On the Hill News on Federal Newswire

House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington has proposed reducing U.S. deficits to 3% of GDP by 2036 in an op-ed published March 26. His plan calls for spending discipline and policy reforms as part of efforts led by the committee.

House committee to hold hearing on foreign espionage in U.S. universities March 26

A congressional committee led by Rep. Tim Walberg will examine foreign espionage threats facing U.S. universities during a hearing on March 26. Witnesses from academia and government are scheduled to testify about national security concerns related to stolen innovation.

Subcommittee discusses affordability and reforms in VA Home Loan program for veterans

Rep. Derrick Van Orden led an oversight hearing focused on making housing more affordable for veterans through reforms in the Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loan program. He highlighted new legislation aimed at reducing red tape and protecting benefits for servicemembers' families.

Senator Cassidy discusses college athletics reform during Senate HELP Committee hearing

Senator Bill Cassidy discussed potential reforms for college athletics at a recent Senate HELP Committee hearing. His remarks addressed both benefits for student-athletes receiving compensation and concerns about exploitation under current rules.

Cruz and Cantwell issue joint statement on ALERT Act markups in House committees

Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell issued a joint statement expressing concerns over limited aviation safety reforms adopted during recent markups of the ALERT Act by two key House committees. They highlighted differences between current proposals in Congress regarding mandatory adoption of advanced cockpit awareness technologies following last year's fatal midair collision near Reagan National Airport.

Oversight Committee releases memorandum on sanctuary policies’ impact on public safety and taxpayers

The House Oversight Committee has released a memorandum analyzing how sanctuary city policies affect public safety and taxpayers. The report details financial costs tied to supporting undocumented immigrants while highlighting operational challenges faced by federal authorities.

Durbin honors late Robert Mueller at Senate Judiciary Committee meeting

Senator Dick Durbin paid tribute to former FBI Director Robert Mueller during a recent Senate Judiciary Committee meeting. Durbin contrasted Mueller's legacy with current actions taken by FBI Director Kash Patel while highlighting concerns about changes within federal law enforcement.

House committee questions Columbia University on compliance with anti-discrimination laws

Chairman Brett Guthrie has sent a letter questioning Columbia University's compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws after recent allegations regarding protection against antisemitism. The House Energy and Commerce Committee seeks detailed reporting from the university amid ongoing investigations into civil rights law adherence at federally funded institutions.

Chairman Walberg supports bipartisan bill to modernize professional boxing

Chairman Tim Walberg voiced support for bipartisan legislation designed to modernize professional boxing rules. The bill aims to improve fighter safety standards while increasing choice and pay across organizations.

Chairman Arrington calls for new fiscal framework at House Budget Committee hearing

House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington called for shifting federal budgeting toward deficit-to-GDP measures during a Mar. 26 hearing. He urged bipartisan cooperation on realistic fiscal targets supported by financial experts.

Senate Democrats hold forum on climate change impact on household costs for families

Senators Whitehouse and Schumer led a forum discussing how climate change raises household expenses like insurance premiums and grocery prices. Experts testified about increasing annual costs tied directly to environmental changes affecting health care or food production. The session underscored ongoing legislative efforts addressing national affordability challenges.

Chairman Cole urges support for Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act amid DHS shutdown

House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole urged passage of H.R. 8029 to end an extended DHS shutdown affecting thousands of workers nationwide. The bill seeks comprehensive funding for homeland security operations and employee pay.

Rep. Don Bacon discusses Department of Defense IT and cybersecurity at hearing

Representative Don Bacon addressed Congress about ongoing efforts to modernize military information technology systems during a recent hearing on March 26. He emphasized that reliable digital infrastructure is essential for military readiness amid growing cyber threats.

Senator Heinrich outlines steps to address rising energy costs and grid strain

Senator Martin Heinrich detailed solutions aimed at reducing energy costs amid growing strain on America’s power grid during a Senate committee hearing. He emphasized optimizing current infrastructure, expanding transmission lines, accelerating low-cost generation integration, and requiring large-scale users like data centers to pay their share of upgrade expenses.

Chairman Rogers delivers statement on ALERT Act markup in House Armed Services Committee

Chairman Mike Rogers led a markup session on March 26 regarding new aviation safety measures in H.R. 7613—the ALERT Act—before members of the House Armed Services Committee. The proposed changes follow recent NTSB recommendations after a midair collision involving military aircraft.

House passes Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act to protect fighters

The House has passed H.R. 4624—the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act—to improve conditions for professional boxers. The bill introduces new safety standards, fairer pay structures, and expanded career opportunities within boxing.

House Armed Services Committee leaders commend passage of ALERT Act on air safety reforms

Leaders from both parties on House Armed Services Committee commended progress on new air safety reforms after last year's fatal crash near Washington D.C., highlighting steps taken through H.R. 7613—the ALERT Act—to address NTSB recommendations for safer skies.

Senate Judiciary Committee advances Combating Illicit Xylazine Act and other measures

The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced key bipartisan bills including one targeting illicit xylazine use. The panel also moved forward on other legislative measures and two U.S. Marshal nominations.

Chairman Rick Scott supports CMS proposal to strengthen domestic medical supply chains

Senator Rick Scott has voiced strong support for new CMS proposals intended to boost U.S.-based production of vital medical supplies amid concerns about reliance on foreign sources like China. In a detailed letter addressed Mar. 26 to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, Scott outlined steps he believes are needed for greater security within America's healthcare system.

House committee to consider updated ALERT Act on aviation safety March 26