Senate Confirms Ryan McCormack as Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, Passes Two House Bills by Unanimous Consent, and Invokes Cloture on Housing for the 21st Century Act Motion to Proceed
The Senate convened for a legislative session, confirming the nomination of Ryan McCormack to be Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy. The chamber also successfully passed two House bills, H.R. 2815, the Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act of 2025, and H.R. 972, the Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act, by unanimous consent after an initial reservation of objection was withdrawn. Additionally, the Senate invoked cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 6644, the Housing for the 21st Century Act, setting the stage for further action on this significant legislation. Several other bills and resolutions were also passed by unanimous consent, and various floor speeches addressed topics ranging from the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown to U.S. foreign policy regarding Iran.
This chamber-day saw the confirmation of a key executive branch official, ensuring leadership continuity at the Department of Transportation. The passage of two House bills, one addressing Native land entitlements and another critical water infrastructure, demonstrates bipartisan legislative progress on specific community needs. The successful cloture vote on the motion to proceed to the Housing for the 21st Century Act indicates a commitment to advancing major legislation aimed at increasing housing supply. Floor speeches highlighted significant national debates, including the partial government shutdown and foreign policy challenges, reflecting ongoing policy and political tensions.
Nomination of Ryan McCormack, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy
Question before the chamber
Will the Senate advise and consent to the nomination of Ryan McCormack, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy?
The case for
No specific arguments were aired on the floor in favor of the nomination during the debate leading to the vote, beyond the procedural steps taken to advance it.
The case against
No specific arguments were aired on the floor in opposition to the nomination during the debate leading to the vote.
Disposition
Confirmed · recorded vote
The nomination was confirmed.
Yeas 57, Nays 33
Who is affected
- Department of Transportation: Fills a key leadership position responsible for policy development and implementation.
- General public: Indirectly impacted by the leadership and policy direction of the Department of Transportation.
Motion to Proceed to Calendar No. 343, H.R. 6644, a bill to increase the supply of housing in America, and for other purposes
H.R. 6644Question before the chamber
Is it the sense of the Senate that debate on the motion to proceed to Calendar No. 343, H.R. 6644, a bill to increase the supply of housing in America, and for other purposes, shall be brought to a close?
The case for
The motion to proceed to H.R. 6644 was advanced by the Majority Leader, indicating a desire to bring the housing bill to the floor for consideration. While no specific floor arguments for the motion to proceed were made, the bill's title suggests its purpose is to increase the supply of housing in America.
The case against
No specific opposition was aired on the floor regarding the motion to proceed to H.R. 6644 during this session.
Disposition
Cloture motion agreed to · recorded vote
Cloture was invoked on the motion to proceed to H.R. 6644, setting up a vote on the motion to proceed for a future session.
Yeas 60, Nays 34
Who is affected
- American families and individuals: Potentially impacted by policies aimed at increasing housing supply and affordability.
- Housing market and construction industry: Could be affected by new regulations or incentives related to housing development.
Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act of 2025 and Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act
H.R. 2815; H.R. 972Question before the chamber
Passage en bloc of H.R. 2815, the Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act of 2025, and H.R. 972, the Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act.
The case for
Senator Murkowski stated that H.R. 2815 would finally complete the land entitlement for the Native Village of Saxman after more than five decades. Senator Cortez Masto emphasized that H.R. 972 would facilitate the construction of a new water pipeline in the Las Vegas Valley, which is critical infrastructure for hundreds of thousands of people, improving reliability and capacity for nearly half of Las Vegas residents and businesses.
The case against
Senator Padilla initially reserved the right to object, expressing frustration that the Senate was completely ceding to the House the ability to pick and choose which public lands bills are allowed to be sent to the White House, arguing for a more bicameral and bipartisan process. However, he ultimately withdrew his objection after commitments from Senators Murkowski and Cortez Masto to work on addressing these broader procedural concerns.
Disposition
Passed en bloc · unanimous consent
Both H.R. 2815 and H.R. 972 passed the Senate by unanimous consent.
Who is affected
- Native Village of Saxman in Southeast Alaska: Receives finalization of land entitlement after a multi-decade process.
- Residents and businesses in the Las Vegas Valley: Benefits from improved water supply reliability and capacity through new pipeline construction.
- Southern Nevada Water Authority: Authorized to build critical water infrastructure.
Ryan McCormack Confirmed as Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy
highThe Senate confirmed the nomination of Ryan McCormack, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, by a rollcall vote of 57 yeas to 33 nays. This action fills a critical leadership position within the Department of Transportation.
Cloture Invoked on Motion to Proceed to Housing for the 21st Century Act
highThe Senate voted 60 yeas to 34 nays to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar No. 343, H.R. 6644, a bill to increase the supply of housing in America. This procedural step advances the bill for further consideration, with the cloture motion ripening on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Bipartisan Public Lands Bills Passed by Unanimous Consent
mediumH.R. 2815, the Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act of 2025, and H.R. 972, the Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act, were passed en bloc by unanimous consent. Senator Padilla initially reserved the right to object, citing frustrations with the broader public lands legislative process, but withdrew his objection after commitments from Senators Murkowski and Cortez Masto to address these concerns.
Continued Debate on Department of Homeland Security Shutdown
highSenators Barrasso and Lankford delivered floor speeches criticizing the ongoing partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, attributing it to Democratic demands and highlighting the impact on federal employees working without pay, including TSA agents and Coast Guard personnel.
Discussion on U.S.-Iran Relations and War Powers
highSenator Kaine delivered an extensive speech outlining the historical context of U.S.-Iran relations and arguing against an unnecessary and dangerous war with Iran, advocating for a War Powers Resolution vote in Congress. This speech preceded a likely vote on his resolution next week.