Congressional Record — February 18, 2025

Overview of the day

The proceedings for February 18, 2025, included the Senate's annual reading of George Washington's Farewell Address, discussions regarding the Republican budget resolution, and floor statements concerning the nominations of Kash Patel for FBI Director and Howard Lutnick for Secretary of Commerce. The House records included expenditure reports for official foreign travel during the fourth quarter of 2024.

Summary of the House proceedings

Expenditure reports were filed for official foreign travel to Canada and Luxembourg for various members and staff.
Expenditure reports for the Committee on Appropriations were filed regarding travel to Taiwan, South Korea, England, and Saudi Arabia.

Summary of Senate proceedings

Senator Wicker read George Washington's Farewell Address to the Senate.
The Senate voted to proceed to the Republican budget resolution.
Senator Merkley discussed the Republican budget resolution, noting that it proposes over $9 trillion in program cuts and $3.7 trillion in tax giveaways.
The budget resolution was mentioned in relation to the House budget resolution, which proposes $4.5 trillion in tax giveaways.
Senator Durbin spoke against the nomination of Kash Patel for FBI Director, citing concerns over his experience and temperament.
Senator Cantwell spoke against the nomination of Howard Lutnick for Secretary of Commerce, expressing concerns over his views on tariffs and the future of NOAA.