Senate Rejects Disapproval of HHS Rule on Administrative Procedure Act Adherence 50-50, Confirms 97 Executive Nominations, and Blocks Medal of Honor Monument and Ukraine Aid Bills
The Senate convened for a major session on December 18, 2025, marked by a significant legislative vote and numerous executive confirmations. The chamber rejected S.J. Res. 82, a joint resolution seeking to disapprove an HHS rule on Administrative Procedure Act adherence, in a 50-50 tie vote. Concurrently, the Senate confirmed 97 executive nominations en bloc, allowing the administration to staff key federal positions. Several other measures, including bills related to veterans' affairs and commemorative resolutions, passed by unanimous consent. However, efforts to advance a bipartisan bill for a National Medal of Honor Monument and two bills aimed at supporting Ukraine by seizing Russian assets and sanctioning Chinese entities were blocked by objections.
This chamber-day was significant due to the direct legislative disposition of a policy-focused joint resolution, S.J. Res. 82, which failed to pass, thereby allowing an HHS rule to stand. The confirmation of a large batch of executive nominations is crucial for the functioning of the executive branch. The procedural blockages of bills related to national memorials and foreign policy, particularly concerning Ukraine and U.S.-China relations, highlight ongoing legislative divisions on matters with international and domestic implications.
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to "Policy on Adhering to the Text of the Administrative Procedure Act"
S.J. Res. 82Question before the chamber
Passage of S.J. Res. 82, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of an HHS rule.
The case for
The resolution itself represents a legislative effort to disapprove an HHS rule, implying a belief that the rule is inconsistent with the Administrative Procedure Act or otherwise warrants congressional rejection. Senator Grassley, in earlier remarks, highlighted his oversight of the Office of National Security within HHS, which informs leadership on threats and manages intelligence, suggesting a broader context of ensuring HHS operations align with national security and proper governance.
The case against
No explicit opposition to the disapproval resolution was aired in the provided Record text. The 50-50 vote, however, indicates that half of the Senate opposed the resolution, thereby supporting the HHS rule's continued effect.
Disposition
rejected · recorded vote
The joint resolution failed to pass due to a tie vote.
Yeas 50, Nays 50
Who is affected
- Department of Health and Human Services: The HHS rule on Administrative Procedure Act adherence remains in effect, impacting its internal operations and regulatory processes.
- Federal agencies: The outcome reinforces the existing policy regarding administrative procedure, potentially influencing how other agencies interpret and apply the APA.
En bloc nominations provided for under the provision of S. Res. 532
S. Res. 532Question before the chamber
Advise and consent to the en bloc nominations provided for under the provisions of S. Res. 532, encompassing 97 executive nominations.
The case for
Majority Leader Thune emphasized that confirming the President's nominees is essential for the President to 'do the job the American people elected him to do.' He highlighted the historic number of confirmations in the first year of the current administration, noting it surpassed previous administrations, despite what he characterized as 'historic level of obstruction by the Democrats' in the President's first term. He argued that sub-Cabinet level nominees, particularly noncontroversial ones, traditionally pass by unanimous consent, and that the current administration has worked to clear the backlog.
The case against
Minority Leader Schumer, in his vote explanation, stated he voted 'No' on S. Res. 532, which called for an up or down vote on 97 nominations en bloc. This indicates opposition to the en bloc process itself, though he noted he would have voted 'yea' on several individual nominations if given the opportunity to vote separately. The vote tally of 53-43 reflects significant opposition to the en bloc confirmation method.
Disposition
confirmed · recorded vote
97 executive nominations were confirmed, allowing the administration to fill numerous key positions.
Yeas 53, Nays 43
Who is affected
- Executive Branch: The confirmation of 97 nominees allows the President to fully staff various departments and agencies, enhancing the administration's capacity to implement its agenda.
- Federal agencies: Key leadership and operational roles across multiple federal agencies will be filled, impacting their direction and effectiveness.
Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act
S. 858Question before the chamber
Immediate consideration and passage of S. 858, which would authorize a National Medal of Honor Monument on the National Mall, with a substitute amendment.
The case for
Senator Justice passionately argued that the nation 'owes every single thing' to military service members, especially Medal of Honor recipients, who have shown 'unbelievable bravery' and 'ultimate sacrifice.' He stated that the monument, fully funded by private donations, would be an 'enormously important' testament on the National Mall, reflecting 'the American people's collective appreciation' and serving as a 'lasting tribute to their legacy.' He highlighted that the bill had passed the House unanimously and the committee unanimously, questioning why 'silly, silly, silly politics' would prevent its passage.
The case against
Senator Padilla objected to the unanimous consent request, stating that while he 'wholeheartedly agree[s] that the sacrifices made by Medal of Honor recipients should have a place of recognition,' he believes the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum should also be enshrined on the National Mall. He offered an amendment to include the text of those bills, arguing that the efforts for these museums have been 'held up far too long' and that advancing all three would address 'silly, silly politics.' He noted that Latino history includes 60 Medal of Honor recipients and women's history includes Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, also a Medal of Honor recipient.
Disposition
objected · without objection
The unanimous consent request for immediate consideration and passage of S. 858 was objected to, preventing its advancement.
Who is affected
- Medal of Honor recipients and their families: The establishment of a national monument to honor their service is delayed.
- American Latino community: The establishment of a Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino on the National Mall remains unapproved.
- American women: The establishment of a Smithsonian American Women's History Museum on the National Mall remains unapproved.
- The public: Access to new national memorials and museums on the National Mall is delayed.
REPO Implementation Act and STOP China and Russia Act
S. 2918Question before the chamber
Immediate consideration and passage of S. 2918 (REPO 2.0) and S. 2657 (STOP China and Russia Act).
The case for
Senator Shaheen argued that these bills are critical for ending the war in Ukraine by putting pressure on Vladimir Putin. She stated that the REPO 2.0 Act (S. 2918) would allow the seizure and repurposing of hundreds of billions of frozen Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction, ensuring Russia's accountability. She noted that European allies are also working on this. The STOP China and Russia Act (S. 2657), she argued, would target Chinese entities supplying Russia's defense industrial base, denying Russia the 'money and weapons' it needs to continue its war effort and rebuild its forces, which she warned goes 'beyond Ukraine' and suggests preparation for 'a confrontation with a much larger potential adversary.' She asserted that 'aggression carries lasting financial consequences' and that the U.S. should not engage in 'appeasement'.
The case against
Senator Paul objected to both bills, arguing that confiscating Russian sovereign funds would be a 'mistake' and 'essentially an act of economic war.' He contended that these funds are an 'integral part of peace negotiations' and seizing them would remove a 'bargaining chip,' potentially prolonging the war and leading to 'further destruction of Ukraine.' He warned of a 'destabilizing precedent' and 'blowback to Western companies,' citing Russia's threat to seize $288 billion of Western assets. Regarding the China bill, he called it a 'naive notion' to think China would comply with demands to stop selling dual-use parts without transactional diplomacy, suggesting offering relief from existing sanctions instead of 'over-the-top statements' or tariffs that could lead to an embargo and push China into Taiwan.
Disposition
objected · without objection
Unanimous consent requests for immediate consideration and passage of both S. 2918 and S. 2657 were objected to, preventing their advancement.
Who is affected
- Ukraine: The ability to fund reconstruction efforts using seized Russian assets is delayed, and the flow of military supplies to Russia from China may continue.
- Russia: Its frozen assets remain inaccessible, but the immediate threat of their seizure is averted, and its access to Chinese military supplies is not immediately curtailed.
- China: It avoids immediate sanctions for its support of Russia's defense industry.
- United States: Its foreign policy objectives regarding the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia and China are impacted by the inability to pass these measures.
- European allies: Efforts to coordinate on seizing Russian assets are affected by U.S. legislative delays.
Rejection of HHS Rule Disapproval
highThe Senate rejected S.J. Res. 82, which sought to disapprove an HHS rule on adhering to the Administrative Procedure Act, with a 50-50 tie vote. This outcome allows the HHS rule to remain in effect.
Mass Confirmation of Executive Nominations
highThe Senate confirmed 97 executive nominations en bloc, including numerous Assistant Secretaries, Inspectors General, and U.S. Attorneys, in a 53-43 vote. This action significantly advances the staffing of the executive branch.
Cloture Invoked on Key Nominations
mediumCloture was successfully invoked on four additional executive nominations: Joshua Simmons (CIA General Counsel), Keith Bass (Assistant Secretary of Defense), Alexander C. Van Hook (U.S. District Judge), and Sara Bailey (Director of National Drug Control Policy), setting them up for future confirmation votes.
Blockage of National Medal of Honor Monument Bill
mediumA unanimous consent request to immediately consider and pass S. 858, the Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, was objected to by Senator Padilla, who sought to include provisions for American Latino and American Women's History Museums.
Blockage of Ukraine-Related Foreign Policy Legislation
highUnanimous consent requests to pass S. 2918, the REPO Implementation Act (REPO 2.0), and S. 2657, the STOP China and Russia Act, were objected to by Senator Paul, leading to the delay of legislation aimed at seizing Russian assets and sanctioning Chinese entities supporting Russia.
Concerns Raised Over AI Chip Sales to China
mediumSenator Kaine expressed deep concern regarding President Trump's decision to approve the sale of advanced Nvidia H200 AI chips to the People's Republic of China, arguing it compromises U.S. security and enables China to gain a qualitative advantage.