Congressional Record — September 17, 2025

Overview of the day

The Senate conducted business involving cloture votes on nominations, debates regarding humanitarian aid in Gaza, discussions on the national debt, proposed legislation to seize Russian assets for Ukraine, and concerns over healthcare premium tax credits.

Summary of the House proceedings

There was no House activity on this date.

Summary of Senate proceedings

The Senate voted on a cloture motion to bring to a close debate on en bloc nominations; the motion was initially rejected but later agreed to upon reconsideration.
S. Res. 224 was mentioned in a request for unanimous consent to discharge the Committee on Foreign Relations and agree to the resolution, but an objection was heard.
Senator Peters discussed the federal deficit, noting that the deficit has surpassed $2 trillion this year.
Senator Kennedy announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation to seize $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to provide to Ukraine in tranches.
Senator Murray spoke regarding the need for cancer research funding and the impact of funding cuts.
Senator Heinrich advocated for the preservation of the roadless rule to protect national forest lands.
Senator Blackburn discussed the deployment of the National Guard to Memphis and referenced the following bills:
Ending Cashless Bail in our Nation's Capital Act: would require Washington, DC, to use high-level cash bail for dangerous offenders.
Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act: would ban certain Federal funds to states and localities that limit cash bail.
Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act: would empower Federal prosecutors to hold carjackers accountable.
Restoring Armed Career Criminal Act: would reinstate tools for prosecutors to seek enhanced penalties against repeat offenders.
Restoring Law and Order Act: would increase funding for law enforcement.
Senator Bennet spoke on gun violence following a shooting at Evergreen High School.
Senator Young provided a tribute to Clyde Milligan on his 100th birthday.
Senator Durbin discussed immigration enforcement, the impact of deportation efforts, and the Dream Act.
Senators Shaheen and Welch advocated for the permanent extension of enhanced premium tax credits for health insurance to prevent millions of Americans from losing coverage.