Congressional Actions and Senate Budget Updates: 6/23 - 6/29
The Capitol Hill Reader #99
Hello Readers,
This Congressional Update will consist of two sections:
Section One is a general update on House and Senate actions with vote tallies, nomination confirmations, measures examined, and more.
Section Two highlights five ways the One Big Beautiful Bill Act may affect Americans in real time.
Yesterday, Saturday, June 28, the Senate voted to “proceed” to the main vote on the reconciliation bill by a yea-and-nay vote of 51 YEAS to 49 NAYS [1].
Today, Sunday, June 29, the OBBB Act is being read in the Senate Chamber, afterwhich there will be 20 hours of debate. You can watch the livestream here.
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Section One: The Actions of Congress 6/23 - 6/28
The Senate
Notable Measures Considered
The following summaries are provided by the Congressional Research Service.
Motion to discharge S.J.Res.59 - A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress, introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) [2].
REJECTED on Friday, June 27, by a yea-and-nay vote of 17 YEAS to 53 NAYS [1].
S.98 - Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025 - “This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a process to vet applicants for certain funding programs that support affordable broadband deployment in high-cost areas, including rural communities. Specifically, the FCC must conduct a rulemaking to develop a vetting process for applicants seeking funding under high-cost universal service programs for the deployment of a broadband-capable network and the provision of supported services over the network. The FCC must require applications for such funding to document each applicant’s technical, financial, and operational capabilities related to the proposed deployment, as well as a reasonable business plan” [11].
PASSED by unanimous consent on June 26, 2025 [11].
S.257 - Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act of 2025: “This bill requires the Industry and Analysis office of the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce to monitor and respond to disruptions in critical industries and supply chains. Specifically, the office must (1) establish the Supply Chain Resilience Working Group; (2) assess, map, and model critical supply chains; (3) identify high-priority supply chain gaps and vulnerabilities in critical industries; (4) identify and evaluate the effect of potential supply chain disruptions on market stability; and (5) collaborate with other governmental bodies and key international partners to identify opportunities to reduce supply chain gaps and vulnerabilities” [12].
PASSED by unanimous consent on June 26, 2025 [12].
Nomination Confirmations
On the nomination confirmation of Kenneth Kies, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury
CONFIRMED on June 26 by a yea-and-nay vote of 53 YEAS to 45 NAYS [1].
On the nomination confirmation of Paul Dabbar, of New York, to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce
CONFIRMED on June 25 by a yea-and-nay vote of 56 YEAS to 40 NAYS [1].
On the nomination confirmation of Daniel Zimmerman, of North Carolina, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense
CONFIRMED on June 24 by a yea-and-nay vote of 61 YEAS to 35 NAYS [1].
Notable Committee Meetings
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine correcting mismanagement of the veterans crisis line, after receiving testimony from Brad Combs, former Veterans Crisis Line Lead Auditor, Indianapolis, Indiana, Marcia Blane, former Veterans Crisis Line Responder, Hampton, Georgia, Thomas O'Toole, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health for Clinical Services, and Christopher Watson, Executive Director, Veterans Crisis Line, all of the Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and Alyssa M. Hundrup, Director, Health Care, Government Accountability Office (6/25/25).
The House of Representatives
Notable Measures Considered
The following summaries are provided by the Congressional Research Service.
H.Res.516 - Condemning the violent June 2025 riots in Los Angeles, California.
PASSED on June 27, 2025 by a yea-and-nay vote of 215 YEAS to 195 NAYS [3].
H.R.275 - Special Interest Alien Reporting Act of 2025: “This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to report every month on non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who attempt to unlawfully enter the United States and who potentially pose a national security risk. DHS must report on (1) the number of individuals, (2) the nationalities or countries of last residence of these individuals, and (3) the location of the encounters” [4].
PASSED on June 26, 2025 by a yea-and-nay vote of 231 YEAS to 182 NAYS [3].
H.R.875 - Jeremy and Angel Seay and Sergeant Brandon Mendoza Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act of 2025: “This bill makes driving while intoxicated or impaired a ground for (1) barring a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) from admission into the United States, or (2) deporting the individual. The bar to admission shall apply to an individual who has been convicted of the offense or has admitted to having committed the acts which constitute the elements of the offense. As a ground for deportability, the individual must have been convicted of the offense” [5].
PASSED on June 26, 2025 by a yea-and-nay vote of 246 YEAS to 160 NAYS [3].
H.R.3944 - Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026: “This bill provides FY2026 appropriations (or funding limits) for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and related agencies” [6].
PASSED on June 25, 2025 by a yea-and-nay vote of 218 YEAS to 206 NAYS [3].
H.Res.519 - Condemning the attacks on Minnesota lawmakers in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, Minnesota, and calling for unity and the rejection of political violence in Minnesota and across the United States.
PASSED on June 25, 2025 by unanimous consent on June 25, 2025 [3].
On motion to table H.Res.537 - Impeaching Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors: “The resolution sets forth one article of impeachment concerning abuse of presidential powers by usurping Congress's power to declare war” [7].
PASSED on June 24, 2025 by a yea-and-nay vote of 344 YEAS to 79 NAYS [3].
H.R.3422 - Promoting Opportunities for Non-Traditional Capital Formation Act: “This bill expands the functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation. Specifically, the office must (1) provide educational resources and host (or participate in) events to promote capital-raising options for underrepresented small businesses, businesses in rural areas, and businesses affected by natural disasters; and (2) meet annually with representatives of state securities commissions to discuss opportunities for collaboration and coordination” [8].
PASSED on June 23, 2025 by a yea-and-nay vote of 321 YEAS to 87 NAYS [3].
H.R.3394 - Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts Act: “This bill expands the eligibility criteria for an accredited investor for purposes of participating in private offerings of securities to include an individual determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to have qualifying professional knowledge through educational or professional experience. (Certain unregistered securities may only be offered to accredited investors.)” [9].
PASSED on June 23, 2025 by a yea-and-nay vote of 397 YEAS to 12 NAYS [3].
H.R.1998 - Sanction Sea Pirates Act of 2025: “This bill requires the President to impose visa and property-blocking sanctions on any foreign person (individual or entity) that the President determines knowingly engages in piracy. The bill also applies civil and criminal penalties to persons that violate, attempt to violate, conspire to violate, or cause a violation of the regulations promulgated to carry out such sanctions” [10].
PASSED on June 23, 2025 by a yea-and-nay vote of 392 YEAS to 12 NAYS [3].
The Following House Measures Were Passed by Unanimous Consent on June 23, 2025:
H.R. 2481, to require online dating service providers to provide fraud ban notifications to online dating service members;
H.R. 1679, to direct the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, to conduct an interagency review of and report to Congress on ways to increase the global competitiveness of the United States in attracting foreign direct investment;
H.R. 2269, to require certain products to be labeled with ``Do Not Flush'' labeling;
H.R. 1767, to require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate a mandatory consumer product safety standard with respect to retractable awnings;
H.R. 1664, amended, to direct the Secretary of Commerce to take actions necessary and appropriate to promote the competitiveness of the United States related to the deployment, use, application, and competitiveness of blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology;
H.R. 1520, to prohibit discrimination on the basis of mental or physical disability in cases of organ transplants;
H.R. 1082, to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a national, evidence-based education campaign to increase public and health care provider awareness regarding the potential risks and benefits of human cell and tissue products transplants;
H.R. 910, amended, to require the Secretary of the Treasury to pursue more equitable treatment of Taiwan at the international financial institutions;
H.R. 1713, amended, to amend the Defense Production Act of 1950 to include the Secretary of Agriculture as a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States;
H.R. 3352, amended, to require the Securities and Exchange Commission to revise rules relating to general solicitation or general advertising to allow for presentations or other communication made by or on behalf of an issuer at certain events;
H.R. 2225, amended, to permit a registered investment company to omit certain fees from the calculation of Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses;
H.R. 3301, amended, to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to specify certain registration statement contents for emerging growth companies, to permit issuers to file draft registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission for confidential review;
H.R. 1190, amended, to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to expand access to capital for rural-area small businesses;
H.R. 2808, amended, to amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prevent consumer reporting agencies from furnishing consumer reports under certain circumstances [13].
Notable Committee Meetings
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled ``From Watchdog to Attack Dog: Examining the CFPB's Chopra-era Assault on Disfavored Industries''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. (6/26/25)
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``Spies, Lies, and Mismanagement: Examining the U.S. Agency for Global Media's Downfall''. Testimony was heard from Kari Lake, Senior Advisor, U.S. Agency for Global Media. (6/25/25)
Section Two: H.R.1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Earlier today, Trump declared victory ahead of the bill’s vote, praising several Republican Senators [Rick Scott (R-FL), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Ron Johnson (R-WI)] who were initially skeptical of the bill’s passage, but have since agreed to debate [15].
Trump took particular aim at North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), who previously voted against progressing the bill, and vowed to replace him come primary time. The President went on to state that Tillis “loves China” and “windmills” [15].
What are several ways the OBBB Act could affect Americans in real time?
This is not an exhaustive list, as the reconciliation bill itself is enormous (typical of budget legislation). We encourage you to skim it on your own time, though we did what we could to condense some of the most pertinent topics. I got all of this information here.
Nutrition and Food Assistance
Under Title I of the OBBB, significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would be felt almost immediately by low-income Americans. The bill tightens eligibility requirements by raising the age ceiling for work requirements from 49 to 64 for able-bodied adults without dependents, while narrowing exemptions (like limiting the exemption for caregivers to only those caring for children under seven).
The bill also prohibits using internet bills and certain utility allowances in calculating SNAP benefit amounts, reducing monthly support for many households. Additionally, the SNAP-Ed program - which provides nutrition education in underserved communities - would be eliminated, cutting off funding for local health outreach. Immigrant eligibility would also be restricted to lawful permanent residents and a few select groups, excluding many currently eligible noncitizens.
Medicaid and Health Coverage
The bill’s provisions in Titles IV and VII introduce new work requirements for Medicaid recipients in states that expanded the program under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Adults without disabilities would need to work or participate in qualifying activities for at least 80 hours per month or risk losing coverage. Monthly income-based cost-sharing would also be introduced, requiring Medicaid recipients to pay up to $35 per visit or service—out-of-pocket expenses. Eligibility redeterminations would occur every six months (instead of annually).
Overall, millions of Americans are expected to lose Medicaid coverage if the OBBB passes.
The bill also defunds Planned Parenthood and similar clinics that provide a range of reproductive and primary care services, reducing access for millions who rely on such providers, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Changes to pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) rules may reduce prescription drug costs slightly in the Medicare market, but the overall healthcare impact is one of reduced access and increased out-of-pocket costs for low-income and vulnerable populations.
Transportation and Consumer Costs
In Title X, the bill imposes a new national fee on owners of electric and hybrid vehicles - $250 and $100 annually, respectively - which would directly increase vehicle ownership costs for consumers adopting low-emission means of transportation. While revenue would be directed to the Highway Trust Fund to support federal road infrastructure, the fee may discourage EV adoption at a time when many states are providing incentives.
The bill also rescinds funding for various clean transportation programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, including those aimed at reducing port pollution, modernizing transit fleets, and promoting sustainable aviation. Additional funds are allocated to modernize the Coast Guard and Federal Aviation Administration infrastructure, and to enhance road safety through a new public motor carrier database funded by user fees.
Immigration and Border Security
The bill includes multiple provisions (Titles VI and VII) that would immediately affect immigration processing and enforcement. Application fees for asylum seekers, work permits, and other visa categories would increase significantly, adding financial burdens to immigrants, including those seeking humanitarian protection.
The Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice would receive increased funding for detention centers, expedited removals, and border operations, including deployment of military personnel and construction of additional physical barriers.
At the same time, funding for community-based support services and legal aid would be reduced or eliminated, cutting off key resources for migrants. These changes would accelerate enforcement actions and strengthen border security, but also increase detention rates and reduce access to legal recourse for affected immigrants.
Energy and Climate Programs
Titles IV and VIII roll back key components of the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy transition. Billions in funding for programs supporting electric vehicle infrastructure, low-emission transit, methane monitoring, and clean port initiatives would be rescinded. The bill streamlines permitting for fossil fuel projects and mandates new oil, gas, coal, and geothermal leasing on public lands, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Royalty rates on fossil fuel development would be reduced, and environmental protections under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) would be weakened. Also, renewable energy projects would face new regulatory and cost-sharing burdens. Overall, these provisions would hinder climate progress, raise emissions, and delay adoption of cleaner technologies, while passing certain costs onto consumers and states.
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Works Cited
1.)https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/vote_menu_119_1.htm
2.) https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/59
3.) https://clerk.house.gov/Votes
4.) https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/275
5.) https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/875
6.) https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944
7.) https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/537
8.) https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3422
9.) https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3394
10.) https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1998
11.) https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/98
12.) https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/257
13.) https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-171/issue-107/daily-digest
14.) https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1
15.) https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14858119/Trump-victory-Big-Beautiful-Bill-Senate-hurdle-brutal-warning.html
Boxing throw down! Hahaha! Now imagine Rocky screaming JD Vance when calling for his wife!
JD Vaance! Stretch the a!