The Senate is in session this week, but the House will not hold votes. House Republicans are gathering at Trump National Doral in Florida for their annual issues retreat starting Monday. A significant portion of the three-day retreat will be dedicated to discussions on strategy for reconciliation, with President Trump scheduled as the keynote speaker. There is still some disagreement within the party over pursuing a single legislative reconciliation package or beginning with a standalone border and energy security bill before turning to a second reconciliation package, with a focus on tax policy. Members will also work toward an agreement on spending cuts and possible pay-fors to offset the costs of the reconciliation policies.
Over the weekend, the Senate confirmed the nominations of Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary and Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. The Hegseth vote required Vice President JD Vance to cast the tiebreaking ballot after three Republicans voted against his nomination, including former Leader Mitch McConnell. This week, the upper chamber will move forward with votes on the nominations of Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary and Sean Duffy as Secretary of Transportation. It is expected other confirmation votes will also occur.
The Senate may also vote on a House-passed bill (H.R. 23) that would require sanctions on individuals involved in International Criminal Court prosecutions against Americans or citizens of U.S. allies – including Israel – who haven’t consented to the court’s jurisdiction.
Other Trump cabinet nominees will also be considered in the committee process this week:
