Press Releases
Committee Cliff Notes: Weekly Recap – Week of July 21, 2025
Washington,
July 27, 2025
Here’s a recap of key moments from House Republican committees during the week:
Agriculture On Tuesday, July 22, the Committee on Agriculture held a full committee business meeting called to consider H.R. 4550, United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025. This markup was for a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the U.S. Grain Standards Act, an essential law keeping our grain markets fair, transparent, and competitive at home & abroad. A lapse in authority would risk serious market disruption. It was reported favorably to the full House. On Tuesday, July 22, the Committee on Agriculture held a full committee hearing called "Past Breakthroughs and Future Innovations in Crop Production." This hearing explored how cutting-edge tools, including crop protection products, gene editing, biologicals, and biostimulants, are helping farmers boost productivity, steward natural resources, and remain globally competitive. Expert witnesses emphasized that American agriculture’s legacy of innovation depends on a science-based, predictable regulatory environment that enables the timely approval of proven technologies. Members agreed that modernizing the regulatory process is critical to sustaining America’s safe, abundant food supply and ensuring the next generation of agricultural breakthroughs reaches the farm gate. On Wednesday, July 23, the Committee on Agriculture held a full committee hearing called "An Examination of the Implications of Proposition 12." This hearing examined the impacts California’s Prop 12 has had on consumers and pork producers. Data shows that the unnecessary and unscientific animal welfare law is pushing small farmers out of business and raising pork prices for consumers.   Appropriations On Monday, July 21, the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a markup of the Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Services and General Government Bill. Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee Chairman Dave Joyce successfully reported the FY26 FSGG bill out of the subcommittee. The measure restores fiscal discipline, reins in bureaucratic waste, and safeguards taxpayer dollars. Further, it 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. On Tuesday, July 22, the Committee on Appropriations held a full committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Bill. The Appropriations Committee advanced the FY26 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bill, led by Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson, which implements President Trump’s energy dominance agenda, expands access to critical minerals, and boosts domestic production. The bill also rolls back Biden-era regulations, strengthens wildfire response, and ensures responsible management of public lands—all while cutting spending. On Wednesday, July 23, the Committee on Appropriations held a full committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill. The Appropriations Committee approved the FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs bill, led by Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart. The bill strengthens U.S. security and global leadership by countering threats from adversaries like China and Iran, supporting democracy and human rights, and holding global institutions accountable. It ensures focused investment in America’s safety and prosperity, reflecting strategic leadership and a commitment to peace through strength. Armed Services On Wednesday, July 23, the Armed Services Committee held a full committee hearing on reforming defense acquisition to deliver capability at the speed of relevance. The committee received testimony from the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, accompanied by additional government witnesses, regarding efforts to reform the Department of Defense acquisition system. During the hearing, Chairman Mike Rogers said, “The reality is that our defense acquisition system is failing the American warfighter…Nearly every combatant commander who’s testified before this committee this year has said the same. Moreover, defense companies of all sizes tell us they face a maze of red tape, bureaucratic delays, and a risk-averse culture at the Department that deters innovation…That’s why I, along with my good friend Ranking Member Smith, introduced the bipartisan SPEED Act, which is now the cornerstone of the FY26 NDAA passed by this committee last week. The SPEED Act will cut through layers of red tape and deliver for the warfighter at speed and scale.”  Education & Workforce On Tuesday, July 22, the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing called "Restoring Trust: Enhancing Transparency and Oversight at EBSA." Employer-sponsored retirement plans are the backbone of American retirement. More than 70 million workers and millions of former employees and retirees are covered by these plans. Yet, the Biden-Harris administration punished employers for maintaining these plans. This hearing was an opportunity for Committee Republicans to examine policies that protect the retirement savings of workers, retirees, and their families and that eliminate the wasteful and abusive government practices of the Biden-Harris administration.   On Wednesday, July 23, the Committee on Education and Workforce held a full committee markup on the following legislation:
 Energy & Commerce On Tuesday, July 22, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing called "Ensuring Patient Safety: Oversight of the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplant System." This hearing focused on prioritizing patient safety and restoring trust in the organ donation system.  On Tuesday, July 22, the Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing called "Strengthening American Energy: A Review of Pipeline Safety Policy." This hearing involved ensuring the reliable and safe transportation of petroleum products and natural gas, as well as the upkeep of our pipelines.  On Wednesday, July 23, the Committee on Energy and Commerce held a full committee markup on the following legislation:
 Financial Services On Tuesday, July 22, and Wednesday, July 23, the Committee on Financial Services held a full committee markup on 16 pieces of legislation. The Committee held a two-day markup and successfully advanced 16 bills to the full House of Representatives for consideration. Cumulatively, these bills expand access to capital for small businesses, hold financial regulators accountable, tailor supervision for well-managed banks, modernize venture capital investment regulations, and more. The Committee also reauthorized the Task Force on Monetary Policy, Treasury Market Resilience, and Economic Prosperity.    Foreign Affairs On Tuesday, July 22, the Committee on Foreign Affairs held a full committee markup on a range of bills aimed at improving the foreign arms sales process and strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base. The suite of measures, which were spearheaded by the committee’s bipartisan Foreign Arms Sales Task Force, codify much-needed reforms to the foreign arms sales process outlined in President Trump’s executive order in April with tailored legislation to improve transparency, efficiency, and ease cooperation with foreign partners. Additionally, the committee advanced legislation aimed at strengthening U.S. partnerships and promoting peace and stability around the globe.
On Wednesday, July 23, the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee held a hearing called “Bureau of Counterterrorism FY26 Budget Posture Hearing.” During his opening remarks, Subcommittee Chairman Mike Lawler highlighted the changing terror threat landscape characterized by diffused, adaptive, and globally networked threats. He underscored that a well-equipped, efficient and agile Bureau of Counterterrorism is essential for countering these threats.    Homeland Security On Tuesday, July 22, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled “Fully Operational: Stuxnet 15 Years Later and the Evolution of Cyber Threats to Critical Infrastructure.” Witnesses highlighted the importance of reauthorizing the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) 2015 and the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program; the criticality of defending operational technology found in critical infrastructure; the significance of private-public partnerships and unified federal guidance on cyber defense strategies; and the need to refocus modernize CISA to its core mission of network defense and protecting our nation’s critical infrastructure.   On Tuesday, July 22, the Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States held a hearing entitled “Lessons Learned: An Examination of Major Security Incidents at Mass Gathering Events.” In this hearing, members assessed historical incidents and attacks at sporting events, concerts, and other mass gatherings in anticipation of upcoming high-profile, international events the United States will be hosting. Members and Witnesses also examined the unique security challenges inherent to mass gatherings and will highlight best practices for events such as the 2026 World Cup, the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, and the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026.  House Administration On Tuesday, July 22, the Committee on House Administration held a full committee hearing titled “Clean Rolls, Secure Elections: Reviewing Voter List Maintenance Standards.”   Judiciary On Tuesday, July 22, the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet held a hearing called "Foreign Abuse of U.S. Courts," to explore how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) currently utilizes U.S. courts to silence critics, delay and overturn national security directives of the legislative and executive branches, harass competitors of Chinese companies, access strategic emerging technologies, and evade sanctions. The hearing also investigated the CCP's exploitation of gaps in domestic enforcement regimes and jurisdiction of the courts to bypass tariffs, duties, and other trade restrictions. The hearing explored targeted actions that can be taken to contest the CCP's ability to use the U.S. court system as a battlefront in its competition with the United States.  Natural Resources On Tuesday, July 22, the Committee on Natural Resources held a full committee oversight hearing titled “Permitting Purgatory: Restoring Common Sense to NEPA Reviews.” The hearing was focused on the ongoing challenges with NEPA and common-sense reform that can be done to streamline the review process. Witnesses from a variety of backgrounds, including the construction and power industries, shared their experiences and offered possible reform ideas. The committee subsequently introduced the bipartisan SPEED Act to modernize and streamline the NEPA permitting process, which will allow for the advancement of critical infrastructure projects. On Tuesday, July 22, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held an oversight hearing titled “Examining the Trump Administration’s Work Combatting Transnational Cartels in Indian Country.” The hearing focused on the challenges faced by Indian Country from cartels and the steps the committee and the Trump administration are taking to tackle the problem. The committee has repeatedly emphasized that international criminal cartels, like the Sinaloa and the Jalisco New Generation cartels, target tribal communities across the country to expand their criminal enterprises. Witnesses from Tribal communities testified about the threats their communities face and how they are collaborating with the Trump administration to protect public safety and enhance the lives of tribal nations and communities nationwide.The hearing is a continuation of the committee’s oversight on this issue and the disastrous effects of the Biden border crisis. It builds upon the hearings the committee conducted in 2024. On Tuesday, July 22, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a legislative hearing on the following bills:
 On Wednesday, July 23, the Committee on Natural Resources held a full committee markup to consider:
Oversight and Government Reform On Tuesday, July 22, the Subcommittee on Government Operations held a hearing called "Bid Protest Reform: Understanding the Problem." During the hearing, members discussed the current bid protest process and examined proposals to reform it to prevent further abuse by government contractors. Members also highlighted opportunities for Congress to improve transparency in the bid protest process to deter protests. On Tuesday, July 22, the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs held a hearing called "The New Atomic Age: Advancing America’s Energy Future." During the hearing, members heard from witnesses about the advent of small and micro modular nuclear reactors and how their development and deployment will advance the use of safe, clean and reliable nuclear energy in the United States. Members emphasized the importance of expanding nuclear energy because of its efficiency and low cost compared to other energy sources. On Wednesday, July 23, the Subcommittee on Government Operations held a hearing called "An Update on Mail Theft and Crime." During the hearing, members examined the pervasiveness of mail crimes, especially theft, and examined ways Congress can support the United States Postal Service (USPS) in addressing serious mail crimes and supporting mail carriers. Members also analyzed new, developing technology and procedures that will make mail theft more difficult and less frequent.  On Wednesday, July 23, the Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement held a hearing called "Catch and Release, Lose and Forget: Addressing the Crisis of Unaccompanied Alien Children – Part I." At the hearing, members began a comprehensive oversight review of the findings from a March 2025 report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of the Inspector General, which found that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is not always able to monitor the location and status of unaccompanied migrant children released from the custody of DHS and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party On Wednesday, July 23, the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party held a hearing called "United We Stand: Strategies to Counter PRC Economic Coercion Against Democracies." On Thursday, July 24, Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) sent subpoenas to JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon and Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan over their roles in underwriting the initial public offering of Chinese battery giant CATL. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited, or CATL, is a key player in China’s military-civil fusion strategy—developing dual-use tech with both commercial and military applications. It has also been flagged by the Department of Defense for its close military ties. “CATL’s industry-leading role in battery manufacturing—a sector explicitly targeted by China’s state-driven military-civil fusion policy—poses significant U.S. investor and national security risks," the subpoenas write.    Small Business On Tuesday, July 22, the Committee on Small Business held a full committee markup of the following legislation:
   Transportation and Infrastructure This week, by a vote of 399 to 12, the House of Representatives approved the bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025. The legislation strengthens, supports, and authorizes programs through 2029 for the United States Coast Guard and its critical missions to safeguard the nation’s borders, facilitate maritime commerce, ensure maritime safety, and more. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 builds upon the historic investments in the Coast Guard provided in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and takes steps to revitalize American shipbuilding in accordance with President Trump’s agenda.   On Wednesday, July 23, the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management held a hearing entitled "Fixing Emergency Management: Examining Improvements to FEMA’s Disaster Response." Members received testimony from David Richardson, the senior leader of FEMA. Following the hearing, T&I Committee leaders introduced bipartisan legislation to provide the most robust legislative reforms of the FEMA and federal disaster assistance programs in decades.  Earlier in the week, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing to review the President’s fiscal year 2026 budget request for the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). Veterans Affairs On Tuesday, July 22, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held oversight hearing titled “Counting the Money: Preventing Fraud and Abuse in VA’s Bonus Payment Practices for VA Employees.” Representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs including the Office of Human Resources and Veterans Health Administration joined the Committee to discuss VA’s lack of accountability measures and weak internal controls over VA’s use of incentive payments to its employees. The Office of Inspector General and the American Federation of Government Employees were also witnesses on the panel. Committee members highlighted examples of poor oversight cited by the Inspector General that led to more than $345 million in questioned costs. The hearing highlighted the need for strengthened internal controls to ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Republicans on the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee focused their attention on their commitment to work with the current Administration to make sure that the VA always puts veterans first.  On Wednesday, July 23, the Committee on Veterans Affairs held a full committee markup on 25 bills. The legislation on this markup focused on strengthening veterans’ access to timely care, expanding support for those seeking treatment closer to home, and ensuring a more seamless transition into the VA healthcare workforce and improving access to home ownership for servicemembers and veterans, and streamlining methods of communication between VA and veterans regarding benefits. The Committee also considered legislation that would implement common sense, bipartisan fixes to the VA claims and appeals process. Additionally, the Committee considered legislation to study the benefits of blockchain technology, modernize VA’s inventory management system, and improve IT systems used to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, as well as legislation focused on protecting veterans from fraud schemes and scam artists, and limiting the VA’s ability to collect copayments because of an administrative error made by the agency. These bills represent Republican priorities that will ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs puts veterans first.  On Friday, July 25, the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization held oversight field hearing in Urbana, Illinois, titled “Beyond the City Limits: Delivering for Rural Veterans.” Subcommittee Chairman Tom Barrett (MI-07) led the field hearing in Ranking Member’s Nikki Budzinski’s (IL-13) district to hear from VA officials and Illinois veterans about the challenges facing rural veterans in accessing VA care and services and how technology is part of the solution. He emphasized the importance of community care for rural veterans and the importance of modernizing community care scheduling technology, broadband access for tele-health, and the importance of targeted outreach to rural veterans. Chairman Barrett discussed the importance of conducting field hearings in order to hear directly from veterans where they live about challenges that are specific to their community.  Ways and Means On Tuesday, July 22, the Subcommittee on Oversight and the Subcommittee on Health held a joint hearing called "Medicare Advantage: Past Lessons, Present Insights, Future Opportunities." The rapid growth of Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment in recent years has created an opportunity for Congress to improve and enhance the program to better serve MA beneficiaries in years to come, especially in rural areas. Over half of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in MA plans, and those individuals spend less on health care, have access to more supplemental benefits, and achieve better health outcomes than seniors on fee-for-service Medicare. The overwhelming success of the MA program has resulted in better, affordable care for millions of American seniors. The hearing examined opportunities to enhance those benefits and improve MA to continue delivering better health outcomes and lower costs for those Americans, while also ensuring fiscal and program integrity in MA so it continues delivering value for American taxpayers.  On Friday, July 25, the Committee on Ways and Means held a full committee field hearing in Las Vegas, Nevada, called "The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Delivering for American Workers." In front of blinking neon signs inside of the warehouse of a neon sign manufacturer, the Committee heard the stories of working Nevadans who will benefit from The One, Big, Beautiful Bill. President Trump’s new tax relief for hardworking Americans – no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and tax relief for seniors – will put more money in the pockets of hardworking Americans. Witnesses shared how these pro-worker tax cuts would benefit them. One witness shared it would be able to help her and her husband visit their children and grandchildren more frequently. 21% of workers in Las Vegas earn their living through tips, the largest share in the nation. No tax on tips alone amounts to a $230 million tax cut for the region’s tipped workers. Witnesses included a waiter, food delivery driver, paint foreman, senior, and a working mother.  On Saturday, July 26, the Committee on Ways and Means held a full committee field hearing at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, called "The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Delivering for the American Economy." Beneath the Air Force One inside the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Americans shared how The One, Big, Beautiful Bill is a needed shot in the arm for small businesses, manufacturers, and farmers. Each witness shared how the permanence of the tax cuts included in President Trump’s agenda – 20 percent small business deduction, death tax exemption, R&D deduction, interest expensing, and full expensing – will help them expand their business and create new jobs. By freeing businesses to pursue growth and job creation, America’s economy is set for another economic boom, like the prosperity after President Reagan’s 1981 tax cut. Proven pro-growth tax policy combined with the largest mandatory spending cut in American history will help address the nation’s poor fiscal health. Economic growth of 2.8 percent, like the growth rate after the 2017 Trump tax cuts, would lead to deficit reduction.  |