Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Activity: July 18, 2025 – August 22, 2025

Legislation referred to committee includes ZIP code changes, addition of extreme heat to definition of major disaster, firefighters pay, risk assessment, AI. And lots affecting Washington, DC.

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JOHN FETTERMAN sits on this committee.

Republican members: Rand Paul (R-KY), Chair; Ron Johnson (R-WI); James Lankford (R-OK); Rick Scott (R-FL); Josh Hawley (R-MO); Bernie Moreno (R-OH); Joni Ernst (R-IA); Ashley Moody (R-FL).

Democratic members: Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Minority Member; Margaret Hassan (D-NH); Richard Blumenthal (D-CT); John Fetterman (D-PA); Andy Kim (D-NJ); Ruben Gallego (D-AZ); Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).

ACTIONS

Transcripts released

Release date, July 24, 2025. Meeting date, February 25, 2025. Nomination of Troy Edgar and Dan Bishop. Troy Edgar was nominated as Deputy Director of Homeland Security. Dan Bishop was nominated as Deputy Director of Office of Management and Budget.

Release date, July 29, 2025. Meeting date, January 16, 2025. Remain in Mexico. Rand Paul introduced the session by stating that they were discussing giving President Trump “broad powers to suspend or restrict entry for any group deemed detrimental to our national interest.” If you want to know how we got in this mess, thank Rand Paul! And read this transcript.

Credit to Gary Peters, Elissa Slotkin, Margaret Hassan, Richard Blumenthal, Andy Kim, and Ruben Gallego for standing up for Congress’s responsibility and right to manage immigration reform, not the President. (John Fetterman was absent.) And for reminding Republicans on the committee about the bipartisan immigration bill that Trump quashed.

Release date, July 29, 2025. Meeting date, January 17, 2025. Nomination of Kristi Noem. Director of Homeland Security.

Release date, July 31, 2025. Meeting date, January 15, 2025. Nomination of Russell Vought. Director of Office of Management and Budget.

Release date, July 31, 2025. Meeting date, April 3, 2025. Nomination of Scott Kupor and Eric M. Ueland. Scott Kupor was nominated to be Director of Office of Personnel Management. Eric Ueland was nominated to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget.

Release date, August 22, 2025. Meeting date, May 16, 2023. Artificial intelligence in government. A sad reminder that there used to be adults in the room.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcement made July 23, 2025. Meeting on July 30, 2025. 2:00PM(EDT), 342 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. Hearings to examine Congress's role in the regulatory landscape. Meeting Details

Announcement made July 24, 2025. Meeting on July 30, 2025, 10:00AM(EDT), 342 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. Business meeting to consider:

S.854, to amend title 31, United States Code, to establish the Life Sciences Research Security Board
S.855, to require executive branch employees to report certain royalties
S.269, to improve coordination between Federal and State agencies and the Do Not Pay working system
S.81, to require a guidance clarity statement on certain agency guidance
S.861, to streamline the sharing of information among Federal disaster assistance agencies, to expedite the delivery of life-saving assistance to disaster survivors, to speed the recovery of communities from disasters, to protect the security and privacy of information provided by disaster survivors
S.766, to require an annual report of taxpayer-funded projects that are over budget and behind schedule
S.872, to amend the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 to ensure that other transaction agreements are reported to USAspending.gov
S.727, to correct the inequitable denial of enhanced retirement and annuity benefits to certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers
S.874, to ensure that whistleblowers, including contractors, are protected from retaliation when a Federal employee orders a reprisal
S.594, to amend the Post-Katrina Management Reform Act of 2006 to repeal certain obsolete requirements
S.865, to amend the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require certain disclosures by registrants regarding exemptions under the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended
S.856, to amend the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to clarify a provision relating to certain contents of registrations under that Act
S.850, to amend the Northern Border Security Review Act to require updates to the northern border threat analysis and the northern border strategy
S.848, to provide for joint reports by relevant Federal agencies to Congress regarding incidents of terrorism, and
S.572, to enhance the effectiveness of the Shadow Wolves Program

to be immediately followed by a business meeting to consider

S.1498, to amend chapter 131 of title 5, United States Code, to prohibit transactions involving certain financial instruments by Members of Congress
S.2144, to improve the safety and security of Members of Congress, immediate family members of Members of Congress, and congressional staff
the nominations of Pedro Allende, of Florida, to be Under Secretary for Science and Technology, and Sean Plankey, of Pennsylvania, to be Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, both of the Department of Homeland Security
Paul Ingrassia, of New York, to be Special Counsel, Office of Special Counsel, for the term of five years
Christopher Fox, of Virginia, to be Inspector General of the Intelligence Community, Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Edward Aloysius O'Connell, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years.

NOMINATIONS

PN447 – July 31, 2025. Edward Forst — General Services Administration.

LEGISLATION THAT PASSED THE HOUSE, NOW REFERRED TO COMMITTEE IN SENATE

H.R.672 - To establish new ZIP Codes for certain communities. New unique zip codes for Eastvale, CA; Scotland, CT; Cooper City, FL; Miami Lakes, FL; Ococee, FL; Village of Estero, FL; Urbandale, IA; and, Mills, WY.

Introduced January 23, 2025 by Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL). Cosponsored by eight Republicans and five Democrats. July 21, 2025, 3:48 pm, motion to suspend rules. 3:56 pm, passed as amended, agreed by voice vote. Bill “engrossed in House” (official version certified and sent to Senate), July 21, 2025.

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on July 22, 2025.

Comment: The amendment deleted the following from the list—Castle Pines, CO; Silver Cliff, CO; Hollywood, FL; Franklin, WI; Greenfield, WI; Village of Caledonia, WI; Village of Mount Pleasant, WI; Village of Somers, WI; and added Cooper City, FL to the list.

H.R.3095 - To direct the United States Postal Service to designate single, unique ZIP Codes for certain communities. New unique zip codes for Canyon Lake, CA; Hidden Hills, CA; Industry, CA; North Tustin, CA; Tehachapi, CA; Castle Pines, CO; Centennial, CO; Cherry Hills Village, CO; Greenwood Village, CO; Highlands Ranch, CO; Keystone, CO; Lone Tree, CO; Mountain Village, CO; Mt. Crested Butte, CO; Severance, CO; Silver Cliff, CO; Sterling Ranch, CO; Superior, CO; Telluride, CO; Oakland Park, FL; Lighthouse Point, FL; Coconut Creek, FL; Parkland, FL; Deerfield Beach, FL; Wilton Manors, FL; Burr Ridge, IL; Carmel, IN; Noblesville, IN; Westfield, IN; Zionsville, IN; Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA; Montz, LA; Springwater Township, MN; Grass Valley, NV; Swanzey, NH; Kinnelon, NJ; Flanders, NY; Glendale, NY; Riverside, NY; Pendleton, NY [corrected from Boebert’s incorrect Pendelton]; Weddington, NC; Goose Creek, SC; Fairview, TX; Fate, TX; Heath, TX; Murphy, TX; Northlake, TX; Parker, TX; Sargent, TX; Fairlawn, VA; Caledonia, WI; Franklin, WI; Glendale, WI; Greenfield, WI; Village of Mount Pleasant, WI; Village of Somers, WI; Village of Harrison, WI; Hochatown, OK; Green, OH; Rochester, WI; Quartzite Township, MN; Frederick, CO; Camargo, KY; Wheatfield, NY; Mauldin, SC; and Josephine, TX.

The July amendment deleted *Eastvale, CA; *Scotland, CT; **Estero, FL; Ft. Myers, FL; Hollywood, FL; *Urbandale, IA; Mendham Township, NJ; Northampton, NY; Harnett County, NC; and North Enid, OK; while adding Wheatfield, NY; Mauldin, SC; and Josephine, TX.

Notes: *Already included on H.R. 672. **Already included on H.R. 672, but corrected name.

Introduced April 30, 2025 by Lauren Boebert (R-CO). Cosponsored by twenty-two Republicans and eleven Democrats.

July 21, 2025, 3:56pm, considered under suspension of the rules. 6:32pm: Considered as unfinished business. 6:58pm: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays. Engrossed in House and referred to Senate.

July 22, 2025, referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Snarky comment: Resident Alien fans will surely wonder why Patience, CO wasn’t on Boebert’s list.

LEGISLATION REFERRED TO COMMITTEE

S.2317 – Federal Advisory Committee Database Act. To amend title 5, United States Code, to address the responsibilities of the Administrator of General Services with respect to Federal advisory committees.

Introduced July 17, 2025 by Gary Peters (D-MI). Cosponsored by Bill Cassidy (R-LA). Referred to Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs the same day.

S.2331 – Extreme Heat Emergency Act of 2025. To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include extreme temperature in the definition of a major disaster.

Introduced July 17, 2025 by Jacky Rosen (D-NV). Cosponsored by Ruben Gallego (D-AZ). No Republican cosponsors. Referred to Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs the same day.

S.2364 - To direct the United States Postal Service to designate single, unique ZIP Codes for certain communities. For Mills, WY and Star Valley Ranch, WY.

Introduced July 21, 2025 by John Barrasso (R-WY). Cosponsored by Cynthia Lummis (R-WY). Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs the same day.

S.2394 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 505 East 9th Avenue in Amarillo, Texas, as the “Mayor Jerry H. Hodge Post Office Building.”

Introduced July 23, 2025 by Ted Cruz (R-TX). Cosponsored by John Cornyn (R-TX). Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs the same day.

S.2404 - To subject emergency legislation enacted by the District of Columbia Council to expedited congressional disapproval procedures.

Introduced July 23, 2025 by Mike Lee (R-UT). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs the same day.

Comment: It appears that Trump Republican attacks on Washington, DC began before Trump started his unilateral assault. If you read all the way to the end, you will understand what I mean.

S.2432 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6444 San Fernando Road in Glendale, California, as the “Paul Ignatius Post Office.”

Introduced July 24, 2025 by Adam Schiff (D-CA). Cosponsored by Alex Padilla (D-CA). Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs the same day.

S.2473 - Federal Firefighters Families First Act. To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for pay equality and the more accurate computation of retirement benefits for certain firefighters employed by the Federal Government.

Introduced July 28, 2025 by Ruben Gallego (D-AZ). Cosponsored by Bernie Moreno (R-OH). Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs the same day.

Comment: If anyone is a firefighter or has family or friends who are firefighters, this is a critical bill. The Office of Personnel Management calculated most (all?) other payrolls assuming standard 2087 working hours per year. Therefore if $50,000 were allocated to a position, hourly pay rate would equal $23.95. Overtime would therefore be calculated at a base rate of $23.95 x 1.5 or 2, depending on position.

5 U.S. Code § 5545b - Pay for firefighters treats firefighters’ payroll differently. Instead of 2087 working hours per year, Office of Personnel Management used 2756 hours to derive hourly pay. So still using $50,000, $18.14 per hour. This impacts not only overtime calculation, but also annuity.

S.2473 additionally established a maximum regular workweek for firefighters. Under S.2473, firefighters could not work more than sixty hours per week.

S.2492 - Fiscal Contingency Preparedness Act. To require the Secretary of the Treasury, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to examine the ability of the Federal Government to respond to potential fiscal shocks.

Introduced July 29, 2025 by Mark Warner (D-VA). Cosponsored by Todd Young (R-IN). Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs the same day.

Comment: Can we please get this done in some positive form or fashion? S.2492 requires the Secretary of the Treasury to do his or her job and carry out an annual economic risk assessment for the United States. Risks to be evaluated would include: Possibility of economic recession or depression; domestic energy crisis; catastrophic natural disaster; health crisis or global pandemic; significant armed conflict; significant cyberattack; or, a financial crisis.

Presidents Biden and Obama required this of their Treasury secretaries. Here is link to the 2024 risk assessment. This should be a no-brainer. If there are still adults in the room at Treasury, that is.

S.2504 - To require that certain agencies only procure cut flowers and cut greens grown in the United States. The “certain agencies” are the Executive Office of the President, the Department of Defense, and the Department of State.

Introduced July 29, 2025 by Dan Sullivan (R-AK). Cosponsored by Adam Schiff (D-CA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Angus King (I-ME). Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs the same day.

S.2517 - To impose criminal penalties for camping on public property in the District of Columbia. From the text of the proposed bill: “In this section, the term ‘camp’ means to use any material to set up, maintain, or establish a temporary place of abode. It shall be unlawful in the District of Columbia to camp on public property. Any person who violates subsection (b) shall be fined not more than $500, imprisoned for not more than 30 days, or both.”

Introduced by Tom Cotton (R-AR). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs the same day.

Comment: As noted above, Trump-Republican congressional “attacks” on Washington, DC began before Trump went on the offensive.

Snarky comment: Does this apply to junior representatives and senators who camp out in their offices instead of renting an apartment? I mean, it’s temporary, and it’s in a public place (the People’s House).

S.2533 - Pick Up After Your DOGE Act. To require performance and security audits of certain agency computer systems.

Introduced July 30, 2025 by Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Cosponsored by Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs the same day.

Comment: This wins the Internet for today! Pick up your doge, indeed! Please reward whichever staffer came up with the title for this bill.

S.2542 - Federal Building Threat Notification Act. To direct the Director of the Federal Protective Service to establish guidance relating to emergency protocols for buildings.

Introduced July 30, 2035 by Gary Peters (D-MI). Cosponsored by James Lankford (R-OK) and Joni Ernst (R-IA). Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs the same day.

S.2551 - Extending Anti-Terrorism Protections Act of 2025. To provide the Secretary of Homeland Security with the authority to temporarily extend the duration of protections provided under the SAFETY Act.

Introduced July 30, 2025 by Gary Peters (D-MI). Cosponsored by Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs the same day.

Comment: This bill dates back to 2002.

S.2558 - The National Quantum Cybersecurity Migration Strategy Act of 2025. To require the Subcommittee on the Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Information Science to assess possible migration by Federal agencies to post-quantum cryptography.

Introduced July 30, 2025 by Gary Peters (D-MI). Cosponsored by Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs the same day.

Comment: I do not know enough about cryptography and cybersecurity to comment intelligently on this bill. If you do, please read and post a comment so we can learn from you. Thanks!

S.2565 - District of Columbia Sister City Integrity Act. To prohibit the District of Columbia government from entering into Sister City relationships with jurisdictions located in foreign adversary countries.

Introduced July 31, 2025 by Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). Cosponsored by Rick Scott (R-FL). Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs the same day.

S.2627 - To require the United States Postal Service to designate a single, unique ZIP Code for Swanzey, New Hampshire.

Introduced July 31, 2025 by Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Cosponsored by Margaret Hassan (D-NH). Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Comment: Surprised that this wasn’t handed back when it was submitted, since changing the ZIP code is part of H.R. 3095 that was passed by the House and referred to the Senate on July 22, 2025.

S.2636 - To prohibit individuals who are not citizens of the United States from voting in elections in the District of Columbia and to repeal the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022.

Introduced July 31, 2025 by Katie Britt (R-AL). Twenty-two Republican cosponsors, no Democratic cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs the same day.

Comments: Although introduced by Katie Britt, this was “cosponsored” (and likely written) by Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Cosponsors are Trump-Republican who’s who.

S.2645 - DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act. To establish the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program.

Introduced August 1, 2025 by Gary Peters (D-MI). Cosponsored by Josh Hawley (R-MO). Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs the same day.

Comment: This bill is worth reading in its entirety. Not especially long. It provides for tracking of suicidal ideation and mental health issues with DHS personnel, which includes not only ICE/CBP, but also Coast Guard, Secret Service, TSA, and any other law enforcement officers affiliated with Homeland Security. It also would task Homeland Security with putting together preventive measures.

This bill doesn’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell, although it is desperately needed.

SENATE RESOLUTIONS REFERRED TO COMMITTEE

S.J.Res.68 - A joint resolution disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Open Meetings Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2025.

Introduced July 23, 2025 by Mike Lee (R-UT). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs the same day.

Comment: Trump Republicans in the House and Senate quashing the Open Meetings Act sits wrong.

S.Res.337 - A resolution recognizing the 250th anniversary of the postal service of the United States.

Introduced July 24, 2025 by Gary Peters (D-MI). Eight Republican and six Democratic cosponsors.

Comment: And yet it was still referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs instead of holding a voice vote. The Trump administration doesn’t try to hide its disdain for the USPS.

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS sent to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

Comment: Very often the DC Act numbers do not match up with the “Act” name. In case of contradiction, I went with the Act name.

EC1336 – July 22, 2025. From the Chief Executive Officer of the Peace Corps, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Office of Inspector General's Semiannual Report for the period of October 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.

EC1422 – July 30, 2025. From the General Counsel, Office of Congressional Workplace Rights, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Office's Biennial Report on the Occupational Safety and Health Inspections conducted during the 117th Congress received in the Office of the President pro tempore.

EC1423 – July 30, 2025. From the Secretary of Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Department's fiscal year 2024 annual report relative to the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act).

EC1424 – July 30, 2025. From the Executive Director, Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Commission's Eighty-Fourth Financial Statements for the period of October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.

EC1425 – July 30, 2025. From the Chief Executive Officer of the Peace Corps, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Office of Inspector General's Semiannual Report for the period of October 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.

EC1426 – July 30, 2025. From the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-105, “Consumer Protection Clarification Amendment Act of 2025.”

EC1427 – July 30, 2025. From the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-95, Farmers Market Support Amendment Act of 2025.”

EC1428 – July 30, 2025. From the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-96, “Rev. A. Knighton Stanley Way Designation Act of 2025.”

EC1429 – July 30, 2025. From the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-97, “John R. Thompson Jr. High School Designation Act of 2025.”

EC1430 – July 30, 2025. From the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-98, “Health Occupations Revision Exemption Temporary Amendment Act of 2025.”

EC1431 – July 30, 2025. From the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-99, “Subcontracting Requirements Exemption for Contracts for Health Benefits to District Employees Temporary Amendment Act of 2025.” Could not find this Act.

EC1432 – July 30, 2025. From the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-100, “District of Columbia Housing Authority Stabilization and Reform Temporary Amendment Act of 2025.”

EC1433 – July 30, 2025. From the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-101, “Rental Housing Registration Extension Temporary Amendment Act of 2025.”

EC1434 – July 30, 2025. From the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-102, “Pilot Truancy Reduction Temporary Amendment Act of 2025.”

EC1435 – July 30, 2025. From the Associate General Counsel for General Law, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to nominations, vacancies, designation of service in acting roles, discontinuation of service in an acting role and an action on nomination for positions covered by the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998.

EC1436 – July 30, 2025. From the Director, Office of Personnel Management, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled “Federal Student Loan Repayment Program Calendar Year 2024.”

EC1494 – August 1, 2025. From the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Legislative Affairs), transmitting legislative proposals that the Department of Defense requests be enacted during the first session of the 119th Congress.

EC1539 – August 1, 2025. From the Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Board’s Fiscal Year 2024 annual report relative to the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act).

EC1540 – August 1, 2025. From the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-111, “Review of Agency Action Clarification Amendment Act of 2025.”

EC1541 – August 1, 2025. From the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-114, “Peace DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2025.”

EC1543 - August 1, 2025. From the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-112, “Board of Trustees Training Amendment Act of 2025.” Applies to charter schools only?

EC1544 - August 1, 2025. From the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-113, “Disconnect Act of 2025.”

EC1545 - August 1, 2025. From the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-116, “Safe Passage Training and School Engagement Amendment Act of 2025.”

Comment: None of these executive communications is published in the Congressional Record. Or rather, they are published in the Congressional Record, but not on congress.gov. You’d have to file a FOIA request or have a sympathetic Senator to read the ECs (executive communications) and PMs (presidential messages).

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