Congress at Work

Unbiased information on existing laws, what's in the pipeline, and random interesting facts.

Created and managed by @overton_stuff

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Colorado River Salinity Control Act (HR7872) awaits President Trump's action after being presented on Dec 17, 2024.

The Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act (H.R. 7872) was presented to the President on December 17, 2024, following its passage by both the House and Senate. The bill, which amends the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act (43 U.S.C. 1595), focuses on modifying requirements for salinity control units. As of February 3, 2025, the bill awaits presidential action; it has not yet been signed into law or vetoed.

A key change introduced by H.R. 7872, detailed in Section 2, significantly alters the cost-sharing structure for salinity control units. Specifically, Section 2(2) modifies paragraph (1) to establish varying nonreimbursable cost percentages for different types of units and associated measures to replace incidental fish and wildlife values foregone, ranging from 70% to 90% depending on the authorization section (Section 202(a)(1)-(6) and (c)). A special rule in Section 2(2)(A)(ii) further specifies nonreimbursable cost percentages for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

The remaining costs, after the nonreimbursable allocations are made, become reimbursable according to paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) of the amended Section 205 (Section 2(2)(B)). Subsections (b), (c), and (e) of Section 205 are also amended (Section 2(3), (4), (5)) to clarify the allocation of costs, specifically referencing the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund and the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund. These changes aim to streamline the funding mechanisms for salinity control projects.

The House passed H.R. 7872 on December 3, 2024, by a voice vote following consideration under suspension of the rules (Bill Actions, Dec. 3, 2024 entries). The Senate passed the bill without amendment by unanimous consent on December 10, 2024 (Bill Actions, Dec. 10, 2024 entries). The bill's journey through the legislative process included committee referrals, hearings, and markup sessions before reaching the floor of both chambers. The legislation's ultimate fate now rests with the current President.

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S.3960, adding a "good faith" exception to patent fines, signed into law.

Senate Bill 3960, "A bill to amend title 35, United States Code, to provide a good faith exception to the imposition of fines for false assertions and certifications, and for other purposes," was signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 17, 2024, becoming Public Law No. 118-151. The bill's key provision amends sections 41(j) and 123(f) of Title 35, United States Code. These amendments introduce a "good faith" exception to the imposition of fines for false assertions and certifications.

Specifically, the legislation inserts the phrase ", unless the entity shows that the assertion was made in good faith," into section 41(j) and a similar phrase, substituting "certification" for "assertion," into section 123(f). This addition allows entities to avoid fines if they can demonstrate they acted in good faith, even if their assertions or certifications ultimately proved to be false.

The bill passed the Senate on June 20, 2024, by unanimous consent, and subsequently passed the House of Representatives on December 3, 2024, by voice vote following a suspension of the rules. The House's consideration of the bill included forty minutes of debate. Following its passage in both chambers, the bill was presented to the President on December 6, 2024.

The enactment of S. 3960 represents a significant change to the legal landscape surrounding false assertions and certifications under Title 35. The addition of the good faith exception is expected to alter how penalties are applied, potentially impacting entities facing accusations of providing inaccurate information. The precise implications of this change will depend on future court interpretations of what constitutes "good faith" in this context.

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Stop Fentanyl Money Laundering Act: Financial Services Committee reports amended bill. #HR3244 #Fentanyl

The Stop Fentanyl Money Laundering Act of 2023 (H.R. 3244) has seen significant recent activity. Most notably, on November 29, 2024, the bill was reported (amended) by the Committee on Financial Services (H. Rept. 118-783, Part I). This action follows an earlier Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session held on July 26, 2023, where it was ordered to be reported (amended) by a vote of 49-0. The House Committee on the Judiciary also granted an extension for further consideration, with a deadline of December 19, 2024.

The bill aims to combat the flow of illicit funds supporting fentanyl trafficking. Section 3, in particular, grants the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to impose special measures (as detailed in 31 U.S. Code § 5318A(b)) on financial institutions or transactions outside the U.S. deemed to be of primary money laundering concern related to fentanyl and narcotics financing. This section also addresses the handling of classified information in any judicial review of these actions.

Further provisions include a requirement for a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study (Section 2) on the implications of designating Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, considering the strategic benefits and risks in combating the fentanyl crisis. The bill also mandates updates to advisories for financial institutions on identifying money laundering schemes related to fentanyl and other opioids (Section 4), and instructions for reporting suspicious transactions linked to transnational criminal organizations (Section 5).

The bill's progress indicates a concerted effort to address the financial aspects of the opioid crisis. The recent committee report signifies a key step in the legislative process, although further action in the House and Senate is still required before it can be sent to the President for consideration. The bill's final passage and enactment remain uncertain at this time.

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Michel O. Maceda Memorial Act (H.R. 5302) signed into law. Designates a US Customs and Border Protection unit.

The Michel O. Maceda Memorial Act (H.R. 5302) was signed into law by the President on December 11, 2024. This act designates the Air and Marine Operations Marine Unit of U.S. Customs and Border Protection located at 101 Km 18.5 in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, as the "Michel O. Maceda Marine Unit" (Section 3). The legislation's findings (Section 2) detail the life and service of Marine Interdiction Agent Michel O. Maceda, who was fatally wounded in the line of duty on November 17, 2022, during a drug interdiction operation off the coast of Puerto Rico.

The bill passed the House of Representatives on September 24, 2024, by voice vote following a suspension of the rules (Bill Actions, multiple entries on 2024-09-24). It then proceeded to the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on September 25, 2024 (Bill Actions, 2024-09-25). The Senate committee discharged the bill by unanimous consent on November 21, 2024, and it subsequently passed the Senate without amendment by unanimous consent (Bill Actions, multiple entries on 2024-11-21).

Following its passage in both chambers, the bill was presented to the President on December 5, 2024 (Bill Actions, 2024-12-05). Section 4 of the Act clarifies that any future references to the marine unit in question will be understood to refer to the "Michel O. Maceda Marine Unit," ensuring the renaming is officially recognized in all relevant documentation.

The bill's journey through Congress, from its introduction on August 29, 2023, to its final passage and presidential signature, highlights the swift and bipartisan support for this measure honoring Agent Maceda's sacrifice. The act's short title, as stated in Section 1, is the "Michel O. Maceda Memorial Act".

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NH Post Office renamed for Chief Garone; bill signed into law.

H.R. 1098, legislation to officially rename a United States Postal Service facility, was signed into law by the President on November 25, 2024. The bill, as passed, designates the facility located at 50 East Derry Road in East Derry, New Hampshire, as the "Chief Edward B. Garone Post Office" (Section 1(a)). The act further clarifies that any future references to this facility in official documents will be considered a reference to its new name (Section 1(b)).

The bill's journey through Congress began with its introduction in the House on February 17, 2023, and subsequent referral to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. After committee consideration and markup, it passed the House by voice vote on June 3, 2024, under suspension of the rules.

Following its passage in the House, the bill was received by the Senate on June 4, 2024, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The Senate committee reported the bill without amendment on August 1, 2024, and it subsequently passed the Senate by unanimous consent on November 19, 2024.

After passing both chambers, H.R. 1098 was presented to the President on November 21, 2024, and subsequently signed into law, completing its legislative process. This act serves to formally recognize Chief Edward B. Garone's contributions through the renaming of this postal facility.

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House bill introduced to ban ATACMS transfer to Ukraine. Expires Jan 20, 2025. #HR10218

H.R. 10218, introduced in the House on November 21, 2024, aims to prohibit the transfer of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine for a specific period. The bill, referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs upon introduction, was introduced during a period of ongoing conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. The legislation's key provision, Section 1(a), explicitly forbids the transfer of ATACMS to Ukraine from the date of enactment until January 20, 2025.

Section 1(a)(1) establishes a clear prohibition on the transfer of ATACMS to Ukraine during the specified timeframe. Importantly, this prohibition overrides any other conflicting legal provisions. Furthermore, Section 1(a)(2) extends the restrictions to include U.S. military and intelligence agencies, preventing them from providing support to Ukrainian units employing ATACMS munitions launched from High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to strike targets outside internationally recognized Ukrainian borders.

This support prohibition encompasses multiple forms of assistance. Specifically, Section 1(a)(2) outlines three categories of prohibited support: targeting intelligence support (A), mission planning support (B), and any other type of support (C). The bill's scope is thus wide-ranging, impacting not only the direct transfer of weaponry but also the provision of crucial operational assistance.

As of February 3, 2025, H.R. 10218 remains within the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. No further action has been reported since its introduction in November 2024. The bill's limited timeframe, expiring on January 20, 2025, suggests a focus on impacting a specific period of the ongoing conflict. The bill's ultimate fate and impact remain uncertain pending further committee action and potential votes in both the House and Senate.

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House passes Dole Veterans Act (382-12). Awaits President Trump's signature.

The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (S. 141) recently passed both houses of Congress and is awaiting action by the President. The House of Representatives passed the bill on December 16, 2024, by a vote of 382-12, with a two-thirds majority required under a motion to suspend the rules (Roll no. 504). The Senate had previously passed the bill on December 12, 2024, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute (CR S7013-7040).

The comprehensive legislation addresses numerous aspects of veterans' healthcare and benefits. Title I focuses on healthcare improvements, including modifications to the Veterans Community Care Program (Section 101-111), enhancements to nursing home and long-term care options, and increases to the expenditure cap for noninstitutional care alternatives (Section 120). It also includes provisions for improved quality of care standards (Section 104) and several pilot programs aimed at streamlining processes and improving access to care.

Title II centers on economic opportunities for veterans, covering temporary expansions of educational assistance programs like the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Section 201, 202), improvements to reemployment rights (Section 221), and enhancements to home loan programs, particularly for Native American veterans (Section 231, 232). Specific sections detail changes to eligibility criteria, payment procedures, and oversight mechanisms for educational institutions.

Title III covers disability and memorial affairs, addressing burial allowances (Section 301), grants for improved veteran outreach (Section 302), and modernization of disability benefit questionnaires (Section 306). Title IV focuses on homelessness, with provisions for increased flexibility in assistance and access to telehealth services (Section 402, 403, 404). Finally, Title V outlines oversight and investigations matters, including employee training regarding the Office of Inspector General and annual security reviews at VA facilities (Section 501, 502). The bill also includes modifications to certain housing loan fees (Section 503).

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H.R. 9769: Cyber resilience bill now in Senate Homeland Security Committee

The Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act (H.R. 9769) has recently advanced through the legislative process. On December 10, 2024, the House of Representatives passed the bill by voice vote after consideration under suspension of the rules (CR H6562-6564). The bill was subsequently reported by the House Committee on Homeland Security (H. Rept. 118-859) and placed on the Union Calendar.

Following its passage in the House, H.R. 9769 was received in the Senate on December 11, 2024, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The bill's key provision, Section 2, mandates the creation of an interagency task force within 120 days of enactment (Section 2(a)). This task force, chaired by the Director of CISA (Section 2(b)(1)), will focus on collaboration and coordination among relevant agencies to address the cybersecurity threat posed by Chinese state-sponsored actors, specifically mentioning Volt Typhoon.

The task force is required to submit an initial report within 540 days of its establishment and annual reports thereafter for five years (Section 2(f)). These reports will assess sector-specific risks, needed resources, potential infrastructure damage from Chinese attacks, and the U.S.'s ability to counter such threats (Section 2(f)(3)). The reports will also include classified assessments of potential damage to critical infrastructure and the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as economic and social ramifications (Section 2(f)(3)(C, D, E, F)). An unclassified executive summary of each report will be publicly available (Section 2(f)(6)).

The bill also includes provisions granting the task force access to relevant information from various agencies (Section 2(g)), exemptions from the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the Paperwork Reduction Act (Section 2(i), (j)), and definitions of key terms used throughout the legislation (Section 2(k)). The bill's current status awaits further action in the Senate.

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S.J. Res. 121: Electoral College Abolition Amendment referred to Senate Judiciary Committee.

On December 12, 2024, Senate Joint Resolution 121 (S.J. Res. 121) was introduced in the Senate by Senator Schatz, along with Senators Durbin and Welch. The resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to abolish the Electoral College and establish a system of direct presidential and vice-presidential elections. The resolution was subsequently read twice and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The proposed amendment, if ratified, would significantly alter the process of electing the President and Vice President. Section 1 of the proposed article (S.J. Res. 121, Section 1) states that the President and Vice President "shall be elected by the people of the several States and the district constituting the seat of government of the United States." Section 2 (S.J. Res. 121, Section 2) details the voting process, specifying that each voter casts a single vote for a pair of candidates who have agreed to run together.

Section 3 (S.J. Res. 121, Section 3) declares that the candidate pair receiving the most votes will win the election. The resolution also anticipates potential challenges. Section 4 (S.J. Res. 121, Section 4) grants Congress the authority to create laws addressing the death or disqualification of a candidate before the election is finalized, and to handle tie situations. Finally, Section 5 (S.J. Res. 121, Section 5) sets the effective date of the amendment as one year after the first day of January following ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures.

As of February 3, 2025, S.J. Res. 121 remains under consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee. No further action has been taken on the resolution since its referral to the committee. The resolution's future progress will depend on the committee's deliberations and subsequent actions by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

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House bill restricting gender-affirming care in prisons introduced.

On December 18, 2024, H.R. 10497, the “Prison Rape Prevention Act of 2024,” was introduced in the House of Representatives (IH). The bill, which was subsequently referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary, proposes amendments to Title 18, United States Code, specifically focusing on housing, transportation, and medical treatment of prisoners based on biological sex.

Section 2 of the bill (Sec. 2) mandates that the Bureau of Prisons house and transport prisoners only with those of the same biological sex (Sec. 2(j)(1) & (2)). The bill defines “biological sex” (Sec. 2(k)(1)), “female” (Sec. 2(k)(2)), and “male” (Sec. 2(k)(3)) using criteria related to reproductive systems, explicitly excluding considerations of gender identity. Importantly, the bill prohibits the Bureau of Prisons from providing or paying for any “gender-related medical treatment” (Sec. 2(j)(3)).

The legislation provides a detailed definition of “gender-related medical treatment” (Sec. 2(k)(5)), encompassing a wide range of surgical procedures and hormonal therapies often associated with gender-affirming care for both male and female individuals. This definition, however, explicitly excludes medical treatment for disorders of sex development, irresolvably ambiguous biological sex characteristics, or conditions resulting from prior gender-related medical treatment (Sec. 2(k)(5)(B)).

As of February 3, 2025, H.R. 10497 remains in the House Committee on the Judiciary. No further action has been taken on the bill since its introduction. The bill's impact on prison policy and the provision of healthcare within the prison system is a significant point of potential contention.

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Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary Act signed into law (Public Law 118-152). Prioritizes bay's designation as nationally significant.

The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act of 2024 (S. 50) became Public Law No. 118-152 on December 17, 2024, after being signed by the President. This legislation amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1330(a)(2)(B)), specifically Section 2 of the Act, to include Pensacola and Perdido Bays, Florida, as a priority consideration for designation as an estuary of national significance. The amendment adds "Pensacola and Perdido Bays, Florida" to the existing list of estuaries.

Section 3 of the Act addresses funding limitations for implementing the amendment. It stipulates that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator may not use funds appropriated for fiscal year 2024 for this purpose. Furthermore, for fiscal year 2025, the use of funds is contingent upon the total appropriation exceeding the fiscal year 2023 total by at least $850,000. This section explicitly states that this restriction applies to activities such as convening management conferences, developing comprehensive conservation and management plans, or providing grants under Section 320 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

The bill passed the Senate on March 12, 2024, and after being received in the House on March 15, 2024, it was passed by the House on December 9, 2024. The House's passage followed a forty-minute debate and a voice vote to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

Following its passage in both chambers, the bill was presented to the President on December 12, 2024, before receiving final presidential approval and becoming law later that month. The Act's provisions will now guide the EPA's consideration of Pensacola and Perdido Bays for national estuary designation, subject to the funding constraints outlined in Section 3.

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Firefighter Cancer Registry Act now Public Law 118-147. Funding increased for 2024-2028.

The Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act of 2023 (H.R. 3821) was signed into law on December 12, 2024, becoming Public Law No. 118-147. The legislation, which passed both the House and Senate, significantly expands funding for the voluntary registry tracking cancer incidence among firefighters.

Specifically, Section 2 of the Act amends Section 2(h) of the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act of 2018 (42 U.S.C. 280e-5(h)). This amendment increases the authorized funding from $2,500,000 annually for fiscal years 2018-2022 to $5,500,000 annually for fiscal years 2024-2028. This substantial increase aims to bolster the registry's capacity to collect and analyze data on firefighter cancer rates.

The bill’s journey through Congress included a House passage on March 6, 2024, by a vote of 413-7 (Roll no. 65), and subsequent Senate passage without amendment on December 4, 2024. Following its presentation to the President on December 10, 2024, it received final approval and was signed into law.

The Act's reauthorization and increased funding are intended to provide critical resources for continued research into the prevalence and causes of cancer among firefighters, ultimately contributing to improved prevention and treatment strategies for this occupational hazard. The expanded funding period ensures the registry's operation and data collection for the next five years.

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House Ethics Committee urged to release Gaetz report.

On December 5, 2024, Representative Casten introduced House Resolution 1608 (H.Res. 1608). This resolution directs the House Committee on Ethics to publicly release its report on the investigation into allegations against former Representative Matt Gaetz. The resolution cites several "whereas" clauses detailing the allegations against Gaetz, including sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, improper gifts, and potential obstruction of government investigations (H.Res. 1608). These allegations were initially announced by the Committee on Ethics on April 9, 2021.

The resolution notes that Gaetz resigned from Congress on November 13, 2024. It also cites precedents where the House Committee on Ethics released reports on investigations into former representatives following their resignations, including those involving misuse of campaign funds, sexual misconduct, and other ethical violations (H.Res. 1608). The resolution emphasizes that a failure to release the report would undermine the committee's credibility and impede the integrity of House proceedings.

H.Res. 1608 was referred to the House Committee on Ethics on the day of its introduction. The resolution was considered a privileged matter and subsequently passed by a vote of 206-198 (Roll no. 490). The motion to reconsider was laid upon the table.

The resolution mandates the immediate release of the Committee on Ethics' report, including findings, conclusions, and supporting materials (H.Res. 1608). It allows for redactions to protect sensitive information such as witness identities. As of February 3, 2025, the resolution's status is pending action by the House Committee on Ethics. The public awaits the release of the report to understand the full findings of the investigation.

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DETECT Fentanyl Act becomes Public Law 118-186

The DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-186), signed into law on December 23, 2024, focuses on enhancing the ability of federal agencies to detect and identify illicit substances, particularly fentanyl and xylazine, at very low concentrations. The act amends Section 302 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 182), adding a new paragraph (15) (Sec. 2). This new paragraph mandates research, development, testing, evaluation, and cost-benefit analyses to improve the detection equipment and reference libraries used by law enforcement at all levels.

Specifically, Section 2(3)(15) directs the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration, to focus on several key areas. These include developing portable equipment for minimal-contact sample analysis (Sec. 2(3)(15)(A)), equipment capable of separating complex drug mixtures to facilitate identification (Sec. 2(3)(15)(B)), and technologies utilizing machine learning and artificial intelligence to predict the presence of novel psychoactive substances (Sec. 2(3)(15)(C)).

Section 3 outlines requirements for the Under Secretary for Science and Technology in implementing these new directives. This section mandates adherence to best practices outlined in the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework (NIST AI 100-1) or any successor document (Sec. 3(1)). Furthermore, the research priorities are to be based on the latest threat assessments from the Department of Homeland Security and the Drug Enforcement Administration (Sec. 3(2)).

Finally, Section 4 clarifies that the Act does not limit the authority of agencies already involved in managing drug detection equipment and reference libraries. The bill passed the House on September 9, 2024, and the Senate on December 12, 2024, with the House concurring in Senate amendments on December 18, 2024, before being presented to and signed by the President. The legislative history indicates the bill was subject to committee review and debate in both chambers before its passage.

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H.R. 8049, Protecting Life Act, referred to House subcommittee on Dec 17, 2024.

The Protecting Life in Health Savings Accounts Act (H.R. 8049) was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 17, 2024, and subsequently referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. The bill aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restrict the use of funds from various health accounts for abortion services. Specifically, Section 2 of the bill modifies several sections of the code to exclude payments for abortions from being considered qualified medical expenses for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) (Section 2(a)), Archer Medical Savings Accounts (Archer MSAs) (Section 2(b)), Health Flexible Spending Arrangements and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (Section 2(c)), and Retiree Health Accounts (Section 2(d)).

However, the bill includes an exception for what it defines as "excluded abortions" (Section 2(a)(2)). These are abortions performed due to rape or incest (Section 2(a)(2)(i)), or when the woman's life is endangered by the pregnancy (Section 2(a)(2)(ii)), as certified by a physician. This exception is applied consistently across the different account types addressed in the bill.

The most recent action on the bill was on December 17, 2024, when it was referred to the Subcommittee on Health. This referral signifies a key step in the legislative process, indicating that the subcommittee will now review the bill and potentially hold hearings before deciding whether to advance it to the full committee for further consideration.

The bill's effective dates, as specified in Section 2(e), are generally set for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, with a specific provision for reimbursements under subsection (c) also applying to expenses incurred after this date. The bill's progression through the legislative process remains to be seen, given the recent referral to the subcommittee.

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House bill to ban new fossil fuel leases introduced

H.R. 10489, the "Keep It in the Ground Act of 2023," was introduced in the House of Representatives on December 18, 2024. The bill aims to significantly restrict fossil fuel extraction on federal lands and waters. Key provisions include a prohibition on new oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf, encompassing the Arctic, Atlantic, Pacific Oceans, and the Gulf of Mexico (Section 4). This section also mandates the cancellation of existing leases in specific areas within 60 days of enactment (Section 4(b)).

Furthermore, Section 5 prohibits new lease sales, the issuance of new leases, re-offering of expiring leases, and the renewal or extension of non-producing leases for onshore fossil fuels, including coal, oil, tar sands, oil shale, and gas. The bill defines terms such as "extend," "nonproducing lease," "reinstate," and "renew" to clarify the scope of these restrictions (Section 3). These definitions are consistent across sections 3 and 4, ensuring a unified interpretation of the legislative intent.

However, the bill does include exceptions. Section 6 allows for exemptions based on imminent national security threats (Section 6(a)), and permits the renewal or extension of pre-existing non-producing leases if adhering to the Act would likely result in a material breach of contract (Section 6(b)). These exceptions are temporary, lasting only as long as the security threat persists or as necessary to avoid contractual breaches.

The bill's findings (Section 2) cite rising global temperatures, the role of human activity in climate change, and the significant impacts of global warming on various sectors. It also emphasizes that keeping a substantial portion of fossil fuel reserves untapped is crucial to avoiding catastrophic climate change. The bill's overall goal is to promote a transition to a clean energy economy.

Finally, a severability clause (Section 7) ensures that if any part of the Act is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions will remain in effect. As of February 3, 2025, the bill remains in the House Committee on Natural Resources.

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House Ethics Committee to release Gaetz misconduct report.

House Resolution 1609, introduced on December 5, 2024, directs the House Committee on Ethics to preserve and release records related to its review of alleged misconduct by former Representative Matthew Louis Gaetz II of Florida. The resolution cites several clauses and rules establishing the Committee's investigative authority and the House's power to address member misconduct (Article I, Section 5, Clause 2; Rule XI, Clause 3(a)(2) of the Rules of the House of Representatives). The resolution specifically references the Committee's April 9, 2021, initiation of a review into allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, misuse of records, campaign funds conversion, and potential bribery, as well as a June 18, 2024, statement acknowledging ongoing review of additional allegations.

The resolution mandates that the Committee preserve all related documents and investigative materials (Section 1). Furthermore, it requires the public release of the Committee's report, including findings, recommendations, and proposed disciplinary actions discussed on November 20, 2024, concerning alleged violations of the Code of Official Conduct or other applicable standards (Section 2). This release is contingent upon the anonymization of witness identities and the redaction of personally identifiable information of minors and victims (Section 3), aligning with the Committee's established practices for releasing public documents.

Following its introduction, H.Res. 1609 was referred to the House Committee on Ethics. The resolution was considered a privileged matter and passed by a recorded vote of 204 to 198 (Roll no. 491). The motion to reconsider was laid upon the table. The resolution's passage signals a commitment to transparency regarding the investigation into the alleged misconduct, although the actual release of the report remains pending.

The resolution's key action was its successful passage in the House, indicating significant legislative support for the investigation's transparency. The bill's text emphasizes the House's authority to investigate and address such matters, underscoring the gravity of the allegations and the desire for public accountability. The timeline highlights the length of the investigation and the recent renewed focus on releasing the findings.

Given the resolution's passage and the mandate for public release of the report, the coming months will likely see the Committee on Ethics fulfilling its obligations outlined in H.Res. 1609. The public release of the report will be a significant development in this matter.

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S.5588: "Keep It in the Ground Act" referred to Senate committee. Bans new fossil fuel leases on federal land & waters.

On December 18, 2024, Senate Bill 5588, the “Keep It in the Ground Act of 2024,” was introduced and read twice before being referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The bill aims to significantly restrict fossil fuel extraction on federal lands and waters. Key provisions include a prohibition on new oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf (Section 4), specifically targeting the Arctic, Atlantic, Pacific Oceans, and the Gulf of Mexico. Existing leases in the Beaufort, Cook Inlet, and Chukchi Seas would be cancelled within 60 days of enactment (Section 4(b)).

Section 5 of the bill extends the restrictions to onshore fossil fuels, prohibiting new leases, lease sales, re-offers of expiring leases, and the renewal or extension of non-producing leases for coal, oil, tar sands, oil shale, and gas on land subject to the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.). The bill’s findings (Section 2) cite rising global temperatures, the link between human activity and climate change, and the significant economic and environmental impacts of continued fossil fuel use. It explicitly states a policy of managing federal lands and waters to mitigate climate change and promote a clean energy transition (Section 2(b)).

The bill defines key terms such as "extend," "nonproducing lease," "reinstate," and "renew" to clarify the scope of the prohibitions (Section 3). Importantly, the bill includes exceptions for national security threats (Section 6(a)), allowing for potential exemptions if the Secretary of the Interior determines that a lease is necessary to address an imminent threat. Another exception is made for pre-existing non-producing lease contracts where enforcing the bill's provisions might lead to material breach of contract claims (Section 6(b)). These exceptions, however, are subject to specific conditions and durations.

The bill's current status is pending review by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. No further action has been taken since its referral to the committee in December 2024. The bill's ultimate fate and its potential impact on energy policy and environmental regulations remain uncertain. Given the recent change in presidential administration, the bill's prospects will likely depend on the new administration's policy priorities and the committee's actions in the coming months. The bill also includes a severability clause (Section 7) ensuring that if any part is deemed invalid, the rest of the act remains in effect.

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"Eliminate Useless Reports Act" sent to President Trump; awaits action. #hr5301 #Congress

The Eliminate Useless Reports Act of 2024 (H.R. 5301) was presented to the President on December 17, 2024, following its passage through both the House and Senate. The bill aims to reduce unnecessary government reporting requirements by amending Title 31 of the United States Code. Specifically, Section 2 mandates that each agency head include in their budget justification materials (Sec. 2(a)(1)) a list of recurring plans or reports (Sec. 2(a)(2)), identifying those deemed outdated or duplicative (Sec. 2(b)(1)(A)(iv)). This list must also contain recommendations on sunsetting, modifying, consolidating, or reducing the frequency of these reports, along with justifications (Sec. 2(b)(1)(B), (C)).

Agencies are required to consult with other relevant agencies or entities before including reports on the list (Sec. 2(b)(2)), and the Office of Management and Budget will determine whether multi-agency reports are unnecessary and make recommendations to Congress (Sec. 2(b)(3)). The bill also modifies Section 1105(a) of Title 31, removing paragraph (39), and updates Section 7244 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, concerning the submission of electronic copies of reports to the Government Publishing Office (Sec. 2(c)). Importantly, the Act does not exempt agencies from submitting required reports (Sec. 2(c)).

The House passed H.R. 5301 on November 12, 2024, by voice vote following debate (Bill Actions). The Senate subsequently passed the bill without amendment by unanimous consent on December 11, 2024, after its referral to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and subsequent discharge from that committee (Bill Actions). The bill's journey through the legislative process highlights a relatively swift progression from introduction to presidential review.

The President's action—or lack thereof—on H.R. 5301 will determine whether the bill becomes law. Given the December 17th presentation date and the change of presidential administration on January 20, 2025, the current President's decision on the bill is pending. The bill's ultimate impact will depend on its enactment and subsequent implementation by government agencies.

The bill's provisions represent a significant attempt to streamline government reporting, potentially saving both time and resources. However, the effectiveness of the act will depend heavily on the agencies' willingness and ability to comply with its mandates and the President's decision on whether to sign it into law.

[Congress at Work @congressatwork]

HR 8855: Unborn Child Protection Act referred to Health Subcommittee

H.R. 8855, introduced in the House on June 27, 2024, aims to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to protect unborn children. The bill's findings (Section 1) cite various Supreme Court cases and legislative precedents to support its assertion of congressional authority to regulate abortion, emphasizing the Commerce Clause and spending powers. The findings also present arguments based on the sanctity of life, the perceived harms of abortion, and the availability of adoption as an alternative.

Section 2 establishes a class D felony for licensed physicians who perform or attempt to perform abortions after fertilization under specified circumstances (Section 2(a)), which include the use of interstate commerce in any aspect of the procedure (Section 2(d)). The section also outlines civil remedies for women subjected to abortions without consent or under duress, and for parents of minors involved in such procedures (Section 2(b)). Exceptions are provided for medical emergencies to save the life of the pregnant woman, removal of a dead fetus, and ectopic pregnancies (Section 2(c)).

Furthermore, the bill seeks to prohibit the use of federal funds for abortions (except to save the life of the mother) in programs such as Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, the Indian Health Service, and Title X family planning programs (Section 3). This prohibition extends to group health plans and individual health insurance, barring coverage for abortions after fertilization unless necessary to save the mother's life (Section 4). The bill defines key terms like "abortion," "fertilization," and "unborn child" within Section 2(f) to clarify the scope of the proposed legislation.

The most recent action on H.R. 8855 was on December 17, 2024, when it was referred to the Subcommittee on Health. The bill's extensive provisions significantly restrict abortion access, impacting both the practice of abortion and the funding available for it. The bill's ultimate fate remains uncertain pending further committee review and potential votes in the House and Senate.