In this episode of Congress in Context, we examine the contentious House passage of the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act (H.R. 4758), a bill designed to repeal Inflation Reduction Act subsidies for home electrification. While House Republicans argued that the measure would reduce the cost of new homes by stripping away green energy mandates, Democrats warned that removing point-of-sale rebates would leave low-income families vulnerable to skyrocketing utility prices. Across the Capitol, the Senate remained deeply divided over the State of the Union Address, with Republican leadership celebrating the achievements of the Working Families Tax Cut law while Democratic leaders criticized the administration for ignoring the affordability crisis. The program also investigates the escalating funding crisis at the Department of Homeland Security, as members of Congress spar over allegations of unconstitutional conduct by ICE and CBP following the tragic deaths of American citizens. We conclude with a look at the House’s bipartisan renewal of the tradition of reading George Washington’s Farewell Address, reflecting on the first President's warnings against the "baneful effects of the spirit of party".

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

February 25, 2026

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Bills

• H.R. 4758 (Homeowner Energy Freedom Act): A bill to repeal provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act relating to taxpayer subsidies for home electrification.
• S. 3924 (We Can’t Wait Act): Bipartisan legislation allowing disabled individuals to bypass the five-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
• S. 3917 (Delilah Law): A bill prohibiting the issuance of commercial driver's licenses to illegal immigrants and requiring tests to be administered in English.
• H.R. 7481 (Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026): A measure related to funding various agencies within the Department of Homeland Security.
• S. 3925 (Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park Act): Legislation to establish a new National Historical Park commemorating Julius Rosenwald and his partnership with Booker T. Washington.
• H.R. 4626: Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from prescribing energy conservation standards that are not technologically feasible or economically justified.
• S. 3911: Designates the Pride flag as an authorized flag for display at units of the National Park System.
• SAVE America Act: A proposed measure to nationalize election standards and restrict voter registration documentation.
• ROTOR Act: A safety measure intended to improve pilot awareness in shared airspace around airports.
• Energy Bills Relief Act: A consumer-focused energy policy designed to modernize the electric grid and restore tax credits for home energy upgrades.
• H.J. Res. 139: A resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget.
• Gas Tax Reduction Act: Proposes a national cap on state gasoline taxes.
• Keep Jobs in California Act: A measure intended to preempt state provisions that tax former residents' assets.