Category: Congress at Work
Debating U.S. Border Policies and Foreign Aid, Providing Tax Relief Before Tax Season, and Training More Nurses
Averting a Government Shutdown, and Reinforcing Air Travel Infrastructure, Weather Alert Systems and National Defense Initiatives
Relaxing Small Business Accountability and Supporting Veteran Homelessness and Substance Abuse Disorders
Expanding Benefits for Veterans and Extending Government Funding Until Jan. 19, 2024
Banning Weapons Training in Public Schools, Funding Assistance for Ukraine, and Various Appropriations Bills for Fiscal Year 2024
Sanctioning Terrorist Activities by Iran, Accelerating Disaster Assistance and Expanding Healthcare Opportunities for Native Americans
Monitoring Trade Agreements with Taiwan, Promoting Plain-Language Rules, and Expanding Recruiting and Training for Law Enforcement
Compensating Service Members and Establishing Rules and Procedures for Ethical Matters
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 to age 25 and younger) for the Student Incentive Payment Program. This program provides financial support to cadets of state maritime academies who enlist or commission in the Navy Reserve at the time of their graduation. The bill passed in the Senate on March 29 and in the House on June 14. It was enacted on June 30.
Transparency for the Coronavirus, Federal Settlements, Smart Appliances and Public Education
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 with the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The ODNI would be required to redact the report as necessary to protect sources and methods and then submit it to Congress. The bill was introduced on March 1 by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO). It passed the Senate on the same day and the House on March 10. It is currently awaiting signature by the president.