Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Daniel Driscoll as Secretary of the Army, passed a resolution disapproving a marine archaeological protection rule, and introduced bipartisan legislation to enhance public land access.
On February 25, 2025, the U.S. Senate engaged in significant legislative activities, including the confirmation of Daniel Driscoll as Secretary of the Army and the passage of a resolution disapproving a Bureau of Ocean Energy Management rule. Additionally, bipartisan efforts were made to address outdoor recreation access and the opioid crisis. Key leadership statements focused on federal spending, research funding, and energy policies.
Legislative Actions & Votes
Confirmation of Daniel Driscoll as Secretary of the Army
The Senate confirmed Daniel Driscoll’s nomination as Secretary of the Army with a 66-28 vote. Notably, 16 Democratic senators supported the confirmation, reflecting bipartisan approval. Driscoll’s leadership is anticipated to influence Army policies and operations significantly.
Passage of S.J.Res.11 – Disapproval of Marine Archaeological Protection Rule
The Senate passed S.J.Res.11, a joint resolution disapproving a Bureau of Ocean Energy Management rule on marine archaeological resource protection, by a 54-44 vote. The resolution’s passage indicates legislative pushback against specific regulatory measures, potentially impacting marine conservation efforts.
Introduction of the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act
Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act. This bipartisan bill aims to enhance public access to hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities by supporting landowners who voluntarily open their lands for recreation. The legislation seeks to bolster outdoor recreation opportunities and support wildlife habitats.
Leadership Statements & Public Engagements
Senator Durbin on Federal Research Funding
Senator Dick Durbin addressed the Senate, emphasizing the importance of federal research funding. He highlighted the need for sustained investment in research to drive innovation and maintain the nation’s competitive edge. Durbin’s remarks underscore the critical role of federal support in advancing scientific and technological progress.
Senator Lummis on Energy Policies
Senator Cynthia Lummis spoke on energy policies, advocating for strategies that promote energy independence and economic growth. She emphasized the importance of utilizing domestic energy resources and reducing regulatory burdens to foster industry innovation. Lummis’s stance reflects ongoing debates over the direction of national energy policy.
Policy Developments & Bipartisan Negotiations
Bipartisan Effort to Address the Opioid Crisis
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) blocked a Democratic attempt to pass a temporary extension of fentanyl-related substance scheduling. Cassidy, along with Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), is advocating for the Halt Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act, which seeks to make permanent the class-wide scheduling of fentanyl-related substances. This bipartisan effort aims to provide law enforcement with tools to combat the opioid crisis effectively.
Appointments & Nominations
Cloture Filed for Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education
Majority Leader John Thune filed cloture on the nomination of Linda McMahon to be Secretary of Education. This procedural move sets up a future vote to limit debate on the nomination, indicating a forthcoming confirmation decision. McMahon’s potential leadership is poised to influence the direction of national education policies.
Senate Investigations & Oversight
Senator Cruz Criticizes Federal Trade Commission’s Practices
Senator Ted Cruz delivered remarks criticizing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for overstepping its legal mandate. He accused the FTC of abusing its enforcement powers, targeting political opponents, and attempting to impose competition rulemakings across entire industries. Cruz’s statements reflect concerns over regulatory overreach and its implications for innovation and free speech.
Bibliography (Strict Source Verification)
These sources were verified as published on February 25, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 11:49 PM ET.
- U.S. Senate Daily Press: “Tuesday, February 25, 2025” (Published: February 25, 2025, ET) dailypress.senate.gov
- Senator Steve Daines’ Official Website: “Daines, Bennet, Marshall Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Outdoor Recreation, Expand Access to Public Lands” (Published: February 25, 2025, ET) daines.senate.gov
- Senator Bill Cassidy’s Official Website: “Cassidy Blocks Democrat Attempt to Sabotage Bipartisan Effort to Address Opioid Crisis” (Published: February 25, 2025, ET) cassidy.senate.gov
- Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation: “Sen. Cruz: The Story of the 21st Century Will Be Written by Whichever Nation Can Innovate the Fastest” (Published: February 25, 2025, ET) commerce.senate.gov
