Today, the U.S. House convened as discussions on Medicaid reforms and significant federal workforce restructuring initiatives unfolded, reflecting the administration’s policy priorities.
As of February 18, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives convened at 1:00 PM ET. While specific legislative actions from today’s session have not been detailed in the available sources, several significant developments have emerged:
Legislative Actions:
- Medicaid Reform Proposals: Republican lawmakers are considering substantial cuts to Medicaid, including the introduction of work requirements. These measures could impact healthcare coverage for millions of Americans. The proposed changes aim to reduce federal spending on the $880 billion program, which has seen expanded enrollment under previous administrations. apnews.com
Leadership Statements:
- House Speaker’s Address: House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the necessity for Western nations to prioritize their national interests to ensure the preservation of Western values. This statement underscores a strategic shift towards national-centric policies. reuters.com
Policy Developments:
- Senate Budget Resolution: Senate Republicans are advancing a budget resolution that aligns with President Donald Trump’s agenda, focusing on border security, immigration reforms, increased fossil fuel production, and defense spending. This initiative reflects a concerted effort to implement the administration’s policy priorities. reuters.com
Oversight & Investigations:
- Federal Workforce Restructuring: President Trump, with the assistance of senior adviser Elon Musk, has initiated actions targeting federal agencies, including the dismissal of bank regulators, rocket scientists, and tax enforcers. This move aims to significantly reshape the federal workforce, purportedly achieving substantial cost savings. reuters.com
Appointments & Nominations:
- Justice Department Changes: President Trump has directed the Department of Justice to terminate all remaining U.S. attorneys appointed during the Biden administration. This directive is part of a broader effort to realign the Justice Department’s leadership with the current administration’s objectives. reuters.com
Bibliography:
- “Republicans consider cuts and work requirements for Medicaid, jeopardizing care for millions” – AP News, February 18, 2025. apnews.com
- “US House Speaker Johnson: West will only survive if countries prioritise national interests” – Reuters, February 17, 2025. reuters.com
- “US Senate Republicans look to advance part of Trump agenda this week” – Reuters, February 18, 2025. reuters.com
- “Trump and Musk target tax enforcers, rocket scientists, bank regulators for job cuts” – Reuters, February 18, 2025. reuters.com
- “Trump says he has instructed DOJ to terminate all remaining Biden-era US attorneys” – Reuters, February 18, 2025. reuters.com
These sources were verified as published on February 18, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 10:26 PM ET.
