The Senate has voted to invoke cloture on the nomination of Linda McMahon to be the Secretary of Education, clearing the way for a final confirmation vote on March 3, 2025.
Cloture Motion Details
Vote Outcome:51-47
Status:Agreed to
Purpose: Limits debate on the nomination and allows a final vote to proceed.
With cloture invoked, the Senate will hold a final confirmation vote on March 3, 2025. If confirmed, McMahon would take over leadership of the Department of Education, overseeing federal education policy, funding, and regulatory enforcement.
Next Steps
The final vote on McMahon’s nomination is expected to be closely contested, with both parties weighing in on her qualifications and policy approach. Further updates will follow as the Senate prepares for the confirmation vote.
The House of Representatives convened on February 27, 2025, addressing legislative matters, including passing a resolution disapproving an energy regulation and receiving presidential messages extending national emergencies related to Ukraine and Venezuela.
Key Legislative Actions
House Passes Resolution Disapproving Energy Efficiency Rule
The House approved H.J. Res. 20, which disapproves a Department of Energy (DOE) rule regarding energy conservation standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters.
Final Vote: 221-198, 2 Present (Roll No. 53)
Latest Action: Motion to reconsider laid on the table and agreed to without objection.
The resolution moves to the Senate for further consideration.
National Emergencies for Ukraine and Venezuela Extended
The House received two messages from the President, notifying Congress that the national emergencies related to Ukraine and Venezuela will continue beyond their expiration dates in March 2025.
Ukraine: Executive Order 13660 (March 6, 2014) and subsequent orders will remain in effect due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine. (H. Doc. 119-22, referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs).
Venezuela: Executive Order 13692 (March 8, 2015) will continue, citing political instability and human rights concerns. (H. Doc. 119-21, referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs).
Additional House Actions
Unanimous consent agreement: The House will reconvene on March 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. for morning-hour debate and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business.
Special Order and One-Minute Speeches: Members addressed various topics before adjournment.
Adjournment and Next Meeting
The House adjourned at 2:10 PM, with the next session scheduled for March 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM.
Looking Ahead
Upcoming House business will likely focus on budget discussions, pending Senate consideration of legislative disapprovals, and foreign policy measures. Further updates will follow as Congress resumes work next week.
The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 469, the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act, which provides for the creation of a Congressional time capsule to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Key Details of H.R. 469:
Purpose: Establish a Congressional time capsule as part of the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations in 2026.
Sponsor:Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12).
Introduced:January 15, 2025.
Latest Action: The House approved the bill on February 26, 2025, with a motion to reconsider laid on the table and agreed to without objection.
Next Steps
Now that H.R. 469 has passed the House, it moves to the Senate for consideration. If approved and signed into law, the time capsule will be curated by Congress and likely include historical documents, artifacts, and messages from current lawmakers, intended to be opened at a future date.
This initiative is part of broader semiquincentennial commemorations honoring the nation’s founding in 1776. Further updates will follow as the bill progresses through the Senate.
The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 250, a bill that directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin for placement in the U.S. Capitol. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-6) on January 9, 2025, was approved by the House on February 26, 2025.
Key Details of H.R. 250:
Purpose: To commission and install a Benjamin Franklin statue in the Capitol.
Sponsor:Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-6).
Latest Action: A motion to reconsider was laid on the table and agreed to without objection, effectively finalizing House approval.
Next Steps
With House passage, H.R. 250 now moves to the Senate for consideration. If approved by both chambers and signed into law, the Joint Committee on the Library will oversee the selection and placement of the Franklin statue in the Capitol.
Benjamin Franklin, a Founding Father, inventor, diplomat, and statesman, played a pivotal role in the founding of the United States. This statue would further commemorate his legacy in American history.
The Senate’s timeline for taking up the bill remains uncertain. Stay tuned for further updates.
The House of Representatives convened on February 25, 2025, addressing several legislative measures, including passage of the congressional budget resolution for FY 2025, approval of small business assistance bills, and observing a moment of silence for a fallen York, Pennsylvania police officer.
Key Legislative Actions
Budget Resolution Passed by Narrow Margin
The House approved H. Con. Res. 14, which establishes the congressional budget for the U.S. government for fiscal year 2025 and sets budgetary levels through 2034.
Final Vote: 217-215 (Roll No. 50)
Republicans:217 Yeas, 1 Nay
Democrats:0 Yeas, 214 Nays, 1 Not Voting
The resolution was passed along party lines, with one Republican voting against it. It serves as a non-binding framework for federal spending, guiding appropriations and fiscal priorities.
House Approves Small Business Assistance Bills
Two bipartisan bills aimed at supporting small businesses were passed:
H.R. 804 – Improves disaster assistance access for individuals in rural areas.
Passed 415-8 (Roll No. 49)
H.R. 788 – Supports joint research and development activities between the Department of Energy and the Small Business Administration.
Passed 427-3 (Roll No. 48)
Both bills were approved under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage.
Moment of Silence for Fallen York, PA Police Officer
At 8:26 PM, the House observed a moment of silence in remembrance of a York, Pennsylvania police officer killed in the line of duty.
House Adjourns, Next Meeting Scheduled
After concluding Special Order speeches, the House adjourned at 9:50 PM by voice vote. The next session is scheduled for 10:00 AM on February 26, 2025.
Looking Ahead
The House will continue budget discussions and consider additional legislative measures in the coming days. Further debates on federal spending, small business policies, and regulatory oversight are expected in upcoming sessions.
The House of Representatives passed H. Con. Res. 14, the congressional budget resolution for fiscal year 2025, by a narrow 217-215 vote on February 25, 2025. The resolution also sets budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.
Vote Breakdown
Yeas: 217
Nays: 215
Present: 0
Not Voting: 1
Party-Line Split
Republicans:217 Yeas, 1 Nay
Democrats:0 Yeas, 214 Nays, 1 Not Voting
Independents:0 Votes
The resolution passed largely along party lines, with one Republican voting against it and one Democrat not voting.
Next Steps
As a budget resolution, this measure does not require the President’s signature and is not a binding law. However, it serves as a blueprint for federal spending and revenue policies, guiding future appropriations and legislative decisions.
Further debates and negotiations will follow as Congress works to implement spending bills in alignment with the approved budget framework.
The U.S. House of Representatives held a full legislative session on February 24, 2025, passing several bills related to small businesses and concluding the day with a moment of silence for fallen Virginia Beach police officers before adjourning.
Key Legislative Actions
Throughout the day, the House voted on multiple bills related to Small Business Administration (SBA) policies and reforms, all considered under suspension of the rules, which requires a two-thirds majority for passage.
Passed Bills:
H.R. 825 – Prohibits individuals convicted of government fraud from receiving SBA assistance (Passed 405-0).
H.R. 832 – Clarifies the primary functions of the SBA’s Office of Advocacy (Passed 396-15).
H.R. 818 – Amends the Small Business Act to include new requirements for small business entrants in the SBA scorecard program (Passed 384-25).
H.R. 828 – Requires reports on the veterans interagency task force and access to credit for veteran-owned small businesses (Passed by voice vote).
H.R. 804 – Directs the SBA to improve disaster assistance access for individuals in rural areas (Further proceedings postponed).
H.R. 754 – Amends the Small Business Investment Act to increase the amount invested in small business investment companies (Passed by voice vote).
H.R. 788 – Provides for joint research and development activities between the Department of Energy and the SBA (Further proceedings postponed).
Moment of Silence for Virginia Beach Officers
At 7:14 p.m., the House observed a moment of silence to honor Virginia Beach police officers who were killed in the line of duty. The gesture was a solemn recognition of their service and sacrifice.
Special Order and One-Minute Speeches
Following the passage of key legislation, the House proceeded to one-minute speeches, where members addressed various topics. This was followed by Special Order speeches, allowing members to discuss broader legislative or policy issues.
Adjournment and Next Meeting
At 9:02 p.m., the House adjourned by voice vote, with the next meeting scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 25, 2025.
Looking Ahead
The House is set to continue its focus on economic and small business legislation while addressing ongoing national policy debates. More votes on pending small business reforms and disaster assistance measures are expected in the coming sessions.
Stay updated for further developments from Capitol Hill.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announced that this will be his final term in the Senate, confirming that he will not seek re-election when his current term ends in 2027. The announcement came in a speech delivered on the Senate floor ahead of a scheduled confirmation vote for Kash Patel.
During his remarks, McConnell spoke about the state of the country and ongoing political challenges, referring to “political storms” and stating that he has unfinished business to address before his departure. He did not provide specifics on what that entails but referenced his continued involvement in legislative and political matters.
McConnell’s speech also touched on his tenure in the Senate, where he has served since 1985 and led the Senate Republican conference for nearly two decades. He concluded his remarks with a call for unity amid challenges in Washington.
Following his speech, McConnell received a round of applause from colleagues on both sides of the aisle, recognizing his long career in public service.
The Senate then proceeded with legislative business, including the final confirmation vote on Kash Patel, which followed a previously passed cloture motion.
In a stunning announcement, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell declared that this will be his last term in the Senate, signaling the end of a decades-long political career. The revelation came just before the Senate moved toward a final confirmation vote on Kash Patel, adding unexpected weight to an already politically charged day.
McConnell’s Bombshell Announcement
McConnell, who has served in the Senate since 1985 and led Senate Republicans for nearly two decades, took to the floor to share his decision. While he did not specify an exact departure date, he made it clear that he will not seek re-election when his term ends in 2027.
His speech emphasized his long tenure, key legislative victories, and commitment to conservative values while also acknowledging the changing political landscape. His decision comes at a time of growing shifts within the Republican Party, where newer voices have gained influence over the party’s direction.
Impact on the Republican Party
McConnell has been one of the most influential figures in modern American politics, shaping Supreme Court confirmations, tax policy, and legislative strategy over the years. His departure raises major questions about the future leadership of the Senate GOP. Potential successors, including Senators John Thune, John Barrasso, and Rick Scott, are expected to vie for leadership roles.
Kash Patel’s Confirmation Vote Moves Forward
McConnell’s announcement came just ahead of the Senate’s final vote on the confirmation of Kash Patel, a former national security official, to a key government position. Earlier in the day, the Senate passed a cloture motion to advance Patel’s nomination, which had been a partisan battle.
With McConnell’s decision now dominating headlines, the political focus has momentarily shifted, but the confirmation vote on Patel remains a significant moment in national security policy discussions.
What’s Next?
McConnell’s exit marks the end of an era in Republican politics. His careful deal-making, strategic filibusters, and judicial confirmation battles have left a lasting imprint on the Senate. The next steps for the Republican Party—and the fight for Senate leadership—will become clearer in the months ahead.
As the Senate moves forward with Patel’s confirmation and other legislative priorities, McConnell’s surprise announcement will continue to reshape the political landscape heading into 2026 and beyond.
Stay tuned for updates on both Patel’s confirmation and the future of Senate leadership.
The Senate has moved forward with the nomination of Kash Patel after passing a cloture motion along partisan lines. This procedural vote limits further debate on the nomination and sets up a final confirmation vote in the coming days.
Cloture Vote and Its Significance
A cloture motion is used in the Senate to end debate on a nominee or piece of legislation, requiring a majority vote to proceed. The fact that Patel’s nomination required cloture indicates significant opposition, with the vote reflecting a clear divide between party lines.
Who is Kash Patel?
Kash Patel is a former national security official and attorney who has served in multiple government roles. His nomination has been closely watched due to his background in intelligence and defense policy. His past government service has drawn both support and criticism, leading to a contentious confirmation process.
What Happens Next?
Now that cloture has been invoked, the Senate will hold a final confirmation vote on Patel’s nomination. Given the partisan nature of the cloture vote, the final decision is expected to be closely contested.
Looking Ahead
If confirmed, Patel will take on a key role with potential influence over national security and intelligence policy. His confirmation process highlights ongoing political divisions, and the final vote will be closely monitored for its broader implications.
Stay updated as the Senate moves toward its final decision on Kash Patel’s nomination.
Bills at the Hill 