On February 18, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary, advanced Kash Patel’s FBI Director nomination, and witnessed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announce a review of the childhood vaccine schedule. Senate Republicans also progressed a budget resolution supporting President Trump’s key initiatives.
On February 18, 2025, the U.S. Senate engaged in significant legislative activities, policy developments, and leadership statements.
Legislative Actions:
- Confirmation of Commerce Secretary: The Senate confirmed Howard Lutnick as the new Secretary of Commerce with a 51-45 vote. Lutnick, former CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, is expected to oversee import tariffs and align with President Trump’s stringent trade policies. apnews.com
- Advancement of FBI Director Nominee: The Senate advanced Kash Patel’s nomination for FBI Director with a 48-45 procedural vote. Patel, a Trump ally, has faced criticism for previous claims regarding voter fraud and the January 6 Capitol attack. A final confirmation vote is anticipated later this week. reuters.com
Leadership Statements:
- Health Secretary’s Vaccine Policy Review: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to review the childhood vaccine schedule, despite prior assurances to maintain existing recommendations. This decision has raised concerns among health experts, especially amid a measles outbreak in West Texas. apnews.com
Policy Developments:
- Senate Republicans Advance Budget Resolution: Senate Republicans are progressing with a budget resolution to fund President Trump’s initiatives on border security, immigration, fossil fuel production, and defense. The resolution proposes $175 billion for border security and $150 billion for defense, aiming to fulfill key aspects of the administration’s agenda. reuters.com
Appointments & Nominations:
- Commerce Secretary Confirmation: Howard Lutnick’s confirmation as Secretary of Commerce positions him to oversee significant trade policies, including the administration of import tariffs designed to protect domestic industries. apnews.com
Senate Investigations & Oversight:
- Judicial Review of Federal Workforce Reductions: A federal judge declined to block the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, from accessing federal data and implementing workforce reductions. This decision allows the administration to continue its efforts to downsize and restructure federal agencies. apnews.com
Bibliography:
- “Senate confirms Howard Lutnick as commerce secretary, a key role for Trump’s trade agenda,” Associated Press, February 18, 2025. apnews.com
- “Senate advances nomination of Trump FBI pick Kash Patel,” Reuters, February 18, 2025. reuters.com
- “Kennedy says panel will examine childhood vaccine schedule after promising not to change it,” Associated Press, February 18, 2025. apnews.com
- “US Senate Republicans look to advance part of Trump agenda this week,” Reuters, February 18, 2025. reuters.com
- “The Latest: Judge declines to block Musk and DOGE from accessing federal data or laying off workers,” Associated Press, February 18, 2025. apnews.com
