Committee Cliff Notes: Weekly Recap – Week of December 8, 2025
Here’s a recap of key moments from House Republican committees during the week:
Armed Services
Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, released a statement applauding the House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026:
“As we face the most complex security environment since World War II, the FY26 NDAA delivers on President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda and ensures our warfighters are the most ready, lethal, and capable force in the world.
At the core of this bill is a fundamental overhaul of the Pentagon’s broken acquisition system. The FY26 NDAA cuts red tape and focuses defense acquisition on one mission: getting our warfighters the capabilities they need, when they need them.
This is a strong, bipartisan bill that supports our servicemembers and their families, revitalizes our defense industrial base, and sends a clear message to our adversaries. I urge the Senate to quickly pass the FY26 NDAA so President Trump can sign it and we can begin implementing his agenda."
A summary of the legislation can be found here.
Additional resources for the FY26 NDAA can be found here.
Agriculture
On Wednesday, December 10, the Committee on Agriculture held a full committee hearing called "Member Day." In this hearing, Members of Congress on and off the Agriculture Committee were invited to testify on their priorities, perspectives, and feedback on all things agriculture. House Agriculture heard from 12 members of Congress, representing California, Alabama, Texas, Wyoming, Connecticut, North Carolina, Michigan, Washington, Illinois, and Puerto Rico.
On Thursday, December 11, the Committee on Agriculture held a full committee hearing called "CFTC Reauthorization: Stakeholder Perspectives." Witnesses testified on the importance of reauthorizing this independent federal agency that hasn’t been authorized since 2013, especially in light of the recent innovations in online commodities trading. One witness (Ed Prosser testifying on behalf of the Commodity Markets Council) remarked, “I don’t know that there’s any time that we’ve had the pace and scope of innovation happening as fast as it is today.”
Education & Workforce
On Wednesday, December 10, the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development held a hearing called "Building a Talent Marketplace: How LERs Empower Workers and Expand Opportunity." Workers have little clarity on which pathways lead to real jobs or how to show employers what they can actually do. LERs give everyday Americans a simple way to prove their skills, skip unnecessary education expenses, and get matched to real opportunities faster. This hearing builds upon Republican efforts to enable students to pursue only the learning they need, pay less for it, finish faster, and earn more when they graduate.
On Thursday, December 11, the Committee on Education & Workforce held a full committee markup of the following legislation:
- H.R. 6392, the Home School Graduation Recognition Act (Harris)
- H.R. 6472, the Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act (Moylan)
- H.R. 6498, the Student Financial Clarity Act (Guthrie)
- H.R. 6502, the College Financial Aid Clarity Act (McClain)
Energy & Commerce
On Wednesday, December 10, the Environment Subcommittee held a markup of seven bills to reform permitting under the Clean Air Act in order to strengthen manufacturing and ensure American communities aren’t punished for foreign pollution:
- H.R. 4218, the Clean Air and Economic Advancement Reform (CLEAR) Act (Carter)
- H.R. 6387, the Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act (Evans)
- H.R. 4214, the Clean Air and Building Infrastructure Improvement Act (Allen)
- H.R. 161, the New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act (Griffith)
- H.R. 6373, the Air Permitting Improvements to Protect National Security Act (Palmer)
- H.R. 6398, the Reducing and Eliminating Duplicative Environmental Regulations (RED Tape) Act (Joyce)
- H.R. 6409, the Foreign Emissions and Nonattainment Clarification for Economic Stability (FENCES) Act (Pfluger)
- H.R. 6290, the Safe Social Media Act (Bentz)
- H.R. 6259, the No Fentanyl on Social Media Act (Evans)
- H.R. 6289, the Promoting a Safe Internet for Minors Act (Lee)
- H.R. 6437, the Kids Internet Safety Partnership Act (Fry)
- H.R. 5360, the AI Warnings And Resources for Education (AWARE) Act (Houchin)
- H.R. 6499, the Assessing Safety Tools for Parents and Minors Act (Fulcher)
- H.R. 2657, the Sammy’s Law (Wasserman Schultz)
- H.R. 6265, the Safer Guarding of Adolescents from Malicious Interactions on Network Games (GAMING) Act (Kean)
- H.R. 6273, the Stop Profiling Youth and (SPY) Kids Act (Miller-Meeks)
- H.R. 6253, the Algorithmic Choice and Transparency Act (Cammack)
- H.R. 6489, the Safeguarding Adolescents From Exploitative (SAFE) Bots Act (Houchin)
- H.R. 1623, the Shielding Children's Retinas from Egregious Exposure on the Net (SCREEN) Act (Miller)
- H.R. 6257, the Safe Messaging for Kids Act of 2025 (Dunn)
- H.R. 3149, the App Store Accountability Act (James)
- H.R. 6333, the Parents Over Platforms Act (Auchincloss)
- H.R. 6292, the Don’t Sell Kids’ Data Act of 2025 (Pallone)
- H.R. 6484, the Kids Online Safety Act (Bilirakis)
- H.R. 6291, the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (Walberg)
On Friday, December 12, the Committee on Energy & Commerce held a full committee "Member Day" hearing. The hearing focused on testimony from 35 non-committee members on the issues that matter most to them and their constituents.
Financial Services
On Wednesday, December 10, the Committee on Financial Services held a full committee hearing called "From Principles to Policy: Enabling 21st Century AI Innovation in Financial Services." The Committee examined how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in the financial services and housing sectors. Members assessed how current laws and regulations apply and identified where existing frameworks may create uncertainty or stifle innovation.
On Thursday, December 11, the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions held a hearing called "Right-Sizing the U.S. Bank Capital Framework: A Return to Tailoring, Economic Growth, and Competitiveness." The Subcommittee on Financial Institutions examined how capital requirements affect financial institutions of all sizes, as well as their ability to lend and support various sectors of the economy.
Foreign Affairs
On Wednesday, December 10, the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee held a hearing titled, “Understanding Judea and Samaria: Historical, Strategic, and Political Dynamics in U.S.–Israel Relations.” The panel heard from experts on the historical context surrounding Judea and Samaria and the daily realities and security challenges communities in these regions face. Subcommittee Chairman Michael Lawler noted the central role Judea and Samaria play in diplomatic debate, negotiations and regional tensions. He underscored that the subcommittee’s goal is to “ensure that American policy is rooted in facts, strengthen our relationship with Israel, and support long term stability and security across the Middle East.”
On Wednesday, December 10, the South and Central Asia Subcommittee held a hearing titled, “The U.S. India Strategic Partnership: Securing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” Subcommittee Chairman Bill Huizenga stressed the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, while maintaining a resilient global supply chain. He added that “Open markets, strengthening supply chains and driving innovation… would chart a new beginning in our storied partnership.”
On Thursday, December 11, the Committee on Foreign Affairs held a full committee "Member Day" hearing to consider various measures.
On Thursday, December 11, the Africa Subcommittee held a hearing titled, “Stopping the Bloodshed: U.S. Response to Crimes Against Humanity in Sudan.” The subcommittee heard from experts about the atrocities going on in Sudan. Subcommittee Chairman Chris Smith noted that “The people of Sudan have been subjected to unbearable pain, suffering, and loss of life—even slavery for decades.”. He emphasized the need for a more forceful U.S. role in stopping the violence and ending the crimes against humanity in Sudan.
Homeland Security
On Thursday, December 11, the Committee on Homeland Security held a full committee hearing titled, “Worldwide Threats to the Homeland.” This annual hearing, held across both Republican and Democrat administrations, is an important opportunity for members to examine the heightened threat landscape and hear directly from administration officials on how agencies are addressing it. Witnesses included DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, NCTC Director Joseph Kent, and FBI National Security Branch Operations Director Michael Glasheen.
This week, the Chairman and the Ranking Member introduced H.R. 6548, the bipartisan “DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act,” which would establish the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and require DHS to enhance existing mental health programs.
House Administration
On Wednesday, December 10, the Subcommittee on Elections held a hearing titled, “Examining Potential Updates to the NVRA.”
House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
On Thursday, December 11, the Subcommittee on Defense Intelligence and Overhead Architecture held a closed hearing titled, “FY 2026 Department of Defense Proposal for Cover Enhancement Authority.”
Judiciary
On Wednesday, December 10, the Subcommittee on Oversight and the Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust held a joint hearing called "Fighting Obamacare Subsidy Fraud: Is the Administrative Procedure Act Working as Intended?,” to examine Obamacare subsidies, including the Biden-Harris COVID-19 enhanced subsidies that are set to expire at the end of 2025. The hearing also examined how the subsidies inflate health care costs and create an environment for waste, fraud, and abuse.
On Thursday, December 11, the Judiciary Committee held a full committee hearing called "Oversight of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act,” to examine the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and potential legislative reforms. This hearing also examined FISA's role in national security and its constitutional and privacy implications.
Natural Resources
On Wednesday, December 10, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held an oversight hearing titled “Abuse of the Equal Access to Justice Act by Environmental NGOs.”
On Thursday, December 11, the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held an oversight hearing titled "Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service."
On Thursday, December 11, 2025, the Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a legislative hearing on the following bills:
- H.R. 3924, the Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act (Neguse)
- H.R. 5095, the Housing Our Military Effectively For Readiness, Operations, and Neutralization of Threats (HOMEFRONT) Act of 2025 (Patronis)
- H.R. 5419, the Enhancing Administrative Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act (Kean)
- H.R. 5729, the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025 (Crane)
- H.R. 6365, the Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act (McGuire)
- H.R. 6380, the Chiricahua National Park Act (Ciscomani)
- Discussion Draft of H.R. ____, the American Products in Parks Act (Gottheimer)
Oversight and Government Reform
On Wednesday, December 10, the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs and the Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services held a joint hearing titled, "Lowering the Cost of Healthcare: Technology’s Role in Driving Affordability." At the hearing, members examined the rising cost of healthcare in the United States and how the Biden Administration’s overbearing regulations contributed to this increase. Members also analyzed how innovative medical technology can alleviate this problem and actions Congress can take to facilitate these changes.
On Wednesday, December 10, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation held a hearing titled, "Using Modern Tools to Counter Human Trafficking." At the hearing, Members examined how traffickers use technology to exploit victims and how outdated technology can create gaps for law enforcement to stop traffickers. Members also learned about how emerging technology, like artificial intelligence, is being used to identify and protect victims. An underlying concern with such technology is ensuring data collection does not violate the privacy of human trafficking victims.
Rules
On Tuesday, December 9, the Committee on Rules met on the following measures:
- H.R. 3638, the Electric Supply Chain Act (Latta)
- H.R. 3628, the State Planning for Reliability & Affordability Act (Evans)
- H.R. 3383, the Increasing Investor Opportunities Act [INVEST Act] (Wagner)
- H.R. 3668, the Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act (Hudson)
- H.R. 3898, the PERMIT Act (Collins)
- S. 1071, To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter the remains of Fernando V. Cota from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas, and for other purposes. [National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026]
Science, Space, and Technology
On Wednesday, December 10, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a full committee hearing called "The Genesis Mission: Prioritizing American Science and Technology Leadership." The hearing examined DOE’s newly launched Genesis Mission, reviewed its recent reorganization, and evaluated how both efforts impact the goals and priorities of the Department’s civilian research, development, demonstration, and commercialization programs.
This week, SST Committee Chairman Babin and Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Rich McCormick sent letters to the Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and National Science Foundation following disturbing reports of potential obstructionism within agencies’ Offices of Civil Rights (OCRs). The letters seek to determine the scope of this obstructionism and inform appropriate oversight measures to ensure OCRs are fulfilling their statutory responsibilities.
Select Committee on China
On Thursday, December 11, the Select Committee on China held a hearing called "Trojan Horse: China's Auto Threat to America."
This week, Chairman John Moolenaar sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio raising concerns about Ivanhoe Atlantic, a company with significant Chinese state-linked ownership that has received statements of support from the State Department for a multibillion-dollar rail project in Liberia–a project that could possibly receive U.S. taxpayer funding from the federal government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation.
Small Business
On Wednesday, December 10, the Committee on Small Business held a full committee hearing called "From Service to Startup: Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs." The purpose of this hearing was to examine the importance of veteran entrepreneurs and how to strengthen support for the men and women who served our country.
Transportation and Infrastructure
This week, the House passed the PERMIT Act, legislation that cuts red tape, reduces costly project delays and litigation, and makes permitting under the Clean Water Act (CWA) more efficient, consistent, and transparent. H.R. 3898, the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act includes provisions from a number of T&I Republicans and is sponsored by Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins (R-GA), with T&I Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) as original cosponsor. The PERMIT Act has support from over 60 industry leaders and stakeholders. The PERMIT Act will unleash American energy and bring down utility costs for hardworking Americans. This legislation will have immediate impact on energy producers, the agriculture industry, home and road builders, water utilities, and everyday Americans who have to navigate complex and confusing permitting processes.
Additionally, this week the House approved S. 1071, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA), which included the Coast Guard Authorization Act, T&I Committee legislation to strengthen, support, and authorize funding through fiscal year 2027 for the United States Coast Guard and its critical missions to safeguard the nation’s borders, facilitate maritime commerce, ensure maritime safety, protect the maritime domain, increase transparency within the Service, and confront Chinese expansion in the Pacific.
On Thursday, December 11, the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management held a hearing to evaluate strategies to transform federal real estate by consolidating, relocating, and selling unused and underutilized spaces. Subcommittee members heard witness testimony from officials representing the General Service Administration, the Government Accountability Office, and Public Buildings Reform Board.
Veterans Affairs
On Wednesday, December 10, the Subcommittee on Health held an oversight hearing titled, “Putting Families First: Strengthening CHAMPVA for Survivors and Dependents.” The hearing examined opportunities to improve accessibility of health care services for family members of disabled or deceased Veterans under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). Testifying at the hearing was Dr. Maria Llorente MD, Acting Assistant Under Secretary for Health, Office of Integrated Veteran Care; Mrs. Caira Benson, Veteran Support & Strategic Initiatives Specialist; Mr. James Zenner, National Policy Director. The hearing highlighted CHAMPVA as an earned benefit for veterans and their families. Chairwoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks praised Secretary Collins for his efforts in eliminating the application backlog, modernizing online applications and electronic claims, and developing a provider directory. Congresswoman Jen Kiggans highlighted her legislation, H.R. 6526, the Clarity on Care Options Act, which would codify a requirement that VA establish and maintain a directory of providers who accept CHAMPVA.
Ways and Means
On Wednesday, December 10, the Committee on Ways and Means held a full committee markup on the following legislation:
- H.R. 6500, the AGOA Extension Act (Smith)
- H.R. 6504, the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act (Murphy)
- H.R. 4930, To expand the sharing of information with respect to suspected violations of intellectual property rights in trade (Moore)
- H.R. 227, the Clergy Act (Fong)
- H.R. 2716, the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act (Higgins)
- H.R. 4993, the Joe Fiandra Access to Home Infusion Act of 2025 (Fitzpatrick)
- H.R. 6506, the Taxpayer Due Process Enhancement Act (Moran)
- H.R. 6495, the Taxpayer Notification and Privacy Act (Steube)
- H.R. 4242, the Innovate Less Lethal to De-Escalate Tax Modernization Act (Schweikert)
- Continue the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade preference program to combat China’s growing influence on the continent.
- Continue the HOPE/HELP program.
- Strengthen public-private collaboration in enforcing our trade laws against intellectual property theft.
- Expand Medicare coverage for innovative drugs infused at home.
- Curb improper government payments to dead people.
- Allow members of the clergy to improve their retirement security and voluntarily rejoin Social Security.
- Create new protections for taxpayers by requiring more transparency from the IRS and reducing the need for third-party inquiries.
- Strengthen taxpayer rights in the U.S. Tax Court.
- Clarify that less-than-lethal weapons are not subject to Firearms and Ammunition Excise tax.
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