Avoiding as Much Controversy as Possible for Now
by Amy West, GovTrack.us, May 2, 2025
This week the House and Senate kept a relatively low profile.
The House passed some non-controversial (well, within the House anyway in one case) bills, some non-controversial (within the Republican majority) bills beginning the process of cancelling regulations and snuck in a change to House rules via a resolution on rules for debate on some specific bills (again).
The Senate, as usual in its Tuesday-Thursday week, confirmed a few nominees, completed the cancellation of a few regulations and almost passed a resolution that would have limited the upcoming tariffs.
Regular House Bills
With the exception of the first one listed below, these bills are still early in the legislative process. They must next pass in the Senate before they can become law.
S. 146: TAKE IT DOWN Act passed 409-2. It will go to the President next for signing and become law. While it has been uncontroversial in Congress, there are considerable objections outside of Congress. Ostensibly, the soon-to-be law will provide punishment for the use of non-consensual intimate images online. However, as TechDirt notes "Instead of building on existing successful systems, or within the parameters of the First Amendment, Congress decided to create a new framework combining vague “duty of care” requirements with harsh criminal penalties — a combination that, as we’ve previously detailed, practically begs to be weaponized for censorship."
H.R. 859: Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act, which would require the disclosure of a camera or recording capability in certain internet-connected devices, passed 415-9
H.R. 1402: TICKET Act, which would require sellers of event tickets to disclose comprehensive information to consumers about ticket prices and related fees, passed 409-15
H.R. 1442: Youth Poisoning Protection Act, which would ban the sale of products with a high concentration of sodium nitrite to individuals, passed 378-42. We wrote about a previous version of this bill in 2023.
H.R. 973: Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act, which would establish standards for lithium-ion batteries, passed 365-42
House Regulation Cancellations
These bills are early in the legislative process. They must next pass in the Senate before they can become law.
H.J.Res. 60: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Park Service relating to “Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Motor Vehicles” passed 219-205
H.J.Res. 78: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of the Longfin Smelt" passed 216-195
H.J.Res. 87, H.J.Res. 88, and H.J.Res. 89; all resolutions disapproving of waivers the Biden Administration gave to California to have stricter environmental rules, passed 231-191, 264-194, and 225-196, respectively. These may not come up for a vote in the Senate since the Senate Parliamentarian agreed with the General Accountability Office that "waivers" are not regulations.
No Investigations for Democrats
In what is becoming a go-to move for Speaker Johnson, a change to House Rules was added to the rules for debate for specific bills this week. This time, the rules change precludes Democrats from being able to force investigations into the current administration. Previous rules changes preclude the House from using the primary method to cancel the President's tariffs and to force Rep. Luna to back down from an effort to allow proxy voting for new parents.
H.Res. 354. This was a procedural resolution with an incredibly long title; the link goes to the specific clause that changed the rules.
Senate Regulation Cancellations
The first two bills will become law which is to say the referenced regulations will be cancelled. The next step will be for the President to sign them. The third though, still has to pass in the House, so it's early in the process.
H.J.Res. 42: 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 for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment" passed 52-46
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 52-45
S.J.Res. 31: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act" passed 52-46
The Tariff Resolution, or The Importance of Being There
If Sens. McConnell and Van Hollen had been on the floor and voted the way they were expected to, this resolution would have passed. However, the Senate does not allow any kind of remote voting outside of committees. The resolution still would have had to get through the House, but now that will not happen.
S.J.Res. 49: A joint resolution terminating the national emergency declared to impose global tariffs failed 49-49.
* * * * *
Hawaii Congressional Delegation
April 28, 2025, 5:30 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Invoke Cloture: David Perdue to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the U.S. to the People's Republic of China: David Perdue, of Georgia, to be Ambassador to the People's Republic of China
Cloture Motion Agreed to 64/27
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
April 28, 2025, 6:54 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 973: Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act
Passed 365/42
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
April 28, 2025, 7:03 p.m. — Vote
S. 146: TAKE IT DOWN Act
Passed 409/2
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
April 29, 2025, 11:29 a.m. — Vote
On the Nomination PN54-5: David Perdue, of Georgia, to be Ambassador to the People's Republic of China
Nomination Confirmed 67/29
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
April 29, 2025, 12:14 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Invoke Cloture: Warren Stephens to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Warren Stephens, of Arkansas, to be Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Cloture Motion Agreed to 59/39
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
April 29, 2025, 1:57 p.m. — Vote
On Ordering the Previous Question: H.Res. 354: Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 60) providing for congressional …
Passed 215/206
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
April 29, 2025, 2:04 p.m. — Vote
H.Res. 354: Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 60) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Park Service relating to “Glen Canyon National Re
Passed 216/208
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: No
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: No
April 29, 2025, 2:11 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 1402: TICKET Act
Passed 409/15
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
April 29, 2025, 2:15 p.m. — Vote
On the Nomination PN24-5: Warren Stephens, of Arkansas, to be Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Nomination Confirmed 59/39
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
April 29, 2025, 2:53 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Invoke Cloture: Thomas Barrack to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Turkey: Thomas Barrack, of Colorado, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey
Cloture Motion Agreed to 62/36
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
April 29, 2025, 5:25 p.m. — Vote
On the Nomination PN26-3: Thomas Barrack, of Colorado, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey
Nomination Confirmed 60/36
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
April 29, 2025, 5:26 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 1442: Youth Poisoning Protection Act
Passed 378/42
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
April 29, 2025, 5:34 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 859: Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
Passed 415/9
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
April 29, 2025, 5:40 p.m. — Vote
H.J.Res. 60: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Park Service relating to “Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Motor Vehicles”.
Passed 219/205
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
April 29, 2025, 6:14 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Invoke Cloture: Tilman Fertitta to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Italian Republic and the Republic of San Marino: Tilman Fertitta, of Texas, to be Ambassador to the Italian Republic, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to the Republic of San Marino
Cloture Motion Agreed to 84/13
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
April 29, 2025, 8:48 p.m. — Vote
On the Nomination PN26-18: Tilman Fertitta, of Texas, to be Ambassador to the Italian Republic, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to the Republic of San Marino
Nomination Confirmed 83/14
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
April 29, 2025, 9:25 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Proceed on H.J.Res. 42: 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 for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling
Motion to Proceed Agreed to 52/46
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
April 30, 2025 — Ordered Reported
S. 1378: TAME Extreme Weather and Wildfires Act
Sponsor: Sen. Brian Schatz [D-HI]
Last Action: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Explanation: The committees assigned to this bill sent it to the House or Senate as a whole for consideration on April 30, 2025.
April 30, 2025 — Introduced
S. 1534: A bill to increase the participation of historically underrepresented demographic groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and industry.
Sponsor: Sen. Mazie Hirono [D-HI]
This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions which will consider it before sending it to the Senate floor for consideration.
April 30, 2025, 11:32 a.m. — Vote
H.J.Res. 42: 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 for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling
Joint Resolution Passed 52/46
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
April 30, 2025, 12:24 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Proceed on 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
Motion to Proceed Agreed to 52/46
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
April 30, 2025, 5:40 p.m. — Vote
H.J.Res. 87: Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty V
Passed 231/191
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
April 30, 2025, 5:42 p.m. — Vote
S.J.Res. 49: A joint resolution terminating the national emergency declared to impose global tariffs.
Joint Resolution Defeated 49/49
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Yea
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Yea
April 30, 2025, 5:49 p.m. — Vote
H.J.Res. 89: Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “California State Motor Vehicle and Engine and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Stan
Passed 225/196
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
April 30, 2025, 6:50 p.m. — Vote
On the Motion to Table S.J.Res. 49
Motion to Table Agreed to 50/49
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
April 30, 2025, 8:16 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Proceed on S.J.Res. 31: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Ar
Motion to Proceed Agreed to 52/40
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
May 1, 2025, 10:20 a.m. — Vote
H.J.Res. 78: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to “Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Statu
Passed 216/195
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
May 1, 2025, 10:37 a.m. — Vote
H.J.Res. 88: Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Advanced Cle
Passed 246/164
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
May 1, 2025, 10:57 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
Joint Resolution Passed 52/45
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
May 1, 2025, 11:52 a.m. — Vote
S.J.Res. 31: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Ar
Joint Resolution Passed 52/46
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
May 1, 2025, 1:45 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Invoke Cloture: Frank Bisignano to be Commissioner of the Social Security Administration: Frank Bisignano, of New Jersey, to be Commissioner of Social Security Administration for the term expiring January 19, 2031
Cloture Motion Agreed to 50/45
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay