In one of its first acts in the 119th Congress, the House of Representatives passed a bill Jan. 9 that would sanction International Criminal Court (ICC) officials for issuing arrest warrants for Israeli officials over the war in Gaza (see 2501060025).
Rep. Linda Sánchez, D-Calif., who joined the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee in 2021, is the new ranking member, following Rep. Earl Blumenauer's retirement.
New House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, R-Fla., announced Jan. 8 that he has appointed seven subcommittee chairs for the 119th Congress:
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said Jan. 8 that he is considering how he will vote on a bill to sanction International Criminal Court (ICC) officials for issuing arrest warrants for Israeli officials (see 2501060025).
Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., introduced a bill Jan. 3 to terminate Pakistan’s designation as a major non-NATO ally. The measure was referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. A foreign country designated as a major non-NATO ally can receive certain benefits in defense trade and security cooperation.
Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, reintroduced a bill Jan. 3 to require the Treasury Department to keep lawmakers informed on the work of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, particularly how it responds to unlawful activity. The FinCEN Oversight and Accountability Act also would require the agency to provide guidance to small businesses on beneficial ownership reporting requirements. The bill was referred to the House Financial Services Committee.
House Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., said Jan. 7 that he plans to reintroduce a bill to require additional sanctions against those committing or enabling atrocities in Sudan, systematically blocking humanitarian assistance to the war-torn country, or violating the UN arms embargo on Sudan’s Darfur region.
A bipartisan group of four House members reintroduced a bill Jan. 3 to sanction officials who undermine democracy in the Republic of Georgia.
The leaders of the House Select Committee on China said Jan. 6 that they support the Bureau of Industry and Security’s plans to place new export controls on advanced AI-related chips and believe the agency's upcoming interim final rule should include several specific measures to help keep sensitive technology out of China’s hands.
The House voted Jan. 3 to renew the House Select Committee on China as part of an adoption of rules for the new 119th Congress.