December 2018

CNP Action, Inc. presents the December edition of Heard Around the Hill . This monthly publication provides updates an d n ews about what is happening on Capitol Hill, plus events and projects sponsored by Conservative groups around the country.

Capitol Hill Updates

Would you like to keep abreast of what is going on in the House and Senate? If so, check out FreedomWorks' blog, Happening on the Hill . Here is this week's post . Adam Brandon is the President of FreedomWorks.

Senate Priorities for the Remainder of the Year

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

Yesterday, December 11, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell spoke on the floor about what the Senate needs to accomplish before the end of the year: Confirm more of President Trump's nominees for the judiciary and executive branches (please check out The Heritage Foundation's judicial appointment tracker and the Conservative Action Project's (CAP) Memo for the Movement). Reach an agreement on the remaining 25% of the federal government that was not covered by regular appropriations (the deadline for this is next Friday, December 21, or the government shuts down). Strengthen the borders and security of American families (here is another CAP Memo). Consider and vote on the conference report for the Farm Bill (passed yesterday afternoon 87-13). Debate a resolution disapproving the U.S. role in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Consider and vote on Tester/Wyden C.R.A., S.J. Res. 64 (passed this afternoon 50-49). Consider and vote on the First Step Act, H.R. 5682. In order to achieve the above items, the Senate will not adjourn this Friday as originally planned, rather Leader McConnell said: "...members should now be prepared to work between Christmas and New Year's."

Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton to Testify Before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

Tom Fitton

Tomorrow, December 13, at 2:00 p.m. EST Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton will provide testimony before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform's Subcommittee on Government Operations during a hearing titled "Oversight of Nonprofit Organizations: A Case Study on the Clinton Foundation." The committee is chaired by Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC-11). For more information, please click here to read a Judicial Watch press release. Plus, here is an interview Congressman Meadows did recently with Martha MacCallum on Fox News.

Conservatism vs. Progressivism

In this must-see video , The Heritage Foundation's Genevieve Wood explains the three fundamental differences between being a conservative and a progressive. Kay Coles James is the President of Heritage.

Congressional Hush Fund

Martha MacCallum and Penny Nance

In a Fox News interview , Concerned Women for America President and CEO Penny Nance discussed sexual harassment in Congress and the congressional hush fund. Yesterday, December 11, she authored an op-ed in USA Today entitled If Nancy Pelosi Doesn't Publish Past Congressional Sexual Abuse, She'll Lose Credibility .

High School Leadership Opportunity

Know of a high school student looking to grow as a leader? Consider sending him or her to the City On The Hill (COTH) 2019 Leadership Conference from July 23-28 in Rocklin, CA! COTH is a unique educational opportunity for Christian high school students ages 14 - 18. Students participate in a fun and informative week of fellowship, study and leadership training and learn about Christian heritage, the legislative process, news media and more. Applications will be available after the New Year. Karen England is the Director of COTH.

The Bible Takes Center Stage on House Floor

Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-CO-5)

On November 28, Government leaders stood on the House floor and reminded Americans of the critical importance of the Bible. Congressman Doug Lamborn and several Congressional Prayer Caucus members hosted a Special Order commemorating National Bible Week, affirming our Judeo-Christian heritage and the Bible’s impact on the American way of life. You can watch the event by clicking here , footage begins at 47:00. Lea Carawan is the Executive Director of the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation .

Students for Life of America President Kristan Hawkins Pens Letter to President Trump

Kristan Hawkins

In a letter , Students for Life of America President Kristan Hawkins called on the Trump Administration to defund Planned Parenthood using a 5-point plan of her design. Two staples of the plan include President Trump refusing budgets that use taxpayer funds to support Planned Parenthood and appointing judges that respect life and law. The proposal caught the attention of the White House, as Kristan was one of a few pro-life leaders invited to discuss the issue with key White House staff. To learn more, please click here .

The next Heard Around the Hill will be issued on January 9, 2019. If you would like to submit information to be included in this publication, please send your submission to Sherri Francescon before 12:00 p.m. (EST) on Friday, January 4, 2019.  CNP Action, Inc. is the section 501(c)(4) sister organization of the Council for National Policy, an educational organization founded in 1981. CNP Action, Inc. does not support candidates or political parties, but it may promote issues or specific pieces of legislation. This newsletter is for informational purposes and does not necessarily represent the opinion of CNP Action, Inc. or its constituents.

Hunter Gomez Staff Assistant, Council for National Policy  Sherri D. Francescon Managing Director, CNP Action, Inc.