Senate Invokes Cloture on Housing for the 21st Century Act Substitute Amendment 89-9, Confirms Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd 71-29, and Passes HONOR Act by Unanimous Consent
The Senate resumed consideration of H.R. 6644, the "Housing for the 21st Century Act," and voted to invoke cloture on a substitute amendment to the bill. The chamber also confirmed the nomination of Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd to the grade of General and passed S. 327, the "Hindering Oppressive Nations from Obtaining Revenue Act" (HONOR Act), by unanimous consent. Floor speeches addressed the ongoing war in Iran, the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, and proposed legislation concerning voter identification and government surveillance.
The invocation of cloture on the Housing Act substitute amendment advances a major legislative package aimed at increasing housing supply and affordability. The confirmation of a key military leader, despite concerns about surveillance practices, impacts national security and civil liberties. The unanimous passage of the HONOR Act signals bipartisan commitment to economic pressure against Russia amidst reports of its aid to U.S. adversaries. Ongoing debates on war powers and government funding highlight significant national policy divisions.
Housing for the 21st Century Act
H.R. 6644Question before the chamber
Invoking cloture on Scott (SC)/Warren amendment No. 4308, a substitute amendment to H.R. 6644.
The case for
Mr. Thune argued that the bill offers real solutions to increase housing supply, drive down prices, and make homeownership more attainable for Americans. He highlighted that regulations account for roughly 25 percent of the cost of constructing a new single-family dwelling, and the bill aims to remove, streamline, or update these unnecessary regulations. He also emphasized the bill's focus on unleashing private sector investment and empowering States and local communities to pursue housing solutions that work for them, rather than imposing one-size-fits-all mandates from Washington.
The case against
No opposition to the cloture motion or the bill itself was aired in the Record under this specific header.
Disposition
Cloture invoked on substitute amendment No. 4308 · recorded vote
The Senate agreed to bring debate on the substitute amendment to a close, advancing it for a final vote.
Yeas 89, Nays 9
Amendments
- To require the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to Congress studies on workforce housing, housing for persons who are elderly or disabled, proximity of housing to Superfund sites, and residential heirs property. (Mr. Thune (for Mr. Scott (SC)/Ms. Warren)) — Pending
- To change the enactment date. (Mr. Thune) — Pending
- To change the enactment date. (Mr. Thune) — Pending
- Of a perfecting nature. (Mr. Thune) — Pending
- To change the enactment date (as instructions to a motion to commit). (Mr. Thune) — Fell
- Of a perfecting nature (to the instructions of the motion to commit). (Mr. Thune) — Fell
- Of a perfecting nature (to amendment No. 4314). (Mr. Thune) — Fell
- To insert "and trade and polytechnic schools" after "agencies" on page 123, line 11. (Mr. Cramer) — Ordered to lie on the table
- To strike items (aa) and (bb) in section 205(b)(2)(A)(ii)(II) and insert new language regarding housing unit differences. (Mr. Kennedy) — Ordered to lie on the table
Who is affected
- American families and younger Americans: Aimed at making homeownership more attainable by increasing housing supply and driving down prices.
- Home buyers: Expected to benefit from lower housing prices due to reduced regulatory costs and increased construction.
- States and local communities: Empowered to develop housing solutions tailored to their specific needs, rather than federal mandates.
Nomination of Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd to be General
Question before the chamber
Will the Senate advise and consent to the Rudd nomination?
The case for
The confirmation vote itself, with 71 yeas, indicates broad support for Lt. Gen. Rudd's promotion to General, acknowledging his military service and suitability for the grade.
The case against
Mr. Wyden and Mr. Van Hollen opposed the nomination, citing concerns that Lt. Gen. Rudd failed to demonstrate a minimum understanding of constitutional limits on NSA activities, privacy rights, and transparency. They noted his lack of background in national signals intelligence or cyber operations, which they deemed essential for the Director of NSA and Cyber Command roles. Specific concerns included his refusal to commit to the NSA's policy of not purchasing sensitive location data on Americans without a warrant and not ruling out secretly violating public policies and guardrails on NSA activities.
Disposition
Nomination confirmed · recorded vote
Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd was confirmed to the grade of General.
Yeas 71, Nays 29
Who is affected
- American citizens: Potentially affected by the nominee's stance on government surveillance and privacy rights, particularly concerning location data and secret violations of policies by intelligence agencies.
- National Security Agency (NSA) and Cyber Command: The confirmed nominee will lead these critical national security institutions, influencing their operations and strategic direction.
- Military servicemembers: The promotion affects the leadership structure and command of the U.S. military.
Hindering Oppressive Nations from Obtaining Revenue Act
S. 327Question before the chamber
Passage of S. 327.
The case for
Ms. Cortez Masto argued that the bill ensures American families are not indirectly supporting Vladimir Putin's war machine. She highlighted disturbing reports of Russia providing intelligence to Iran to target United States forces, making it unacceptable for U.S. tax dollars to support such efforts. The bill disincentivizes funding adversaries by denying foreign tax credits and deductions for taxes paid to the Russian Federation, which she described as a common-sense measure given Russia's actions against the U.S. and its allies.
The case against
No opposition was aired in the Record.
Disposition
Bill passed · unanimous consent
S. 327, the HONOR Act, was passed by the Senate.
Who is affected
- U.S. businesses operating in Russia: Will no longer be able to claim foreign tax credits or deductions for taxes paid to the Russian Federation, potentially increasing their tax burden.
- Russian Federation: Will be denied a source of indirect financial benefit from U.S. businesses, impacting its ability to fund military and other activities.
- American servicemembers: The bill aims to prevent U.S. tax dollars from indirectly supporting actions that harm U.S. forces.
Cloture Invoked on Housing for the 21st Century Act Substitute Amendment
highThe Senate voted 89-9 to invoke cloture on Scott (SC)/Warren amendment No. 4308, a substitute amendment to H.R. 6644, the "Housing for the 21st Century Act." This procedural step limits further debate and sets the stage for a final vote on the comprehensive housing reform package.
Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd Confirmed to General
highThe Senate confirmed Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd to the grade of General by a vote of 71-29. This confirmation occurred despite opposition from some Senators who raised concerns about his qualifications for the Director of the National Security Agency and Commander of Cyber Command roles, specifically regarding his understanding of constitutional limits on surveillance and commitment to transparency.
HONOR Act Passed by Unanimous Consent
mediumS. 327, the "Hindering Oppressive Nations from Obtaining Revenue Act," passed the Senate by unanimous consent. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to deny foreign tax credits or deductions for taxes paid or accrued to the Russian Federation, in response to reports of Russia aiding Iran in targeting U.S. forces.
Continued Debate on Iran War and DHS Shutdown
mediumSenators engaged in extensive floor debate regarding the Trump administration's military actions in Iran, with calls for public hearings and clarity on strategy. Discussions also continued on the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, with the Majority Leader criticizing Democrats for refusing to negotiate on funding.