Legislative Recap for 11/21/25
by Amy West, GovTrack.us, Nov. 21, 2025
The House was certainly back this week. A lot of legislative energy had been pent up for a very long time. Several bills passed unanimously or nearly so; several more were highly partisan while another batch were censure resolutions expressing various kinds of frustration, both partisan and personal. So, in general order of topic and level of support, here’s what the House was up to. Plus one Senate vote that sends a regulation nullification to the President for his signature.
Regular Bills
One bill listed below is now law; that’s the Epstein Files Transparency Act. All the rest are still early in the legislative process and are not yet law.
H.R. 6019: To repeal certain provisions relating to notification to Senate offices regarding legal process on disclosure of Senate data, and for other purposes, which would repeal provisions in the continuing resolution that was just passed which would provide a small number of Senators an opportunity for significant payments from the government, passed 426-0. It’s unknown whether this bill will receive a vote in the Senate or whether it will pass.
H.R. 4405: Epstein Files Transparency Act passed 427-1 on Tuesday, November 18. We talked about the bill and the legislative maneuvering involved in more detail in this week’s preview. Since the preview, not only did the bill pass almost unanimously in the House, but the Senate passed it the same day by unanimous consent and the President signed it on Wednesday, November 19.
H.R. 1608: Department of Homeland Security Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2025, which would require a report on vehicular terrorism and methods of mitigating it, passed 400-15.
H.R. 2659: Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act, which would establish an interagency task force and require a report on cyber resilience against state sponsored threats, passed 402-8.
H.R. 4058: Enhancing Stakeholder Support and Outreach for Preparedness Grants Act, which would direct the Department of Homeland Security to extend stakeholder support and outreach for applicants and recipients of preparedness grants, passed 380-45.
H.R. 5214: District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act of 2025, which would require pre-trial and pre-conviction mandatory detention as well as mandatory cash bail in the District of Columbia, passed 237-179. This bill was in response to reforms made by local D.C. leaders in 2022.
H.R. 5107: Common-Sense Law Enforcement and Accountability Now in DC Act of 2025, which is another bill that would repeal reforms made by local D.C. leaders, passed 233-190
H.R. 3109: REFINER Act, which would direct the National Petroleum Council (an industry trade group which acts as an advisory council to the Department of Energy) to issue a report with respect to petrochemical refinery capacity in the United States, passed 230-176.
H.R. 1949: Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025, which would repeal restrictions on the export and import of natural gas, passed 217-188.
Regulation Nullifications
The last two of these three will now become law. The first still has to receive a vote in the Senate.
H.J.Res. 131: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to “Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision” passed 217-209.
H.J.Res. 130: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to “Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment” passed 214-212 on November 18. The Senate passed it 51-43 on November 20 and now it next goes to the President to be signed into law.
S.J.Res. 80: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to “National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Integrated Activity Plan Record of Decision” passed 216-209. It next goes to the President to be signed into law.
Censures
Censures are one of the three ways Congress can police the behavior of members. The other two are expulsion (extremely rare) and investigation by the House Ethics Committee (more common than censures or expulsions). We’ll have more to say about the rapid increase this Congress in censure/censure-like resolutions in a separate post, but for now we’ll list the votes for this week. They do not go to the Senate since they are exclusively about House matters and are not legislation that becomes law.
H.Res. 878: Disapproving the behavior of Representative Jesús G. “Chuy” García of Illinois, which does what it says, passed 236-183. Rep. Garciá chose to time his retirement announcement until after his preferred successor had submitted her own petition to get on the primary ballot and near the deadline for submitting petitions to be on the ballot. The end result is that his preferred successor is now the only person in the 2026 Democratic primary for his seat. This resolution was sponsored by fellow Democrat Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA3). Yes, this is unusual.
H.Res. 888: Censuring and condemning Delegate Stacey Plaskett and removing her from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for conduct that reflects discreditably on the House of Representatives for colluding with convicted felony sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a congressional hearing failed 209-214. Plaskett did text with Epstein, who, she noted, was a constituent at the time. A slight majority of the House felt that this did not reflect discreditably on the House, or at least not so much to warrant a censure and removal from committee memberships. This resolution was sponsored by Rep. Norman (R-SC5). Del. Plaskett is a Democrat, so a Republican sponsoring a censure is usual. Or it would be if it weren't one of a rash of them just this week.
H.Res. 893: Censuring Representative Cory Mills of Florida and removing him from the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs was converted to a motion to refer the allegations in the censure resolution to the House Ethics Committee and passed 310-103. Mills retains his committee memberships. Mills also already has been under investigation for different allegations for over a year. He further has an active restraining order against him as a direct result of an alleged and subsequently recanted assault on a woman in Washington, D.C. The censure resolution and new investigation rolls in the assault allegations as well as several campaign finance allegations. The Ethics Committee announced on November 19 that they are establishing an Investigative Subcommittee and will announce members soon. The censure resolution was sponsored by fellow Republican Rep. Mace (R-SC1). Yes, this is unusual.
Next Week
Both chambers of Congress are out for the Thanksgiving holiday and will return the week of December 1st.
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Hawaii Congressional Delegation
Nov. 17, 2025, 6:56 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 1608: Department of Homeland Security Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2025
Passed 400/15
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 17, 2025, 7:04 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 2659: Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act
Passed 402/8
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 17, 2025, 7:15 p.m. — Vote
On Motion to Table: H.Res. 878: Disapproving the behavior of Representative Jesús G. “Chuy” García of Illinois.
Failed 206/211
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 18, 2025, 2:43 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 4405: Epstein Files Transparency Act
Passed 427/1
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Aye
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Aye
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 18, 2025, 2:52 p.m. — Vote
On Ordering the Previous Question: H.Res. 879: Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 80) providing for congressional …
Passed 217/211
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 18, 2025, 3:04 p.m. — Vote
H.Res. 879: Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 80) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to ‘’National Petroleum
Passed 217/210
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: No
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: No
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 18, 2025, 3:11 p.m. — Vote
H.Res. 878: Disapproving the behavior of Representative Jesús G. “Chuy” García of Illinois.
Passed 236/183
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 18, 2025, 3:31 p.m. — Vote
On Motion to Refer: H.Res. 888: Censuring and condemning Delegate Stacey Plaskett and removing her from the House Permanent …
Failed 213/214
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 18, 2025, 5:33 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Invoke Cloture: Ho Nieh to be a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Ho Nieh, of Alabama, to be a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the remainder of the term expiring June 30, 2029
Cloture Motion Agreed to 65/32
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Trackers: Sen. Brian Schatz [D-HI], Sen. Mazie Hirono [D-HI].
Nov. 18, 2025, 8:46 p.m. — Vote
H.J.Res. 130: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to “Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendm
Passed 214/212
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 18, 2025, 8:52 p.m. — Vote
H.J.Res. 131: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to “Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision”.
Passed 217/209
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 18, 2025, 8:59 p.m. — Vote
S.J.Res. 80: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to “National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Integrated Activity Plan Reco
Passed 216/209
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 18, 2025, 9:07 p.m. — Vote
H.Res. 888: Censuring and condemning Delegate Stacey Plaskett and removing her from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for conduct that reflects discreditably on the House of Representatives for colluding with convicted felony sex offen
Failed 209/214
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 19, 2025, 11:57 a.m. — Vote
On the Nomination PN445-6: Ho Nieh, of Alabama, to be a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the remainder of the term expiring June 30, 2029
Nomination Confirmed 66/32
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Trackers: Sen. Brian Schatz [D-HI], Sen. Mazie Hirono [D-HI].
Nov. 19, 2025, 2:23 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Proceed on S.J.Res. 89: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to “Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Mana
Motion to Proceed Agreed to 51/47
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Trackers: Sen. Brian Schatz [D-HI], Sen. Mazie Hirono [D-HI].
Nov. 19, 2025, 5:59 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Proceed on S.J.Res. 76: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “Extension of Deadlines in Standards of Performance for New,
Motion to Proceed Rejected 46/51
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Yea
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Yea
Trackers: Sen. Brian Schatz [D-HI], Sen. Mazie Hirono [D-HI].
Nov. 19, 2025, 8:39 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 5214: District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act of 2025
Passed 237/179
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 19, 2025, 8:45 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 5107: Common-Sense Law Enforcement and Accountability Now in DC Act of 2025
Passed 233/190
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 19, 2025, 8:53 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 4058: Enhancing Stakeholder Support and Outreach for Preparedness Grants Act
Passed 380/45
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 19, 2025, 9 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 6019: To repeal certain provisions relating to notification to Senate offices regarding legal process on disclosure of Senate data, and for other purposes.
Passed 426/0
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 19, 2025, 9:20 p.m. — Vote
On Motion to Refer: H.Res. 893: Censuring Representative Cory Mills of Florida and removing him from the Committee on …
Passed 310/103
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 20, 2025 — Introduced
S.Res. 511: A resolution supporting the goals and principles of Transgender Day of Remembrance by recognizing the epidemic of violence toward transgender people and memorializing the lives lost this year.
Sponsor: Sen. Mazie Hirono [D-HI]
This resolution was referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary which will consider it before sending it to the Senate floor for consideration.
Sen. Mazie Hirono [D-HI] is a member of the committee.
Trackers: Sen. Mazie Hirono [D-HI].
Nov. 20, 2025, 1:31 p.m. — Vote
H.J.Res. 130: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to “Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendm
Joint Resolution Passed 51/43
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Trackers: Sen. Brian Schatz [D-HI], Sen. Mazie Hirono [D-HI].
Nov. 20, 2025, 5:30 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 3109: REFINER Act
Passed 230/176
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 20, 2025, 5:40 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 1949: Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025
Passed 217/188
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].
Nov. 21, 2025, 10:58 a.m. — Vote
H.Con.Res. 58: Denouncing the horrors of socialism.
Passed 285/98
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Trackers: Rep. Jill Tokuda [D-HI2], Rep. Ed Case [D-HI1].