A summary of September 2025. From new laws on veterans’ health, privacy, and export controls to a wave of Trump-era nominees confirmed in bulk — including several with jaw-dropping conflicts of interest — this month was a mess. In addition to new laws and confirmations, there were failed censure stunts, a delayed swearing-in that’s blocking a vote on the Epstein files, and yet another avoidable government shutdown. Both parties are playing games while regular people pay the price.
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Background Sources
New Laws
- “Turmoil at US science academy as Trump cuts force layoffs.” Jeff Tollefson & Dan Garisto. July 1, 2025. Nature.
- “National Academies, staggering from Trump cuts, on brink of dramatic downsizing.” Meredith Wadman. June 2, 2025. Science.
S.423 – PRO Veterans Act of 2025
H.R.1316 – Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act
H.R.2808 – Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act
- “Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act Amends FCRA.” September 16, 2025. Hunton.
Confirmations
Senate Rule Change
“Sen. Thune on Changing Senate Rules on Expediting Certain Presidential Nominations.” September 8, 2025. C-SPAN.
Robert Law
“Trump’s Pick for DHS Policy Chief Tied to Hate Groups, Anti-DACA Rhetoric.” Pablo Manríquez. September 6, 2025. Migrant Insider.
“Federation for American Immigration Reform.” SourceWatch.
Kimberly Guilfoyle
“Fox News Allegedly Paid $4 Million Settlement to Kimberly Guilfoyle’s Former Assistant Following Claims.” Brian Steinberg. October 2, 2020. Variety.
Darío Gil
“IBM Executive Stories: Creating What’s Next in Computing with Darío Gil, Director of IBM Research.” IBM.
Brandon Williams
“Letter from Sen. Elizabeth Warren to Brandon Williams re: NNSA Qualifications.” April 7, 2025. Elizabeth Warren. warren.senate.gov.
“Is Brandon Williams qualified to oversee the nation’s nuclear arsenal?” Mark Weiner. February 17, 2025. Syracuse.com.
“New York’s MAGA Republican From Wall Street.” Lee Harris. September 30, 2022. The American Prospect.
Leslie Beyer
“Energy Workforce & Technology Council Congratulates Former CEO Leslie Beyer on Senate Confirmation as Assistant Secretary of the Interior.” September 18, 2025. Energy Workforce & Technology Council.
“Policy.” Energy Workforce & Technology Council.
Kyle Haustveit
“Kyle Haustveit.” U.S. Department of Energy.
“Trump Nominates Devon Energy Exec to Lead DOE’s Fossil Energy Office.” February 6, 2025. The Progressive Newswire.
Scott Hutchins
“Senate Agriculture Committee Must Reject Scott Hutchins as USDA Chief Scientist.” November 28, 2018. Friends of the Earth.
Michael Cadenazzi
“Consultant tapped to lead industrial policy as Pentagon ponders acquisition reform.” Patrick Tucker. March 12, 2025. Defense One.
Michael Obadal
“Army undersecretary nominee faces questions about financial ties to Anduril.” Ashley Roque. May 8, 2025. Breaking Defense.
“Trump Nominates Anduril’s Michael Obadal as Army Under Secretary.” Kristen Smith. March 13, 2025. ExecutiveGov.
Nancy Mace’s Attempt to Censure Ilhan Omar
“Ilhan Omar tangles with CNN host in fiery interview, rips ‘hateful’ Charlie Kirk.” Hanna Panreck et al. September 21, 2025. FOX News.
“Effort to censure Rep. Ilhan Omar over Charlie Kirk comments fails.” Kadia Goba. September 18, 2025. The Washington Post.
“Congressional Record Vol. 171 No. 151.” September 16, 2025.
“Congressional Chronicle – House.” September 16, 2025. C-SPAN.
Shutdown
S.2882 – Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026
“Federal shutdown deepens as ACA subsidy fight remains unresolved.” October 3, 2025. WOWK 13 News.
Music
Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito
