The U.S. House of Representatives focused on repealing outdated war authorizations, addressing budget cuts, launching oversight investigations, and promoting bipartisan initiatives. These efforts highlight ongoing legislative priorities and a commitment to safeguarding democracy and public trust.
1️⃣ Legislative Actions & Votes
Reintroduction of Bipartisan Legislation to Repeal 1991 and 2002 AUMFs
Representatives Chip Roy (R-TX-21) and Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY-05) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) related to Iraq. This effort aims to reassert Congressional authority over war powers and prevent future misuse of these authorizations. The repeal is intended to ensure that any military action is properly debated and authorized by Congress, reflecting current geopolitical realities.
2️⃣ Leadership Statements & Public Engagements
Rep. Golden Warns Against Politicization of the U.S. Armed Forces
Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), a Marine veteran, joined a bipartisan group of House members in expressing concern over reports that the Trump administration is considering the dismissal of General and Flag Officers based on political loyalty. In a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the lawmakers emphasized the importance of maintaining an apolitical military to uphold democratic principles and national security.
Rep. Liccardo Joins House Rapid Response Task Force
Congressman Sam Liccardo (CA-16), a former federal prosecutor, has been appointed to the House Democrats’ Rapid Response Task Force & Litigation Working Group. This group is dedicated to countering what they describe as unconstitutional executive actions by the Trump administration. Rep. Liccardo emphasized the necessity of using all lawful means to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution.
3️⃣ Policy Developments & Bipartisan Negotiations
Rep. Sherrill Demands Halt to Extreme Budget Cuts
Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) called on Speaker Mike Johnson to stop proposed budget cuts that she argues will increase costs for New Jersey families. She highlighted concerns that such cuts could undermine essential public services and negatively impact the state’s economy.
4️⃣ Oversight & Investigations
Investigation into DOJ’s Restriction on Anti-Corruption Efforts
Representatives Gerald E. Connolly, Jamie Raskin, Summer Lee, and Lucy McBath launched an investigation into recent Department of Justice actions that have limited the federal government’s capacity to combat corruption. In a letter to Attorney General Pamela Bondi, they expressed concern over the removal of key personnel and the narrowing of anti-corruption enforcement, which could have far-reaching implications for governance and public trust.
5️⃣ Appointments & Nominations
No notable appointments or nominations were announced in the House of Representatives on February 21, 2025.
Bibliography
- Reintroduction of Bipartisan Legislation to Repeal 1991 and 2002 AUMFs
- Timestamp: February 21, 2025
- Source: Rep. Chip Roy’s Press Release
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 21, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 10:35 PM ET.
- Rep. Golden Warns Against Politicization of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Timestamp: February 21, 2025
- Source: Rep. Jared Golden’s Press Release
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 21, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 10:35 PM ET.
- Rep. Liccardo Joins House Rapid Response Task Force
- Timestamp: February 21, 2025
- Source: Rep. Sam Liccardo’s Press Release
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 21, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 10:35 PM ET.
- Rep. Sherrill Demands Halt to Extreme Budget Cuts
- Timestamp: February 21, 2025
- Source: Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s Press Release
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 21, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 10:35 PM ET.
- Investigation into DOJ’s Restriction on Anti-Corruption Efforts
- Timestamp: February 21, 2025
- Source: Letter to Attorney General Pamela Bondi
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 21, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 10:35 PM ET.