Congress Update

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Related Headlines:

Senate GOP absences snag Trump nominees

Congress passes year-end COVID-19 relief, omnibus deal

Senator Grassley speaks on Sunday convening of 117th Congress

Congress passes $2.3T coronavirus relief, government funding deal, Sends to Trump

Pelosi Splits Off COVID Relief Package After Progressives Balk At Spending Bill

Congress approves COVID-19 ‘relief’ deal loaded with left-wing pork, Trump may veto

GOP Blocks Standalone $2,000 Stimulus Payments Bill, House To Vote On Proposal Monday

Congress Update

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Related Headlines:

Senate Chaplain Prays About Electoral College Vote — Prayer

McConnell congratulates Biden on White House win — Full Speech

Senate confirms two more Trump judicial nominees, including replacement for Amy Coney Barrett on Appeals Court

Senate blocks religious freedom resolution — Floor Debate

Majority Leader McConnell tribute to Sen. Pat Roberts

Outgoing Rep. Cunningham opens beer on House floor in goodbye toast to bipartisanship

Congress passes 2-day spending bill, Trump signs

Congress Update

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Related Headlines:

Senate confirms three to FEC, restoring a full slate

Trump’s FCC Nominee Nathan Simington Confirmed by Senate

Senate rejects attempt to block Trump's UAE arms sale

Two Senate Democrats Break With Party To Approve Trump Arms Deal With United Arab Emirates

House Passes Stopgap Bill to Avert Government Shutdown

Senate approves funding bill by voice vote to avert shutdown

House Approves Defense Bill With Veto-Proof Vote

Resolution calling for the global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws.

Committee hearing on taxpayer-funded abortion

Today, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing entitled, “The Impact on Women Seeking an Abortion but are Denied Because of an Inability to Pay.”

LHHS Subcommittee Ranking Member Tom Cole (R-OK)

• Opening Statement
• asks all witnesses if taxpayer funds should be used for elective abortion.
• asks Ms. Bennett the best way to care for pregnant women in financial need.
• asks for Christina Bennett’s response to claims that the Hyde Amendment is racist.

Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA)

• rebuts the claim that Hyde is racist policy, and she invites Ms. Bennett to respond as well.
• further engages in defense of the Hyde Amendment: Elective abortion is “a failure to help a women in need. It capitulates to despair and says that there is no hope for the mother or child.”

Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD)

• invites Ms. Bennett to respond to claims that the Hyde Amendment is racist.

Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI)

• asks abortion provider, Dr. Perritt, whether, when a pregnant women comes to see her, Dr. Perritt has ever seen the unborn child as her patient or believed she had a role in providing care.
• asks Ms. Bennett to elaborate on her encounters with women who have experienced the harms of abortion.
• asks Ms. Bennett about the importance of pregnancy care centers.
• invites Ms. Bennett to share more about the experience of her friend, Destenie, who was severely injured by a botched abortion.

Congress Update

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Related Headlines:

Bill Forcing Chinese Firms to Meet US Accounting Standards Passes Congress

Senate Confirms Christopher Waller to Serve on Fed’s Board

House passes sweeping reform bill to decriminalize marijuana

House Passes Ban On Big Cat Ownership

GOP blocks effort to make payroll tax deferral optional for federal workers

Mark Kelly sworn in to Senate seat

McConnell chokes up during goodbye floor speech to longtime friend Lamar Alexander — Full Speech

Lamar bids farewell — Full Farewell Speech

Mike Enzi bids farewell — Full Farewell Speech

Congress Update

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Prior Week Speeches:

Sen. Lankford on Religious Freedom and the Third Ministerial to Advance Freedom of Religion

Sen. McSally farewell speech

Congress Update

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Related Headlines:

US Senate Passes Anti-Doping Sports Bill — H.R. 835

Shelton Fed nomination fails Senate procedure vote — 47-50

GOP senators congratulate Harris on Senate floor

House Passes Bill To Reform Plane Certification Process After Two Boeing 737 Max Crashes — H.R. 8408

GOP Congressman Defends Newsom’s Decision To Attend Dinner Party

Congress Update

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Related Headlines:

McConnell declines in floor speech to congratulate Biden as president-elect, Says Trump ‘Within His Rights’ To Request Recount

Congress Update

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

GSA let Mueller secretly gain access to Trump transition records, Senate report says

Senate committee verifies Bobulinski materials reviewed so far: Report

FBI Asks Hunter Biden’s Ex-Business Partner Tony Bobulinski for Interview: Senate Committee

Senate Investigators Seek Hunter Biden Records

Senate Health Committee chair asks Cuomo, Newsom to 'stop second guessing' FDA on vaccine efficacy

Senate Judiciary authorizes subpoenas for Facebook, Twitter chiefs

Congress to Question Facebook, Twitter CEOs Amid Censorship Concerns

Facebook, Twitter CEOs to testify before Senate Judiciary Committee on Nov. 17


Floor Outlook

Senate packs up with coronavirus relief bill on ice until after elections

McConnell plans to fill two key circuit court seats even if Trump loses

Low expectations for 'lame duck' session

McConnell says Congress will take up stimulus package at start of 2021

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Related Headlines:

Congress hears more prayers from rabbis than Israel’s Knesset

Senate convenes rare weekend session to confirm Barrett

Senate Confirms Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court

McConnell tees up Trump judicial pick following Supreme Court vote

Senate adjourns until post-election session

Supreme Court Nominee Confirmed

Tensions high but drama largely absent at Barrett’s Senate confirmation

Justice Amy Coney Barrett takes oath

Amy Coney Barrett Sworn in at the White House, by Justice Clarence Thomas

Trump Celebrates at White House as Supreme Court Nominee Confirmed

A “view” from the South Lawn: The constitutional oath

Barrett confirmed as 115th justice

Barrett sworn in as newest justice as court weighs urgent election cases

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

Senate Homeland Security Chairman Presses FBI About Hunter Biden Laptop

Senate Judiciary votes to subpoena Facebook and Twitter for blocking Hunter Biden laptop story

Schumer hints at Senate Judiciary Committee shakeup after Barrett hearing criticism, Had ‘Long And Serious Talk’ With Feinstein

Senate Intel leadership urges American vigilance amid foreign election interference

House Democrats threaten to subpoena HHS over allegations of political interference at CDC

House committee subpoenas Education Department staff over for-profit colleges

Senate Panel Unanimously Approves Barrett Nomination, sets up Oct. 26 final vote

Here's what happens next in her Supreme Court confirmation

House Democrats Pledge to Continue Investigations Into Pompeo—Regardless of Election Outcome

Federal Agency Secretly Offered FBI Documents On Trump Officials, Senate Report Says


Floor Outlook

McConnell tees up Barrett nomination, setting up rare weekend session

Senate to Work Through Weekend, advance nomination in rare Sunday Senate session

Senate to vote Monday on confirming Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity

Republicans Reject Schumer’s Motion to Adjourn Senate Until After Election

PPP plan falls short in Senate as hope for COVID-19 aid wanes

Schumer Roadblocks Senate Agenda, Pledges Not To Allow ‘Regular Order’

McConnell Mocks Media For Reporting On Barrett’s Faith As If They ‘Discovered Some Secret Scandal’

Senate Democrats block $500B coronavirus aid package as negotiations continue

Supreme Court Nominee Update

Pro-Abortion Group Calls for Feinstein’s Ouster from Judiciary Committee after Amy Coney Barrett Hearings

McConnell slams New York Times story on Amy Coney Barrett’s adopted children

With Amy Coney Barrett, Democrats hold a master class on how to lose a Senate debate

Congressional Outlook

Committee

Senate Panel Is Investigating Contents of Hunter Biden’s Alleged Computer Drive

Senate Will Launch Probe Into Emails Allegedly Linking Joe Biden To Son’s Work With Ukrainian Gas Company

House Hearing Reminds Conservatives of the Dangers of Progressive Proposals for Tech Companies

Judiciary Committee sets vote on Barrett's Supreme Court nomination for next week

Congress Last Week

Floor Action

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

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Foreign Policy

White House asks Congress to approve three arms sales to Taiwan

Gina Haspel Blows Off Senators’ Demands To Quit Stonewalling Congress On Russiagate Oversight


Election 2020

Pennsylvania House race could affect a post-Election Day fight for the presidency


Federal Spending

Administration officials call on Congress to immediately pass bill to spend unused PPP funds

White House Offers $1.8 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Bill

Pelosi Rejects $1.8 Trillion Stimulus Package Offer, a few Democrats urge compromise

‘Take The Deal’: Prominent Dems Scorch Pelosi After She Refuses $1.8 Trillion White House COVID Deal

Supreme Court Nominee Update

Confirmation Hearings

Biden cautions Senate Democrats against any questions about Amy Coney Barrett's faith

US Senate Kicks Off Sprint to Confirm Barrett Before Election Day

Amy Coney Barrett's opening statement

Barrett Tells Senate She Will Interpret Laws ‘As They Are Written’

Barrett hearings, day one: Opening statements on health care, religion and the Supreme Court’s role

Ted Cruz points out Senate Democrats aren't even talking about Amy Coney Barrett during her confirmation hearing

‘You Would Be Getting Justice Barrett’: Barrett Urges Senate Judiciary Committee Not To Assume She Will Judge Like Scalia

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

Andrew McCabe’s Senate testimony on Crossfire Hurricane postponed

House chairman asks Secret Service for briefing on COVID-19 safeguards for agents

Tech CEOs to testify on Section 230 before Senate Commerce Committee


Floor Outlook

Senate gavels out for two weeks amid coronavirus outbreak

Leader McConnell floor comments

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity Headlines

McConnell moves to delay Senate return after 3 lawmakers test positive for COVID-19

Supreme Court Nominee Update

Nominee

Empirical SCOTUS: A comprehensive look at Judge Amy Coney Barrett

Barrett Sees No 'Superprecedent' in Roe

Trump pick noncommittal on recusing from election-related cases

House COVID-19 relief bill allows funds for abortion

On October 1, 2020, the House of Representatives passed the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 925, also known as “The Heroes Act,” by a vote of 214-207.

Division K, Title VIII, Section 801 states that, both in this bill and portions of past COVID-19 relief bills signed into law, no person shall be “excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination… based on any factor … such as… pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions…”.

“Related medical conditions” has been recognized by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and courts as a reference to abortion. If adopted, this provision could override Hyde protections that apply to provisions in this bill and override Hyde protections in past COVID-19-related legislation.

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

Lindsey Graham reveals DOJ attorney letter responding to issues with FISA applications

Lindsey Graham floats inviting Andrew Weissmann to testify

Comey defends FBI Russia probe from Republican criticism

Republicans slam Comey for evading questions about FBI Russia investigation

Mike Lee to James Comey: 'You don’t seem to know anything about this investigation that you ran'

James Comey denies going 'rogue' with Flynn interview

House intelligence panel report: US intelligence community has 'not sufficiently adapted' to rise of China

Porter brings back whiteboard to grill former pharma CEO on cancer drug price hike

Senate committee subpoenas tech CEOS, heads of Facebook, Google, and Twitter

Maxine Waters and Azar in heated exchange at coronavirus hearing: 'We're very unhappy'

Top House lawmakers launch investigation into Pentagon redirecting COVID-19 funds


Floor Outlook

McConnell tees up judicial nominees amid Supreme Court standoff

Senate GOP set to vote on Trump's Supreme Court pick before election

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity Headlines

House passes bills to secure energy sector against cyberattacks — H.R. 360

House declines to remove references to Confederacy-supporting parties in Capitol — H.Res. 1148

House affirms peaceful transfer of power — H.Res. 1155

McConnell blasts Democratic opposition to Barrett nomination — Floor Speech

Senate passes spending bill to avert shutdown hours before deadline — H.R. 8337

Senate rejects bill undermining Executive Branch amid Supreme Court fight — 51-43

Steve King defends comments on Western Civilization — Full Speech

House approves $2.2T COVID-19 relief bill as White House talks stall — H.R. 925

Bill to expand support for community addiction treatment passes House — H.R. 5572

House condemns alleged hysterectomies on migrant women — H.Res. 1153 — Pro-Life Implications

House condemns QAnon — H.Res. 1154

Prayer Caucus Chairman Walberg led the House in prayer for the President

Supreme Court Nominee Update

Trump nominates Barrett to Supreme Court

White House sends Supreme Court nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Senate

What Would Be Unique about Justice Amy Coney Barrett

In a Sane World, America Would Have Just Fallen in Love with the Barrett Family

Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett tests negative for coronavirus

Amy Coney Barrett on Work and Motherhood

Barrett nomination puts faith and family in spotlight

Pro-life implications of House sterilization vote

Today, the House of Representatives agreed to H.Res. 1153, a resolution “condemning unwanted, unnecessary medical procedures on individuals without their full, informed consent” by a vote of 232-157, with 4 members voting present.

This resolution comes after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched two investigations into allegations that women detained at the Irwin County Detention Center (ICDC) had hysterectomies performed on them without their informed consent.

Supreme Court Vacancy Update

Nomination

Trump to announce Supreme Court nominee at 5 p.m. on Saturday

Trump expected to pick Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court

‘No More Secret Moderates’: Hawley Doubles Down on Call for Anti-Roe SCOTUS Nominee, Sen. Josh Hawley’s pro-life demand could block Trump’s pro-life nominee

Josh Hawley: Senate could confirm a Supreme Court nominee sooner than Halloween

Conservatives Want Trump’s Supreme Court Pick to Have a Record on Roe v. Wade

The Attacks on Judge Barrett Have Already Started

Forestalling a Misunderstanding of Judge Barrett

Abortion stirs GOP tensions in Supreme Court fight, abortion groups mobilizing

Nation remembers Justice Ginsburg

May Her Memory Be a Blessing

Cruz: Ginsburg was ‘one of the finest Supreme Court litigators to have ever lived’

Gardner on court vacancy: Country needs to mourn Ginsburg 'before the politics begin'

Capitol bids goodbye to Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

Jim Jordan: Comey testimony is 'key' to unwrapping Russia investigation 'cover-up'

Top GOP senators release findings from controversial Biden probe — Report

At confirmation hearing, Chad Wolf hit with flood of questions, including family separation issue, nomination faces little resistance

Powell defends Federal Reserve against report that it helped investors and hurt workers during pandemic


Floor Outlook

Senate to push funding bill vote up against shutdown deadline

Republicans hope to confirm SCOTUS nominee before November 3

Senate GOP aims to confirm Trump court pick by October 29

House to vote on resolution affirming peaceful transition of power

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity Headlines

House passes bill funding government until Dec. 11

House passes legislation to crack down on business with companies that utilize China's forced labor

House advances bill aimed at imports tied to Uyghur forced labor

House passes sweeping clean energy bill

House passes bipartisan legislation to set federal Internet of Things security standards

Senate declines to agree to resolution honoring Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her 'dying wish'

Senate passes resolution reaffirming commitment to peaceful transition of power

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

House Democrats launch investigation of political interference in CDC science publications

GOP chairman to release interim report on Biden probe 'in about a week'

House Democrats again postpone hearing on 'white supremacy' in police departments

House committee: FAA, Boeing cultures led to 737 Max disasters

Air safety bill prompted by 737 Max flaws pulled before vote

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity Headlines

Senate Dems demand White House to fire controversial head of public lands agency

House passes legislation to boost election security research

House passes bill to allow private lawsuits against public schools for discriminatory practices

House agrees to resolution condemning anti-Asian discrimination relating to coronavirus

House passes bill to protect pregnant employees

Justice Ginsburg passes, Supreme Court vacancy opens

Justice Ginsburg Passed Away

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at 87

Perspective on her 'most fervent wish'


Remembrances

Trump: Ruth Bader Ginsburg "led an amazing life"

Pelosi orders Capitol flags at half-staff to honor Ginsburg

Biden: "Ruth Bader Ginsburg stood for the law"

What they're saying: Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a "tireless and resolute champion of justice"


President Trump

Trump to move fast to replace Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg


Senate Republicans

McConnell says Trump nominee to replace Ginsburg will get Senate vote — Statement

Cruz: Trump should nominate a Supreme Court justice next week

Loeffler: Trump 'has every right' to fill Ginsburg vacancy before election

McSally says current Senate should vote on Trump nominee


Democrats

Pelosi: Ginsburg successor must uphold commitment to 'equality, opportunity and justice for all'

Schumer: Supreme Court vacancy should not be filled until after election, by next president

Democratic senator calls for eliminating filibuster, expanding Supreme Court if GOP fills vacancy

Obama calls on Senate not to fill Ginsburg's vacancy until after election

Biden: The next president should decide on Ginsburg’s replacement

House denies religious liberty protection for faith-based organizations

Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2694, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, 329-73. The bill requires employers to establish reasonable workplace accommodations for employees with limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

During floor proceedings, Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and Labor, offered a Motion to Recommit (MTR) which would have included a longstanding provision in the 1964 Civil Rights Act that protects religious organizations’ ability to make employment decisions that are consistent with their faith.

House Committee Schedule

Monday — September 14, 2020

"Postal Update"
Subcommittee on Government Operations (Committee on Oversight and Reform)

• H. Res. 908 — Condemning all forms of anti-Asian sentiment as related to COVID-19.;
• H.R. 2574 — Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act of 2019;
• H.R. 2639 — Strength in Diversity Act of 2019 [Strength in Diversity Act of 2020];
• H.R. 2694 — Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
Committee on Rules

Source: House.gov

House Floor Schedule

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH
On Monday, the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.R. 6133 – STEP Improvement Act of 2020 (Sponsored by Rep. Abby Finkenauer / Small Business Committee)

2) H.R. 6079 – Microloan Improvement Act of 2020 (Sponsored by Rep. Andy Kim / Small Business Committee)

3) H.R. 6021 – Northern Marianas Islands Small Business Development Act (Sponsored by Rep. Gregorio Sablan / Small Business Committee)

4) H.R. 6078 – Microloan Transparency and Accountability Act of 2020, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Tim Burchett / Small Business Committee)

5) H.R. 4894 – Congressional Budget Justification Transparency Act of 2020, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Mike Quigley / Oversight and Reform Committee)

Senate Committee Schedule

Monday, September 14, 2020

Foreign Relations
To receive a closed briefing on 2020 global nuclear threats.


Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Hearings to examine compensating college athletes, focusing on the potential impact on athletes and institutions.

Judiciary
Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights
Hearings to examine whether Google harmed competition in online advertising.

Intelligence
Closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters.

Senate Floor Schedule

Program for Monday: Senate resumes consideration of the nomination of Mark C. Scarsi, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California, and votes on the motion to invoke cloture thereon at 5:30 p.m.


Thursday, 9/10, Senate began consideration of the following:

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

Intel panel rebuffs request to share info for GOP's Obama-era probes

Senate panel seeks documents in probe of DHS whistleblower complaint

House Oversight to investigate postmaster general over accusations of pressuring employees for political donations

Republicans call for Judiciary hearing into unrest in cities

Top Pompeo aides to appear before House panel next week


Floor Outlook

McConnell: Chance for coronavirus deal 'doesn't look that good right now'

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record

Floor Activity

Senate Democrats block coronavirus relief bill

House Committee Schedule

Tuesday — September 8, 2020

Holding Financial Regulators Accountable for Diversity and Inclusion: Perspectives from the Offices of Minority and Women Inclusion
Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion (Committee on Financial Services)

Source: House.gov


Wednesday — September 9, 2020

The Impact of the COVID-19 — Crisis on University Research
Subcommittee on Research and Technology (Committee on Science, Space, and Technology)

38 bills pending before the Committee
Committee on Energy and Commerce

Amtraks Response to COVID-19
Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials (Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure)

Senate Committee Schedule

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Hearings to examine vaccines, focusing on saving lives, ensuring confidence, and protecting public health.

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Hearings to examine the status of the Federal Reserve emergency lending facilities.

Environment and Public Works
Hearings to examine S. 614, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to reissue a final rule relating to removing the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem population of grizzly bears from the Federal list of endangered and threatened wildlife.

Senate Floor Schedule

Program for Monday: Senate resumes consideration of the nomination of Brett H. Ludwig, of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, with a vote on the motion to invoke cloture at 5:30 p.m.


Thursday, 8/13, Senate began consideration of the following:

Congressional Outlook

Committee Activity

House Oversight Committee to subpoena Postmaster General Louis DeJoy

Clyburn to Mnuchin: This is a ‘call to action’

Pompeo, Engel poised for battle in contempt proceedings

Democrats divided over 1998 embassy bombing settlement


Floor Outlook

Deadlines loom for highways, airlines and transit

Congress faces tough call on stopgap funding length

Congress Will Likely Have to Pass a Stopgap Funding Measure to Avoid Shutdown: Hoyer — Letter

Congress Last Week

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record


Justice

Dems Decry Pelosi’s Pledge to Repeal Hyde Amendment in 2021
This would allow taxpayer funding of abortion.


National Security

Ratcliffe: Democrats Addendum on Election Security, Draws ‘Selectively’ From Intel Reports


Tax Policy

House Democrat offers measures to block payroll tax deferral


Federal Spending

Schumer describes Senate Republicans' coronavirus relief plan as "emaciated" — plan “would include some expanded unemployment benefits, a PPP extension and funding for the U.S. Postal Service.”

Ending lockdowns could weaken argument for new federal bailouts for states

Outcry as Pentagon orders shutdown of the century-old Stars and Stripes newspaper

Trump says Pentagon won't cut funding to 159-year-old newspaper, Stars and Stripes


Executive

Appeals court tosses suit to compel Don McGahn to answer House questions on Mueller probe

Top Senate Democrat requests German ambassador nomination pulled over past comments about Islam in Europe


Commerce Policy

Chamber of Commerce Backs Democrats Pushing $15 Minimum Wage


Congress

Three candidates shape vigorous contest for House Foreign Affairs gavel

Scalise hit with ethics complaint over doctored Barkan video

David Cicilline launches bid for assistant Speaker