The path for upgrading the subcommittees on security and defense (SEDE) and public health (SANT) to full committees has been cleared at the second attempt: the heads of the political groups in the EU Parliament have approved the committee reform by written procedure, in time for the vote in plenary this week in Strasbourg. The package also includes two special committees, one for combating the housing shortage (Housing) and one for strengthening democracy (Democracy Shield), which are limited to one year.