Weekly Report on Laws Being Considered by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives Oct 17, 2024

As the U.S. legislative session moves into the final months of 2024, lawmakers in both the Senate and the House of Representatives are tackling a variety of bills and resolutions that reflect national priorities in areas such as defense, healthcare, economic policy, and civil liberties. These bills, once passed, will shape the future of U.S. policy on both domestic and international fronts.

Key Bills in the U.S. Senate

1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Savings Penalty Elimination Act

This bill proposes updating the asset limits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients for the first time since the 1980s. The current limits of $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples would increase to $10,000 and $20,000, respectively. This update aims to help disabled and elderly individuals save for emergencies without losing their benefits.

2. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Reauthorization

The FISA reauthorization continues to be a highly debated topic. The bill addresses the powers of U.S. intelligence agencies to conduct surveillance on foreign targets, balancing national security concerns with the need to protect civil liberties.

3. Defense Appropriations for FY 2024

A crucial bill that allocates funding for defense operations, military construction, and veterans' programs for the fiscal year 2024. This comprehensive appropriations package also addresses homeland security and foreign operations.

4. FAA Reauthorization

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill extends funding for the FAA, ensuring that essential aviation infrastructure and safety programs continue to be supported and modernized.

5. No CORRUPTION Act

This bill was designed to cut off pension payments to members of Congress convicted of criminal offenses related to their office. It reflects the ongoing push for greater government accountability.

6. Preventing Child Sex Abuse Act of 2023

This bill aims to strengthen federal laws that protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. It proposes new programs and penalties to address trafficking and child abuse.

7. Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act

To enhance transparency, this bill requires lobbyists to disclose any foreign influence on their activities, particularly regarding lobbying efforts that involve international governments or corporations.

8. Moving Americans Privacy Protection Act

Amending the Tariff Act of 1930, this legislation aims to protect personal information at customs, providing better safeguards for Americans’ privacy when traveling internationally.

9. Fire Grants and Safety Act

This bill provides continued funding for the U.S. Fire Administration and various firefighter assistance programs, ensuring local fire departments have the necessary resources for safety and prevention efforts.

10. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Act of 2023

This legislation establishes March 9 as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day to raise awareness and support efforts to bring home Americans unjustly detained abroad.

Key Bills in the U.S. House of Representatives

1. H.R. 2670 - National Defense Authorization Act for FY2024

This bill sets defense priorities for the year, authorizing funding for military operations, research, and construction projects. It includes provisions for defense-related activities in the Department of Energy as well.

2. H.R. 1513 - FUTURE Networks Act

Supporting advancements in telecommunications, this bill focuses on developing the next generation of networks, such as 6G, to keep the U.S. at the cutting edge of global technology innovation.

3. H.R. 7213 - Autism CARES Act of 2024

A bipartisan bill that expands research and services for individuals with autism, providing critical support to families and caregivers.

4. H.R. 9468 - Supplemental Appropriations for FY2024

This bill provides additional appropriations for various federal programs, including emergency funds for agencies responding to natural disasters and other urgent needs.

5. H.R. 7438 - FIFA World Cup 2026 Commemorative Coin Act

A celebratory measure, this bill proposes the minting of commemorative coins in honor of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, recognizing the global event being co-hosted by the United States.

6. H.R. 7909 - Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act

A response to violent crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, this bill strengthens penalties and seeks to protect women who are victims of such crimes.

7. H.R. 4790 - Prioritizing Economic Growth Over Woke Policies Act

This bill limits the influence of social activism within corporate governance, ensuring that businesses prioritize economic growth over political or social pressures.

8. H.R. 4767 - Protecting Americans' Retirement Savings from Politics Act

A bill designed to shield retirement savings from political or social agendas, ensuring that financial decisions remain apolitical and focus on returns.

9. H.R. 6090 - Combating Antisemitism Act

This bill incorporates the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism into U.S. federal law to address rising incidents of antisemitism across the country.

10. H.R. 2 - Securing the U.S. Borders Act

A bill that enhances U.S. border security, including increased funding for border patrols and stricter measures to combat illegal immigration.

11. H.R. 5 - Parents Bill of Rights Act

This bill seeks to increase parental involvement in public education by granting parents greater control over curricula and school policies, particularly on contentious topics like gender and sexuality.

12. H.R. 82 - Repealing the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provisions Act

Aimed at benefiting government employees, this bill repeals provisions that reduce Social Security payments for individuals who also receive government pensions.

13. H.R. 3935 - Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act

Provides funding for the FAA to continue critical aviation safety and infrastructure projects, including air traffic control modernization.

14. H.R. 734 - Title IX Amendment

This controversial bill redefines sex-based discrimination under Title IX to be based on biological sex, affecting how schools implement policies related to gender identity and transgender athletes.

15. H.R. 2530 - Nurse-to-Patient Staffing Ratios Act

This healthcare bill mandates specific nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals to improve patient care and reduce nurse burnout.

16. H.J.Res. 30 - Disapproval of Labor Rule on Prudence and Loyalty

This resolution expresses disapproval of a Department of Labor rule concerning fiduciary duties in investment decisions, emphasizing financial returns over social or political goals.

Conclusion

As 2024 progresses, the U.S. Congress is focused on a wide range of issues that impact national defense, economic policy, healthcare, education, and civil rights. These legislative efforts are critical in shaping the future direction of U.S. domestic and foreign policy. The outcomes of these bills will have lasting effects on various sectors, reflecting the nation's diverse challenges.