Legislation, Confirmations, Opposing Regulations
By Amy West GovTrack.us, March 28, 2025
This week the House passed a few bills, the Senate continued confirming Executive Branch nominees and both chambers voted against a variety of regulations established by the Biden Administration.
The House has not yet voted on S. 1077: District of Columbia Local Funds Act, 2025 which would restore Washington, D.C.'s funding levels even though the Senate voted for it unanimously and the White House has said it supports this bill.
The House will also continue to include Rep. Stefanik (R-NY21). She had been the nominee for the US Ambassador to the United Nations, but the Trump Administration has become worried about its extremely narrow margin in the House and withdrew her nomination.
Bills
H.R. 359: Cost-Share Accountability Act of 2025, which would amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require reporting relating to certain cost-share requirements, passed 405-0
H.R. 1326: DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act, which would provide for Department of Energy and Department of Agriculture joint research and development activities such as grid modernization and security, rural technology development, and wildfire risks and prevention, passed 372-35
H.R. 1534: IMPACT Act, which would provide for research and development of advanced technologies to improve the efficiency of cement, concrete, and asphalt production, passed 350-73
H.R. 1048: DETERRENT Act, which would limit presumed foreign influence on US campuses by lowering reporting thresholds for gifts and requiring reporting of individual grants and contracts, passed 241-169
Confirmations
Among many confirmations of sub-cabinet level positions this week, these two are notable because of the importance of the FDA and NIH to the daily health of US residents. The Washington Post wrote about both nominees.
Makary, Commissioner of Food and Drug Administration confirmed 56-44
Bhattacharya, Director of the National Institutes of Health confirmed 53-47
Opposing Regulations
The official information is all below, but to summarize, one or both chambers voted to let financial services companies continue to not report crypto sales, to keep appliances less efficient and to allow banks to charge customers as much as they want in fees.
H. J. Res. 25: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Internal Revenue Service relating to "Gross Proceeds Reporting by Brokers That Regularly Provide Services Effectuating Digital Asset Sales" passed 70-28 and goes to the President for signing next.
H.J.Res. 24: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers” passed 203-182
H.J.Res. 75: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers" passed 214-193
S.J.Res. 18: A joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to “Overdraft Lending: Very Large Financial Institutions” passed 52-48
View this post on the web. Send us an email with your questions about this post.
Hawaii Congressional Delegation
March 21, 2025 — Introduced
H.Res. 233: Supporting the designation of April 2025 as “National Native Plant Month”.
Sponsor: Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1]
This resolution was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources which will consider it before sending it to the House floor for consideration.
2 cosponsors are on that committee.
March 24, 2025, 5:30 p.m. — Vote
On the Nomination PN12-36: John Phelan, of Florida, to be Secretary of the Navy
Nomination Confirmed 62/30
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
March 24, 2025, 6:22 p.m. — Vote
On the Nomination PN12-25: Christopher Landau, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of State
Nomination Confirmed 60/31
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
March 24, 2025, 6:55 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 359: Cost-Share Accountability Act of 2025
Passed 405/0
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
March 24, 2025, 7:08 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 1326: DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act
Passed 372/35
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
March 25, 2025 — Introduced
S. 1125: A bill to promote exports by creative industries and occupations, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Brian Schatz [D-HI]
This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs which will consider it before sending it to the Senate floor for consideration.
March 25, 2025, 12:01 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Invoke Cloture: Michael Kratsios to be Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy: Michael Kratsios, of South Carolina, to be Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy
Cloture Motion Agreed to 73/25
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
March 25, 2025, 1:54 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 1534: IMPACT Act
Passed 350/73
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
March 25, 2025, 2:03 p.m. — Vote
On Ordering the Previous Question: H.Res. 242: Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 24) providing for congressional …
Passed 215/208
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
March 25, 2025, 2:15 p.m. — Vote
On the Nomination PN13-8: Michael Kratsios, of South Carolina, to be Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy
Nomination Confirmed 74/25
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
March 25, 2025, 2:26 p.m. — Vote
H.Res. 242: Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 24) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to “Energy Conservation Prog
Passed 214/207
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: No
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: No
March 25, 2025, 2:51 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Invoke Cloture: Jayanta Bhattacharya to be Director of the National Institutes of Health: Jayanta Bhattacharya, of California, to be Director of the National Institutes of Health
Cloture Motion Agreed to 53/46
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
March 25, 2025, 5:40 p.m. — Vote
On the Nomination PN12-2: Jayanta Bhattacharya, of California, to be Director of the National Institutes of Health
Nomination Confirmed 53/47
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
March 25, 2025, 6:28 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Invoke Cloture: Martin Makary to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs: Martin Makary, of Virginia, to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Department of Health and Human Services
Cloture Motion Agreed to 56/44
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
March 25, 2025, 8:09 p.m. — Vote
On the Nomination PN12-28: Martin Makary, of Virginia, to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Department of Health and Human Services
Nomination Confirmed 56/44
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
March 25, 2025, 8:57 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Invoke Cloture: James Bishop to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget: James Bishop, of North Carolina, to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget
Cloture Motion Agreed to 52/47
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
March 26, 2025, 11:10 a.m. — Vote
On the Nomination PN12-3: James Bishop, of North Carolina, to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget
Nomination Confirmed 53/45
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
March 26, 2025, 11:59 a.m. — Vote
Motion to Invoke Cloture: Aaron Reitz to be an Assistant Attorney General: Aaron Reitz, of Texas, to be an Assistant Attorney General vice Hampton Y. Dellinger
Cloture Motion Agreed to 53/45
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
March 26, 2025, 2 p.m. — Vote
On the Nomination PN12-37: Aaron Reitz, of Texas, to be an Assistant Attorney General vice Hampton Y. Dellinger
Nomination Confirmed 52/46
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
March 26, 2025, 2:30 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Invoke Cloture: Michael Faulkender to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury: Michael Faulkender, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury
Cloture Motion Agreed to 52/46
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
March 26, 2025, 5:04 p.m. — Vote
On the Nomination PN12-15: Michael Faulkender, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury
Nomination Confirmed 53/43
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
March 26, 2025, 6:01 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Proceed on H.J.Res. 25: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Internal Revenue Service relating to “Gross Proceeds Reporting by Brokers That Regularly Provide Services Effectuating Digit
Motion to Proceed Agreed to 70/28
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Yea
March 26, 2025, 8:01 p.m. — Vote
H.J.Res. 25: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Internal Revenue Service relating to “Gross Proceeds Reporting by Brokers That Regularly Provide Services Effectuating Digit
Joint Resolution Passed 70/28
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Not Voting
March 26, 2025, 8:48 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Proceed on S.J.Res. 18: A joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to “Overdraft Lending: Very Large Financial Institutions”.
Motion to Proceed Agreed to 52/47
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Not Voting
March 27, 2025 — Introduced
S. 1181: A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 1992 with respect to the Department of Energy Tribal loan guarantee program, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Brian Schatz [D-HI]
This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources which will consider it before sending it to the Senate floor for consideration.
Sen. Mazie Hirono [D-HI] is a member of the committee.
March 27, 2025 — Introduced
H.R. 2476: To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to treat expenditures as coordinated with a candidate, an authorized committee of a candidate, or a committee of a national, State, or local political party if the making of the expenditures i
Sponsor: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2]
This bill was referred to the House Committee on House Administration which will consider it before sending it to the House floor for consideration.
March 27, 2025 — Introduced
H.R. 2412: To establish an Office for Indigenous Affairs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1]
This bill was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and House Committee on Natural Resources which will consider it before sending it to the House floor for consideration.
March 27, 2025, 10:16 a.m. — Vote
H.J.Res. 24: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In
Passed 203/182
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
March 27, 2025, 10:23 a.m. — Vote
H.J.Res. 75: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy relating to “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Cons
Passed 214/193
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
March 27, 2025, 10:30 a.m. — Vote
On Agreeing to the Amendment: Amendment 3 to H R 1048
Failed 199/214
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Aye
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Aye
March 27, 2025, 10:34 a.m. — Vote
On Agreeing to the Amendment: Amendment 4 to H R 1048
Failed 92/321
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: No
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: No
March 27, 2025, 10:40 a.m. — Vote
On Agreeing to the Amendment: Amendment 5 to H R 1048
Failed 3/410
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: No
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: No
March 27, 2025, 10:44 a.m. — Vote
On Agreeing to the Amendment: Amendment 6 to H R 1048
Failed 4/404
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: No
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: No
March 27, 2025, 10:52 a.m. — Vote
H.R. 1048: DETERRENT Act
Passed 241/169
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
March 27, 2025, 11:28 a.m. — Vote
S.J.Res. 18: A joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to “Overdraft Lending: Very Large Financial Institutions”.
Joint Resolution Passed 52/48
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
March 27, 2025, 12:21 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Invoke Cloture: Paul Lawrence to be Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Paul Lawrence, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Cloture Motion Agreed to 53/47
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
March 27, 2025, 2:03 p.m. — Vote
On the Nomination PN13-9: Paul Lawrence, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Nomination Confirmed 51/45
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay