examine the mission and programs of the Civil Rights Division. On Thursday, December 7, the Judiciary Committee held a markup session to consider the following legislation:
  Natural Resources On Tuesday, December 5, the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held a legislative hearing on the following bills:
On Tuesday, December 5, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held an oversight hearing titled "Limiting Access and Damaging Gateway Economies: Examining the National Parks Air Tour Management Program." Air tours over National Parks are an important industry for many states and provide an alternative for visitors to enjoy some of the country's most iconic landscapes, including those who have limited mobility or may otherwise not be able to access all areas of a national park unit. Air tours require no infrastructure on the ground and can help alleviate overcrowding and wait times, which have become problematic for many popular national parks.Unfortunately, the National Park Service (NPS) has utilized the National Parks Air Tour Management Program (ATMP) to essentially eliminate air tour flights over certain National Park units without consulting gateway communities and the National Parks Overflights Advisory Group. Tuesday’s hearing was an opportunity for members to hear from community stakeholders about how these abuses of the ATMP will harm their livelihoods and question the NPS on its process for making these hasty decisions. On Tuesday, December 5, the Subcommittee on Federal Lands held an oversight hearing titled “Examining Opportunities to Promote and Enhance Tribal Forest Management." Tribal forests are consistently healthier and more resilient than poorly managed, adjacent federal lands. Tribes, along with state and local leaders, are becoming increasingly important partners in cross-boundary efforts to improve federal forest health. This hearing explored potential solutions to help further improve forest management on tribal forests and federal forests more broadly. Members discussed developing innovative proposals to encourage and facilitate cross-boundary coordination on forest management projects that will lead to lasting changes to improve the health of all our nation’s forests.    Oversight and Accountability On Tuesday, December 5, the Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services held a hearing called "The Importance of Protecting Female Athletics and Title IX" to examine the Biden Administration’s proposed rules that will alter Title IX and harm women and girls around the country.   On Wednesday, December 6, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation held a hearing called "White House Policy on AI." Subcommittee members discussed with industry experts the scope and impact of the nearly 150 requirements associated with White House’s AI Executive Order (EO), and how the EO and corresponding draft guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) could shape the Federal government’s acquisition and use of AI systems. Rules The House Rules Committee advanced measures ensuring Americans have continued access to gas-powered vehicles (H.R. 4468), increasing safeguards for U.S. campuses and students from being blindly influenced by foreign nations—including nefarious actors (H.R. 5933), and stopping the White House from unilaterally advancing the costliest regulation in U.S. history (H.J. Res. 88). Members rallied against Democrat efforts to take away the freedom of Americans to choose what type of vehicle they want to drive, cede our auto future to China, and force taxpayers into paying off billions of dollars of debt that is owed by others. They also noted the importance of the DETERRENT Act, which ensures that stealthy streams of cash and investments funneled to postsecondary schools from foreign nations will no longer be left in the shadows.    Small Business On Tuesday, December 5th, Republican members visited the Small Business Administration in their oversight capacity, touring the agency and meeting with SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman. During their meeting with the Administrator, members discussed pertinent issues facing small businesses as well as the need for the SBA to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.    Transportation and Infrastructure On December 6, the Committee approved the bipartisan PIPES Act of 2023, which reauthorizes the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) pipeline safety programs for the next four years and provides an efficient and effective framework to advance the safety of energy infrastructure across the United States. Additionally, the Committee approved H.R. 6278, the Maximizing Office Value and Efficiency Act of 2023 (MOVE Act of 2023), and H.R. 6276, the Utilizing Space Efficiently and Improving Technologies Act of 2023 (USE IT Act of 2023), bills by Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee Chairman Scott Perry to improve federal office space utilization and cut waste of taxpayer dollars.   The Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment kicked off the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 process by holding a hearing focused on the status of past WRDAs and examining future water resource development needs.  Veterans Affairs On Monday, December 4, the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization held an oversight hearing titled “Reexamining VA.gov.” The Subcommittee followed up on the promises that Department of Veterans Affairs officials made in the subcommittee’s September 26th hearing, “Examining VA.gov,” to make over 120,000 veterans and survivors whole, whose benefits claims were delayed or lost because of glitches in VA.gov. While VA believes the VA.gov errors do not extend to the website’s health care functions and has partially set up a process to monitor such errors, the Department has not yet examined all areas of the website or processed the majority of the impacted claims. On Tuesday, December 5, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a markup on the following legislation:
On Wednesday, December 6, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held an oversight hearing titled “Background Checks: Are VA’s HR Failures Risking Drug Abuse and Veteran Harm?” The Subcommittee examined VA’s personnel suitability program and compliance with the DEA employment waiver process. Specifically, the subcommittee examined VA and its Office of Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security and Preparedness progress in addressing multiple Government Accountability Office (GAO) and Office of Inspector General reports detailing VA’s consistent failure to adequately oversee its background check process. VA, VHA, GAO, and OIG representatives served as witnesses and explained VA’s background check and hiring processes for individuals including those with a controlled substance criminal history. During their testimony, OIG and GAO stressed the importance of VA being diligent in the hiring process for positions that grant employees access to controlled substances. Ways and Means On Tuesday, December 5, the Committee on Ways and Means held a full committee hearing called "The IRS Whistleblowers: Hunter Biden Investigation Obstruction in Their Own Words." The House Ways and Means Committee voted to release 56 new pages of evidence showing that then-Vice President Joe Biden used multiple email aliases and private email addresses to communicate with his son’s business associate and main financial architect, directly refuting previous public statements the President has made that he had no knowledge of his son’s business dealings. The President appears now to not only have had knowledge but also been intimately involved in Hunter Biden’s business dealings. The material released today further corroborates the previous testimony of IRS agents Joseph Ziegler and Gary Shapley highlighting the incredible level of access Hunter Biden and his business partners had in Joe Biden’s public office while working for foreign businesses.  On Wednesday, December 6, the Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing called "Hidden Cost: The True Price of Federal Debt to American Taxpayers." Federal budget experts warned of the disastrous impact on working families and federal government finances from rising interest payments on the fast-growing national debt, currently approaching $34 trillion, during a Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee hearing. Debt servicing costs are currently ranked as the fourth largest item in the federal budget, behind Social Security, Medicare, and Defense spending. In fiscal year 2023, the federal net interest was $659 billion, an unbelievable 40 percent increase from 2022, and interest payments are expected to rise past $1 trillion next year.  On Wednesday, December 6, the Subcommittee on Tax held a hearing called "Tax Policies to Expand Economic Growth and Increase Prosperity for American Families." At a Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee hearing, members examined various tax policy proposals to consider how best to build upon the success of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and ease the tax burden on American workers, families, and small businesses. Some of TCJA’s pro-growth policies that fueled prosperity for working-class families have lapsed and the remainder are scheduled to expire in 2025. Under TCJA, economic growth was a full percentage point higher than CBO forecasted, wages increased by 4.9 percent – the fastest two-year growth in real wages in two decades – and working-class families saw their wages increase at a rate that was 50 percent higher than the rate for those with higher incomes.  |