Senate Rejects Childcare Rule Disapproval and Iran War Powers Resolution in Key Votes
The Senate convened for a major session, marked by two significant rollcall votes on highly contentious issues. A motion to proceed to S.J. Res. 199, a joint resolution to disapprove a Department of Health and Human Services rule affecting childcare costs, was rejected. Subsequently, a motion to discharge S.J. Res. 181, a joint resolution to direct the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Iran, also failed. Both votes highlighted deep divisions within the chamber on domestic policy and foreign intervention. Additionally, a unanimous consent request for a bill addressing surrogacy contracts with foreign adversaries was objected to, preventing its immediate consideration.
This chamber-day was significant due to the Senate's failure to advance two high-stakes measures, directly impacting regulatory policy on childcare costs for families and the ongoing U.S. military involvement in Iran. The rejection of these measures on procedural grounds, despite strong advocacy from proponents, indicates substantial legislative roadblocks for these issues. The debate on the surrogacy bill also brought to light differing views on national security, reproductive rights, and immigration policy, underscoring complex societal and legal considerations.
Directing the Removal of United States Armed Forces from Hostilities Within or Against the Islamic Republic of Iran That Have Not Been Authorized by Congress
S.J. Res. 181Question before the chamber
Motion to discharge the Committee on Foreign Relations from further consideration of S.J. Res. 181.
The case for
Senator Gillibrand argued that President Trump's war with Iran is an "unauthorized, illegal war" and a "strategic failure in modern American history" without a clear plan or coherent strategy. She highlighted the human cost, citing 18 American servicemember deaths, including SGT Angel Rampersad of Queens, NY. She also pointed to the economic burden on American families, noting an additional $432 on gas per family, totaling $2 billion statewide in New York, due to the conflict. Senator Schumer echoed these concerns, stating the war is widening, unpopular with 80% of Americans, and urged Republicans to end it by supporting the resolution.
The case against
No opposition to the motion to discharge S.J. Res. 181 was aired in the Record.
Disposition
Motion to discharge · recorded vote
Motion rejected
Yeas 49, Nays 50
Who is affected
- American servicemembers and their families: Continued risk of death and injury in an unauthorized conflict, as highlighted by the death of SGT Angel Rampersad.
- American families and consumers: Increased economic burden, particularly through higher gas prices, due to the ongoing conflict.
- U.S. taxpayers: Continued expenditure of billions of dollars on military operations in Iran.
- U.S. foreign policy and international relations: The ongoing conflict is described as a 'strategic failure' that has expanded and given Iran new leverage.
Providing for Congressional Disapproval Under Chapter 8 of Title 5, United States Code, of the Rule Submitted by the Department of Health and Human Services Relating to "Restoring Flexibility in the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)"
S.J. Res. 199Question before the chamber
Motion to proceed to S.J. Res. 199.
The case for
Senator Murray argued that President Trump's administration, through HHS, ended a 7-percent copayment cap on childcare costs for low-income families receiving federal support. She stated this action makes childcare more expensive for families, with potential annual increases of up to $15,000. She emphasized that 80% of voters consider high childcare costs a major problem and criticized the administration for prioritizing war spending and tax cuts for billionaires over affordable childcare. She urged a vote to lower childcare costs, framing it as a pro-family stance.
The case against
No opposition to the motion to proceed to S.J. Res. 199 was aired in the Record.
Disposition
Motion to proceed · recorded vote
Motion rejected
Yeas 47, Nays 52
Who is affected
- Low-income families receiving federal childcare support: Face increased childcare costs due to the removal of the 7-percent copayment cap, potentially up to $15,000 annually.
- Childcare providers: May experience strained budgets and high employee turnover due to the financial pressures on families and the broader childcare market.
- American economy and workforce: Affordable childcare is crucial for parents to participate in the workforce; increased costs could hinder economic participation.
A bill to prevent citizens of foreign adversarial nations from entering into or enforcing surrogacy contracts in the United States.
S. 3101Question before the chamber
Unanimous consent request to discharge the Committee on the Judiciary from S. 3101 and proceed to its immediate consideration, third reading, and passage.
The case for
Senator Scott argued that the SAFE KIDS Act is essential for protecting the integrity of American citizenship and safeguarding children from exploitation and trafficking. He asserted that foreign adversaries, such as China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea, exploit a loophole in U.S. immigration laws by arranging surrogacy contracts for children to be born as American citizens, who are then raised under hostile foreign influence. He cited a case in Florida involving triplets where a Chinese national on the surrogacy contract did not show up, illustrating potential vulnerabilities and heartbreaking consequences. He clarified the bill does not ban surrogacy or IVF for American citizens.
The case against
Senator Durbin objected to the unanimous consent request, expressing concerns about the bill's implications for reproductive rights and personal freedom. He questioned the premise of a "conspiracy theory" that foreign nations use surrogacy to undermine the U.S. government, noting a lack of evidence presented in Judiciary Committee hearings. He argued the bill would not effectively stop child abuse or trafficking and could restrict access to surrogacy based solely on nationality, potentially impacting Iranian asylum seekers. He also suggested the bill was an attempt to circumvent Supreme Court decisions on birthright citizenship and offered to work on more targeted legislation.
Disposition
Unanimous Consent Request · unanimous consent
Request rejected due to objection
Who is affected
- Children born via surrogacy to foreign nationals from designated adversarial countries: Their citizenship status and upbringing could be affected; proponents argue it protects them from hostile foreign influence, while opponents raise concerns about family separation.
- American surrogates: Contracts with foreign nationals from adversarial countries would be invalidated, potentially impacting their arrangements and legal rights.
- Foreign nationals from designated adversarial countries: Would be prohibited from entering into or enforcing surrogacy contracts in the U.S., limiting their pathways to parenthood via surrogacy in the U.S.
- U.S. national security: Proponents argue the bill closes a loophole that could be exploited by foreign adversaries; opponents question the validity of this threat.
Senate Rejects Resolution to Overturn Childcare Rule
highThe Senate voted 47-52 to reject a motion to proceed to S.J. Res. 199, a joint resolution aiming to disapprove a Trump administration rule that eliminated a 7-percent copayment cap on childcare costs for low-income families. Proponents argued the rule increased financial burdens on working parents, potentially by thousands of dollars annually, and was part of a broader agenda prioritizing war spending over family support.
Senate Rejects War Powers Resolution on Iran Conflict
highA motion to discharge S.J. Res. 181, a joint resolution to remove U.S. Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in Iran, failed with a vote of 49-50. Supporters characterized the conflict as an 'unauthorized, illegal war' with no clear plan, leading to American casualties and increased economic strain on families due to rising gas prices. They urged Congress to assert its constitutional authority over war-making.
Unanimous Consent Request for SAFE KIDS Act Objected To
mediumSenator Scott's request for unanimous consent to immediately consider and pass S. 3101, the SAFE KIDS Act, was objected to by Senator Durbin. The bill aimed to prevent citizens of foreign adversarial nations from using surrogacy contracts in the U.S. to obtain American-born children, citing national security and child exploitation concerns. The objection raised issues of reproductive rights, personal freedom, and the bill's potential impact on birthright citizenship.
En Bloc Confirmation of Military and Foreign Service Nominations
lowThe Senate confirmed numerous military and Foreign Service nominations en bloc by unanimous consent. This included several general and flag officer promotions across the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Space Force, as well as a large number of lower-rank military and Foreign Service appointments.