Press Releases
Committee Cliff Notes: Weekly Recap – Week of May 12, 2025
Washington,
May 17, 2025
Here’s a recap of key moments from House Republican committees during the week:
Agriculture On Tuesday, May 13, the Committee on Agriculture held a full committee markup of a Committee Print, providing for reconciliation pursuant to H. Con. Res. 14, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025. Over the course of two days, Republicans on the Agriculture Committee stayed united, shutting down radical Democrat-led amendments and advancing our portion of the One Big, Beautiful Bill, saving taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars, restoring integrity to the SNAP program, and supporting the hardworking farmers and producers who keep us fed. Unsurprisingly, Democrats resorted to fear-mongering, ad hominem, and blatant lies. While the One Big, Beautiful Bill is a win for low- and average-income families, there is no tax deduction on recycling the same lies over and over again. Restoring integrity to the SNAP program is a noble effort; it will ensure the program works as it was intended to – to be a bridge to opportunity, not a permanent destination. For too long, states have exploited legal loopholes to waive work requirements, expand benefits to noncitizens, and administer the program ineffectively. Those days are over. Proper program administration ensures that those who are truly in need will be better served.    Appropriations On Wednesday, May 14, the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a budget hearing called "U.S. Department of Health and Human Services." Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee Chairman, Congressman Robert Aderholt, opened the LHHS Subcommittee hearing by affirming the importance of strengthening the nation’s public health infrastructure. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified on the department’s FY26 budget priorities, with a focus on improving health outcomes and advancing the well-being of all Americans.  On Wednesday, May 14, the Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a budget hearing called "U.S. Department of Transportation." At a budget hearing with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee Chairman, Congressman Steve Womack, and members focused on critical priorities including transportation safety, aviation modernization, and infrastructure development. The discussion underscored the importance of strategic investment in national transportation systems to support economic growth and public safety.  On Wednesday, May 14, the Subcommittee on Homeland Security held an oversight hearing called "U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement." Homeland Security Subcommittee Chairman, Congressman Mark Amodei, convened a hearing with ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons to examine the agency’s FY26 operational strategy and resource requirements. Key topics included the impact of non-cooperative sanctuary jurisdictions and the broader challenges ICE faces in enforcing federal immigration law effectively.  On Wednesday, May 14, the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held an oversight hearing called "The Federal Judiciary." FSGG Subcommittee Chairman, Congressman Dave Joyce, met with representatives from the Judicial Conference of the United States to explore measures for enhancing judicial security. Discussions centered on both physical and cybersecurity threats to federal judges and how Congress can support the judiciary’s efforts to protect its members and ensure the integrity of the judicial process. On Wednesday, May 14, the Subcommittee on Defense held an oversight hearing called "The United States Navy and Marine Corps." Defense Subcommittee Chairman, Congressman Ken Calvert, highlighted the escalating threat posed by the People’s Republic of China and reiterated the urgency of strengthening the Navy and Marine Corps. Lawmakers raised concerns over delays in shipbuilding, procurement shortfalls, and readiness issues, stressing the need for robust and timely investments to maintain strategic deterrence and ensure U.S. maritime superiority. On Wednesday, May 14, the Subcommittee on Homeland Security held an oversight hearing called "The United States Coast Guard." The Homeland Security Subcommittee, Chaired by Congressman Mark Amodei, welcomed Acting Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday to discuss the Coast Guard’s evolving mission set. The hearing focused on efforts to counter illicit maritime activity, address rising threats from foreign adversaries, and manage increased operational demands at the southern border. Members emphasized the need for sustained investments to ensure the Coast Guard is equipped to uphold maritime safety, security, and stewardship. On Thursday, May 15, the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies held a budget hearing called "U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs." Supporting America’s veterans is a solemn obligation of the federal government. To examine the Department of Veterans Affairs fiscal year 2026 budget request and recent policy changes the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Chaired by Congressman Judge Carter, convened a hearing with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins. Testimony centered around the Administration’s reform agenda, budget projections, staffing changes, and implementation of the Mission Act. On Thursday, May 15, the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a budget hearing called "Environmental Protection Agency." The Subcommittee on Interior and Environment, Chaired by Congressman Mike Simpson, convened with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to discuss the agency's Fiscal Year 2026 budget policies and priorities. Members emphasized the need to scale back EPA’s regulatory footprint, eliminate inefficiencies, and restore the agency to its core statutory functions. Administrator Zeldin defended the proposed reductions as necessary to increase accountability and focus on environmental outcomes. On Thursday, May 15, the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a budget hearing called "U.S. Department of Labor." Protecting American workers remains a foundational responsibility of the federal government. In service of this goal, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee Chairman Congressman Robert Aderholt convened a budget hearing to examine the Department of Labor’s fiscal year 2026 budget request. The hearing featured testimony from Secretary of Labor Chavez-DeRemer and explored the administration's plans for workforce development, regulatory reform, and agency restructuring. On Thursday, May 15, the Subcommittee on Homeland Security held an oversight hearing called "U.S. Customs and Border Protection." The Homeland Security Subcommittee, Chaired by Congressman Mark Amodei, held an oversight hearing to examine U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s operational priorities and enforcement posture. Members discussed border security, trade facilitation, staffing challenges, and resource allocation across land, air, and maritime environments. Acting Commissioner Flores testified on dramatic reductions in illegal crossings, increased drug interdiction efforts, and border infrastructure initiatives. On Thursday, May 15, the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held an oversight hearing called "The U.S Federal Trade Commission." The Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, led by Congressman Dave Joyce, held an oversight hearing to review the Federal Trade Commission’s operations, enforcement priorities, and budget posture. Members debated the agency’s independence, workforce reductions, and role in promoting competition and consumer protection under Chairman Andrew Ferguson. Lawmakers raised concerns about political influence, privacy rights, and regulatory rollback. Armed Services On Wednesday, May 14, the Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on an update of military energy installations and the environment. In his opening statement, Rep. Jack Bergman said, “Before a single shot is fired or a plane takes off, readiness is built – or broken – in the barracks, on the training fields, and across the bases where our servicemembers prepare for the fight.” On Wednesday, May 14, the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing on National Security Space Programs. In his opening statement, Rep. Scott DesJarlais said, “As we work to make sure we are developing a force that can fight and win in space, we must also make sure that the platforms they will need to break those kill webs are delivered on time and on budget. That starts with having highly trained acquisition professionals.” On Thursday, May 15, the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations held a hearing on the defense intelligence enterprise posture. In his opening statement, Rep. Ronny Jackson said, “Intelligence enables leaders to make informed decisions, especially in an increasingly complex world, thereby enhancing their lethality, survivability, and capacity to provide for our nation’s defense. Ensuring we have a Defense Intelligence Enterprise that is capable, robust, and synchronized is critical.” On Friday, May 16, the Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovation Technologies, and Innovation held a hearing on the review of the Department of Defense’s cyber posture in Fiscal Year 2026. In his opening statement, Rep. Don Bacon said, “VOLT TYPHOON, SALT TYPHOON, FLAX TYPHOON and countless other cyber-attacks have taken aim at U.S. transportation, energy, water, telecommunications, and other critical infrastructure. It’s time to stop talking about preparing for conflict because we are already in one. I, for one, believe that it’s now time that we start acting like it.” Budget On Friday, May 16, the Committee on the Budget held a markup to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, H. Con. Res. 14.   Education & Workforce On Wednesday, May 14, the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a hearing called "Reimagining Education: How Charter Schools Are Closing Gaps and Opening Doors." Every student deserves a high-quality education that prepares him or her for success later in life, and the systemic failures of traditional public schools have never been more evident than in the post-COVID education landscape. In this new environment, charter schools are an increasingly popular public school choice option—serving nearly 4 million students in 44 states.This hearing examined the benefits of charter schools. Democrats attacked charter schools for holding students to high expectations and insisting that students work hard and achieve excellence. Republicans highlighted that charter schools are achieving excellent results in the same areas that have been most failed by traditional public schools.   On Thursday, May 15, the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a hearing called "Reclaiming OSHA’s Mission: Ensuring Safety Without Overreach." The hearing highlighted concerns about OSHA’s (the agency tasked with overseeing healthy and safe working conditions for workers) overreach during the Biden-Harris administration, which undermined the trust of workers and employers. Despite hearing from witnesses about how federal overreach hurt their industries, the Democrat witness said the problem is not overreach but underreach. The hearing also highlighted the benefits of the new Trump administration withdrawing all Biden-era rules that were overly burdensome and instead focusing its efforts on working with stakeholders to enact responsible, commonsense policies to enhance worker safety.  Energy & Commerce On Tuesday, May 13, the Committee on Energy and Commerce held a full committee markup of the Committee's budget reconciliation text. Through the reconciliation process, the Committee on Energy and Commerce is working to end wasteful government spending, unleash American energy and innovation, and strengthen Medicaid for mothers, children, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. We are committed to delivering President Trump’s agenda and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, so the most vulnerable Americans can reliably access the care they need.    Financial Services On Wednesday, May 14, the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance held a hearing called "Expanding Choice and Increasing Supply: Housing Innovation in America." Members explored opportunities to expand consumer choice and existing housing supply through the use of innovative housing solutions. Members also examined the market and regulatory barriers that affect the development and deployment of these innovative housing products and discussed how policymakers at all levels of government can remove obstacles and unleash greater housing opportunities for American families.  On Wednesday, May 14, the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions held a hearing called "Enhancing Competition: Shaping the Future of Bank Mergers and De Novo Formation." The Subcommittee on Financial Institutions, led by Chairman Andy Barr (KY-06), held a hearing to examine how regulatory complexity, unclear supervisory standards, and inconsistent approval timelines may be limiting new bank formation and contributing to consolidation in the financial sector.  On Thursday, May 15, the Task Force on Monetary Policy, Treasury Market Resilience, and Economic Prosperity held a hearing called "Examining Treasury Market Fragilities and Preventative Solutions." The Task Force on Monetary Policy, Treasury Market Resilience, and Economic Prosperity, led by Chairman Frank Lucas (OK-03), held a hearing examining why the Treasury Market experienced periods of volatility during April 2025. Members also discerned which regulatory changes could have helped enhance liquidity and mitigate the volatility seen in early April and in future episodes.  Foreign Affairs On Wednesday, May 14, the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee held a hearing called “National Economic Security, Advancing US Interests Abroad.” Members examined structural reforms needed to ensure the United States’ economic interests and diplomatic priorities are in alignment. During her opening statement, Subcommittee Chairwoman Young Kim emphasized that economic security is national security, and underscored the importance of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s first full State Department reauthorization since 2002 is critical for aligning U.S. economic policy and foreign policy.  Homeland Security On Wednesday, May 14, the Committee on Homeland Security held a full committee hearing entitled “A New Era of Homeland Security: A Review of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Department of Homeland Security.” In the hearing, members and Secretary Noem honored law enforcement as part of National Police Week and examined the Trump administration’s restoration of the rule of law. Through enhanced DHS partnerships across the executive branch and all levels of law enforcement, as well as removing the public safety threats who entered during the Biden-Harris administration, President Trump and Secretary Noem have begun a new era for homeland security––starting at our borders.  Secretary Noem reaffirmed DHS’ commitment to examining and refocusing agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Members and Secretary Noem assessed how both agencies have experienced inefficiencies, mission creep, and departmental failures that detracted from their core mission.  On Thursday, May 15, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled “In Defense of Defensive Measures: Reauthorizing Cybersecurity Information Sharing Activities that Underpin U.S. National Cyber Defense.” Members weighed the reauthorization of the “Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015” (CISA 2015), which is set to expire in September 2025, and discussed opportunities for reform.  Judiciary On Wednesday, May 14, the Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust held a hearing called “The MATCH Monopoly: Evaluating the Medical Residency Antitrust Exemption,” to examine the United States' medical residency system, which is controlled by a monopoly that reduces competition, suppresses wages, and worsens the doctor shortage to the detriment of both medical residents and American consumers.   Natural Resources On Monday, May 12, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an oversight field hearing in Cedar City, Utah, entitled “Letting Off Steam: Unleashing Geothermal Energy Development on Federal Land.” Geothermal energy is abundant on federal lands, and development of these resources is crucial to an all-of-the-above energy strategy. Geothermal energy has high growth potential due to developing technologies like enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). However, cumbersome federal leasing and permitting processes pose significant challenges to greater geothermal deployment. Rapidly evolving innovation technologies and removing unnecessary red tape will allow developers to harness greater amounts of geothermal energy and ensure we meet America’s domestic energy demand. On Wednesday, May 14, the Committee on Natural Resources held a Member Day hearing. The Issues in the House Committee on Natural Resources touch every community in the United States. The committee heard from members on issues that are important to their constituents, such as reforming the Endangered Species Act, supporting domestic mining and establishing a memorial honoring law enforcement and more. On Thursday, May 15, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held an oversight hearing titled “Fix Our Forests: How Improved Land Management Can Protect Communities in the Wildland-Urban Interface.” The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) is growing rapidly and is at constant risk of being devastated by wildfires. As wildfires have become more destructive, property owners in WUI communities have faced considerable difficulties securing insurance coverage and filing successful claims in the event of a wildfire catastrophe. Republicans in Congress have worked tirelessly to pass the “Fix Our Forests Act,” which will serve as the crucial aerial assault needed to douse the flames of the catastrophic wildfire crisis in the United States.   Rules On Tuesday, May 13, the Committee on Rules met on the following measures:
   Science, Space, and Technology On Thursday, May 15, the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing called "From Detection to Deflection: Evaluating NASA’s Planetary Defense Strategy." Three expert witnesses joined to examine NASA’s Planetary Defense strategy, focusing on the detection and characterization of near-Earth objects (NEOs). The discussion assessed U.S. preparedness for NEO threats, reviewed current technologies, and evaluated NASA’s progress in meeting the requirements of the George E. Brown, Jr. Near-Earth Object Survey Act, which mandates the identification of NEOs larger than 140 meters.   Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party On Wednesday, May 14, Chairman John Moolenaar participated in a featured fireside chat at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 15th Annual China Business Conference, joining New York Times reporter Ana Swanson for an on-the-record conversation focused on U.S.–China economic relations. The discussion explored key policy areas including tariffs, trade enforcement, and the imperative to build resilient supply chains in light of the Chinese Communist Party’s growing economic coercion. Chairman Moolenaar highlighted his Restoring Trade Fairness Act and emphasized the need for new legislative tools to counter China’s non-market practices. He also addressed the long-term structural risks of continued economic dependence on the CCP and made the case for deeper alignment with democratic allies to protect critical industries and safeguard U.S. economic and national security interests. On Thursday, Chairman John Moolenaar sent a letter to Harvard University President Alan Garber raising concerns about Harvard’s alleged involvement with entities tied to the Chinese Communist Party and other foreign adversaries. The letter cites reports that Harvard’s China Health Partnership hosted training sessions for members of the sanctioned Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) in 2019, 2023, and 2024. It also highlights research collaborations involving Chinese military-linked universities, Iranian government-funded projects, and organ transplantation research amid ongoing human rights concerns. The Committee is seeking documents and testimony to assess potential violations of U.S. law and ensure accountability for federally funded institutions. On Thursday, May 15, the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party held a full committee hearing titled “Deterrence Amid Rising Tensions: Preventing CCP Aggression on Taiwan," convening senior military, diplomatic, and national security experts to assess the growing threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to forcibly unify Taiwan with mainland China. The Committee received testimony from General (USA, Ret.) Charles Flynn, former Commander of U.S. Army Pacific; Rear Admiral (USN, Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Director at the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation; and The Honorable Kurt M. Campbell, Deputy Secretary of State. Together, these witnesses offered insight into the military balance in the region and strategies the United States and its allies can adopt to strengthen deterrence, enhance regional security, and preserve peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.  Small Business On Wednesday, May 14, the Committee on Small Business, in conjunction with the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology; the Committee on Education and Workforce; and the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), wrote to the State University of New York (SUNY) and the University of California (UC) to assess their risk management in response to efforts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to acquire sensitive technology through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. On Thursday, May 15, the Committee on Small Business held a full committee hearing called "A Small Part in A Big Company: Examining the Power of Franchising in the American Economy." During the hearing, Members highlighted the critical role franchisees play in the small business ecosystem and the American economy, as well as the challenges they face.    Transportation and Infrastructure On Wednesday, May 14, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a Member Day hearing, where over 20 House Members testified about T&I priorities that are important to their individual districts. Topics included the next surface transportation reauthorization, air traffic control issues, the Coast Guard, and more.   Friday, May 16th marks the one-year anniversary of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 being signed into law. Ahead of the anniversary, the Committee held a hearing to examine the bill's implementation. In his opening statement, Chairman Graves said, “While the Committee has been conducting oversight to ensure that congressional intent is upheld, today’s hearing represents the first time that Members will be able to hear from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Government Accountability Office on their progress.”  Veterans Affairs On Wednesday, May 14, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held an oversight hearing titled “Waste & Delays: Examining VA’s Improper Payments in its Compensation and Pension Programs.” The hearing examined VA’s efforts to reduce improper overpayments of benefits in VA’s compensation and pension programs (roughly $5 billion during the Biden administration), which results in waste of taxpayer dollars because VA does not recover all overpayments (over $650 million not recovered during the Biden administration). GOP Members questioned VA and Office of Inspector General witnesses about the underlying causes for overpayments, which have gotten worse since the first Trump Administration. Witnesses cited Biden-era ineffective training and guidance for claims processors. GOP members heard from witnesses about progress being made during the current administration to cut down on waste due to overpayments of benefits. GOP Members also questioned VA concerning the processes by which it recovers overpayment debts from veterans, and pledged to work with the administration to cut down on overpayments happening in the first place.  On Thursday, May 15, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a full committee oversight hearing titled "U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 Advance Appropriations,” to review the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Fiscal Year 2026 budget request and 2027 advance appropriations. This marked Secretary Doug Collins’s first appearance before the Committee since his appointment. Chairman Bost focused on the Department’s past budgeting errors, including the alleged shortfall reported under the previous administration, attributing it to poor accounting practices and a lack of internal controls. He emphasized the need to restore discipline and transparency in VA’s financial management. Ranking Member Takano raised concerns about the Department’s reduction-in-force efforts and questioned the impact on VA’s workforce and service delivery. The hearing demonstrated the Committee’s commitment to oversight and ensuring that VA funding is used effectively to improve care for veterans and their families.   Ways and Means On Tuesday, May 13, the Committee on Ways and Means held a full committee markup of legislative proposals to comply with the reconciliation directive included in section 2001 of the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, H. Con. Res. 14. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill, makes the successful 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent, provides additional tax relief for working families and small businesses, rewards investment and manufacturing in America, and holds woke elites accountable while ending tax giveaways to the wealthy, China, and illegal immigrants. These provisions will provide small businesses, manufacturers, and farmers the certainty and confidence to fuel a second Trump economic boom through new investment and job creation. Families and workers will save money from lower tax rates, a larger Child Tax Credit, and President Trump’s tax priorities for hardworking Americans: tax relief for seniors, no tax on tips, no tax on overtime pay, and no tax on auto loan interest for American-made cars.    |