Congressional Record — December 15, 2025

Overview of the day

The proceedings for December 15, 2025, primarily featured a gathering of the Former Members of Congress Association in the House Chamber, where the Speaker and former members discussed bipartisanship, civic education, and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. In the Senate, the activity consisted of the submission of the admission list for the Radio and Television Correspondents Gallery for the 119th Congress.

Summary of the House proceedings

Speaker Mike Johnson addressed former Members of Congress, emphasizing the importance of their platform in promoting civic duty and the theological foundations of the Declaration of Independence.
Barbara Comstock, president of the Former Members of Congress Association, presented the 2025 annual report, detailing the organization's finances, its 501(c)(3) status, and its bipartisan mission.
The Former Members of Congress Association recognized its past presidents with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award.
The 2025 report highlighted the Congress to Campus program, which conducted 22 programs for students, including visits to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
The Former Members of Congress Association reported the launch of the Congressional Study Group on India in September 2025.
A project partnered with Unite America was mentioned, which involved interviews with retiring or Former Members of Congress regarding gerrymandering and primary reform.
Former Member Kathy Manning delivered remarks calling for bipartisan action to combat anti-Semitism and addressed the issue of partisan gerrymandering.
Former Member Val Demings mentioned the impact of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, the Safer Communities Act, and the PACT Act.
Former Member L.F. Payne discussed his work on transportation reauthorization legislation, specifically mentioning the project for the Sandy River Reservoir.

Summary of Senate proceedings

The Senate ordered the printing of the list of members entitled to admission to the Radio and Television Correspondents Gallery for the 119th Congress.