Please join the Texas Democratic Party and Way to Lead in Austin, Texas for a conversation moderated by Olivia Messer, editor in chief of The Barbed Wire, with top DNC Chair contenders, Ben Wikler, Ken Martin, and Martin O’Malley, on the future of our nation, the charge before the Democratic Party to win back the soul of America, and the critical role of Texas, whose 42 electoral votes make it the Game Over State.
Doors for the moderated forum will open at 5:00 PM and run from 5:30–6:30 PM.
The Committee has amended the rule relating to subpoena authority to include a provision providing for notice to the Minority for any subpoena issued pursuant to Committee Rule 4(d)(1).
Republican staff:
Vivian Moeglein, staff director
Chris Marklund, deputy staff director
Sophia Varnasidis, director of legislative operations
Tom Connally, chief counsel
William David, deputy chief counsel
Madeline Kelley, director of member services
Ilene Clauson, director of operations
Rebekah Hoshiko, communications director
Rob MacGregor, staff director, Energy and Mineral Resources
Aniela Butler, staff director, National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands
Ken Degenfelder, staff director, Indigenous Peoples of the United States
Annick Miller, staff director, Water, Wildlife and Fisheries
Climate change is already provoking mass migration, and as environmental conditions worsen, that trend will accelerate. In the coming decades, the United States will be increasingly affected by sea level rise, hurricanes, extreme heat, wildfires and freshwater shortages, among other hazards. Millions of Americans will respond by moving. How to prepare for and respond to the challenges of climate change will be a primary governance question for the years to come.
On January 22, join Governance Studies at Brookings for a conversation on domestic climate migration in the United States. Experts will explore questions including: How are U.S. communities vulnerable to climate change? What steps are being taken at a federal, state and local level to prepare localities to adapt to climate risks and to welcome new residents displaced by climate disasters? Can preparations for the upheaval of climate change be structured to help address longstanding inequities of wealth, health and opportunity?
Viewers can submit questions for speakers by emailing [email protected] or via Twitter at @BrookingsGov by using #USClimateMigration.
On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., the Subcommittee on Environment will hold a hearing in 2123 Rayburn House Office Building, entitled, “A Decade Later: Assessing the Legacy and Impact of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.”
Chris Jahn, President & Chief Executive Officer, American Chemistry Council
Geoff Moody, Senior Vice President, Government Relations & Policy, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers
Dr. Richard Engler, Ph.D., Director of Chemistry, The Acta Group
Dr. Maria Doa, Senior Director, Chemicals Policy, Environmental Defense Fund
After years of discussion in Congress around reform, President Obama signed the Frank Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act into law June 22, 2016. The legislation marked the first major overhaul of TSCA since its passage, and it enjoyed bipartisan support. It included many significant changes to the EPA’s regulation of new and existing chemicals and collection of information:
Directed EPA to use a “best available science” standard when evaluating chemicals and specified how EPA could use scientific and technical information.
Prevented new chemicals from going to market unless the EPA issues a safety finding.
Required EPA to systematically review existing chemicals and established a framework for prioritizing chemicals for evaluation.
Modified the treatment of confidential business information submitted to EPA.
Prohibited EPA from considering cost factors when evaluating risk.
Expands EPA authority to require testing to inform risk evaluations.
The Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics within EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention manages EPA’s TSCA responsibilities. Despite these reforms, the EPA has reported difficulty implementing the Lautenberg Act and has struggled to meet statutorily mandated timeframes for both new chemical reviews and risk evaluations for existing chemicals. Manufacturers and processors have also expressed frustration with EPA’s approach to risk evaluations, new requirements governing data manufacturers must submit to EPA, and increased user fees, among other issues.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will hold an executive session at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, to consider the nomination of Sean Duffy to be U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
Agenda Items:
Nomination of Mr. Sean Patrick Duffy, of Wisconsin, to be Secretary of the Department of Transportation.
The Fix Our Forests Act dismantles National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act safeguards in order to fast-track forest management projects up to 10,000 acres with minimal public oversight, promoting unchecked tree removal and vegetation clearing.
Grassroots Comedy proudly presents The Inaugural Bash: The Climate Defiance Show Benefit! As we endure the inauguration of the worst person on the planet, we’re turning despair into defiance with an unforgettable night of comedy to support Climate Defiance in their fearless fight against the climate crisis.
This powerhouse lineup features the razor-sharp wit of Kasaun Wilson (NBC’s Last Comic Standing), the sharp and satirical Abby Govindan (NY Comedy Festival, Funny or Die), the hilarious insights of Winston Hodges (Don’t Tell Comedy), and the comedic brilliance of Reem Enos (Kennedy Center’s District of Comedy Festival). Hosting the night is the ever-charming and hilarious Chris Blackwood (DC Improv, CBS, Vermont Comedy Festival).
Because when the going gets tough, the tough get funny—and we fight for a better future.
At Busboys & Poets, 450 K St NW.
Tickets are a sliding-scale contribution of $10-$100+. RSVP.
