CONGRESS

Motion to Refer Ethics Committee Records - Vote Results

The US House of Representatives voted on a motion to refer directing the Committee on Ethics to preserve and publicly release records related to its review of sexual harassment violations. The motion passed with 357 yeas and 65 nays.

DHS Appropriations Act, 2026 Hearing Announcement

The House Rules Committee announced a hearing for the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, scheduled for March 3, 2026. The announcement includes links to the bill text, a comparative print, and a joint explanatory statement.

Crapo Remarks on USMCA Trade Agreement Review

Senator Mike Crapo delivered remarks at a hearing discussing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) six years after its approval. The remarks highlighted the agreement's positive impact on American jobs, manufacturing, and economic growth, while also noting areas for improved enforcement and the importance of business certainty.

USMCA Hearing Announcement

The U.S. Senate Finance Committee announced a hearing on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to evaluate North American competitiveness. The hearing is scheduled for February 12, 2026, and will feature testimony from various stakeholders.

Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion Act

Senators Crapo and Wyden, along with Representatives Valadao and Bonamici, introduced the Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion Act to address foreign trade barriers impacting U.S. specialty crop exports. The bill aims to improve the annual U.S. Specialty Crops Trade Issues Report to better identify and combat tariffs and other restrictions.

Senate Bill Requires Amtrak Baby Changing Tables

A Senate bill, S. 71, the Baby Changing on Board Act, requires Amtrak to provide baby changing tables on its trains. The Congressional Budget Office estimates no federal budget effect from this legislation.

Bill Repeals Conflict Minerals Disclosure Requirements

A bill, H.R. 7085, has been reported by the House Committee on Financial Services to repeal certain conflict minerals disclosure requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this repeal will reduce federal costs associated with compliance.

H.R. 528 Reforestation Act Cost Estimate

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has provided a cost estimate for H.R. 528, the Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act of 2025. The estimated cost associated with the bill is approximately $1 million.

H.R. 4284: Convey National Forest cemeteries to local governments

The House Committee on Natural Resources reported H.R. 4284, the Small Cemetery Conveyance Act, on January 14, 2026. This bill proposes to allow the conveyance of certain National Forest cemeteries to local governments. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) provided a cost estimate on February 27, 2026.

H.R. 4638 BOWOW Act of 2025 - Immigration inadmissibility for harming law enforcement animals

H.R. 4638, the BOWOW Act of 2025, was introduced in the US House of Representatives. This bill proposes to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make aliens inadmissible and deportable if convicted of harming animals used in law enforcement.