The U.S. House Committee on Rules convened on December 31, 2024, to discuss several key pieces of legislation, including H.R. 1398, 1425, 1516, 7980, and a continuing resolution (CR) aimed at funding the government. The meeting highlighted significant partisan divisions regarding the proposed bills and their implications for various sectors, including veterans' services, disaster relief, and social security.

The session opened with a critical assessment from Democratic members, who argued that the majority's proposed legislation inadequately addresses the needs of seniors and Americans with disabilities reliant on Social Security. They expressed concerns that the lack of additional funding for the Social Security Administration would lead to reduced operational hours, closed field offices, and longer wait times for applicants. Furthermore, they criticized the bill for failing to provide necessary emergency funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), particularly in light of recent natural disasters, including wildfires in Hawaii and tornadoes in Oklahoma.

Democratic representatives also condemned the bill for its impact on low-income families, specifically pointing out the halting of payments for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. They emphasized that this decision would block over $1 billion in reimbursements for state-run programs designed to assist vulnerable families and children.

In response, Republican members defended the legislation, attributing the delays in passing appropriations bills to the Senate's inaction. They argued that the continuing resolution was necessary to ensure government operations could continue while addressing the broader legislative agenda. A key point of contention was the inclusion of the SAVE Act, which aims to prevent non-citizens from voting in federal elections. Republican members asserted that this provision reflects the concerns of American citizens regarding election integrity.

The discussion also touched on veterans' healthcare funding, with Democrats highlighting a $12 billion shortfall in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget. They criticized the majority for not prioritizing this funding in the continuing resolution, despite the increased demand for services following the enactment of the PACT Act. Republicans countered that they had passed a military construction and VA bill that increased funding for veterans, but it remained stalled in the Senate.

As the meeting progressed, tensions escalated, with both sides accusing each other of failing to fulfill their legislative responsibilities. Democrats expressed frustration over what they perceived as a lack of genuine effort from the Republican majority to govern effectively, while Republicans pointed to the Senate's failure to act on the bills sent from the House.

The hearing concluded without a clear resolution, leaving significant issues unresolved as the deadline for government funding approached. The committee's discussions underscored the ongoing partisan gridlock in Congress and the challenges ahead in addressing critical funding needs for various programs and services.