Geothermal energy and the national debt

In this episode of Congress in Context, we delve into the high-stakes legislative activity from the House of Representatives on April 23, 2026, centered on the passage of H.R. 5587, the HEATS Act, a bill designed to accelerate geothermal energy production by waiving federal drilling permits on specific non-federal lands. We analyze the sharp partisan divide over the legislation, weighing the Republican push for energy dominance and reduced bureaucracy against Democratic warnings regarding the loss of environmental safeguards and tribal consultation. Beyond energy policy, the episode explores Representative Al Green’s passionate call for a 15 percent pay increase for TSA workers (H.R. 8411) alongside his introduction of a resolution condemning President Trump’s social media depictions of himself as a religious figure. We conclude with a detailed look at Representative David Schweikert’s stark presentation on the national debt, where he uses the newly received Senate budget resolution to highlight a looming fiscal crisis driven by skyrocketing interest payments and demographic shifts.

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

April 23, 2026

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

Bills

• Energy & Technology
  • H.R. 5587 (HEATS Act): Passed the House (231–186). Amends the Geothermal Steam Act to waive federal drilling permits and NEPA requirements for geothermal activities on specific non-federal lands.
  • H.R. 8462 & H.R. 8479 & H.R. 8488: Focuses on AI and tech, requiring disclosures for AI-generated content and data center development, while reauthorizing the National Quantum Initiative Act.
  • S. 98: Signed by the Speaker; directs the FCC to vet applicants for high-cost universal service funding.

  Finance & Budget

  • S. Con. Res. 33: Establishes the 2026 congressional budget and sets targets through 2035.
  • H.R. 2066: Signed by the Speaker; excludes investments in rural, low-income, or critical tech areas from certain leverage limits.

  Civil Rights & Security

  • H.R. 8476 & H.R. 8470: Aims to treat antisemitism with Title VI rigor and mandates warrants for searches significantly impacting privacy.
  • H.R. 8411: Proposed 15% pay increase for career TSA employees.
  • H.R. 8494 & H.R. 8460: Addresses immigration by prohibiting new detention models (tents/warehouses) and repealing Temporary Protected Status authority.

  Appropriations & Cultural Acts

  • H.R. 8469: 2027 Appropriations for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs.
  • H.R. 1329: Permits the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum to be built on the National Mall.
  • H.R. 2929: Seeks federal recognition for the Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe.