Press Releases
Committee Cliff Notes: Weekly Recap – Week of January 8, 2024
Washington,
January 12, 2024
Here’s a recap of key moments from House Republican committees during the week:
Armed Services On Tuesday, January 9, Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) launched a formal inquiry on Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin’s III disappearance and failure to ensure a “smooth transition from your day-to-day management and leadership of the Department by failing to initiate an obvious and immediate transfer of authority to your deputy and disclosure to relevant officials.” Chairman Rogers and all Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee demanded an immediate response by Secretary Austin. On Thursday, January 11, following news that the Department of Defense Inspector General will investigate Secretary Austin's disappearance Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) said: “The DoD IG should absolutely investigate Secretary Austin’s disappearance. I expect to review their findings when their investigation is finished.” On Wednesday, January 10, HASC Republicans condemned the Biden Administrations weak response to the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, tweeting “Apparently the Ayatollah and his terrorist Houthi proxies didn’t read Biden’s press release. We agree with Gen McKenzie, it’s time to respond with steel not mush.” Education and Workforce On Wednesday, January 10, the Committee on Education and the Workforce held a full committee markup on the following legislation:
  On Thursday, January 11, the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing called "Lowering Costs and Increasing Access to Health Care with Employer-Driven Innovation." Committee Republicans discussed innovative health care solutions to bring down costs for small businesses and working America. Unfortunately, many small business owners are prohibited from utilizing innovative health models. This hearing was an opportunity to show Republicans are hard at work tearing down barriers to low-cost, high-quality health care.  Energy and Commerce On Wednesday, January 10, the Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials held a hearing called "Protecting Clean American Energy Production and Jobs by Stopping EPA's Overreach." Members discussed how the EPA’s burdensome new regulations targeted at American energy producers—especially for smaller, “mom and pop” businesses—will increase energy costs, stifle innovation, and jeopardize thousands of jobs across the country. America will continue to lead the way in reducing emissions by harnessing the power of American innovation, the free market, and utilizing an all-of-the-above approach to energy policy.  On Thursday, January 11, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a hearing called "Safeguarding Americans' Communications: Strengthening Cybersecurity in a Digital Era." Members discussed solutions to improve American communications infrastructure and safeguard our networks from adversaries like China and Russia as well as cyber criminals.  Financial Services On January 8, Rep. Warren Davidson (OH-08), published an op-ed in The Hill setting the record straight and debunking unworkable digital asset and illicit finance proposals.  On Wednesday, January 10, Committee Republicans released a fact sheet outlining problems with the Biden Administration’s implementation of new beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements, which went into effect on January 1. The reporting requirements were designed to strengthen national security tools by identifying shell companies that may be used for illicit activity. The goal was to balance the national security interests of law enforcement with reporting companies’ burdens and civil liberties. The Treasury Department and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) have transformed a simple-to-follow filing system into a complex maze that heavily strays from Congress’ intent and burdens small businesses. On Wednesday, January 10, Chairman McHenry and Subcommittee Chairman Hill issued a statement after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced approval of several pending spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications. The lawmakers noted that “while legislation to provide clarity and certainty for digital assets remains necessary, the steps taken today are a significant improvement over the SEC’s track record of regulation by enforcement.” They further committed to “enhancing consumer protection in the digital asset markets through comprehensive market structure and payment stablecoin legislation.”  On Wednesday, January 10, Chairman McHenry, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Bill Huizenga (MI-04), the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion, French Hill (AR-02), and the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Ann Wagner (MO-02), sent a letter to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler. The lawmakers are demanding a briefing on the SEC’s compromised X account, which led to a false tweet announcing the approval of Bitcoin ETFs on January 9. On Wednesday, January 10, the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, led by Chairman Wagner, held a hearing called "Examining the DOL Fiduciary Rule: Implications for Retirement Savings and Access." Lawmakers examined the Department of Labor’s latest proposed fiduciary rule which would push retail investors out of transaction-based investment accounts into fee-based investment accounts. On Wednesday, January 10, the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion, led by Chairman Hill, held a hearing called "Regulatory Whiplash: Examining the Impact of FSOC’s Ever-Changing Designation Framework on Innovation." Republicans slammed FSOC's ever-changing guidance for nonbank financial company designations, which is ripe for abuse. On Thursday, January 11, the Financial Services Committee, led by Chairman McHenry, held a full committee hearing featuring Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge. Republicans held Secretary Fudge accountable for her routine avoidance of numerous requests to appear before the committee, HUD’s treatment of disabled veterans, and the Department’s gross lack of attention to issues under its jurisdiction. On Thursday, January 11, the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Patrick McHenry (NC-10), and Ranking Member Maxine Waters (CA-43) announced the formation of the Committee’s bipartisan Working Group on Artificial Intelligence (AI), led by Subcommittee Chairman Hill and Subcommittee Ranking Member Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08). The bipartisan AI Working Group will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting the financial services and housing industries, including the development of new products and services, fraud prevention, compliance efficiency, and the enhancement of supervisory and regulatory tools, as well as how AI may impact the financial services workforce. The Working Group will also examine how existing regulation addresses the use of AI and how lawmakers can ensure that any new regulations consider both the potential benefits and risks associated with AI.  Foreign Affairs On Thursday, January 11, the Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia held a hearing called "Examining the Biden Administration’s Afghanistan Policy Since the U.S. Withdrawal: Part II." This is the second in a series of hearings examining the Biden administration’s disastrous Afghanistan policy, which has led to the growth of terrorism, the loss of rights for Afghan women and girls, the taking of American hostages, and the theft of humanitarian aid.   Homeland Security On Wednesday, January 10, the Committee on Homeland Security held a full committee hearing entitled, “Havoc in the Heartland: How Secretary Mayorkas’ Failed Leadership Has Impacted the States.” This was the Committee’s first hearing initiating impeachment proceedings against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. In the hearing, three attorneys general outlined the impacts of the devastating homeland security crisis in the states they serve, which are caused by Mayorkas’ failure to uphold his oath of office and his abuse of authority, which has resulted in a historic national security, humanitarian, and public-safety catastrophe at our nation’s borders. These proceedings follow the Committee’s nearly year-long investigation into the causes, costs, and consequences of the unprecedented crisis at America’s borders, and how Secretary Mayorkas’ actions and decisions are the foundation of the crisis.   On Thursday, January 11, the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability held a hearing entitled, “Exploitation and Enforcement Part II: Improving Enforcement in Countering Uyghur Forced Labor.” In this hearing, members examined how to improve the Department of Homeland Security’s enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), a law that works to combat the abuse of the Uyghur people in the Xinjiang region of China by preventing the importation of goods from the region. House Administration On Thursday, January 11, Chairman Bryan Steil and Elections Subcommittee Chair Laurel Lee introduced the Uniform State American Confidence in Elections (ACE) Act, model state election integrity legislation that works in conjunction with H.R. 4563, the American Confidence in Elections Act. Judiciary On Wednesday, January 10, the Judiciary Committee held a full committee markup to consider the following legislation: This markup worked on bipartisan legislation that overviewed a resolution to find Robert Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with a subpoena duly issued by the committee on the Judiciary. On Thursday, January 11, the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement held a hearing called “The Impact of Illegal Immigration on Social Services,” to examine how the Biden border crisis overwhelms American communities’ schools, hospitals, emergency services, law enforcement, and other social services at the expense of American citizens and lawful residents.    Natural Resources On Wednesday, January 10, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and the Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a joint oversight hearing titled, "National Park Service’s Deferred Maintenance Backlog: Perspectives from the Government Accountability Office and the Inspector General." The National Park Service Deferred Maintenance Backlog has continued to grow despite consistent funding provided to the agency by the federal government. This backlog has left parks in disrepair with issues from wildlife maintenance to infrastructure issues continuing to worsen. This hearing focused on recent reviews that have found issues with how the backlog will be fixed. The committee is also concerned with how funding will be fixed as the administration cuts offshore energy production that provides revenue for park management. On Thursday, January 11, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an oversight hearing titled, “Examining the Biden Administration’s Limits on Access to the OCS: Impacts on Consumers, States, and Operators.” President Biden has consistently hurt offshore energy production in the Gulf of Mexico. This year will be the first since 1958 that there will be no lease sale in the Gulf. This hearing focused on how the lack of leases will harm local coastal communities and harm our energy security for years to come.    Oversight and Accountability On Monday, January 8 and Tuesday, January 9, the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic conducted a 14-hour transcribed interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci. This is the first time Dr. Fauci has appeared in front of Congress since his retirement from public service.  On Wednesday, January 10, the Committee on Oversight and Accountability held a full committee markup and approved a resolution recommending that the House of Representatives find Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with a subpoena duly issued by the Committee on Oversight and Accountability.   On Thursday, January 11, the Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs held a hearing called "The Risks of Progressive Ideologies in the U.S. Military." Members discussed with subject matter experts how politically driven Department of Defense (DoD) priorities infiltrating curriculum and training are affecting military readiness. Members also discussed the military’s prioritization of progressive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and other social priorities versus other military needs which are driving down morale and recruiting numbers.  Rules This week, the House Rules Committee met to discuss measures to end the Biden Administration’s move to reinstate government settlement slush funds (H.R. 788), stop a Democrat-led rule that would upend the franchise business model that has empowered entrepreneurship and job creation across the country (H.J. Res. 98), and support American manufacturers (S.J. Res. 38). Members reiterated the importance of these measures to keeping the government accountable, limiting executive overreach, and supporting economic opportunity. House Republicans are committed to reversing the destructive policies the Biden Administration has forced on the nation.    Small Business On Thursday, January 11, the Committee on Small Business held a full committee hearing called "Crime on the Rise: How Lawlessness is Impacting Main Street America.” Members heard from a small business, law enforcement, and the executive director of StopAntisemitism on how the increase in crime is affecting Main Street America.    Transportation and Infrastructure On Thursday, January 11, the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a Members' day hearing held a Members’ day hearing on the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, which the Committee is currently developing. More than 30 House Members testified before the Subcommittee on their priorities and policy recommendations for consideration in this year’s WRDA.   Veterans Affairs On Thursday, January 11, the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a business meeting. The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee voted 22-1 to authorize Chairman Bost to issue a subpoena to the Department of Veterans Affairs to produce documents related to the Committee’s investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and other misconduct within the Office of Resolution Management, Diversity and Inclusion. This bipartisan subpoena comes on the heels of seven letters from the Chairman and weeks of investigation. The documents and communications that the Department is compelled to produce will further enable the Committee's investigation into the truth of these allegations, as well as which senior knew about these allegations, and when they knew it.    On Thursday, January 11, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a full committee oversight hearing titled “Rural Access: Is VA Meeting All Veterans Where They Live?” This hearing focused on the Department of Veterans' Affairs' efforts in providing healthcare and benefits to veterans in rural areas. Key topics discussed included the functionality of the Office of Rural Health, the effectiveness of rural telehealth services, challenges in addressing rural veteran homelessness, and the adequacy of financial support for these veterans. Additional issues addressed were accessibility to healthcare providers, difficulties in obtaining compensation and pension exams, and the utilization of mobile health units in rural regions. The second panel of witnesses represented a diverse group, including one rural veteran, Marissa Schultz, from the district of Mr. Bost; Dr. Buu Nygren, President of the Navajo Nation, covering rural areas in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah; the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans; and Dr. Mark Holmes, an academic expert in rural health research at the University of North Carolina. This panel, along with the first panel featuring the Under Secretary for Health, Under Secretary for Benefits, and the Director of Health Care at GAO, provided an in-depth exploration of the various challenges faced by rural veterans and offered suggestions to improve the VA's initiatives in these communities to provide better access to rural veterans. Ways and Means On Thursday, January 11, the Committee on Ways and Means held a full committee markup of the following legislation:
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