Congressional Record — January 8, 2025

Overview of the day

The proceedings for January 8, 2025, focused on the transition of power to the incoming administration, with significant Senate debate regarding government efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and the legislative priorities of the 119th Congress. Senators discussed the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to combat waste, fraud, and abuse within federal agencies. Additionally, the Senate addressed border security, birthright citizenship, and the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter.

Summary of the House proceedings

There was no House activity on this date.

Summary of Senate proceedings

The Senate discussed the Laken Riley bill, which is supported by Republicans and several Democrats to protect citizens from illegal immigrants.
Senator Cornyn discussed the necessity of passing a budget to enable the use of reconciliation for budgetary challenges and the renewal of expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Senator Kaine spoke in defense of the constitutional principle of birthright citizenship and its benefits to the United States.
Senator Blackburn referenced the following laws that were signed into law:
VA Veteran Caregivers Act
Strengthening VA Cybersecurity Act
REPORT Act
Project Safe Childhood Act
Speak Out Act
Women's Suffrage Centennial Commemorative Coin Act
Women's Suffrage National Monument Location Act
Senator Blackburn mentioned the CLEAR Act, which seeks to codify the 287(g) Program to assist local law enforcement in detaining criminal illegal aliens.
Senators Ernst, Lankford, Capito, Ricketts, and Marshall discussed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and proposed various measures to reduce federal spending, including auditing the IRS and selling vacant federal buildings.
Senator Marshall proposed rescinding the $80 billion for IRS funding provided under the Inflation Reduction Act.