The U.S. Senate saw pivotal developments today, including a contentious budget debate, the confirmation of Kash Patel as FBI Director, and bipartisan foreign policy discussions. Senators Shaheen and Tillis detailed their Ukraine visit, while Senator Durbin criticized recent executive actions. Meanwhile, key defense hearings and budget negotiations took center stage. Read on for a detailed breakdown of today’s major legislative and policy actions.
Legislative Actions & Votes
- Senate Advances Budget Resolution Amidst Partisan DebateThe U.S. Senate convened at 10:00 a.m. ET to resume consideration of S.Con.Res.7, the budget resolution for fiscal year 2025. Throughout the day, a series of roll call votes were conducted on various amendments, reflecting deep partisan divisions. Notably, the Senate did not agree to several proposed amendments, including the Schiff amendment #316 and the Bennet amendment #540, both of which were rejected by votes of 48-52. The “vote-a-rama” session extended into the late evening, highlighting the contentious nature of the budget discussions. dailypress.senate.gov
- Confirmation of Kash Patel as FBI DirectorAt approximately 1:55 p.m. ET, the Senate held a roll call vote on the confirmation of Kash Patel to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The nomination was confirmed by a narrow margin of 51-49. Republican Senators Collins and Murkowski voted against the confirmation, indicating a slight bipartisan dissent. dailypress.senate.gov
Leadership Statements & Public Engagements
- Senators Shaheen and Tillis Discuss Ukraine VisitIn a bipartisan effort, Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) addressed the Senate floor to share insights from their recent delegation visit to Kyiv, Ukraine. They emphasized the resilience of Ukrainian forces amidst ongoing conflicts and underscored the critical need for continued U.S. support. Their remarks highlighted the tangible impacts of U.S. foreign aid and the consequences of any potential aid freezes on the ground. foreign.senate.gov
- Senator Durbin Criticizes Administration’s ActionsSenator Dick Durbin (D-IL), serving as the Senate Democratic Whip and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered a pointed critique of the Trump Administration’s recent actions. He described certain executive measures as unprecedented and dangerous, asserting that they undermine the rule of law and compromise national safety. Durbin’s remarks reflect growing concerns among Democrats regarding the administration’s approach to governance. durbin.senate.gov
Policy Developments & Bipartisan Negotiations
- Senate Republicans Push Forward with Budget PlanSenate Republicans, led by Majority Leader John Thune, advanced a budget blueprint aimed at unlocking $342 billion in spending over four years, focusing on defense and border security. This initiative seeks to secure an early legislative victory for President Trump and exert pressure on House Republicans to align with the Senate’s approach. However, President Trump has expressed a preference for the House’s more comprehensive budget resolution, which includes significant tax cuts and additional spending measures. The divergence between the Senate and House plans highlights ongoing intra-party negotiations and strategic positioning. apnews.com
- Democrats Introduce Amendments to Counter Republican BudgetIn response to the Republican-proposed budget resolution, Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced a series of amendments aimed at protecting constituents from potential budget cuts. Their proposed amendments seek to block cost increases for families, prevent tax cuts favoring the wealthy, and hold government agencies accountable for proposed spending reductions. This legislative maneuver underscores the sharp partisan divide over fiscal priorities and social welfare programs. warren.senate.gov
Appointments & Nominations
- Senate HELP Committee Schedules Confirmation HearingsThe Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee announced upcoming confirmation hearings for key Department of Labor positions. On February 27, the committee is set to hold a confirmation hearing for the nomination of Keith Sonderling as Deputy Secretary of Labor. Additionally, a vote to consider the nomination of Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Secretary of Labor is scheduled for the same day. These proceedings are pivotal as the administration seeks to solidify its leadership team within the Department of Labor. help.senate.gov
Senate Investigations & Oversight
- Senate Armed Services Committee Reviews Naval OperationsThe Senate Armed Services Committee convened a closed briefing to assess the operations of the USS Gravely in the Red Sea. This session aimed to evaluate current naval strategies and address any emerging security concerns in the region. Such oversight activities are essential for ensuring that U.S. military operations align with national security objectives and adapt to evolving global threats. congress.gov
Bibliography
- Senate Daily Press Briefing
- Timestamp: February 20, 2025, Eastern Time (ET)
- Source: U.S. Senate Daily Press
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 20, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 10:50 PM ET.
- Senators Shaheen and Tillis Discuss Ukraine Visit
- Timestamp: February 20, 2025, Eastern Time (ET)
- Source: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Press Release
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 20, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 10:50 PM ET.
- Senator Durbin Rebukes Administration’s Actions
- Timestamp: February 20, 2025, Eastern Time (ET)
- Source: Senator Durbin’s Press Release
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 20, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 10:50 PM ET.
- Senate Republicans Push Forward with Budget Plan
- Timestamp: February 20, 2025, Eastern Time (ET)
- Source: AP News Report
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 20, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 10:50 PM ET.
- Senate Armed Services Committee Reviews Naval Operations
- Timestamp: February 20, 2025, Eastern Time (ET)
- Source: Congress.gov
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 20, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 10:50 PM ET.
