All articles tagged with #congressional hearing
Facing a $9 billion loss in 2025 and a looming cash crunch, the USPS proposed raising the first-class stamp price from 78 cents to as much as 95 cents, arguing higher prices on mail and packages could largely erase its controllable losses; Postmaster General David Steiner told a House committee that without broader reforms—plus a higher borrowing limit and pension flexibility—the agency could run out of cash within a year.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the Department of Homeland Security during a heated House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on March 4, 2026, pushing back at criticisms and outlining DHS performance in the wake of post‑shooting scrutiny as lawmakers pressed questions about readiness and response.
During his first appearance before the House Ways and Means Committee, IRS CEO Frank Bisignano faced sharp questions from Rep. Max Miller about tax-season operations and policy issues, including digital-asset taxation and a marriage-penalty deduction. Bisignano offered vague, repetitive answers, prompting Miller to call him unprepared and embarrassingly uninformed, as lawmakers pressed on questions about tax policy and enforcement during peak filing season.
During a House Homeland Security hearing, ICE acting director Todd Lyons and CBP commissioner Rodney Scott defended enforcement while facing partisan questions over detainee treatment (including a five-year-old case Lyons said was cared for, not used as bait), threats against agents, and rhetoric labeling agents as fascist. The discussion covered training times, body-camera usage, the ICE–CBP distinction, border-protection tactics, and World Cup security, with White House aides weighing in and USCIS fraud checks cited for context. Republicans framed it as upholding law and order, Democrats pressed for accountability and proper oversight, and there were mentions of potential pardons from Trump.
During a congressional hearing, Waymo disclosed that fleet-response operators based overseas (including the Philippines) provide guidance to its autonomous taxis, though Waymo says these workers do not remotely drive and the vehicle remains in control. Lawmakers expressed safety and cybersecurity concerns about foreign inputs and licensing, while Waymo stressed operators are licensed, background-checked, and regularly screened. The session follows incidents involving robotaxis and broader scrutiny of how much real-time human input underpins so-called autonomous driving.
Sen. Rand Paul, chair of the Homeland Security panel, asked the heads of CBP, USCIS, and ICE to testify at a Feb. 12 hearing to scrutinize DHS funding and immigration enforcement in the wake of the Minneapolis shooting that killed Alex Pretti, highlighting ongoing congressional oversight amid broader funding battles and questions about the administration’s immigration policies.
Former special counsel Jack Smith testified before Congress that he has proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Donald Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the 2020 election and repeatedly tried to obstruct justice by hiding classified documents, leading to two indictments that were later dismissed. Smith emphasized his commitment to following the law regardless of political implications and addressed criticisms of his investigation, highlighting the importance of accountability and the rule of law.
Jack Smith, former Justice Department special counsel, testified to lawmakers that his team found 'proof beyond a reasonable doubt' of Trump's criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election and his mishandling of classified documents, emphasizing his decision-making was based solely on law and facts. The testimony was part of a closed-door deposition related to investigations into Trump, including analysis of GOP lawmakers' phone records, and Smith expressed willingness for an open hearing.
Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett claimed that alien entities are present on Earth, emerging from deep water areas, and referenced military sightings of unidentified underwater crafts, amid ongoing discussions about UFOs and UAPs in Congress. The claims are met with skepticism, highlighting the long history of UFO fascination among US officials.
During a congressional hearing, former CDC leaders criticized RFK Jr's influence on vaccine policies, citing concerns over politicization, potential weakening of vaccine standards, and impacts on public health preparedness, with allegations that Kennedy dismissed scientific integrity and replaced experienced panel members with skeptics.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nephew, Joe Kennedy III, called for his resignation after Kennedy's testimony questioning vaccine safety and his anti-vaccine views drew bipartisan criticism during a Senate hearing, highlighting concerns about his influence on public health and trust in science.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is set to testify before Congress to explain the decision to hold interest rates steady until at least September, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic data indicating a stable inflation rate, with some policymakers considering a rate cut in July.
Democrats boycotted a Senate Judiciary hearing on Joe Biden's mental fitness, criticizing it as a distraction from pressing issues and accusing Republicans of neglecting oversight responsibilities; the hearing included testimony from former Trump officials and highlighted ongoing partisan battles over Biden's presidency and legislative priorities.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged that the Pentagon has contingency plans to potentially take Greenland and Panama by force if necessary, during a contentious congressional hearing where he also faced questions about his use of Signal chats and classified information. Lawmakers expressed concern and frustration over the lack of clear answers regarding military plans and Hegseth's handling of sensitive information.
During a tense House Armed Services Committee hearing, Rep. Salud Carbajal aggressively criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, telling him to 'get the hell out' of the Department of Defense amid questions about military deployments, political allegiances, and the Pentagon's budget, highlighting deep partisan tensions and concerns over leadership.