Article Archives

Funding the Government, Protecting Americans from Misuse of Data, Expanding Internet Access and Improving Recycling

April, 2024

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (HR 4366) – On March 9, the president signed the latest appropriations bill passed in time to halt a government shutdown. While this bill does authorize funding through end of the...

Debating U.S. Border Policies and Foreign Aid, Providing Tax Relief Before Tax Season, and Training More Nurses

March, 2024

The Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act (HR 815) – Formerly known as the RELIEVE Act, this bill was originally written to improve veteran eligibility for reimbursement for emergency...

Averting a Government Shutdown, and Reinforcing Air Travel Infrastructure, Weather Alert Systems and National Defense Initiatives

February, 2024

Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024, and for other purposes (HR 2872) – Passed by both branches and signed by the president on Jan. 18, this is the third temporary resolution...

Relaxing Small Business Accountability and Supporting Veteran Homelessness and Substance Abuse Disorders

January, 2024

A joint resolution providing for Congressional disapproval under Chapter 8 of Title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to Small Business Lending Under the Equal...

Expanding Benefits for Veterans and Extending Government Funding Until Jan. 19, 2024

December, 2023

A bill to amend Title 38, United States Code, to extend and modify certain authorities and requirements relating to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. (S 2795) – This bill...

Banning Weapons Training in Public Schools, Funding Assistance for Ukraine, and Various Appropriations Bills for Fiscal Year 2024

November, 2023

Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act (HR 5110) – This bill was introduced in the House on Aug. 1 by Rep. Mark E. Green (R-TN). The purpose of this bill is to ban federal funds from being used for weapons training in...

Sanctioning Terrorist Activities by Iran, Accelerating Disaster Assistance and Expanding Healthcare Opportunities for Native Americans

October, 2023

MAHSA Act (HR 589) – The Mahsa Amini Human Rights and Security Accountability (MAHSA) Act is a bipartisan bill that was introduced on Jan. 27 by Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN). The purpose of this bill is to impose sanctions on the...

Monitoring Trade Agreements with Taiwan, Promoting Plain-Language Rules, and Expanding Recruiting and Training for Law Enforcement

September, 2023

United States-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade First Agreement Implementation Act (HR 4004) – This bipartisan bill was introduced on June 12 by Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO). The purpose of this bill is to convey approval by...

Compensating Service Members and Establishing Rules and Procedures for Ethical Matters

August, 2023

CADETS Act (S 467) – This bipartisan bill was introduced on Feb. 16 by Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI). The purpose of this bipartisan bill is to change the age requirements (previously limited...

Raising the Debt Ceiling, Protecting Air Travel and Repealing the Iraq AUMF

July, 2023

Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (HR 3746) – This Act represents a compromise reached by House Republicans and President Biden. Republicans negotiated concessions in exchange for voting to raise the debt ceiling to maintain...

Increasing the Federal Debt Limit, Improving Disaster Resources and Attempting to Reduce Government Waste

June, 2023

Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023 (HR 2811) – This bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) on April 26. It would authorize and increase the federal debt limit as well as specific cuts...

Shoring Up Services for Veterans, Energy Production and Cybersecurity Risks

May, 2023

Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020 (HJ Res 7) - On March 13, 2020, then-President Trump declared a national emergency relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, emergency...

Transparency for the Coronavirus, Federal Settlements, Smart Appliances and Public Education

April, 2023

COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023 (S 619) – This bill would authorize the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to declassify all information relating to the origin of COVID-19 and any correlation...

Increasing Small Business Investments, Relaxing COVID Vaccination Requirements and Generating More Challenges to Abortion Access

March, 2023

Investing in Main Street Act of 2023 (HR 400) – Introduced by Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) on Jan.20, this bill would permit certain financial institutions to increase investments in small business investment companies (SBICs). The current...

Overhauling the National Tax System, Eliminating Oil Sales to China, and Criminalizing Late Abortion Attempts

February, 2023

To rescind certain balances made available to the Internal Revenue Service (HR 23) – Introduced by Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) on Jan. 9, this bill would rescind funds allocated to the Internal Revenue...

Expanding Options for Marriage, Defense, Medical Marijuana, Amateur Athletes and Rail Workers

January, 2023

Respect for Marriage Act (HR 8404) – Introduced by Sen. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) on July 18, this Act replaces previous provisions that defined marriage as strictly between a man and a woman. It codifies...

Improving Federal Hiring Processes, Foreign Election Influence and Natural Disaster Protections

December, 2022

Disaster Resiliency Planning Act (S 3510) – Introduced by Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) on Jan. 13,this Act details guidelines for federal agencies to incorporate natural disaster resilience with regard to...

Saving Animals, Enhancing Government Efficiency, and Supporting Global Food Security

November, 2022

Planning for Animal Wellness Act /PAW Act (S 4205) – Introduced by Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) on May 12, this act instructs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to compile best practices and...

Shoring up Protections for Sexually Abused Children, the Mentally Ill in Crises, and a Benefit Increase for Disabled Veterans

October, 2022

Introduced by Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) on Oct. 28, 2021, this Act eliminates the statute of...

Productive Month Passing Domestic Manufacturing and Prescription Drug Allowances, Climate and Gun Violence Mitigation, and Veteran Burn Pit Healthcare Legislation

September, 2022

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (HR 5376) – This legislation was originally introduced as the Build Back Better Act, President Biden’s signature bill of 2021. After suffering defeat in the Senate...

Strengthening the Supply Chain, the Professional Workforce, Cybersecurity and Coastal Ecosystems

August, 2022

Supply Chain Security Training Act of 2021 (S 2201) – This legislation is designed to identify supply chain risks and develop a government program to train federal officials with supply chain...

Protecting SCOTUS, Veterans in Special Circumstances, Disaster Victims, Potential Firearm Victims, and America's Water Resources

July, 2022

Supreme Court Police Parity Act of 2022 (S 4160) – In response to potential threats and protests outside the homes of Supreme Court judges following a leak of their preliminary judgement on a case...

Rushing Baby Formula supplies, Helping Ukraine and Punishing Russia

June, 2022

To amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to establish waiver authority to address certain emergencies, disasters and supply chain disruptions, and for other purposes. (HR 7791) – In response to the recent nationwide...

Restricting Trade Relations with Russia, Enhancing U.S. Export Pathways, and Bearing Down on Cybercrime and Human Trafficking

May, 2022

Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act (HR 7108) – This legislation suspends normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus. The president may restore normal trade...

Banning Masks, Banning Russian Oil, Making Lynching a Federal Hate Crime and Saving Sunshine

April, 2022

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (HR 2471) – This legislation will fund the federal government through September 2022, but also includes a plethora of other bills folded within for the purpose of quick...

Relief for USPS Financial Requirements, Plus Support for Victims of Sexual Harassment and Online Child Exploitation

March, 2022

Amache National Historic Site Act (HR 2497) – This Act was introduced by Rep. Joe Negusa (D-CO) on April 24, 2021. The bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to acquire land in Colorado in order to...

Pursuing Voting Rights, Critical Therapies, VA Online Education Benefits and Condemning Forced Labor

February, 2022

Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act(HR 5746) – This act is comprised of two previous bills that were combined and passed in the House using a procedural workaround, then sent to the Senate...

Raising the Debt Limit, Protecting the Capitol and Prohibiting Foreign Campaign Financing

January, 2022

A joint resolution relating to increasing the debt limit(SJ Res 33) – This legislation was initially introduced on Dec. 14 by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY). It is a joint resolution that authorized an...

Congress at Work: Infrastructure Spending, Hiring Veteran Health Heroes and Initiatives for Education, Childcare and Immigration

December, 2021

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act(HR 3684) – This legislation authorizes funding for federal highway, transit, safety, motor carrier, hazardous materials and rail programs of the Department of Transportation (DOT). The bill...

Increasing the Debt Limit, Extending Government Funding, and Protecting Vets, Veteran Moms and the Capitol Police

November, 2021

Increase of Public Debt Limit(S 1301) – This bill was enacted on Oct. 14 in order to increase the public debt limit. The debt was increased by $480 billion, the amount projected by the...

Enhancing Agency Budget Transparency, Opportunities to Study Science and Environmental Protections

October, 2021

Congressional Budget Justification Transparency Act of 2021 (S 272) – This bill mandates that federal agencies must make budget justification materials publicly available online. The Office of Management and...

Fiscal Year Funding Plus Legislative Support for Health Care Professionals and Physical Activity for All Americans

September, 2021

A bill to provide for the publication by the Secretary of Health and Human Services of physical activity recommendations for Americans (S 1301) – This bill authorizes the Secretary of Health...

Blocking Voter Expansion, Proposing Greater Scrutiny of Inspectors General, and Paving the Way for Climate Change Measures

August, 2021

For the People Act of 2021 (HR 12) – This bill is designed to improve voter access to the ballot box by expanding automatic and same-day voter registration, vote-by-mail and early voting. The legislation...

Recognizing the Abolishment of Slavery and Compensating Law Enforcement, Overseas Federal Employees and Disaster Relief Victims

July, 2021

Juneteenth National Independence Day Act (S 475) – This bill authorizes Juneteenth National Independence Day on June 19 as a legal public holiday. The bill was introduced...

Addressing Hate Crimes, Banks Serving the Cannabis Industry and Unilateral Power to Restrict Immigration

June, 2021

Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act (HR 2547) – This bill would expand financial protections and restrictions on debt collection activities for consumers, in particular for private student...

Advancing Healthcare Initiatives, Small Business Funding and Protecting the Elderly from Scams

May, 2021

FASTER Act of 2021 (HR 578) – This bill expands the definition of major food allergens for food-labeling purposes to include sesame. It is designed to protect Americans with food allergies and related...

Economic Stimulus, Making the Post Office Solvent Again, Gun Control, Voting Rights and Restricting China's Influence

April, 2021

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (HR 1319) – This $1.9 trillion relief bill provides stimulus money to address the continued impact of COVID-19. Provisions include issuing $1,400 checks to...

Securing Jobs for Cabinet and Congress Members, Inspector Generals, and Apprentices - and Honoring Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman

March, 2021

To provide for an exception to a limitation against appointment of persons as Secretary of Defense within seven years of relief from active duty as a regular commissioned officer of the Armed Forces (HR 35) – Prior to passage of this...

Protecting American Ports, Federal Buildings, Allies, Oceans, and Whistleblowers

February, 2021

Save Our Seas 2.0 Act (S 1982) – This bill was introduced by Sen. Alan Sullivan (R-AK) on June 26, 2019. The purpose of the legislation is to improve efforts to clean up marine debris, encourage recycling and...

Prosecution for Use of Performance Enhancement Drugs, Modernizing Government Technology, and Enhancements for Veterans and Their Caregivers

January, 2021

Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act of 2019 (HR 835) – This bill was introduced by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) on Jan. 29, 2019. The purpose of this legislation is to give U.S. officials the power to prosecute individual...

A Flush of Protections for Veterans and Native Americans

December, 2020

Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2020 (HR 6168) – Introduced by Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA) on March 10, this bill increases Vet compensation benefits by 1.3...

Dial 9-8-8 for a Mental Health Crisis; Enforcement Against Violence in the Native American Community; and Enhanced Protections for Veterans and Wildlife

November, 2020

National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 (S 2661) – Introduced by Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) on Oct. 22, 2019, this bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to designate 988 as...

Space Weather Forecasting, New Safety and Transparency Reporting Guidelines, Paying to Charge Federal Electric Vehicles, and a Plan to Celebrate Route 66

October, 2020

PROSWIFT Act (S 881) – This Act was sponsored by Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) on March 26, 2019. The legislation is designed to improve understanding and forecasting of weather events in space...

Laws to Enhance Benefits for Service Members, First Responders, Veterans and to Restore National Parks and Public Lands

September, 2020

A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to extend lease protections for servicemembers under stop movement orders in response to a local, national, or global emergency, and for other purposes (S 3637) – This...

Relief and Funding for Human Rights, Emergency Aid, Cash-Flow Assistance and New Infrastructure Projects

August, 2020

Law Enforcement Suicide Data Collection Act (S 2746) – This bill authorizes the establishment of a new Law Enforcement Officers Suicide Data Collection Program to...

Helping Small Business Owners, Seniors and U.S. Hostages, and Limiting Intrusive Domestic Surveillance

July, 2020

Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 (HR 7010) – Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) introduced this legislation on May 26. This Act modifies provisions related to small business loans issued under the...

In the Wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic, Congress Passes the Most Expensive Single Spending Bill in American History

June 2020

Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (HR 266) – This is a multilayered legislative bill divided into four distinct sections. Phase 1 authorized...

More Coronavirus Relief, Plus Beefed-Up Security for Technology, the Elderly, and Children Born to U.S. Citizens Serving Overseas

May, 2020

Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (HR 748) – This legislation provided $2 trillion of stimulus relief in response to the coronavirus crisis. Provisions of the bill include...

Focused Almost Exclusively on Mitigating the Health and Economic Impact of the Coronavirus

April, 2020

Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 (HR 6074) – Introduced by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY), this was the first bill passed to authorize funding in response to the...

Supporting Veteran Careers, Protecting the Food Supply, and Reducing Wasted Government Spending

March, 2020

Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act (S 153) – This bill encourages veterans to participate in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields in a variety of ways,...

Blocking Robocalls, Stepping Up Suicide Prevention for Vets, and Appropriating Funds for a New Space Force

February, 2020

Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act (S 151) – Approximately 58.5 billion robocalls were made in the United States last year, a 22...

Protecting TV Viewers, Whistleblowers and Supreme Court Justices; New Status Provisions for Immigrant Workers; and OTC Drugs

January, 2020

Reauthorizing Security for Supreme Court Justices Act of 2019 (HR 4258) – This bill reauthorizes the Marshal of the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court Police to protect the Justices of the Supreme Court, their employees and...

Hanging Flags, Awarding Geniuses, Supporting Hong Kong Protestors and Criminalizing Animal Cruelty

December, 2019

National POW/MIA Flag Act (S 693) – This bill amended title 36 of the United States Code to Hanging Flags, Awarding Geniuses, Supporting Hong Kong Protestors and Criminalizing Animal Crueltyrequire...

Fighting Foreign Terrorism on Homeland Soil, Increased Protections for Clean Water and Low-Income Veterans, and New Appropriations for FY2020

November, 2019

This bill promotes the identification and determent of terrorist activity from reaching the homeland, and enhances the United States government’s ability to respond to terrorism, including emerging...

Debt Relief for Military Service Members, Veterans, Family Farmers and Small Business Owners

October, 2019

Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (HR 3311) – Scheduled to take effect starting in February 2020, this new law offers small businesses more agreeable terms when filing for Chapter 11...

Extending Medicaid Funding, the Debt Limit, Membership into the American Legion, and Support For 9-11 Victims, Law Enforcement Officers, and Breastfeeding Moms

September, 2019

Sustaining Excellence in Medicaid Act of 2019 (HR 3253) – This bill authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 2024 and makes changes to several Medicaid programs and funding mechanisms....

Relief for Immigrants, Attempts to Deter Foreign Election Interference and Failed Resolutions to Condemn Foreign Arms Sales

August, 2019

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019 (HR 3401) – This legislation provides $4.5 billion...

Disaster Relief Funding, Expanded Benefits for Neglected Vietnam Veterans, and Bipartisan Reforms for the IRS

July, 2019

National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2019 (S 1693) – This bill reauthorizes the National Flood Insurance Program, which was set to expire on May 31, through June 14. The bill was...

Enhanced Funding for Shooting Practice and Bulletproof Vests

June 2019

Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act (H.R. 1222 – The Pittman-Robertson Act, passed in 1937, imposes an excise tax on the sale of firearms, archery gear and...

Vetoes, Resolutions and Recognition

May 2019

Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019 (H.J.Res. 46) – This resolution was an effort to block the national emergency declared by President Trump to redirect funds to build a wall at the...

Blocking Emergency Funds, Protecting Land, Withdrawing Troops, Spying on Russia

April 2019

Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on Feb. 15 (H.J.Res. 46) – This resolution was an effort to block the national emergency declared by President Trump for the purpose of...

A Final Budget Bill, Military Support in the Middle East and Campaign Finance Reform

March 2019

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (H.J.Res. 31) – This is the budget appropriations bill that was finally agreed upon in order to avoid a second government shutdown in February. The bill...

Reimbursing Unpaid Federal Workers, Fact-Based Policy Making and Fighting Human Trafficking

February 2019

Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 (S. 24) – This bill was introduced by Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) on Jan. 3 and signed into law on Jan. 19. It requires federal employees who are furloughed or...

Prisoner Reform, the Farm Bill, and Taking Aim at Weapons of Mass Destruction

January 2019

Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 2018 H.R. 7213 – Sponsored by Rep. Daniel Donovan (R-NY), this bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a Countering Weapons of Mass...

Punishing Terrorists and Traffickers; Reinforcing Cybersecurity and Patents

December 2018

Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act of 2018 (S. 1595) – This bill amends the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015 to impose sanctions on foreign nationals...

Protecting Water, Music and Intellectual Property

November 2018

America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (S. 3021) – This bill authorizes water pollution control activities as well as conservation and development of water and related resources...

Miniscule Effort to Block Tariffs and Increased Efforts to Aid Veterans, American Indians, Assault and Terrorist Victims

October 2018

Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Act of 2018 (H.R. 4318) – This bill is designed to cut or eliminate tariffs on articles such as chemicals, footwear, toasters and approximately 1,660 other items made...

Stepping Up Defense Spending, Cybersecurity Tips for Small Business, a Possible National Suicide Hotline and Affirming the U.S. Press Is Not the Enemy

September 2018

John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (H.R. 5515) – Introduced by Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), this bill increases the size of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Naval and Air...

Offshore Jobs for U.S. Workers, Money for North Korean Refugee and Human Rights Programs, and a New $1 Coin Honoring American Innovation

August 2018

Northern Mariana Islands U.S. Workforce Act of 2018 (H.R. 5956) – This bill is related to the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008, which stated that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration...

Congress at Work: Benefits for Veterans, More Money to Counteract Gun Violence and a Higher Loan Limit for Small Business Loans

July 2018

VA MISSION Act of 2018 (S. 2372) – This bill was introduced by Sen. John Isakson (R-GA) on Feb. 5 and signed into law by the president on June 6. This legislation permits veterans to seek care from...

Dodd-Frank Rollback, Security Clearance Assistance, and Returning Assets from the Nazis

June 2018

Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (S. 2155) – Sponsored by Sen. Michael Crapo (R-ID) in November 2017, this bill rolls back some of the provisions of the...

Aid for African countries, national wildlife refuges, Social Security beneficiaries and Secret Service Agents

May 2018

Strengthening Protections for Social Security Beneficiaries Act of 2018 (H.R. 4547) – Sponsored by Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX), this bill is designed to protect Social Security beneficiaries (approximately 8 million)...

Federal Budget Allocated, Low-Income Veterans Protected, and Rural Phone Services to Meet Quality Standards

April 2018

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (H.R. 1625) – This is the latest budget bill that appropriates $1.3 trillion of Treasury funds until the end of September – which is the end of the fiscal year. The following...

Protections for Indian Tribes, Caregivers, Child Victims of Sexual Abuse, Human Trafficking and 9-1-1 Callers

March 2018

Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal RecognitionAct of 2017 (H.R. 984) – Sponsored by Rep. Robert Wittman (R-VA) on Feb. 7, 2017, this bill extends Federal recognition to the...

Spying, a Temporary Budget, Restitution for Child Porn Victims and a Possible Solution for Dreamers

February 2018

An Act to Amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to improve foreign intelligence collection and the safeguards, accountability and oversight of acquisitions......

Making Changes to Corporate and Individual Income Taxes, Indian Tribe Resource Programs and Previous Legislation

January 2018

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) – The GOP-sponsored tax reform bill made final passage through Congress on Dec. 20. The following are provisions with the widest-ranging impact......

Enhancing Access to Retirement Funds and Emergency Medications; Getting Tougher on Online Predators of Children

December 2017

TSP Modernization Act of 2017 (H.R. 3031) – Sponsored by Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) on June 23, this bill will offer government employees who participate in the Thrift Savings Plan more flexible withdrawal......

Transparency for Elder Abuse, Internet Ads and Drug Pricing

November 2017

Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (S. 178) – Sponsored by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) on Jan. 20, this bill is intended to prevent elder abuse and exploitation and improve the justice system's......

Disaster Assistance, Heroes and Gang Members

October 2017

Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 and Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017 (H.R. 601) – This act temporarily lifts the nation’s debt ceiling, funding the federal government through......

Sanctions on Foreign Adversaries, Breakthrough DNA Technology, and Fast-Tracked Approval for Generic Drugs

September 2017

Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (H.R. 3364) – This Act expands U.S. sanctions against Russia (for annexing Ukraine’s Crimea and meddling......

New Food-Related Homeland Security Bill, Authorizing Inactivity for an Under-Staffed Agency, and Naming a New Federal Courthouse in Nashville

August 2017

Securing our Agriculture and Food Act (H.R. 1238) – Introduced by Rep. David Young (R-IA) on Feb. 28, this bill authorizes a program to coordinate the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts......

Making it Easier to Fire Government Employees, Reporting on Public Safety Benefits, and Extending Whistleblower Protections

July 2017

Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 (S. 1094) – This was one of Trump’s first piece of original legislation signed into law. The VA bill makes it easier for the Secretary......

Funding the Government, Hosting a Future World Expo and Modernizing Government Travel

June 2017

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (H.R. 244) – Negotiated as a bipartisan effort, this $1.1 trillion spending bill appropriates money to keep the federal government running through......

Promoting Space Travel, Weather Forecasting, and a Plethora of Executive Branch Memos

May 2017

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017 (S. 422) – Sponsored by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), this bill was signed into law by President Trump on March 21......

Repeal and Replace Obamacare; Eliminate the EPA and Department of Education Altogether

April 2017

Obamacare Repeal Act (TALENT) (H.R. 175) – As expected, this was one of the first pieces of legislation proposed in the new Trump Administration. The bill would fully repeal the Patient Protection...

Promoting Jobs for Government Contractors, Women, Vets and Making an Exception for the New Administrative Cabinet

March 2017

Tested Ability to Leverage Exceptional National Talent Act of 2017 (TALENT) (H.R. 39) - This is the last law that was signed by President Obama, just an hour before he left the White House to attend the inaugural proceedings......

Voluntary Abortions, Obamacare, United Nations, Conflicts of Interest, and Electoral College

February 2017

A bill to prohibit taxpayer funded abortions (S. 184) - This bill was introduced by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) on Jan. 20 with no available text......

Taking Small Steps to Reduce Lawsuits, Government Waste, Travel Hassles and Unfair Taxes

January 2017

American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (S. 3084) - This bill was passed by Congress on Dec. 16 and went to the President for signature. Introduced in June 2016 by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Cory Gardner (R-CO)......

Doing Right by Veterans, Citizen Trailblazing and Election Parity

December 2016

Gold Star Families Voices Act (H.R. 4511) – Introduced in February by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), this bill amends the Veterans’ Oral History Project Act to include biographical history......

Buy Cattle Online, No Taxes for Olympians, a New Wall and a Moment of Silence for Vets

November 2016

Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act of 2016 (H.R. 5578) – Introduced in June by Rep. Mimi Walters (R-CA), this bill guarantees specific rights for people who have been victimized by a sexual...

Families to Sue Terrorist Governments, Babies Get Bathrooms and Milk, and Native American Tourism Gets a Boost

October 2016

Special Needs Trust Fairness Act of 2015 (H.R. 670) – Introduced in 2015 by Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA), this legislation is designed to fix a 20-year-old law that puts people with disabilities......

Vets Get Dental Coverage, JFK Gets a Party, and the Possible End of Ticket Gouging

September 2016

Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016 (H.R. 3700) – On July 29, President Obama signed this bipartisan legislation into law. This bill impacts the...

Planning for America's 250th Birthday, Overdose Prevention, and Beefing up Benefits for Vets

August 2016

United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016 (H.R. 4875) - On July 22, President Obama signed this bill into law. The Act establishes a commission authorized to plan, develop and coordinate......

13 Post Offices Renamed, Native American Foster Children Get a Break, and Americans Might Get the Day Off to Vote

July 2016

An Act to Designate the United States Postal Facility Located At… – On June 13, President Barack Obama signed into law 13 separate bills......

Patriotic Bisons, Anonymous Funding, Faulty Airbags and the Right for Ex-Felons to Vote

June 2016

National Bison Legacy Act (H.R. 2908) - Sponsored by Rep. Lacy Clay Jr. (D-MO), this bipartisan bill was easily passed by both the House and Senate and was signed into law on May 9......

Benefits for Retired Moms

May 2016

Evidence-Based Policymaking Commission Act of 2016 (H.R. 1831) - This bipartisan bill, sponsored by Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), was signed into law by the President......

Congress at Work: Reducing Disaster-Related Expenses, Pensions and Prison Sentences

April 2016

Directing Dollars to Disaster Relief Act of 2015 (S. 2109) - This legislation was sponsored by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI). The bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency to develop a plan to...

Congress at Work: Fighting Weapons Development, ISIS and Dyslexia

March 2016

North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of 2016 (H.R. 757) - This act is designed to block North Korea's access to hard currency and goods that could be used for its weapons program and requires enhanced...

Congress at Work: Attempting to Undermine Obamacare, Closing Bank Accounts and Protecting Children from Gummy Bear-Flavored Toxins

February 2016

An Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 2002 of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2016 (H.R. 3762) – If signed into law, this...

Congress at Work: Spending, Testing, Vetoing and Cleaning Up Global Waters

January 2016

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (H.R. 2029) - This is the omnibus spending bill that will fund the federal government for the remainder of the fiscal year...

Congress at Work: Balancing the Budget, Closing Borders and Exploring Air Space

December 2015

Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (H.R. 1314) - After three unsuccessful attempts, this bill was finally passed and signed into law on Nov. 2. The budget bill raises the government's debt ceiling to allow for higher government...

Congress at Work: Recruiting, Reimbursing and Educating

November 2015

Quarterly Financial Report Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3116) - This bill actively targets separating members of the Armed Forces to work as Customs and Border Protection officers. This bill...

Congress at Work: Parks & Reservations

October 2015

National Forest Small Tracts Act Amendments Act of 2015 (H.R. 1214) - This bill passed in the House on Sept. 16 and goes to the Senate next for consideration. Sponsored by Rep. Mark Amodel (R-NV), the...

Congress at Work: Education Reform Takes Center Stage

September 2015

Student Success Act (H.R. 5) - This education reform bill, sponsored by Rep. John Kline (R-MN) with bipartisan support, is designed to shift responsibility for student assessment and school accountability...

Congress at Work: Iran Nuclear Agreement, Phone Record Limits and Global Girl Power

August 2015

Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 (H.R. 1191) - On May 7, the Senate replaced the entire text of the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act with...

Congress at Work: Where's the Beef, Trade Complexities, and Intelligent Spending

July 2015

Trade Act of 2015 (H.R. 1314) - To date, this controversial bill was passed in both the House and the Senate, but the Senate made changes and sent it back to the House on...

Congress at Work: Support for Heroes; Space and Technology Exploration

June 2015

Fallen Heroes Flag Act of 2015 (H.R. 723) - Introduced by Rep. Pete King (R-NY), this Act passed in the House on May 12 and goes to the Senate next. The bill enables immediate...

Congress at Work: Good News for Doctors, Credit Unions and NFL Teams

May 2015

Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (H.R. 2) - Introduced on March 24 by Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX), this bill passed the House and Senate...

Congress at Work: Marijuana, Secret Science and Cybersecurity

April 2015

Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act (H.R. 1013) - House Representative for Colorado's 2nd Congressional District, Jared Polis (R), introduced this...

Congress at Work: Extending/Expanding Tax Breaks and Protecting Americans in Peril

March 2015

Keystone XL Pipeline Act (S. 1) - This bill passed both the House and the Senate on Feb. 11, but was vetoed by the President on Feb. 24. The...

Congress at Work: Reviving Jettisoned Bills and Reversing Previous Legislation

February 2015

The new 114th Congress is dominated by Republicans in both houses. The Senate is comprised of 54 Republicans and 46 Democrats. In the House of...

Congress at Work: Fiscal Year Budget Passed, With Extras

January 2015

The 113th Congress, coming to a close, passed the second fewest laws of any Congress since 1947. Thanks to an outright sprint to the finish, the legislative body passed 96 bills...

Congress at Work: Executive Orders and Pending Actions

December 2014

There's been much debate lately regarding the legality of a president issuing executive orders. While the Constitution doesn't exactly state any provision for an executive order,...

Congress at Work: Approaching the End of the 113th Congress

November 2014

Each congressional term lasts two years. At any point when Congress is in session, a sitting member of Congress may introduce legislation. Once a bill has been introduced,...

Congress at Work: Protecting Production of Domestic Energy and Increasing Awareness of the Value of Small Businesses

October 2014

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015 (H.R. Res. 124) - In September, just before legislators returned home to campaign ahead of...

Congress at Work: Activity Before the 'District Work Period' (aka 5-Week Summer Vacation)

September 2014

Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 (H.R. 3230) - Sponsored by Hal Rogers, a Republican from Kentucky, this is the bipartisan...

Bringing Jobs Home and Cracking Down on Human Trafficking

August 2014

Bring Jobs Home Act (S 2569) - This bill was passed in the Senate by a vote of 93-7 on July 23 and moves to the House for debate. If the bill were to become law, corporations would...

Congress at Work: Protecting Citizens, Encouraging Small Business Growth

July 2014

There was a flurry of activity in Congress in June, with themes focused on protecting citizens and encouraging small business growth. There's even...

Congress at Work: Accountability, Authority and Lots of Opinions

June 2014

Data Act (S. 994) - Introduced on May 21, 2013, it took nearly a year for this bill to be passed and signed by the President, who did so on May 9, 2014. Sponsored...

Congress at Work: Budgets, Physicians, Black Boxes and Pop Warner Football

May 2014

Establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2015 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2016 through 2024...

Shaming Russia, Enforcing Laws and Honoring Plumbers

April 2014

A Resolution Condemning Illegal Russian Aggression in Ukraine (S. Res. 378) - This is a simple resolution that condemned Putin's seizure of Crimea and demanded...

Congress at Work: Single-Payer Healthcare, Airline Safety and Props to the Seattle Seahawks

March 2014

Expanded & Improved Medicare for All Act (H.R. 676) - On Feb. 13, 2014, this bill was assigned to a congressional committee for...

Congress at Work: Federal Funding, Oversight, Poison Centers and College Football

February 2014

If Congress awarded its members yearbook superlatives each year, here's how some members would have fared: Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana (R) introduced the most bills and resolutions...

Congress at Work: Budgeting and Keeping Loose Change

January 2014

Need more evidence that we have a controversially partisan Congress? In the 2013 session, only 58 new laws were...

Congress at Work: Farm Bill, etc.

December 2013

With so much attention surrounding the launch of the Healthcare Marketplace Exchange and the cancellation of millions of health care insurance policies, very little...

Shutdown Resolutions

November 2013

Congress created quite a bit of "busy work" for itself during the government shutdown, as a number of funding bills were proposed. Although many...

National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2013

October 2013

This bill would repeal some of the previous contingent conditions that were established under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act that limited the oversight ability of the National...

Government Accountability for Spending, Compensation and Enforcement

September 2013

As part of an ongoing trend to rein in spending and provide more fiscal transparency, this Act is designed to limit how much the government spends to host or send employees to conferences...

Internet, Immigration and Health Incentives

August 2013

Currently, federal law requires that retailers only have to collect tax if they have an established nexus in the consumers' home state. Nexus...