January 31
This week in MORE POWER:
Chaos and a Reversal
New Border Boss
A Billionaire Treasury Secretary
Transportation Takeover
Climate Confirmations
The House is not in session this week while the Senate is holding confirmation hearings for Trump’s federal agency nominees. When a new president takes office, he appoints people to key roles like agency heads and ambassadors. Some of these appointments require Senate confirmation, involving a hearing where senators question the nominee before voting on their approval.
Chaos and a Reversal
On Monday, The Trump administration issued a memo freezing federal grants and loans as part of an effort to review federal spending to make sure it complies with recent executive orders. The Trump administration is focused on eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), ending the green new deal, and defunding nongovernmental organizations that undermine the national interest. Because of the memo’s fast-approaching deadline and vague language, it immediately triggered chaos and confusion across the country; some feared it would pause all federal funding, including funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, better known as food stamps, and Medicaid. States, schools, and nonprofits that rely on federal funding were left scrambling for clarity. Just two days later, a federal judge temporarily blocked the freeze. Subsequently, the White House issued a statement reversing the memo. However, the administration clarified that the funding reviews will remain in effect.
Additionally, all federal government employees were emailed an offer to resign now and be paid through Sept. 30, 2025. If they agree to resign now, they will not be subjected to requirements to work in-person. If they do not resign, the email says their positions and agencies are not guaranteed. Supporters say that this round of resignations will help decrease federal spending, and opponents say that losing a large amount of federal government employees will create chaos.
New Border Boss
Last weekend, the Senate confirmed Kristi Noem to be the homeland security secretary by a 59 to 34 vote. The homeland security secretary oversees national security, including border protection and counterterrorism. Noem has promised to “secure our southern border,” aiding President Trump in his mass deportation efforts.
Prior to her confirmation, Noem had been a member of Congress before serving as the governor of South Dakota. During her confirmation hearing, some Senate Democrats raised doubts about her ability to lead a federal agency due to a lack of experience.
A Billionaire Treasury Secretary
The Senate confirmed Scott Bessent to be the treasury secretary with a vote of 68 to 29. The treasury secretary oversees the nation’s finances, including managing federal revenue and economic policy. Bessent’s top priorities include ensuring that President Trump’s tax cuts implemented in his first term are renewed, as they are currently set to expire at the end of the year; increasing oil production; and curbing federal spending to help decrease the budget deficit.
Bessent is a billionaire who worked as an investor and hedge fund manager before joining the Trump administration. He is also the first openly gay person to serve as treasury secretary.
Transportation Takeover
The Senate confirmed Sean Duffy to be secretary of transportation on Tuesday with a bipartisan majority of 77 to 22. The secretary of transportation oversees the nation’s transportation systems, including roads, airports, and public transit. During his confirmation hearing, Duffy committed to improving road and aviation safety. For aviation, he plans to increase the number of air traffic controllers and restore confidence in Boeing, an aircraft manufacturer that has experienced a series of safety failures.
He is not a particularly controversial Trump nominee; however, a helicopter flew into an airplane over D.C. hours after Duffy’s confirmation, throwing him into a crisis situation immediately.
Climate Confirmations
This week, the Senate confirmed Lee Zeldin to be the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The final vote was 56 to 42; only three Democrats voted in Zeldin’s favor. The head of the EPA enforces environmental laws and oversees efforts to protect air, water, and land from pollution. Many, including Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), expect Zeldin to loosen environmental protections in favor of expanding the fossil fuel industry.
The Senate also confirmed Doug Burgum to be the interior secretary in a vote of 79 to 18. The interior secretary manages public lands, natural resources, and tribal affairs. Burgum will prioritize increasing fossil fuel production, particularly oil drilling. During his confirmation hearing, he emphasized that renewable energy is unreliable unlike fossil fuels and nuclear energy, pushing for increased production.
Legislation Congress Passed
Not in session.
No legislative votes. Only resolutions and confirmation hearings.
