Committee Cliff Notes: Weekly Recap – Week of September 1, 2025
Washington,
September 5, 2025
Here’s a recap of key moments from House Republican committees during the week:
Appropriations On Tuesday, September 2, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt held a markup and successfully reported the FY26 bill out of subcommittee. The measure prioritizes cutting-edge biomedical research, strengthens our medical supply chains and biodefense infrastructure, and ensures support for rural hospitals and public health programs. On Wednesday, September 3, the Committee on Appropriations held a full committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Services and General Government Bill. Led by Subcommittee Chairman Dave Joyce, the measure was approved. The legislation restores fiscal discipline, reins in bureaucratic waste, and safeguards taxpayer dollars. It also strengthens financial and judicial systems, supports small businesses, and invests in cybersecurity and national security—delivering a smarter, more efficient government that puts Americans first. Education & Workforce On Wednesday, September 3, the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a hearing called "Foundations First: Reclaiming Reading and Math through Proven Instruction." The U.S. is falling behind its global peers in literacy and numeracy because of decades of progressive ideology. Reading isn’t about guesswork and math isn’t about feelings. Yet the left has pushed these radical agendas. Low reading and math skills don’t just hurt grades—they weaken our economy, workforce, and national security. We know conservative solutions are working. Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama—by rejecting progressive trends and focusing on phonics and arithmetic mastery—raised scores even through the pandemic. This hearing was about reclaiming America’s academic foundations and ensuring every child gains the skills essential to be successful. America’s freedom, prosperity, and national strength depend on it. Energy & Commerce On Wednesday, September 3, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing called "Examining Opportunities to Advance American Health Care through the Use of Artificial Intelligence Technologies." During the hearing, members heard ways that AI can help improve care through expedited drug development, reduced administrative burdens, and more. Homeland Security On Wednesday, September 3, the Committee on Homeland Security held a full committee markup and advanced legislation with bipartisan support to preserve essential tools for our nation’s cybersecurity posture, combat public safety threats, strengthen DHS’s counterterrorism mission, bolster intelligence sharing, and defend our critical infrastructure. Legislation advanced out of the Committee includes:
![]() ![]() ![]() House Administration On Thursday, September 4, Chairman Steil issued subpoenas to one current and two former high ranking employees at ActBlue as part of his joint investigation with Chairmen Jordan and Comer into allegations of potentially fraudulent donations being made through the platform.
These bills reinforce the committee's commitment to unleashing American energy dominance by improving access to critical mineral resources, codifying President Trump’s Executive Orders and supporting domestic energy development.
At this hearing, committee members discussed bills that would ensure the long-term operation certainty of the Lower Snake River dams, restore accountability to federal management of the Mexican wolf, and more.
On Tuesday, September 2, the Committee met to consider five items, including measures designed to direct the Oversight Committee to continue their investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and fund American energy dominance. Rules Republicans detailed how H. Res. 668 provides for a real investigation into Epstein and a potential government coverup, instead of just releasing files. Furthermore, majority members hammered Democrats over their clear attempts to turn this issue into political theater and failure to talk about this issue at all for years. On H.R. 4553, members highlighted how essential our locks and dams are to countless American communities and their importance for interstate commerce. They also outlined how a reorientation of our energy outlook is essential after years of Biden’s keep-it-in-the-ground agenda.
The Committee also approved H.R. 5061, the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, and its views and estimates on the fiscal year 2026 budget for programs under its jurisdiction. H.R. 5061 improves coordination requirements amongst the authorized agencies, establishes standards for counter-UAS training programs, and establishes the first-ever Counter-UAS Mitigation Law Enforcement Pilot Program. The bill also establishes a special program to ensure eligible state and local law enforcement agencies have the necessary tools to maintain safety and security from credible threats posed by UAS for major events, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. |