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The Republican Recap: Week of April 27, 2026

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Here’s a recap of what Republicans achieved on the House Floor this week:

Bringing an End the Democrats' 75 Day DHS Shutdown ✅

This week, House Republicans passed a budget resolution to pave the way for the end of Democrats’ dangerous shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by instructing committees to responsibly fund our heroic Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through the end of President Trump’s term. This budget resolution, coupled with the DHS appropriations bill also passed this week, reopens the Department to keep Americans safe and fully funds the defense of our homeland.

By funding ICE and CBP through the reconciliation process, Republicans are able to ensure these vital national security agencies have the resources they need to keep Americans safe and the heroes who protect our nation are paid without capitulating to radical Democrat demands as they try to appease their far-left base.

While we face elevated threat levels from around the world and radical leftist political violence here at home, Democrats have held DHS hostage for over 70 days. Time and time again, we have given Democrats the chance to do the right thing and responsibly fund the agencies protecting our homeland. Every time, they refused. Now, we’re doing it without them.

S. Con. Res. 33, sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Graham, establishes a congressional budget to responsibly fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection through the end of President Trump’s term, ensuring these agencies are able to keep the American people safe from threats.

“For 74 days, Democrats have held our homeland security hostage—jeopardizing the safety of the American people and withholding pay from the very men and women sworn to protect them. Democrats had 16 opportunities to do the right thing. They chose obstruction. They chose politics over public safety. This week, House Republicans said enough is enough,” said Chairman Jodey Arrington. “With passage of this budget resolution, we are unlocking reconciliation to fully fund ICE and CBP so we can deliver on the mandate the American people gave Republicans: secure the border, enforce the law, and protect our communities.This is about more than reopening a shuttered department. It’s about standing with our ICE and CBP agents who have been under attack, under-resourced, and undermined for far too long. It’s about ensuring our ports are secure, our infrastructure is protected, and our nation is prepared to respond to threats—whether from criminals, cartels, or cyberattacks.

“Republicans are fully funding the people’s government and putting the safety and security of the American people first. Make America Safe Again!”

What Members Said:

Rep. Kevin Hern underscored that despite Democrats playing politics at the expense of the American people, House Republicans passed S. Con. Res. 33 to begin the process of funding those who work every day to secure our homeland.

Rep. Diana Harshbarger made clear that House Republicans refuse to go back to the Biden open borders era, and passed a framework which will fully fund ICE and CBP for the remainder of the Trump presidency.

Supporting the Farmers, Growers, and Ranchers that Feed America ✅

The U.S. is an agricultural powerhouse, producing the safest and most affordable food supply in the world thanks to America’s hardworking farmers and producers. In fact, American farmers produce around 85 percent of food consumed in the U.S., and the average U.S. farm feeds around 169 people annually, with about 97 percent of the 1.9 million farms across the country being family-owned. As our farmers and ranchers face new challenges and opportunities, it is vital that we make sure policy is keeping up – that’s why this week, we passed a farm bill that provides American producers with the resources they need and builds on historic measures in the Working Families Tax Cuts.

Our legislation includes critical programs to help our agricultural producers manage risk and maintain operations through economic changes and provide them with assistance to address natural resource concerns like soil health and water quality. The policies in this farm bill bolster working lands conservation programs, mitigate food insecurity by reducing bureaucracy, expand the reach of critical feeding programs, improve nutrition, and keep America’s agriculture leading the world in innovation and productivity.

The bill also contains provisions to support rural communities by strengthening broadband connectivity, encouraging private capital investments in rural communities, protecting access to healthcare, and promoting active forest management. With this legislation, we make critical investments that enhance specialty crop competitiveness and plant health, as well as enact regulatory reforms to remove burdensome red tape.

H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, sponsored by Chairman Glenn Thompson, reauthorizes and reforms Department of Agriculture programs through FY2031 to build on pro-farmer provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts, deliver certainty and regulatory clarity to farmers, and expand on investments in rural and agricultural communities, prioritizing responsible spending on agriculture without adding to the deficit.

“Championing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 on behalf of our nation’s rural communities has been an honor,” said Chairman Thompson. “I am extremely pleased to see this bill pass out of the House of Representatives with bipartisan support.

"An updated farm bill that meets the current needs of our farmers and ranchers is long overdue, and this is a significant step toward getting farm country back on track. I look forward to seeing Chairman Boozman and the Senate make progress on this critical legislation so we can get the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 sent to President Trump’s desk as soon as possible.”

What Members Said:

Rep. Tony Wied emphasized that H.R. 7567 invests in rural communities, prioritizes American commodities, restores regulatory certainty, and puts the "farm" back in Farm Bill.

Rep. Mark Alford celebrated the passage of H.R. 7567 and noted the legislation delivers real tools for our farmers, ranchers, and producers.

Extending FISA and Keeping Americans Safe from Foreign Threats and FISA Abuses ✅

FISA Section 702 is vital to our national security amid the rising threats we’re seeing from foreign adversaries like Iran, China, and drug cartels – however, due to previous abuses of FISA, the entire program required significant reforms before reauthorization.

In 2024, Congress enacted legislation to reform Section 702 querying procedures at the FBI, limit the use of information obtained under Section 702, require greater oversight of Section 702 targeting decisions, reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC), impose stronger criminal penalties for FISA violations, and hold leaders accountable for FISA abuses on their watch. In total, 56 reforms were called for in our legislation, and have already begun making a difference.

Now, with FISA Section 702 authority set to expire at a time when threat levels are elevated, House Republicans passed a 3-year extension of Section 702 to keep our country safe while upholding the vital reforms made in our last reauthorization and adding more to strengthen privacy protections for Americans, increase accountability and safeguards, and providing for a first-ever external review for the FBI. These additional reforms include expanding criminal penalties for abuses of FISA Section 702 and conducting an audit of Section 702 targeting procedures and implementation. We also sent a 45-day clean extension of Section 702 authority to President Trump's desk to prevent a lapse in authority that could threaten our national security.

H. Amdt. to S. 1318, the Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act, sponsored by Chairman Rick Crawford, amends the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of FISA through April 30, 2029, maintaining our national security while adding to previous reforms that protect Americans' privacy and address Intelligence Community abuses.

“The importance of the FISA 702 authority to U.S. national security cannot be overstated. It has prevented countless terrorist plots, thwarted cyber-attacks, and allowed for the successful seizure of significant amounts of fentanyl, at the bare minimum. While no one in Washington can get 100% of what they want all the time, this bill makes measurable reforms to strengthen oversight and accountability, while maintaining the criticality of this national security tool,” said Chairman Crawford. “Many of us understand the significant advantage 702 provides to U.S. national security and the fervent need to protect Americans’ privacy and civil liberties. We should not sacrifice one for the other, and this legislation, passed by the House, strikes that balance. I urge our colleagues in the Senate to take up the House-passed bill immediately and send it to President Trump’s desk for signing.”

What Members Said:

Rep. Steve Womack highlighted that extending the Section 702 authority will help prevent dangerous gaps in intelligence and keep Americans safe – both of which are especially important amid ongoing overseas military action.

Rep. David Kustoff underlined that this legislation extends Section 702 for the next three years to protect the security of our nation and enacts a number of reforms to strengthen oversight of the program and protect Americans' civil liberties.

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Committee Cliff Notes: Weekly Recap – Week of April 27, 2026

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Here’s a recap of key moments from House Republican committees during the week:

Appropriations

On Monday, April 27, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a budget hearing called "National Aeronautics and Space Administration." NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman testified before the Subcommittee on the success of the recent Artemis II mission and the FY27 budget request for NASA. Appropriators will use this testimony to inform the funding process as they move forward.

On Monday, April 27, the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a budget hearing called "Environmental Protection Agency." EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and EPA Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer Paige Hallen Hanson testified before the Subcommittee on the FY27 budget request for the EPA. Appropriators will use this testimony to inform the funding process as they move forward.

On Tuesday, April 28, the Committee on Appropriations held a full committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill, and on Wednesday, April 29, the Committee on Appropriations held a full committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, Related Agencies Bill. The FY27 NSRP bill passed the full Committee with a vote of 35-27. The FY27 Ag-FDA bill passed the full Committee with a vote of 35-25. Both bills advance out of Committee to the full House.

On Thursday, April 30, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies and the Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a joint markup of Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Bill and Fiscal Year 2027 Legislative Branch Bill. The FY27 CJS bill passed the subcommittee and will advance to full committee consideration. The FY27 Legislative Branch bill passed the subcommittee and will advance to full committee consideration.

On Thursday, April 30, the Subcommittee on Defense held a budget hearing called "The United States Air Force and Space Force." Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Troy E. Meink, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Kenneth S. Wilsbach, and Chief of Space Operations for Space Force General B. Chance Saltzman testified before the Subcommittee on the FY27 budget requests for the United States Air Force and Space Force. Appropriators will use this testimony to inform the funding process as they move forward.

On Thursday, April 30, the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a budget hearing called "Indian Health Service." Chief of Staff for the Indian Health Service Clayton Fulton and Director of the Office of Finance and Accounting Jullian Curtis testified before the Subcommittee on the FY27 budget request for the Indian Health Service. Appropriators will use this testimony to inform the funding process as they move forward.

Armed Services

On Wednesday, April 29, the Committee on Armed Services held a full committee hearing called "Department of Defense FY27 Budget Request." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified on the Pentagon’s FY27 budget request and the Department’s priorities to support warfighters and strengthen national defense.

President Trump has put forth a historic budget of $1.5 trillion for defense spending, which is badly needed after years of underfunding the military. Since World War II, defense funding has shrunk significantly as a percentage of federal outlays and as a percentage of GDP. All of our adversaries now spend more of their GDP on defense than the U.S.

“We don’t have nearly enough munitions, ships, aircraft, or autonomous systems to ensure dominance against every adversary," Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) said. "Our Defense Industrial Base, long the envy of the world, has atrophied significantly. We are no longer capable of manufacturing for our warfighters at scale or speed. Fortunately, that’s about to change. The President has requested a historic $1.5 trillion budget for our national defense. For the first time in 40 years, we’ve been presented a budget that accounts for the true cost of American deterrence."

Education & Workforce

On Tuesday, April 28, the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a hearing called "Leveling Down: How Equity Policies Undermine Excellence and Harm Students." Many schools are drifting away from a focus on academic excellence and instead pushing “equity” policies that are lowering standards. Republicans and witnesses pointed to strong parent support for advanced classes and research showing gifted and accelerated programs help students—especially those from lower-income backgrounds. The issue matters because lowering expectations can widen achievement gaps and weaken the pipeline of skilled students needed for the future.

On Wednesday, April 29, the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development held a hearing called "Speech or Silence? The Future of the First Amendment in Higher Education." College campuses are increasingly restricting free speech and fostering a culture of conformity rather than open debate. Lawmakers warned this trend matters because when students are discouraged from expressing or challenging ideas, campuses stop being places of critical thinking and instead become echo chambers—undermining both higher education and the broader health of the country’s democracy.

Energy & Commerce

On Tuesday, April 28, the Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing called "The Fiscal Year 2027 Environmental Protection Agency Budget." During this hearing, members heard from Administrator Zeldin on the work the EPA has accomplished under President Trump to protect the health and well-being of Americans while supporting American manufacturing.

On Wednesday, April 29, the Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing called "AI and the Grid: Meeting Growing Power Demand While Protecting Ratepayers." Members discussed a variety of legislation that help to strengthen America’s grid to power the race for AI while protecting consumers from rising energy prices.

On Wednesday, April 29, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing called "Healthier America: Legislative Proposals on the Regulation and Oversight of Food." This hearing focused on 28 bills that help strengthen the FDA’s oversight and regulation of food to ensure all Americans have access to healthy and nutritious food.

Financial Services

On Tuesday, April 28, the Committee on Financial Services held a full committee hearing called "Prioritizing Main Street: Evaluating the Impact of Capital Proposals on Economic Growth and American Communities." The Committee examined how the Trump Administration’s revised capital proposals, including Basel III, are appropriately right-sized to strike the proper balance between safety and soundness and economic growth.

On Wednesday, April 29, the Task Force on Monetary Policy, Treasury Market Resilience, and Economic Prosperity held a hearing called "Examining Derivatives’ Role in the Treasury Market." The Task Force, chaired by Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-03), reviewed how derivatives, such as futures and swaps, interact with the Treasury markets and increase market liquidity.

On Wednesday, April 29, the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Energy and Commerce hosted a joint fireside chat titled: “Data Privacy in Practice: A Joint Committee Conversation.” Financial Services Committee Vice Chairman Bill Huizenga (MI-04) and Dr. John Joyce (PA-13) discussed joint committee efforts on two landmark data privacy bills - the GUARD Financial Data Act and SECURE Data Act.

Foreign Affairs

On Wednesday, April 29, the Europe Subcommittee held a hearing called "Orbits of Influence: Emerging Threats to U.S. Space Security and Foreign Policy Implications." Members examined the increasingly complex space security landscape and underscored the role the State Department’s Bureau of Emerging Threats will have in ensuring the U.S. remains postured to respond to the challenges.

On Wednesday, April 29, the Oversight and Intelligence Subcommittee held a hearing called "U.S. Accountability at the United Nations: Challenges and Opportunities for Reform." Members examined the need for reform at the U.N. after years of bloat, corruption, and incompetence. Subcommittee Chairman Cory Mills emphasized that the U.S. must ensure that all tax dollars sent to the U.N. advance U.S. interests and establish long-term results.

Homeland Security

On Wednesday, April 29, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing called "Data Centers, Telecommunications Networks, and Space-Based Systems: Modernizing DHS’s SRMA Role for the Communications and IT Sectors."

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

On Monday, April 27, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence held a full committee closed hearing called "Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security."

On Tuesday, April 28, the Subcommittee on the National Intelligence Enterprise held a closed hearing called "Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Hearing for the Federal Bureau of Investigation."

Judiciary

On Tuesday, April 28, the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government held a hearing called "From Tool to Weapon: The FACE Act and the Dangers of Federalizing Criminal Law," which examined the Biden-Harris Administration's weaponization of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and the Constitutional implications of over-federalizing criminal law.

On Wednesday, April 29, the Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance held a hearing called "Peace of Mind: Strengthening Victim Protections Under Kayleigh’s Law," which examined Kayleigh's Law and how it enhances safeguards for survivors of violent crime against ongoing harm. It also highlighted growing interest among states nationwide and emphasized that advancing this policy at the federal level would convey a strong message about prioritizing victim protection.

Natural Resources

On Wednesday, April 29, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an oversight hearing called "Powering the 21st Century with American Copper." This hearing examined the essential role of copper in supporting America’s energy systems, economic strength and national security. Members discussed rising global demand, supply chain vulnerabilities and the need to increase domestic production by reducing barriers and streamlining permitting to ensure a reliable and affordable supply.

On Wednesday, April 29, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a markup on the following bills:

H.R. 7287, the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System Expansion Feasibility Study Act (Johnson)
H.R. 7331, the Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act (Johnson)
H.R. 7515, To direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Nisqually Indian Tribe the Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure (Strickland)
H.R. 8259, the Reclamation Project Consultation Improvement Act of 2026 (Bentz)

This hearing focused on legislative solutions to address declining water supplies in Western communities and improve coordination with local water users. Members considered proposals to study and develop critical water infrastructure, strengthen consultation processes and support local priorities to enhance water reliability and long-term resilience.

Oversight and Government Reform

On Wednesday, April 29, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a full committee markup and advanced nine bills aimed at protecting taxpayer funds and combating rampant fraud and improper payments in federal programs. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimates that between $233 billion and $521 billion is lost annually due to fraud. The legislation passed by the Oversight Committee comes after it exposed widespread fraud in federally funded, state-administered programs in Minnesota and California.

Rules

On Monday, April 27, the Committee on Rules met on the following measures:

H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (Thompson)
H.R. 2616, the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act (Walberg)
S. Con. Res. 33, Setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2026 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2027 through 2035 (Sen. Graham)
S. 1318, the Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act (Crawford)

This week, the Committee considered legislation designed to support the American farmer, protect our children from radical gender ideology, fully fund DHS, and modernize FISA.

Science, Space, and Technology

On Tuesday, April 28, the Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing called "A Review of the President's Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration." The purpose of the hearing was to examine the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget request for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and related issues within the Science Committee’s jurisdiction.

On Wednesday, April 29, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a full committee markup on the following bill:

H.R. 8462, the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act (Weber)

Select Committee on China

On Wednesday, April 27, Chairman Moolenaar and Chairman Garbarino announced a joint investigation into Airbnb, Anysphere, and the national security risks posed by Chinese AI models.

This week, the Select Committee on China also commended the U.S. Treasury for its decisive action targeting China-based teapot refinery Hengli Petrochemical.

Transportation and Infrastructure

On Tuesday, April 28, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing called "Review of the Coast Guard’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request." During his testimony and Q&A, Admiral Lunday highlighted the dedication of our Coast Guard servicemembers, even amid their ongoing concerns about whether they will be able to pay their bills during the ongoing funding uncertainty for DHS. T&I Chairman Sam Graves noted during the hearing, “We owe it to our Coasties, who continue to stand watch, to secure a deal to fund DHS, which the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is committed to doing.”

Subcommittee members further covered a range of issues, including efforts to strengthen U.S. presence and counter Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic, America’s shipbuilding capabilities, and cybersecurity issues.

Ways and Means

On Tuesday, April 28, the Committee on Ways and Means held a full committee hearing with Health System CEOs. They were unable to justify their corporate manipulation of legal loopholes and taxpayer subsidies that put profits over patient access to care and contributes to the 300 percent rise in hospital prices in just over two decades. Sophisticated hospital chains are increasing engaging in practices such as urban hospitals reclassifying themselves as “rural” to receive lucrative federal health subsidies, charging higher prices for the same care provided at a hospital-owned facility compared to an independent physician practice, pocketing steep drug discounts rather than passing them along to vulnerable patients, and spending tax breaks for charity care on stadium naming rights among other non-health items.

Committee Democrats ignored patient concerns on affordability and parroted hospital industry talking points so much that legacy media noted they were “muted in their criticism of the pricing practices of the CEOs who appeared before the committee.”

On Wednesday, April 29, the Committee on Ways and Means held a full committee markup on the following bills:

H.R. 7343, the Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act (Miller)
H.R. 7432, the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act (LaHood)
H.R. 7463, the Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act (Chu)
H.R. 7529, the Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act (Davis)
H.R. 7995, the Chafee Opportunities for New Networks and Existing Connection Trust (CONNECT) Act (Moore)
H.R. 7655, the Support for Expectant and Parenting Foster Youth Act (Yakym)

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Scalise: Republicans Act to Fund DHS and Strengthen Our National Security

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined CNBC’s Squawk Box to highlight House Republicans’ action-packed legislative week, including steps to fund the Department of Homeland Security, advance national security tools, and move key economic legislation. Leader Scalise criticized Democrats for opposing border security measures at a time of heightened threats.

Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise's full interview.

Highlights from Leader Scalise’s interview:

On Republicans passing critical legislation on the House floor this week:

“It's been a very busy week here in Congress with a lot of really important things to do. And yesterday we really cleared a lot of those big, big items. We moved the FISA renewal bill, which is really important for the United States to be able to stop terrorist attacks that come from abroad. And this goes back to September 11th. It's a tool that we reformed a few years ago dramatically, and we need to renew it so that this tool can still be available to stop terrorist attacks.

“Then, as you mentioned, you got Homeland Security that's been shut down because the Democrats want open borders. They've kept the department shut down for months. So, we moved a budget last night that's going to at least allow us to fund the border security portions of Homeland Security. Then we have a separate bill that we're going to move that will fund everything else from TSA to FEMA to the Coast Guard. So, it's a two-pronged approach that we're going to take because the Democrats shut it down.

“Then we're going to move the Farm Bill. This is so important to all of rural America, farming country in America, anybody who deals with agriculture. The Farm Bill is critically, critically important. Chairman Thompson and the Agriculture Committee put together a really good bill. There's going to be a number of amendments we'll take up first, starting in probably the next two hours, and then we will move through to passing the Farm Bill over to the Senate later today. So all of that happened. And by the way, we had King Charles come and address a joint session of Congress, which was really, really historic and special as well.”

On radical Democrats voting for open borders:

“Look, if anything else, it shows just how far left the Democrat Party has moved to where they will unite to shut down the Department of Homeland Security, literally, because they want open borders. And the biggest issue in the 2024 presidential election was border security. President Trump ran on it. He won on that issue, and he's worked with us in Congress to secure the border. And of course, Democrats in Washington have voted every step of the way against those measures, including now shutting down the entire Department of Homeland Security. At the end of the day, this is not good for them. It shows how radical they've become, you know, where basically the Mamdani wing of the party has taken over. So, they're going to have to answer for that in November.

“We've worked with President Trump to make life more affordable, to address many of the problems that we inherited. Also, to stabilize the tax code. No tax on overtime, no tax on tips. Seniors got a really big tax deduction that we put into that Working Families Tax Cut, and every Democrat voted against it because they want you to pay more taxes. They want to keep more power in Washington. That's going to be what the big fight's about in November.”

On President Trump’s leadership in preventing a nuclear-armed Iran:

“Did anybody want a nuclear-armed Iran? I think if you ask most normal people, they would say absolutely not when they just slaughtered 30,000 of their own people. They were about to get a nuclear weapon, and President Trump stopped that. But that's going to get resolved. President Trump's negotiating that right now...

“We know they had the, basically, the enriched uranium that was ready to go, and with the ballistic missiles to deliver them. Did we really want to wait until they were really developing a bomb that they would be willing to send out... You know, look, I think everybody knows the world is a safer place, America is a safer place without a nuclear-armed Iran.”

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The Leader’s Floor Lookout: Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Here’s what to watch for on the House Floor today:

Responsibly Funding Our Brave ICE and Border Patrol to Keep Americans Safe

Today, House Republicans are bringing forward a budget resolution to pave the way for the end of Democrats’ dangerous shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security by instructing committees to responsibly fund our heroic Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through the end of President Trump’s term.

By funding ICE and CBP through the reconciliation process, Republicans are able to ensure these vital national security agencies have the resources they need to keep Americans safe and the heroes who protect our nation are paid without capitulating to radical Democrat demands as they try to appease their far-left base.

While we face elevated threat levels from around the world and radical leftist political violence here at home, Democrats have held DHS hostage for over 70 days. Time and time again, we have given Democrats the chance to do the right thing and responsibly fund the agencies protecting our homeland. Every time, they refused. Now, we’re doing it without them.

S. Con. Res. 33, sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Graham, establishes a congressional budget to responsibly fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection through the end of President Trump’s term, ensuring these agencies are able to keep the American people safe from threats.

We cannot allow Democrats’ political games to jeopardize the safety of Americans. House Republicans will not stop until our brave ICE and CBP workers are paid and our agencies fully funded to defend the security of the United States.

Extending FISA and Keeping Americans Safe from Foreign Threats and FISA Abuses

Congress passed the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) of 1978 to create a process allowing the government to collect foreign intelligence on U.S. soil with court approval and congressional oversight.

In 2008, Congress added Section 702 to FISA to enable the targeting of foreigners outside the U.S. who use U.S.-based services to communicate. This helps us surveil foreign spies and ensure we don’t relive the pre-9/11 failures to ‘connect the dots’ between terrorists plotting overseas and threats here at home.

FISA Section 702 is vital to our national security amid the rising threats we’re seeing from foreign adversaries like Iran, China, and drug cartels – however, due to previous abuses of FISA, the entire program required significant reforms before reauthorization.

In 2024, Congress enacted legislation to reform Section 702 querying procedures at the FBI, limit the use of information obtained under Section 702, require greater oversight of Section 702 targeting decisions, reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC), impose stronger criminal penalties for FISA violations, and hold leaders accountable for FISA abuses on their watch. In total, 56 reforms were called for in our legislation, and have already begun making a difference.

Now, with FISA Section 702 authority set to expire at a time when threat levels are elevated, House Republicans are bringing forward a 3-year extension of Section 702 to keep our country safe while upholding the vital reforms made in our last reauthorization and adding more to strengthen privacy protections for Americans, increase accountability and safeguards, and providing for a first-ever external review for the FBI. These additional reforms include expanding criminal penalties for abuses of FISA Section 702 and conducting an audit of Section 702 targeting procedures and implementation.

H. Amdt. to S. 1318, the Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act, sponsored by Chairman Rick Crawford, amends the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of FISA through April 30, 2029, maintaining our national security while adding to previous reforms that protect Americans' privacy and address Intelligence Community abuses.

House Republicans are working to ensure that our Intelligence Community has the tools they need to protect our nation from foreign threats while ensuring FISA is not abused against American citizens.

Committee Cliff Notes: Weekly Preview – Week of April 27, 2026

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Here’s what to watch for from House Republican committees during the week:

Appropriations

On Monday, April 27, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies will hold a budget hearing called "National Aeronautics and Space Administration."

On Monday, April 27, the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies will hold a budget hearing called "Environmental Protection Agency."

On Tuesday, April 28, the Committee on Appropriations will hold a full committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill.

On Wednesday, April 29, the Committee on Appropriations will hold a full committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, Related Agencies Bill.

On Thursday, April 30, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies and the Subcommittee on Legislative Branch will hold a joint markup of Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Bill and Fiscal Year 2027 Legislative Branch Bill.

On Thursday, April 30, the Subcommittee on Defense will hold a budget hearing called "The United States Air Force and Space Force."

On Thursday, April 30, the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies will hold a budget hearing called "Indian Health Service."

Armed Services

On Wednesday, April 29, the Committee on Armed Services will hold a full committee hearing called "Department of Defense FY27 Budget Request."

Education & Workforce

On Tuesday, April 28, the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education will hold a hearing called "Leveling Down: How Equity Policies Undermine Excellence and Harm Students."

On Wednesday, April 29, the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development will hold a hearing called "Speech or Silence? The Future of the First Amendment in Higher Education."

Energy & Commerce

On Tuesday, April 28, the Subcommittee on Environment will hold a hearing called "The Fiscal Year 2027 Environmental Protection Agency Budget."

On Wednesday, April 29, the Subcommittee on Energy will hold a hearing called "AI and the Grid: Meeting Growing Power Demand While Protecting Ratepayers."

On Wednesday, April 29, the Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing called "Healthier America: Legislative Proposals on the Regulation and Oversight of Food."

Financial Services

On Tuesday, April 28, the Committee on Financial Services will hold a full committee hearing called "Prioritizing Main Street: Evaluating the Impact of Capital Proposals on Economic Growth and American Communities."

On Wednesday, April 29, the Task Force on Monetary Policy, Treasury Market Resilience, and Economic Prosperity will hold a hearing called "Examining Derivatives’ Role in the Treasury Market."

Foreign Affairs

On Wednesday, April 29, the Europe Subcommittee will hold a hearing called "Orbits of Influence: Emerging Threats to U.S. Space Security and Foreign Policy Implications."

On Wednesday, April 29, the Oversight and Intelligence Subcommittee will hold a hearingcalled "U.S. Accountability at the United Nations: Challenges and Opportunities for Reform."

Homeland Security

On Wednesday, April 29, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection will hold a hearing called "Data Centers, Telecommunications Networks, and Space-Based Systems: Modernizing DHS’s SRMA Role for the Communications and IT Sectors."

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

On Monday, April 27, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence will hold a full committee closed hearing called "Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security."

On Tuesday, April 28, the Subcommittee on the National Intelligence Enterprise will hold a closed hearing called "Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Hearing for the Federal Bureau of Investigation."

Judiciary

On Tuesday, April 28, the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government will hold a hearing called "From Tool to Weapon: The FACE Act and the Dangers of Federalizing Criminal Law."

On Wednesday, April 29, the Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance will hold a hearing called "Peace of Mind: Strengthening Victim Protections Under Kayleigh’s Law."

Natural Resources

On Wednesday, April 29, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources will hold an oversight hearing called "Powering the 21st Century with American Copper."

On Wednesday, April 29, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries will hold a markup on the following bills:

H.R. 7287, the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System Expansion Feasibility Study Act (Johnson)
H.R. 7331, the Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act (Johnson)
H.R. 7515, To direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Nisqually Indian Tribe the Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure (Strickland)
H.R. 8259, the Reclamation Project Consultation Improvement Act of 2026 (Bentz)

Oversight and Government Reform

On Wednesday, April 29, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform will hold a full committee markup on 14 bills.

Rules

On Monday, April 27, the Committee on Rules will meet on the following measures:

H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (Thompson)
H.R. 2616, the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act (Walberg)
S. Con. Res. 33, Setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2026 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2027 through 2035 (Graham)
S. 1318, the Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act (Crawford)

Science, Space, and Technology

On Tuesday, April 28, the Subcommittee on Environment will hold a hearing called "A Review of the President's Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration."

On Wednesday, April 29, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology will hold a full committee markup on the following bill:

H.R. 8462, the National Quantum Intiative Reauthorization Act (Weber)

Transportation and Infrastructure

On Tuesday, April 28, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation will hold a hearing called "Review of the Coast Guard’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request."

Ways and Means

On Tuesday, April 28, the Committee on Ways and Means will hold a full committee hearing with Health System CEOs.

###

The Leader’s Floor Lookout: Week of April 27, 2026

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Here’s what to watch for on the House Floor this week:

Responsibly Funding Our Brave ICE and Border Patrol to Keep Americans Safe

This week, House Republicans are bringing forward a budget resolution to pave the way for the end of Democrats’ dangerous shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security by instructing committees to responsibly fund our heroic Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through the end of President Trump’s term.

By funding ICE and CBP through the reconciliation process, Republicans are able to ensure these vital national security agencies have the resources they need to keep Americans safe and the heroes who protect our nation are paid without capitulating to radical Democrat demands as they try to appease their far-left base.

While we face elevated threat levels from around the world and radical leftist political violence here at home, Democrats have held DHS hostage for over 70 days. Time and time again, we have given Democrats the chance to do the right thing and responsibly fund the agencies protecting our homeland. Every time, they refused. Now, we’re doing it without them.

S. Con. Res. 33, sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Graham, establishes a congressional budget to responsibly fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection through the end of President Trump’s term, ensuring these agencies are able to keep the American people safe from threats.

We cannot allow Democrats’ political games to jeopardize the safety of Americans. House Republicans will not stop until our brave ICE and CBP workers are paid and our agencies fully funded to defend the security of the United States.

Protecting Parents’ Rights and Preventing Woke Gender Ideology Indoctrination in Schools

For years, schools across the country have been assuming the role of caretaker and decision-maker for our children, while deliberately keeping parents out of the loop on their kids’ classroom activity.

Under the Biden Administration, school boards tried to silence parents while the Department of Justice and the FBI investigated parents who voiced concerns about what is happening in their children’s schools. Meanwhile, these schools were using taxpayer dollars to promote woke agendas in classrooms.

Many schools around America have begun teaching about gender ideology in their classrooms, including the ideas that gender is a spectrum and a personal choice. Schools have gone so far as encouraging students to transition to the opposite gender without talking to the child’s parents.

Demonstrating just how often schools leave parents in the dark, a report by Parents Defending Education found that 1,200 school districts—covering 21,000+ schools and 12 million students—have policies requiring or encouraging staff to withhold information about a child's gender transition from parents.

This is absurd and unacceptable: Parents have the right to transparency when it comes to their child’s education and life at school. House Republicans are bringing a package of two bills, Chairman Walberg’s PROTECT Kids Act and Rep. Burgess Owens’ Say No to Indoctrination Act, to prevent children from being indoctrinated with gender ideology at school or socially transitioned without parental consent.

Chairman Tim Walberg’s legislation, H.R. 2616, the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act, ensures parents remain central in their children’s lives by prohibiting federally funded elementary or middle schools from socially transitioning a child – such as by changing their name, pronouns, or bathroom access – without parental consent, and blocking federal funding from supporting gender ideology teachings in classrooms.

It’s past time we stop taxpayer-funded indoctrination and the sidelining of parents in America’s schools. House Republicans are fighting to keep parents in the know when it comes to their children and make sure parental rights are protected and respected in schools.

Supporting the Farmers, Growers, and Ranchers that Feed America

The United States is an agricultural powerhouse, producing the safest and most affordable food supply in the world thanks to America’s hardworking farmers and producers. In fact, American farmers produce around 85 percent of food consumed in the U.S., and the average U.S. farm feeds around 169 people annually. American agriculture is a way of life, with about 97 percent of the 1.9 million farms across the country being family-owned. These are the families that feed our nation.

As our farmers and ranchers face new challenges and opportunities, it is vital that we make sure policy is keeping up – that’s why this week, we’re bringing forward a farm bill that provides American producers with the resources they need and builds on historic measures in the Working Families Tax Cuts.

Our legislation includes critical programs to help our agricultural producers manage risk and maintain operations through economic changes and provide them with assistance to address natural resource concerns like soil health and water quality. The policies in this farm bill bolster working lands conservation programs, mitigate food insecurity by reducing bureaucracy, expand the reach of critical feeding programs, improve nutrition, and keep America’s agriculture leading the world in innovation and productivity.

The bill also contains provisions to support rural communities by strengthening broadband connectivity, encouraging private capital investments in rural communities, protecting access to healthcare, and promoting active forest management. With this legislation, we make critical investments that enhance specialty crop competitiveness and plant health, as well as enact regulatory reforms to remove burdensome red tape.

H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, sponsored by Chairman Glenn Thompson, reauthorizes and reforms Department of Agriculture programs through FY2031 to build on pro-farmer provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts, deliver certainty and regulatory clarity to farmers, and expand on investments in rural and agricultural communities, prioritizing responsible spending on agriculture without adding to the deficit.

Thanks to the incredible hard work of our farmers, growers, and ranchers, Americans are able to put food on the table for their families. It’s time we passed legislation to support them and make sure they have the resources they need to continue feeding America.

Committee Cliff Notes: Weekly Recap – Week of April 20, 2026

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Here’s a recap of key moments from House Republican committees during the week:

Appropriations

On Monday, April 20, the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a budget hearing called "Department of the Interior." Secretary Doug Burgum testified before the Subcommittee on the FY27 budget request for the Department of Interior. Appropriators will use this testimony to inform the funding process as they move forward.

On Tuesday, April 21, and Wednesday, April 22, the Committee on Appropriations held a full committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Bill, Fiscal Year 2027 Financial Services and General Government Bill, and Interim Subcommittee Allocations. The FY27 MilCon-VA bill passed the full Committee with a unanimous vote of 58-0. The FY27 FSGG bill passed the full Committee with a vote of 34-28. The Interim Subcommittee Allocations passed the full Committee with a vote of 32-28.

On Thursday, April 23, the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs held a markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill and Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Bill. The FY27 Ag-FDA bill passed the subcommittee and will advance to full committee consideration next week. The FY27 NSRP bill passed the subcommittee and will advance to full committee consideration next week.

On Thursday, April 23, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a budget hearing called "Department of Commerce." Secretary Howard Lutnick testified before the Subcommittee on the FY27 budget request for the Department of Commerce. Appropriators will use this testimony to inform the funding process as they move forward.

Armed Services

On Tuesday, April 21, the Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation held a hearing called "Cyber Posture of the Department of Defense." Members received testimony on the Department of Defense’s cyberspace posture and capabilities, including the defense of DoD networks, cyberspace operations against adversaries, and efforts to strengthen the effectiveness of the Department’s cyber forces. Subcommittee Chairman Don Bacon (R-NE) warned that cyber threats targeting U.S. infrastructure are increasing & cyber operations are now central to military operations and emphasized that the U.S. must strengthen our cyber forces to meet these challenges.

On Wednesday, April 22, the Committee on Armed Services held a full committee hearing called "U.S. Military Posture and National Security Challenges in the Indo-Pacific Region." The hearing provided an opportunity to assess the threats to U.S. national security in the Indo-Pacific, including China and North Korea.

In his opening statement, Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) said, "As we meet, our adversaries are deepening their cooperation. China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are working together to challenge the United States. Recent reports of China and Russia’s support for Iran during Operation Epic Fury are just the latest example of this cooperation. In this threat environment, President Trump was right to commit to a historic $1.5 trillion defense budget. This investment is essential to rebuild our military and ensure peace through strength."

On Wednesday, April 22, the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing called "FY27 Budget Request for Nuclear Forces and Atomic Energy Defense Activities." Subcommittee members received an update on the U.S. nuclear weapon and warhead modernization and sustainment plans.

"The president's budget request for fiscal year 2027 reflects a strong commitment to sustaining and modernizing our nuclear deterrent," STR Subcommittee Chairman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN) said. "I was happy to see support for the execution of nuclear modernization programs, but I continue to question whether we are doing enough – and moving quickly enough – to adjust to the dynamic nuclear threat landscape."

On Wednesday, April 22, the Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a joint hearing called "Revitalizing Shipbuilding and the Maritime Industrial Base." The hearing covered government and commercial shipbuilding programs as well as efforts to bolster the maritime industrial base and support commercial maritime interests.

"As we reorient ourselves back to great power competition, we need the ability to project American power and influence across the farthest reaches of the globe, and we cannot achieve that capability without a thriving shipbuilding and maritime industry," SPF Subcommittee Chairman Trent Kelly said. "We can no longer afford to be complacent; we are far behind our near peer competitors when it comes to the pace of getting hulls in the water."

Education & Workforce

On Tuesday, April 21, the Committee on Education and Workforce held a full committee markup on the following bill:

H.R. 8210, the A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026 (Walberg)

The bill modernizes job training programs to help more Americans access in-demand careers. It aligns education with employer needs, expands proven training opportunities like on-the-job learning, and strengthens accountability to ensure programs deliver real results for workers.

On Wednesday, April 22, the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing called "Profits Over Patients: The PBM Business Model Under Scrutiny." This hearing examined how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are increasing drug costs through opaque pricing, rebate systems, and kickbacks to brokers who advise employers on health plans. Witnesses and members raised concerns about conflicts of interest, limited transparency, and the dominance of a few large PBMs controlling most prescriptions, which restricts competition and access to cheaper drugs. Republicans highlighted efforts to ban kickbacks and increase accountability to lower costs and prioritize patients.

Energy & Commerce

On Tuesday, April 21, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing called "The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Health and Human Services Budget." During this hearing, members discussed with Secretary Kennedy what work the Trump Administration has done to support the health and well-being of Americans, including the Rural Health Transformation Program, which included historic amounts of funding for rural hospitals in all 50 states.

On Tuesday, April 21, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a hearing called "SAT Streamlining Act: Modernizing Satellite Licensing for the Final Frontier." This hearing focused on legislation to modernize the process for satellite licensing to enable our regulatory system to match the speed of America’s innovators.

On Wednesday, April 22, the Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing called "Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Oversight of Activities, Priorities, and Fiscal Year 2027 Budget." This hearing featured testimony from all five commissioners of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and focused on the work the commission has done to implement legislation such as the ADVANCE Act to expedite the process of bringing new nuclear reactors online.

On Wednesday, April 22, the Subcommittee on the Environment held a hearing called "Help or Hindrance? The Impact of U.S. Environmental Laws on Critical Material Supply Chains, National Security, and Economic Growth." During this hearing, members discussed the importance of strengthening our domestic supply chain capabilities to reduce our reliance on foreign countries for critical materials.

Financial Services

On Tuesday, April 21, the Committee on Financial Services held a full committee markup on the following bills:

H.R. 425, the Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act (Davidson)
H.R. 941, the Small Lenders Exempt from New Data and Excessive Reporting (Small LENDER) Act (Hill)
H.R. 8286, the Protecting Americans’ Retirement Savings from Politics Act (Steil)
H.R. 8290, the Exchange Rate Accountability Act of 2026 (Sessions)

The Committee successfully reported four bills to the full House of Representatives. The bills reflect the Committee’s focus on promoting economic growth, strengthening market integrity, and ensuring our regulatory framework keeps pace with a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

On Wednesday, April 22, the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance held a hearing called "Diversifying Risk: The Benefits of Reinsurance and Credit Risk Transfers." The subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Mike Flood (NE-01), examined the role of reinsurance and credit risks transfers in helping distribute risk across the market.

On Wednesday, April 22, the Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions held a hearing called "Evaluating the Effectiveness of U.S. Sanctions Programs." The subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Warren Davidson (OH-08), examined whether U.S. sanctions are being used strategically to advance clear foreign policy and national security objectives.

Foreign Affairs

On Tuesday, April 21, the Committee on Foreign Affairs held a full committee markup on 23 bills.

Homeland Security

On Tuesday, April 21, the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement and the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection held a joint hearing called "Online Scams, Crypto Fraud, and Digital Extortion: An Examination of How Transnational Criminal Networks Target Americans."

On Wednesday, April 22, the Committee on Homeland Security held the continuation of a full committee hearing called "Funding Lapse and Security Gaps: Assessing the Harmful Impacts of the DHS Shutdown on Americans."

On Wednesday, April 22, the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence partnered with the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE) – a DHS Center of Excellence – to host Demo Day, an interactive demonstration where members and staff tested the capabilities of unrestricted AI models at seven hands-on stations.

House Administration

On Wednesday, April 22, the Committee on House Administration held a full committee markup on the following bill:

H.R. 8364, To amend title 5, United States Code, to authorize the increase of the retirement age in the United States Capitol Police (Steil)

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

On Monday, April 20, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence held a full committee closed hearing called "Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for Compartmented Programs."

On Tuesday, April 21, the Subcommittee on the National Intelligence Enterprise held a closed hearing called "Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Hearing for the Department of Energy."

On Tuesday, April 21, the Subcommittee on the Central Intelligence Agency held a closed hearing called "Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the Central Intelligence Agency."

On Wednesday, April 22, the Subcommittee on Defense Intelligence and Overhead Architecture held a closed hearing called "Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the Military Services."

On Wednesday, April 22, the Subcommittee on Defense Intelligence and Overhead Architecture held a closed hearing called "Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the Defense Intelligence Agency, United States Cyber Command, and United States Special Operations Command."

On Wednesday, April 22, the Subcommittee on the National Security Agency and Cyber held a closed hearing called "Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the National Security Agency."

Judiciary

On Tuesday, April 21, the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet held a hearing called "Protecting U.S. Leadership in Codes Development and Enhancing Public Access," which examined how to preserve the United States' leadership in the development of codes and standards, such as through the Pro Codes Act, by balancing copyrights with public access to privately developed codes that are incorporated by reference into law.

On Wednesday, April 22, the Judiciary Committee held a full committee markup on the following bills:

H.R. 8352, the Criminal History Access Act (Schmidt)
H.R. ____, the Monitor Accountability Act of 2026 (Biggs)
Ratification of Subcommittee Assignments

H.R. 8352, a bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Derek Schmidt, allows state agencies that license and certify law enforcement officers to have access to the FBI’s criminal history database. H.R. 8365 sponsored by Andy Biggs, ends the indefinite federal court monitoring of law enforcement agencies. giving local sheriff departments the liberty to operate on their own after temporary monitoring.

Natural Resources

On Tuesday, April 21, the Committee on Natural Resources held a full committee markup on the following bills:

H.R. 1501, the Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025 (Shreve)
H.R. 1687, the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act (Fulcher)
H.R. 3756, the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests (FISH) Act of 2025 (Crenshaw)
H.R. 4290, the Downwinder Commemoration Act of 2025 (Vasquez)
H.R. 5911, the Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act (Hurd)
H.R. 5929, the Critical Minerals Supply Chain Resiliency Act (Barr)
H.R. 6162, the Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025 (Stansbury)
H.R. 7618, the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026 (Kiggans)

This markup advanced a slate of legislation to strengthen domestic energy and mineral production through permitting reform, counter foreign illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices, conserve America’s historic battlefields and advance targeted land transfers to support critical water infrastructure while bringing culturally significant lands into consolidated management.

On Wednesday, April 22, the Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing called "EXPLORE America250: Enhancing Accessibility at our National Parks and Public Lands." This hearing examined efforts to enhance accessibility and visitor experience across our National Parks and public lands as the nation approaches America’s 250th birthday. Members considered strategies to expand access through oversight and infrastructure upgrades, and ensure these iconic landscapes remain available and enjoyable for all Americans.

On Wednesday, April 22, the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held a hearing called "Tribal Natural Resource Development: Barriers and Successes." This hearing focused on tribal natural resource development, highlighting current challenges and progress while stressing the need to reduce regulatory obstacles and promote economic potential in tribal communities. Discussions emphasized empowering tribes to manage their resources effectively while supporting long-term growth and self-determination.

Rules

On Monday, April 20, the Committee on Rules met on the following measures:

H.R. 1897, the ESA Amendments Act of 2025 (Westerman)
H.R. 5587, the Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources Act of 2026 (Kim)
H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act (Langworthy)
H. Res. 1182, Expressing support for rural communities across the United States as stewards of the environment, major suppliers of United States energy resources, critical providers of food production and manufacturing capacity, and drivers of national economic stability, and recognizing the work of the House of Representatives in the 119th Congress in support of those vital communities (Fuller)

This week, the Committee met to consider measures designed to cut red tape, unleash American energy, and acknowledge the vital role rural communities have within the fabric of our nation. Members discussed the extent of ESA abuses and their role in hampering progress and infrastructure development. The discussion also covered the enormous waste associated with developing pie-in-the-sky federal buildings and how reining in ridiculous requirements will drive down spending. Finally, Rules Republicans detailed the critical work of rural Americans and how our nation wouldn't be what it is without them.

Science, Space, and Technology

On Tuesday, April 21, the Subcommittee on Research and Technology held a hearing called "Robots Made in America: Advancing U.S. Leadership in Manufacturing and Automation." This hearing examined the scope and status of robotics research in the United States. It reviewed robotics research conducted across industry, academia, and the federal government, spanning a wide range of applications, including the energy sector, manufacturing, and industrial operations.

On Wednesday, April 22, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a full committee hearing called "A Review of the President’s Budget Request for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for Fiscal Year 2027."

Select Committee on China

This week, Chairman Moolenaar introduced the Semiconductor Controls Adjusted to Limit Exports (SCALE) Act.

Small Business

On Tuesday, April 21, the Committee on Small Business held a full committee hearing called "Independent Work, Real Opportunity: The Gig Economy and the Future of Entrepreneurship." The purpose of this hearing is to examine how the gig economy expands entrepreneurship and supports small business growth.

Transportation and Infrastructure

On Wednesday, April 22, the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces and the Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a joint hearing focused on efforts to revitalize American shipbuilding. President Trump has been clear about his goal of bolstering American shipbuilding and making the United States a global leader in ship production through America’s Maritime Action Plan.

At the hearing, T&I Subcommittee members spoke with witnesses about how the Coast Guard can improve ship design and acquisition programs. In an opening statement submitted for the record, Subcommittee Chair Mike Ezell (MS-04) said, “The United States must be able to project power globally while simultaneously protecting its own shores. We need vessels of all types capable of conducting these missions.” Members and witnesses also discussed the need to close the gap between U.S. and Chinese shipbuilding capabilities, regulatory challenges to doing so, the importance of the Jones Act to strengthen domestic shipbuilding capacity, and more.

Veterans Affairs

On Tuesday, April 21, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held an oversight hearing called "Examining VA Benefits: Pension and Fiduciary, and VA Life Insurance Options." The hearing focused on how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers the Veterans Pension program and Fiduciary Program, along with its management of life insurance programs available to veterans and their families. Republican members looked closely at how eligibility for pension benefits is determined, how fiduciaries are selected and monitored, and how these programs are meant to support some of the most vulnerable veterans and beneficiaries.

Republican members raised concerns about oversight and accountability, particularly when it comes to protecting beneficiaries from misuse of funds within the Fiduciary Program. Witnesses spoke to VA’s life insurance programs, including the rollout of VALife and the Department’s long-standing partnership with Prudential through OSGLI. Republican members emphasized the importance of transparency, oversight, and making sure veterans and their families can easily understand and access the benefits available to them.

Ways and Means

On Tuesday, April 21, the Committee on Ways and Means held a full committee hearing called "Protecting Patients and Taxpayers: Cracking Down on Medicare Fraud." Medicare fraud is a massive problem that costs taxpayers $60 billion every year and denies Americans access to their Medicare beneficiaries. A California doctor shared her harrowing story of needing care after a pickleball injury and being told she could not receive Medicare benefits because they had been stolen by a fake hospice company. Unfortunately, the witness is not alone in experiencing the impacts of rampant Medicare fraud. The hearing examined the massive scope and scale of health care fraud that was allowed to fester under the Biden Administration and Democrat governors. Today, the Trump Administration is shutting down fraudulent health care providers, prosecuting alleged fraudsters and criminals, and saving billions in taxpayer dollars.

On Wednesday, April 22, the Committee on Ways and Means held a full committee hearing called "Trump Administration’s 2026 Trade Policy Agenda with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer." President Trump’s trade agenda has opened new market access for American producers and farmers, ended decades-long tariff and non-tariff barriers to U.S. exports, and leveraged reciprocal tariffs to force concessions from foreign trading partners. In his opening statement, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) detailed just a few of the historic trade barriers that the Trump trade agenda successfully eliminated. Committee members emphasized the need for aggressive enforcement of trade agreements negotiated by President Trump, particularly reforms to USMCA that incentivize new investment and manufacturing production in the United States.

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The Republican Recap: Week of April 20, 2026

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Here’s a recap of what Republicans achieved on the House Floor this week:

Acknowledging Rural Communities’ Contributions to America ✅

This week, House Republicans passed a resolution to express support for rural communities across America and highlight the work of House Republicans to advance policies that set these communities up for success.

Rural communities are a critical source of domestic energy production, feed billions of families, and allow our supply chain to remain America First. For example, these communities produce over 80 percent of the renewable energy and over 60 percent of the coal-generated electricity produced in America.

In the 119th Congress, House Republicans have supported rural America by advancing various pieces of legislation that strengthen rural communities, such as bills to unleash American energy production, tackle permitting reform, expand access to broadband, invest in rural health care, bolster grid reliability, lower energy costs, and cut burdensome environmental regulations. It is vital that Congress continue working to support these rural communities that support the rest of America.

H. Res. 1182, sponsored by Rep. Clay Fuller, expresses support for rural communities across the United States; acknowledges their work to steward the environment, supply energy, produce food, and stabilize the economy; and recognizes the House’s efforts in the 119th Congress to support these communities.

“I'm proud to have been elected to be a fighter for northwest Georgia. For too long the Democrats have ignored the people of rural Appalachia that I represent. Unfortunately as we see from the results of the floor vote, H. Res. 1182 makes very clear that Republican leaders in this chamber have been and will continue to look out for the needs of America's rural communities, while Democrats quite simply will not,” said Rep. Fuller.

What Members Said:

Rep. John McGuire highlighted that Republicans have advanced policies to improve the quality of life in rural America, including boosting domestic energy production, strengthening manufacturing, and reducing reduce regulatory burdens.

The Energy and Commerce Committee underscored that from historic funding for rural hospitals to increasing connectivity across communities, Republicans are supporting all of America's rural communities.

Repealing Radical Energy Efficiency Performance Standards for Federal Buildings ✅

The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) was established to increase America’s energy efficiency and the availability of renewable energy in the U.S. This legislation included a provision (Section 433) requiring the Secretary of Energy to implement federal building energy standards that shift consumption away from dispatchable fossil fuels and towards renewable energy.

Renewable energy has been shown to lack the reliability, consistency, voltage, and frequency support needed to keep the lights on for American communities when we need it most – particularly recently, during extreme weather events like Winter Storm Fern. Restricting our federal buildings to an unreliable, electricity-dependent 'green island' is an inefficient use of energy and wastes taxpayer money to subsidize uncompetitive energy sources that fail to provide 24/7 power.

Section 433’s rigid, one-size-fits-all electrification mandate endangers the stability and security of critical infrastructure, jeopardizes our national security, and would grant future administrations the ability to weaponize federal energy policy by restricting reliable, dispatchable fuel sources. Even the Obama Administration encouraged significant reforms to or full elimination of Section 433. House Republicans passed legislation to repeal arbitrary federal energy mandates, streamlining federal infrastructure projects, accelerating project timelines, and saving taxpayer dollars.

Rep. Nick Langworthy’s legislation, H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, repeals Section 433 of EISA, which requires the Department of Energy to revise federal energy efficiency performance standards for new buildings and renovations to phase out the use of on-site, fossil fuel-generated electricity for impacted buildings by 2030.

“This bill puts reliability and affordability back at the center of energy policy, where it belongs. Through this legislation, we are ensuring that our critical federal infrastructure is tailored to meet Americans’ needs, not some arbitrary political target,” said Rep. Langworthy. “It will help rein in inflated construction costs, accelerate project timelines, and foster innovation by removing rigid, top-down mandates. This week’s passage marks a win for common-sense, and I urge the Senate to move swiftly to pass this and get it on the President’s desk.”

What Members Said:

Rep. Mike Rulli emphasized that H.R. 4690 repeals burdensome energy mandates on federal buildings so we can prioritize reliable, affordable power over ideology.

Chairman Brett Guthrie noted that H.R. 4690 reverses current law’s one-size-fits-all electrification mandate for new and renovated federal buildings that jeopardizes the reliability and security of our nation's critical federal infrastructure.

Unleashing American Geothermal Energy Production ✅

Geothermal energy is a clean, renewable energy source that provides efficient and dependable power for long periods of time, making it a great resource for the U.S. to diversify our energy supply and restore our energy independence. Currently, however, burdensome regulations restrict American geothermal production on non-federal lands by requiring geothermal operators producing even minuscule amounts of federal resources to adhere to all federal laws and permitting processes.

This includes the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which requires several lengthy review stages for geothermal permitting, holding up production for years and preventing geothermal operators from efficiently producing clean energy that can be used to generate electricity, heat American homes, and power industrial processes.

We should be promoting geothermal energy production, not placing administrative hurdles in its way. House Republicans passed legislation to unleash geothermal energy and streamline its production by cutting permitting red-tape, promoting American energy independence and lowering costs for hardworking Americans.

H.R. 5587, the Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act, introduced by Rep. Young Kim, expedites geothermal energy production by exempting geothermal operators from federal drilling permit requirements, including NEPA, for wells on non-federal land where the United States holds an ownership interest of less than 50 percent of the subsurface geothermal estate.

“Energy independence has always made America great. Geothermal development will help unleash America’s all-of-the-above energy strategy and power America’s future,” said Rep. Kim. “The HEATS Act cuts unnecessary red tape, strengthens our energy security and supply chains, and brings more affordable, reliable power online. I’m proud to see this vital legislation pass the House. For Californians facing some of the highest energy costs in the country, this relief can’t come soon enough.”

What Members Said:

Rep. Harriet Hageman made clear that H.R. 5587 helps unleash the heat beneath our feet and provide abundant, clean baseload geothermal power for decades to come by cutting red tape and streamlining development.

House Republicans celebrated the passage of H.R. 5587, noting it will mean more geothermal energy and less red tape.

Excluding Exceptional Events When Determining Emissions Standards Compliance ✅

Currently, U.S. states can petition the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to exclude emissions from “exceptional events” when evaluating states’ compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). These “exceptional events” include wildfires, high-wind dust events, volcanic or seismic activity, and chemical spills from disasters. However, the EPA’s process for determining if certain emissions meet the criteria for “exceptional events” has become overly restrictive, lacking in clarity and consistency, and excludes a key category of emissions: prescribed burns.

Prescribed burns are carefully-planned, intentional fires used by professionals to manage land, reduce wildfire risks, and bolster ecosystem health. Under current law, these prescribed burns are not categorized as “exceptional events”; instead, they are treated the same as factory emissions in EPA evaluations for compliance with federal emissions standards.

It is counterproductive to regulate emissions from wildfire mitigation activities differently than naturally occurring wildfires. Such red tape around air quality results in permitting delays, regulatory confusion, fewer jobs, skyrocketing costs, and increased burdens on states, energy producers, and manufacturers. House Republicans passed legislation to make air quality planning more predictable, get rid of unnecessary regulatory burdens, and stop punishing states for proactive wildfire mitigation.

Rep. Gabe Evans’ legislation, H.R. 6387, the Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act, amends the Clean Air Act to make sure communities and manufacturers are not penalized for emissions from wildfires, prescribed burns, and other exceptional events when determining compliance with national air quality standards.

“For years, Colorado's economy has been burdened by costly, poorly designed regulations that punish small businesses, employers, and families for emissions they can't control — raising costs, stifling job growth, and making it harder for communities to thrive. The FIRE Act is a commonsense solution that lowers costs, slashes red tape, restores fairness, incentivizes wildfire mitigation, and prioritizes practical preventative steps that protect public health while improving air quality,” said Rep. Evans.

What Members Said:

Rep. Buddy Carter shared his support for H.R. 6387 and emphasized that events outside of a state's control, such as wildfires, should not count towards violations of national ambient air quality standards.

Rep. Jay Obernolte highlighted that H.R. 6387 provides needed certainty, reduces unnecessary burdens, and supports efforts to protect public health and the environment.

The Leader’s Floor Lookout: Thursday, April 23, 2026

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Here’s what to watch for on the House Floor today:

Unleashing American Geothermal Energy Production

Geothermal energy is a clean, renewable energy source that provides efficient and dependable power for long periods of time, making it a great resource for the United States to diversify our energy supply and restore our energy independence.

Currently, however, burdensome regulations are restricting American geothermal production on non-federal lands by requiring geothermal operators producing even minuscule amounts of federal resources to adhere to all federal laws and permitting processes.

This includes the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which requires several lengthy review stages for geothermal permitting, holding up production for years and preventing geothermal operators from efficiently producing clean energy that can be used to generate electricity, heat American homes, and power industrial processes.

We should be promoting geothermal energy production, not placing administrative hurdles in its way. House Republicans are bringing forward legislation to unleash geothermal energy and streamline its production by cutting permitting red-tape, promoting American energy independence and lowering costs for hardworking Americans.

H.R. 5587, the Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act, introduced by Rep. Young Kim, expedites geothermal energy production by exempting geothermal operators from federal drilling permit requirements, including NEPA, for wells on non-federal land where the United States holds an ownership interest of less than 50 percent of the subsurface geothermal estate.

House Republicans won’t stop fighting to unleash American energy, lower costs for families, and restore U.S. energy independence.

The Leader’s Floor Lookout: Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Here’s what to watch for on the House Floor today:

Acknowledging Rural Communities’ Contributions to America

Today, House Republicans are bringing forward a resolution to express support for rural communities across America and highlight the work of House Republicans to advance policies that set these communities up for success.

Rural communities are a critical source of domestic energy production, feed billions of families, and allow our supply chain to remain America First. For example, these communities produce over 80 percent of the renewable energy and over 60 percent of the coal-generated electricity produced in America.

In the 119th Congress, House Republicans have supported rural America by advancing various pieces of legislation that strengthen rural communities, such as bills to unleash American energy production, tackle permitting reform, expand access to broadband, invest in rural health care, bolster grid reliability, lower energy costs, and cut burdensome environmental regulations.

It is vital that Congress continue working to support these rural communities that support the rest of America.

H. Res. 1182, sponsored by Rep. Clay Fuller, expresses support for rural communities across the United States; acknowledges their work to steward the environment, supply energy, produce food, and stabilize the economy; and recognizes the House’s efforts in the 119th Congress to support these communities.

House Republicans will continue taking action to ensure rural communities have the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive.

Repealing Radical Energy Efficiency Performance Standards for Federal Buildings

The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) was established to increase America’s energy efficiency and the availability of renewable energy in the U.S. This legislation included a provision (Section 433) requiring the Secretary of Energy to implement federal building energy standards that shift consumption away from dispatchable fossil fuels and towards renewable energy.

Renewable energy has been shown to lack the reliability, consistency, voltage, and frequency support needed to keep the lights on for American communities when we need it most – particularly recently, during extreme weather events like Winter Storm Fern.

Restricting our federal buildings to an unreliable, electricity-dependent 'green island' is an inefficient use of energy and wastes taxpayer money to subsidize uncompetitive energy sources that fail to provide 24/7 power. Direct natural gas use is roughly 92 percent efficient, while electricity is only 38 percent, meaning it takes more energy to do the same job.

Section 433’s rigid, one-size-fits-all electrification mandate endangers the stability and security of critical infrastructure, jeopardizes our national security, and would grant future administrations the ability to weaponize federal energy policy by restricting reliable, dispatchable fuel sources. Even the Obama Administration encouraged significant reforms to or full elimination of Section 433 due to various issues, noting the mandated compliance costs and impacts to military installations.

House Republicans are bringing forward legislation to repeal arbitrary federal energy mandates, streamlining federal infrastructure projects, accelerating project timelines, and saving taxpayer dollars.

Rep. Nick Langworthy’s legislation, H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, repeals Section 433 of EISA, which requires the Department of Energy to revise federal energy efficiency performance standards for new buildings and renovations to phase out the use of on-site, fossil fuel-generated electricity for impacted buildings by 2030.

House Republicans won’t stop fighting to strengthen grid reliability and ensure the security of our critical infrastructure and national security assets.

Excluding Exceptional Events When Determining Emissions Standards Compliance

Currently, U.S. states can petition the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to exclude emissions from “exceptional events” when evaluating states’ compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). These “exceptional events” include wildfires, high-wind dust events, volcanic or seismic activity, and chemical spills from disasters.

However, the EPA’s process for determining if certain emissions meet the criteria for “exceptional events” has become overly restrictive, lacking in clarity and consistency, and excludes a key category of emissions: prescribed burns.

Prescribed burns are carefully-planned, intentional fires used by professionals to manage land, reduce wildfire risks, and bolster ecosystem health. Under current law, these prescribed burns are not categorized as “exceptional events”; instead, they are treated the same as factory emissions in EPA evaluations for compliance with federal emissions standards.

It is counterproductive to regulate emissions from wildfire mitigation activities differently than naturally occurring wildfires. Such red tape around air quality results in permitting delays, regulatory confusion, fewer jobs, skyrocketing costs, and increased burdens on states, energy producers, and manufacturers.

House Republicans are bringing forward legislation to make air quality planning more predictable, get rid of unnecessary regulatory burdens, and stop punishing states for proactive wildfire mitigation that defends public health and safety and enhances future air quality.

Rep. Gabe Evans’ legislation, H.R. 6387, the Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act, amends the Clean Air Act to make sure communities and manufacturers are not penalized for emissions from wildfires, prescribed burns, and other exceptional events when determining compliance with national air quality standards.

House Republicans are continuing to work to modernize air quality regulations and reduce bureaucracy that delays projects, strangles job growth, and drives costs up while supporting clean air.

Reforming ESA to Deliver Better Results Without Red Tape

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was created with the purpose of saving species on the brink of extinction and recovering them to a self-sustaining state – however, in the over 50 years since its enactment, the ESA has failed to fulfill its purpose, achieving only a 3% recovery success rate.

Instead of securing species’ recovery beyond the need for protection, the ESA has been used to crack down on land use and impede essential development projects that could boost local economies and jobs. The ESA is in desperate need of reforms to refocus the legislation on its original purpose, return to scientific integrity and common sense, and reject burdensome bureaucracy that does nothing to truly help recover species.

Today, House Republicans are bringing forward legislation to reauthorize the ESA for five years while making significant amendments to the legislation for the benefit of both endangered species and the American communities and people impacted by its regulation.

Our legislation puts in place a clear pathway for state management and delisting, incentivizing recovery progress with regulatory relief. It streamlines the ESA permitting process by establishing clear and consistent guidelines, and codifies the definition of “best available science” so biased ‘science’ can’t be used to justify radical ESA decisions.

Additionally, the reforms in our legislation prevent the weaponization of the ESA to implement costly requirements without Congressional approval, encourage private investment in recovery through regulatory clarity, and demand any project changes proposed during ESA consultation be appropriate, technically feasible, and minimize economic burden on the applicant.

H.R. 1897, the ESA Amendments Act, sponsored by Chairman Bruce Westerman, modernizes and reforms the Endangered Species Act by establishing measurable environmental baselines for success, providing clear definitions for legal teams, encouraging species recovery through new incentives, promoting species conservation on private and public lands, and streamlining the regulatory process to enhance transparency and agency accountability.

House Republicans will continue working to get rid of unnecessary red tape while incentivizing the protection and recovery of endangered species.