State of the Union

Congress convened a joint session on Tuesday evening for the President to deliver his State of the Union address, themed “choosing greatness.” The President focused on five policy areas: immigration, trade, infrastructure, healthcare, and national security. Of note, Trump called on Congress to pass legislation aimed at lowering prescription drug prices and to produce an infrastructure package. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is holding its first in a series of infrastructure-focused hearings today with the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee following suit next Wednesday.

Senate Judiciary Advances Barr’s Nomination

Today, the Senate Judiciary advanced Bill Barr’s nomination to serve as Attorney General on a 12-10 party-line vote. Earlier this week, the Committee held a hearing to receive testimony from the President’s two nominees to sit on the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, Aditya Bamzai and Travis LeBlanc.

On the floor, the Senate voted 77-23 to pass a Middle East policy bill before moving to a lands package. The House moved a number of non-controversial Transportation and Infrastructure Committee bills this week on suspension.