On the Hill News on Federal Newswire

The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic recently held a hearing to discuss the need for reform within the World Health Organization (WHO) and to address its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The hearing highlighted the flaws within the WHO framework and the Chinese Communist Party's lack of transparency in sharing information about the virus.Chairman Brad Wenstrup opened the hearing by pointing out four instances where the WHO bowed to political pressure from the Chinese Communist Party. He emphasized the importance of holding China accountable for its...

Risch, Coons Comment on MCC Decision to Reselect Sierra Leone for Potential Compact Agreement

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) have expressed their views on the Millennium Challenge Corporation's (MCC) decision to reselect Sierra Leone for a potential future compact agreement. In a joint statement, the senators acknowledged the progress made by Sierra Leone's government and the primary opposition party in restoring confidence in the country's democratic institutions following what they described as "flawed elections in June."The senators highlighted the significant commitments made by the government and opposition party as...

Manchin, Energy and Natural Resources Committee Clear Pending Legislation

Washington, DC - The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee convened today to address pending legislation and appoint members to subcommittees for the 118th Congress. Several measures were ordered reported, covering a range of issues related to conservation, wilderness areas, water rights, and land management.One of the bills discussed was S. 594, which aims to prioritize the completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. According to Mr. Heinrich, the bill's sponsor, this legislation is essential for protecting and preserving the natural beauty...

Sen. Cruz: Democrat Objection Risks FAA Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Ted Cruz, along with Senator Jerry Moran and Senator Ted Budd, has requested unanimous consent to pass a temporary extension of the Federal Aviation Administration's authorization. This attempt was blocked by Senator Michael Bennet. The lawmakers' goal is to ensure that air travel and air cargo during the holiday season are not severely impacted.Senator Cruz emphasized the importance of extending the FAA's authorities, stating, "A seamless travel experience depends on airlines, air traffic controllers, airport managers, and TSA screeners all...

Secretary of Defense, Top Pentagon Leadership Sound Alarm That a Year-long CR Would Jeopardize Our National Defense

In new letters to top Senate Appropriations leaders, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Charles Q. Brown Jr., and Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force detail the severe repercussions that a first-ever full-year continuing resolution (CR) for the Department of Defense (DoD) would have on national defense strategy, servicemembers and their families, and military readiness.The letters were sent to Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) ahead of the upcoming funding...

Grothman & Subcommittee Republicans Urge Biden Administration to Rejoin Geneva Consensus Declaration

WASHINGTON— Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs Chairman Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) and several Subcommittee Republican members are urging the Biden Administration to rejoin the Geneva Consensus Declaration on Promoting Women’s Health and Strengthening the Family. The lawmakers have written a letter to U.S. Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken, expressing their concern over the U.S.'s removal from the accord and requesting the U.S. to rejoin the declaration."We are concerned by President Biden's decision to remove the United States from...

Barrasso: Wyoming, Not Washington, Should Decide How to Manage Wyoming Lands

U.S. Senator John Barrasso, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, expressed his views on pending legislation at a committee business meeting in Washington, D.C. Senator Barrasso highlighted the importance of passing bipartisan bills and specifically mentioned the Pilot Butte Power Plant Conveyance Act, which he had introduced. The act aims to transfer ownership of a hydropower plant in Wyoming to a local entity that can repair and bring it back into operation.In his remarks, Senator Barrasso emphasized the benefits of this transfer,...

Braun, Casey Call for SSA Compliance with E-Signature Executive Order

Senators Mike Braun and Bob Casey have sent a letter to the Social Security Administration (SSA), expressing their concern over the agency's lack of compliance with congressional and executive direction to allow electronic signatures for transactions when possible. The outdated wet signature requirement not only adds unnecessary burden to SSA employees but also affects anyone filling out forms.In the letter, the Senators highlight that there have been multiple congressional and executive branch authorizations providing federal agencies with the flexibility to allow and...

Chairman Steil Applauds AOC Appointment Act Passage

The Architect of the Capitol Appointment Act has passed the House, bringing greater accountability to the oversight of legislative branch entities. House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil praised the passage of the bill, emphasizing the importance of Congress having the sole responsibility in selecting new leadership and holding bad actors accountable.Chairman Steil stated, "This bill is a win. Passing the AOC Appointment Act will bring greater accountability to our oversight of legislative branch entities. This bill gives Congress the sole responsibility in...

Braun Sounds Alarm on Surge of Fentanyl Deaths Among Older Americans in New Aging Report

U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging Ranking Member, Mike Braun, has released a report titled "The Silent Epidemic, Fentanyl and Older Americans," which highlights the alarming increase in overdose deaths among older Americans. The report sheds light on the dangers of fentanyl, a synthetic drug primarily smuggled across the southern border, and its contribution to the rising number of fatalities. Over the past two decades, overdose deaths among Americans aged 65 and older have quadrupled.Speaking about the issue, Sen. Mike Braun stated, "We often talk about fentanyl...

Shaheen and Braun Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Establish Support for Disabled Entrepreneurs

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen and U.S. Senator Mike Braun have introduced the bipartisan Supporting Disabled Entrepreneurs Act, aimed at providing support and resources for disabled individuals looking to start and expand their own small businesses. The legislation directs the Small Business Administration (SBA) to designate a Coordinator for Disabled Small Business Concerns and collect voluntary data on the disability status of small business owners participating in SBA programs.Senator Shaheen, Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship,...

ENR Advances Legislation Supporting Wyoming’s Resources

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) has approved multiple pieces of legislation that support Wyoming's resources. Among the bills approved were two introduced by ENR ranking member John Barrasso (R-WY), namely the Pilot Butte Power Plant Conveyance Act and the Wyoming Public Lands Initiative Act of 2023, both of which passed out of ENR by voice vote.The Pilot Butte Power Plant Conveyance Act aims to facilitate the responsible resource management of Wyoming's Pilot Butte Power Plant facility. Senator Barrasso explained during the markup, "This...

The Institute of Internal Auditors' Global Internal Audit Standards to be released next month

The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) has announced the approval of new Global Internal Audit Standards by the International Internal Audit Standards Board (IIASB). The English version of these standards is slated for release next month.

Chairwoman Foxx Supports Resolution Denouncing Committee Testimony from UPenn, Harvard and MIT Presidents

Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) expressed her support for Conference Chair Elise Stefanik's resolution condemning the recent rise of antisemitism on college campuses. The resolution specifically addresses the testimony given by former President Magill, as well as Presidents Gay and Kornbluth of UPenn, Harvard, and MIT, during a Committee hearing on December 5, 2023.During her speech on the House floor, Chairwoman Foxx highlighted the disturbing response from these university presidents when questioned about their policies regarding...

Foxx Offers New Resource to Report Antisemitism on Campus

Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) has announced the establishment of a Committee-run email dedicated to reporting cases of antisemitism on college campuses. The email address, Report.antisemitism@mail.house.gov, is open to college students, faculty, and concerned community members who wish to share incidents of antisemitism.Chairwoman Foxx explained that the creation of this centralized reporting system is in response to the numerous messages received by the Committee from individuals across the country following a recent hearing with...

Chairman Smith Remarks on Impeachment Inquiry and Biden's Overseas Business Dealings

In a recent speech on the House floor, Chairman Smith reaffirmed Congress's authority to conduct an impeachment inquiry and gather evidence. He emphasized the importance of transparency and the American people's right to know the truth. Chairman Smith stated, "The American people deserve answers."The focus of Chairman Smith's remarks was President Biden's alleged involvement in his family's overseas business dealings. He accused the President of hiding his knowledge and role in these dealings from the public. Despite overwhelming evidence, President Biden has refused to...

House Passes Bill to Return Nutritious Whole Milk to School Cafeterias

WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 1147, known as the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023. This bipartisan legislation aims to promote the health, development, and education of young people by providing students, parents, and food service providers with the flexibility and choice of milk options needed for nutritious meals.Chairwoman Virginia Foxx of the Education and the Workforce Committee expressed her support for the bill, stating, "Passing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act would be a critical step towards empowering parents and securing...

Chairman Smith: High Interest Rates Harming Families and Small Businesses Are Consequence of President Biden’s Inflation Crisis

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith has expressed concern over the high interest rates that are negatively impacting families and small businesses, attributing them to President Biden's inflation crisis. Following the December meeting of the Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee, Chairman Smith stated, "Even the Federal Reserve remains concerned about inflation, deciding to keep interest rates at levels that have locked families out of buying a house and small businesses from expanding. This is not a win."Despite the Federal Reserve raising rates...

House Energy and Commerce Committee Passes National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act

Washington, D.C. — In a significant step towards finding treatments and a cure for Parkinson's disease, the House Energy and Commerce Committee has passed the bipartisan Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act. The legislation aims to provide hope to the one million Americans affected by this debilitating disease.House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) expressed their appreciation for the passage of the bill. They highlighted the...

Barrasso Hails Broad Support for Bipartisan Nuclear Fuel Security Act