Overview of Laws Being Considered by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives
As the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives convene in late 2024, several bills and resolutions are being actively debated, reflecting a wide spectrum of national priorities. From healthcare reforms to defense, economic policies, and social issues, these legislative measures shape the political landscape as lawmakers work toward addressing the nation’s pressing needs.
Key Bills in the U.S. Senate
1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Savings Penalty Elimination Act
This bipartisan bill proposes raising the asset limits for SSI recipients, allowing disabled and elderly individuals to save without risking the loss of their benefits. The current asset limits, unchanged since the 1980s, would increase to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for couples.
2. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Reauthorization
A critical security bill under consideration, this reauthorization would extend the surveillance powers granted under FISA, focusing on balancing national security needs with civil liberties.
3. Defense Appropriations for FY 2024
A comprehensive appropriations package that allocates funds for defense, homeland security, and foreign operations, addressing military construction, veterans’ affairs, and related defense needs.
4. FAA Reauthorization
This bill extends funding for the Federal Aviation Administration, ensuring continued support for aviation infrastructure, safety programs, and modernization of the national airspace system.
5. No CORRUPTION Act
This legislation aims to halt pension payments to members of Congress convicted of certain criminal offenses, promoting accountability and transparency in governance.
6. Preventing Child Sex Abuse Act of 2023
Focused on protecting children from exploitation, this bill aims to enhance legal mechanisms and programs to prevent child sexual abuse and trafficking.
7. Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act
This bill seeks to amend lobbying laws to require greater disclosure of foreign influences on lobbying activities, enhancing transparency in U.S. political processes.
8. Moving Americans Privacy Protection Act
This legislation aims to protect personally identifiable information by amending the Tariff Act of 1930, improving privacy standards for Americans during customs processes.
9. Fire Grants and Safety Act
This bill provides funding for fire departments across the U.S., ensuring they have adequate resources for fire prevention, safety, and response programs.
10. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Act of 2023
Recognizing Americans detained abroad, this bill designates March 9 as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, raising awareness and support for those detained unjustly.
Key Bills in the U.S. House of Representatives
1. H.R. 2670 - National Defense Authorization Act for FY2024
This cornerstone defense bill authorizes funding for military operations, construction, and energy-related defense activities, setting defense priorities for the coming fiscal year.
2. H.R. 1513 - FUTURE Networks Act
This bill aims to support the development of next-generation telecommunications networks like 6G, positioning the U.S. at the forefront of technology advancements.
3. H.R. 7213 - Autism CARES Act of 2024
This bipartisan bill focuses on funding for autism research and expanding services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, enhancing care across the country.
4. H.R. 9468 - Supplemental Appropriations for FY2024
A key financial measure, this bill provides additional appropriations for various federal agencies to cover emergency and other critical funding needs.
5. H.R. 7438 - FIFA World Cup 2026 Commemorative Coin Act
This bill proposes minting commemorative coins for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, celebrating the global event hosted in North America.
6. H.R. 7909 - Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act
Targeting violent crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, this bill focuses on prevention and punitive measures to protect vulnerable women.
7. H.R. 4790 - Prioritizing Economic Growth Over Woke Policies Act
This legislation limits the influence of social and political activism on corporate governance, prioritizing economic growth over external pressures.
8. H.R. 4767 - Protecting Americans' Retirement Savings from Politics Act
A bill that aims to safeguard retirement savings from being influenced by political or social agendas, ensuring that financial decisions remain neutral.
9. H.R. 6090 - Combating Antisemitism Act
Focused on combating antisemitism, this bill requires the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism across federal institutions.
10. H.R. 2 - Securing the U.S. Borders Act
Strengthens border security by increasing funding for patrol operations and implementing stricter measures to combat illegal immigration.
11. H.R. 5 - Parents Bill of Rights Act
This bill aims to ensure parental involvement in public education, giving parents greater control over what is taught in schools.
12. H.R. 82 - Repealing the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provisions Act
Proposes repealing provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for government employees receiving pensions.
13. H.R. 3935 - Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act
Extends funding for the FAA to improve aviation safety, infrastructure, and operations.
14. H.R. 734 - Title IX Amendment
This bill redefines sex-based discrimination under Title IX to biological sex, affecting how schools handle gender-related policies.
15. H.R. 2530 - Nurse-to-Patient Staffing Ratios Act
A healthcare-focused bill that establishes mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals to improve patient care.
16. H.J.Res. 30 - Disapproval of Labor Rule on Prudence and Loyalty
Disapproves of a Department of Labor rule concerning shareholder responsibilities in investment decisions, focusing on financial over social considerations.
Conclusion
The Senate and the House of Representatives are tackling various issues in 2024. From defense spending and foreign policy to healthcare reforms and social justice initiatives, these legislative efforts highlight the U.S.'s diverse challenges. As these bills progress, their outcomes will shape policy directions in the coming years.