Press Releases
Committee Cliff Notes: Weekly Recap – Week of January 29, 2024
Washington,
February 2, 2024
Here’s a recap of key moments from House Republican committees during the week:
Armed Services On Sunday, January 28, Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL), released a statement on President Biden’s doctrine of appeasement following an attack by Iran-backed terrorists that killed 3 servicemembers and injured more than 40. Chairman Rogers said, “President Biden’s fear of escalation has morphed into a doctrine of appeasement. The weakness shown by this administration emboldens our enemies. Attacks on our servicemembers, allies, and interests will continue until this president shows strong leadership and strikes fear in our enemies. Sadly, I don’t think that day will come until there is new leadership.” On Tuesday January 30, Members received a briefing on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The briefing by OSD, Joint Staff, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and Acquisition and Sustainment, centered on the status of the battlefield, efforts to replenish munitions, and funding implications. Members also questioned briefers on the work of the Inspectors General, oversight of lethal assistance, and implications for U.S. readiness. On Wednesday, January 31, Members received a briefing from the Department of Defense on updates in the Middle East. The briefing covered Iranian-backed groups attacks on U.S. personnel including the Tower 22 attack and the interdiction that resulted in the death of two SEALs, the Israel-Hamas conflict, Houthis attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and U.S. responses in the Middle East. Iran funds, equips, and enables terror groups carrying out attacks on Americans– HASC Republicans are pushing the Biden administration to respond with swift and severe consequences. On Wednesday, January 31, the Quality of Life panel, led by U.S. Representative Don Bacon (R-NE), held a hearing to receive testimony from Senior Enlisted Leaders on their perspectives on quality of life issues facing servicemembers. In his opening statement, Rep. Bacon noted that “This Panel has focused on five primary issues; compensation, child care, housing, spouse support programs, and access to health care. These are essential to the physical and mental well-being of our military service members and their families.”  Budget On Wednesday, January 31, the Committee on the Budget held a full committee hearing called "Creating a Culture of Fiscal Responsibility: Assessing the Role of the Congressional Budget Office."   Education and Workforce On Wednesday, January 31, the Committee on Education and the Workforce held a full committee markup of H.R. 6951, the College Cost Reduction Act (Foxx). Simply put, this bill will lower college costs for students and families. Some highlights of this landmark legislation include:
   Energy and Commerce On Tuesday, January 30, the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security held a hearing called "Exposing President Biden’s Plan to Dismantle the Snake River Dams and the Negative Impacts to the United States." Members pressed for answers related to President Biden’s collusion with extreme environmental activists to tear down the Lower Snake River Dams. The dams, which are vital to the Pacific Northwest’s and the country’s way of life, provide clean, reliable hydropower, as well as irrigation and navigational benefits.  On Tuesday, January 30, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing called "Fighting the Misuse of Biden’s Green Bank Giveaway." Members used this hearing to scrutinize the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), a $27-billion slush fund of taxpayer money that is on track to be used by the Biden administration to fund its radical rush-to-green agenda. Hardworking Americans deserve to know their taxpayer dollars won’t be used to fund the next big government boondoggle—yet this program is at risk of becoming just that.  On Wednesday, January 31, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing called "Health Care Spending in the United States: Unsustainable for Patients, Employers, and Taxpayers." Members spoke about the growing cost of healthcare and how policies, like the Lower Costs, More Transparency (LCMT) Act, can help drive down the cost of care. By empowering people with price information and increasing competition, we can lower costs and increase access to care. On Wednesday, January 31, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a hearing called "TV Timeout: Understanding Sports Media Rights." Members spoke with industry officials to understand the changing sports media marketplace and ensure outdated regulations do not hinder innovation and competition. On Wednesday, January 31, the Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials held a hearing called "Ensuring the Cybersecurity of America's Drinking Water Systems." Members discussed safeguarding our drinking water infrastructure from cyberattacks. It’s vital for Congress to consult with experts and stakeholders how we can best safeguard this key infrastructure from attacks and mitigate future risks.  Financial Services  On Tuesday, January 30, the Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, led by Chairman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), held a hearing called "Better Investment Barriers: Strengthening CCP Sanctions and Exploring Alternatives to Bureaucratic Regimes." Members and expert witnesses agreed: sanctions and entity-based approaches—like Congressman Andy Barr’s (KY-06) Chinese Military and Surveillance Company Sanctions Act—are more effective, immediate, multilateral, and stronger than bureaucratic and slow sector-based approaches at cutting off western financing for the CCP’s military-industrial complex.  On Wednesday, January 31, the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy, led by Chairman Andy Barr (KY-06), held a hearing called "Rules Without Analysis: Federal Banking Proposals Under the Biden Administration." Members on both sides of the aisle made clear the rule’s inadequate economic analysis leaves the American economy vulnerable given the proposal’s significant impact on the availability of affordable credit for families, small businesses, homebuyers, farmers, and municipalities.  On Thursday, February 1, Mike Flood (R-NE) and Wiley Nickel (D-NC) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 121—U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced a companion measure in the Senate. SAB 121 prevents banks from providing custodial services to digital assets investors by requiring them to keep those assets on-balance sheet. Foreign Affairs On Tuesday, January 30, the Subcommittee on Oversight & Accountability held a hearing called "UNRWA Exposed: Examining the Agency’s Mission and Failures." A panel of experts testified before the committee to discuss the violent and ongoing failings of UNRWA in the Near East. This hearing highlighted the deep, institutional rot throughout UNRWA, and the urgent need to push for lasting change so U.S. taxpayer dollars are not supporting terrorists or incitement. On Wednesday, January 31, the Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing called "The Future of Peacekeeping and the Increasing Role of Private Military Companies in Africa." The hearing examined the future of U.N. peacekeeping given the high cost to U.S. taxpayers, lack of successful outcomes, and failure to protect civilians. Members discussed alternatives to filling security vacuums left in unstable regions other than the Wagner Group, and how to support African led missions and bilateral deployments to ensure peace and stability. On Wednesday, January 31, the Subcommittee on Oversight & Accountability held a roundtable on Taliban Reprisals. The subcommittee hosted key witnesses from U.S. veteran-led groups working to help our Afghan allies abandoned after the Biden administration's disastrous 2021 withdrawal. Contrary to the Biden administration’s efforts to whitewash the Taliban’s actions, witnesses articulated the Taliban’s ongoing campaign of revenge and murder targeting our Afghan allies.    Homeland Security On Tuesday, January 30, the Committee on Homeland Security held a full committee markup of H. Res. 863, Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors (Greene). After roughly 15 hours of debate, the Committee voted to advance the articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas out of committee. This vote followed hours of stall tactics and efforts by the Committee minority to derail the proceedings.    House Administration On Tuesday, January 30, the Committee on House Administration held a hearing titled, “Artificial Intelligence (AI): Innovations within the Legislative Branch.” Witnesses from the Library of Congress, Government Accountability Office, Government Publishing Office, and Chief Administrative Officer discussed with Members the power of AI within the Legislative Branch and the ongoing development of responsible governance plans. The Committee focused on ensuring the Legislative Branch is able and equipped to address the challenges of AI while utilizing its benefits.    House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence On Sunday, January 28, a drone strike by an Iranian-backed proxy group was carried out against a U.S. base in Jordan. As a result, three American service members were killed, and dozens were injured. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner slammed the Biden Administration’s failure to respond to previous attacks on U.S. bases and service members in the Middle East, showing American weakness in the region.  Judiciary On Tuesday, January 30, the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government held a hearing titled, “The Southern Border Crisis: The Constitution and the States” which examined states' authority to secure the southern border when the federal executive fails to do so. On Friday, February 2, the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet held a field hearing in Los Angeles, California, titled, "Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property: Part II – Identity in the Age of AI" which examined how Congress can support responsible innovation in applications of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and address growing concerns about the misuse of AI technology, especially with respect to the likeness, voice, and other identifying characteristics of individuals. The Subcommittee heard the perspective of artists and creators for whom their likeness, voice, etc., are critical to their livelihoods, as well as that of innovators leading the AI revolution.   Natural Resources On Tuesday, January 30, the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held an oversight hearing titled “Examining the Opportunities and Challenges of Land Consolidation in Indian Country.” Over time, land allotment policies implemented by the federal government have led to multiple individuals owning a fractionated interest in the same piece of Indian land. Fractionation of Indian land creates significant land management and administration challenges for both tribes and individual Indian owners, resulting in barriers to economic development, land management and use. Fractionated Indian land is rarely utilized for development primarily because a majority interest in the land is required to make decisions about the use of the land. This hearing was an opportunity for members to learn more about these issues and hear from representatives of tribes from across the country about potential reforms that can help overcome existing challenges. On Wednesday, January 31, the Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a legislative hearing on the following bills:
On Wednesday, January 31, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a legislative hearing on the following bills:
   Oversight and Accountability On Tuesday, January 30, the Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services held a hearing called "America’s Report Card: Oversight of K-12 Public Education," to continue the Committee’s oversight of America’s public education system and the impact of pandemic-era policies on K-12 students’ educational outcomes. At the hearing, lawmakers examined how billions of dollars in taxpayer funds distributed to state educational agencies to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on elementary and secondary schools and to help them reopen safely were frequently misused to support pet projects and left-wing political agendas.  On Wednesday, January 31, the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis held a hearing called "Overseeing the Department of Health and Human Services’ Compliance with Congress" to demand accountability from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) following months of deliberate stonewalling and relentless attempts to evade the Select Subcommittee’s investigations. The hearing proved that whether in a public forum, behind closed doors, or in written communications, HHS consistently fails to meet basic standards of compliance with Congressional oversight.  Rules This week, the Rules Committee advanced measures to keep our streets safe from dangerous illegal immigrant drivers under the influence (H.R. 6976), implement consequences for illegal immigrants who initiate high-speed car chases (H.R. 5585), safeguard American families from Social Security and identification fraud (H.R. 6678), and ban evil Hamas terrorists from entering our nation (H.R. 6679). Members highlighted how these measures protect U.S. communities and address the culture of lawlessness and chaos that has been created by President Biden. By advancing these bills, House Republicans are refusing to succumb to this failure in leadership. They also met on tax-related legislation (H.R. 7160) and a resolution denouncing the anti-American energy policies of the Biden administration that set back our energy independence, damage the economy, and hurt families and consumers (H. Res. 987). Taking action to reverse the harmful policies of this Democrat-led White House is part of the commitment representatives are keeping to their constituents.    Science, Space, and Technology On Tuesday, January 30, the Subcommittee on Research and Technology held a hearing called "From Risk to Resilience: Reauthorizing the Earthquake and Windstorm Hazards Reduction Programs.” Witnesses from NIST, NSF, USGS, and FEMA joined to discuss the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program (NWIRP) and the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP), which have significantly helped us respond to natural hazards and mitigate their effects. Members were able to hear more about the strengths, weaknesses, and challenges of these interagency efforts and ask experts questions, critically important as the Committee plans to reauthorize these programs in the near future.  Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party On Monday, January 29, as part of their ongoing investigation into Ford Motor Company’s partnership with China-based EV battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) to build a Michigan factory, Chairman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) of the House Energy and Commerce Committee uncovered evidence that Ford plans to use technology and software from at least four Chinese companies that supply the same types of IT tools to the Chinese military, North Korean government, and China’s Ministry of Public Security. On Tuesday, January 30, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, held a hearing titled "Authoritarian Alignment: The CCP's Support for America's Adversaries." In the hearing, members heard from Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta. On Wednesday, January 31, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, held a hearing titled "The CCP Cyber Threat to the American Homeland and National Security." In the hearing, members heard testimony from U.S. Cyber Command Commander General Paul Nakasone, FBI Director Christopher Wray, CISA Director Jen Easterly, and National Cyber Director Harry Coker.    Small Business On Tuesday, January 30, the Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development held a hearing titled “Pathways to Success: Supporting Entrepreneurs and Employees with Disabilities.” During the hearing, members heard from witnesses about ways to improve accessibility and create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to find meaningful employment. On Wednesday, January 31, the Committee on Small Business held a full committee markup on the following legislation:
   Transportation and Infrastructure On Tuesday, January 30, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing called "Menace on the Red Sea: Securing Shipping Against Threats in the Red Sea." The hearing examined threats and emerging challenges to maritime commerce as a result of Houthi attacks in and around the Red Sea shipping corridor.  On Wednesday, January 31, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a full committee markup on the following legislation:
  Veterans Affairs On Monday, January 29, the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization held an oversight hearing titled "The Future of Data Privacy and Artificial Intelligence at VA." Witnesses from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Enterprise institute testified about VA’s artificial intelligence projects (primarily in health care and research and development), how they are managed, and how they align with successive administrations’ policies and principles for AI. The subcommittee members examined the safeguards and privacy protections for veterans. Chairman Rosendale emphasized the importance of notifying veterans when their protected health information or personally identifiable information is fed into an AI model, or when AI performs analysis that may impact them. The subcommittee also examined recent data breaches in VA and the Department’s responses.  On Tuesday, January 30, the Committee on Veterans Affairs held a full committee oversight hearing titled “The One Percent: Supporting America’s Surviving Military Family Community.” The hearing examined gaps in VA’s outreach to survivors concerning benefits, processing of survivors’ compensation claims, delivery of education benefits, and provision of mental health care for survivors. GOP Members questioned VA about how the Biden Administration has deprioritized survivors issues; how survivors both in and outside of VA’s system are unaware of the benefits available to them; how there are years-long delays in processing survivors’ compensation and education claims; and how complicated and confusing the system is for survivors. Witnesses included 2 surviving spouses, who shared the challenges they faced when trying to access their benefits, and about the hoops their Gold Star children had to jump through to access survivors compensation and education benefits. VA witnesses acknowledged that VA needs to do better to reach and assist survivors, as well as streamlining claims processing.   Ways and Means Small businesses are closer to getting the help needed to grow, create jobs, and raise wages, and working parents are closer to the help needed to take care of their family, now that the House of Representatives passed the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act. The legislation locks in $600 billion of pro-growth, pro-worker tax policy by restoring three key incentives from the 2017 Trump tax cuts: R&D expensing, interest deductibility, and immediate expensing. The Child Tax Credit builds on the success of the Trump tax law by indexing the credit to inflation and ending the penalty on large and growing families, providing help to those hurting because of skyrocketing prices rising over 17 percent since Joe Biden became president.    |