House and Senate Action
The House and Senate both return from their Thanksgiving break for the final stretch of the 118th Congress.
The House will gavel into session on Tuesday afternoon. Lawmakers will consider a slate of noncontroversial bills listed on the suspension calendar, including bipartisan legislation (H.R. 7872) that would help provide greater federal support for efforts to reduce the salt load in the Colorado River. The chamber will also consider a bipartisan wildlife and wildlife habitat conservation bill (H.R. 3791) that would, among other things, reauthorize the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act. The full House agenda can be accessed here.
Across Capitol Hill, the Senate returns to action today, and Democratic leaders will continue to focus on confirming President Biden’s judicial nominations. The Senate daily schedule is available here.
Relevant Hearings and Markups
House Oversight: On Thursday morning, lawmakers will meet to conduct oversight of the U.S. Census Bureau. More details on the hearing can be found here.
Senate Homeland Security: The panel recently advanced legislation – the Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act (H.R. 255) – that would establish a Federal working group led by FEMA, in collaboration with the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, to identify ways to reduce duplication and modernize the Federal damage assessment process. The group would also look for ways to speed up the assessment process and distribute responsibilities for the process between relevant federal agencies. The findings and recommendations, along with a comprehensive report on the plans, must be submitted to Congress, made public, and posted on FEMA’s website. The measure, which has already passed the House, is now pending before the full chamber.
Senate Environment and Public Works: On Thursday morning, the panel will hold an oversight hearing to examine the public health impacts of PFAS exposure. Additional details, including a full witness list, can be accessed here.
House/Senate Panels with Jurisdiction Over FEMA: Prior to the Thanksgiving break, congressional panels on both sides of the Capitol convened oversight hearings to assess FEMA’s preparedness and effectiveness in managing recent disasters. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell testified at all three sessions. Among other things, she highlighted proactive measures taken by the agency, such as pre-positioning personnel and supplies, activating the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC), and working closely with NOAA for accurate storm monitoring. She also emphasized the agency’s ongoing communication with state, local, and tribal partners to ensure coordinated disaster responses.
In addition, the hearings addressed allegations of political bias in aid distribution, sparked by reports of a FEMA supervisor instructing workers to avoid assisting homes displaying support for President-elect Donald Trump. Criswell strongly condemned these actions, confirmed the dismissal of the employee, and assured lawmakers of a thorough investigation to prevent any recurrence. She also reaffirmed FEMA’s commitment to equitable and impartial disaster relief.
Another key issue discussed was the agency’s strained Disaster Relief Fund. Criswell, and other federal officials, urged Congress to approve the Biden administration’s request for additional disaster funding. However, some GOP lawmakers expressed doubts about FEMA’s resource allocation, criticizing the Biden administration’s focus on broader policy goals – like equity, climate change, and migrant assistance – which they argued have detracted from FEMA’s core mission.
Additional details on the hearings can be accessed here, here, and here.