February 21
This week in MORE POWER:
Senate’s Resolution Resolve
From Wall Street to Commerce
For the Small Businesses
Investigation Instigator
The House was on recess this week, but the Senate continued working on the budget and confirming President Trump’s nominees. We anticipate that when the House returns, the budget will be a top priority.
Senate’s Resolution Resolve
This week, the Senate passed its version of the budget resolution. This resolution itself does not become law; instead, it directs congressional committees to draft a spending package. This resolution authorizes $340 billion in federal spending, with a focus on border security and increasing military funding. Because this resolution is technically a part of a process called “reconciliation,” it only needs a simple majority of votes to pass.
On the other hand, the version the House has drafted but not voted on has earned President Trump’s approval over the Senate version. It’s much more robust, including border security, increasing energy production, and renewing the tax cuts from Trump’s first term. The House will likely start working on passing its resolution very soon. The new deadline for the federal budget is March 14. If Congress is unable to set the budget or secure more stopgap funding like they did in December, there will be a government shutdown.
From Wall Street to Commerce
The Senate confirmed Howard Lutnick to serve as the secretary of commerce by a margin of 51 to 45. In this role, Lutnick, a former Wall Street executive, will help President Trump accomplish his economic agenda. He supports Trump’s tariffs and trade policies, calling concerns that tariffs contribute to inflation “nonsense.”
The secretary of commerce is a key member of the president’s team, providing guidance on policies that affect U.S. businesses, innovation, and economic competitiveness. The Department of Commerce exists to promote economic growth, innovation, and job creation. Its main functions are to support businesses, research emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), and protect intellectual property.
For the Small Businesses
The Senate confirmed Kelly Loeffler to lead the Small Business Administration, which helps small businesses by providing loans, free advice, and training. Additionally, it works to make sure small businesses get government contracts and advocates for small businesses in Congress.
Loeffler was confirmed by a margin of 52 to 46. She was a top donor to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. Previously, she served in the Senate, after former Sen. Johnny Isakson resigned during his term due to health concerns.
Investigation Instigator
The Senate voted to confirm Kash Patel as the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Thursday. The director of the FBI leads efforts to enforce federal laws, combat crime, protect national security, manage FBI operations, and set investigative priorities.
Being one of President Trump’s most controversial nominees, Patel received 51 votes in his favor and 49 opposed. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) broke from their Republican colleagues and joined Democrats in their opposition. Opponents took issue with Patel due to his comments calling for government officials who opposed Trump to be punished.
Legislation Congress Passed
Not in session.
No legislative votes – just confirmations, resolutions, and working on the budget.
Nothing.
Legislation POTUS Signed
Nothing.
