May 1, 2026

Stalemates in Voting Rights and ICE Legislation; Small Business Funding Expanded

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readSafeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (S 1383) – Also known as the SAVE America Act, this bill passed in the House on Feb. 11 but stalled in the Senate due to the Democrat filibuster. The bill would require states to verify documentary proof of citizenship and current residential address when Americans apply for federal voter registration. The easiest documentation would be a birth certificate or passport that confirms their current legal name (most women change their last name after marriage, so they require additional documentation, such as a marriage certificate). However, research from the Bipartisan Policy Center found that nearly 1 in 10 registered voters do not have access to their birth certificate, and 52 percent […]
April 1, 2026

Facilitating Access to Housing and In-State Tuition, Sanctioning Iran and the Battle Over DHS Funding

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min read21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (HR 6644) – As many local governments face the problem of rising affordability and severe housing shortages, this bipartisan bill would update existing housing programs to increase the housing supply, as well as streamline federal regulations that slow construction. Among its provisions, the legislation would authorize a pilot program designed to convert vacant or underused buildings into residential housing, issue grants for infrastructure improvements for utilities and transportation, and include construction of new housing units for low- and moderate-income residents. The legislation was introduced on Dec. 11, 2025, by Rep. French Hill (R-AR). It originally passed in the House on Feb. 9, but the Senate made changes before passing it […]
March 1, 2026

Burying Time Capsules, Ending Payments to Dead People, and Safeguarding Voting Rights for U.S. Citizens

🖨 Print⏱ 3 min read Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the DC Income and Franchise Tax Conformity and Revision Temporary Amendment Act of 2025 (HJRes 142) – After passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Council of the District of Columbia (DC) opted out of the tax code from the Act, amending several provisions and restoring the DC child tax credit. This resolution nullifies DC’s amended legislation. It was introduced on Jan. 22 by Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX). It passed in the House on Feb. 4, the Senate on Feb. 12, and was enacted on Feb. 18. Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act (S 3705) – This bill instructs the Architect of the […]
February 1, 2026

Completing FY2026 Budget Appropriations, Protecting Trafficked Victims, and Vetoing Special Interest Projects

🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readCommerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 (HR 6938) – This Act is one of the remaining budget bills to fund the government through Sept. 30, 2026. It includes funding for several agencies, including the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The bill was introduced by Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) on Jan. 6. It passed in the House on Jan. 8, the Senate on Jan. 15, and was signed into law on Jan. 23. Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026 (HR 7006) – […]
January 1, 2026

Improving Military Benefits, Relaxing Energy Regulations and Increasing Aviation Regulations

🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readVeterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025 (S 2392) – This Act was introduced by Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) on July 23. It passed in the Senate on Nov. 9, the House on Nov. 17, and was signed into law on Nov. 25. The purpose of this bill is to increase rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities, as well as the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans. The rate hikes became effective on Dec. 1. Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025 (HR 970) – This bipartisan Act was introduced on Feb. 4 by Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA). It authorizes increases to servicemember and veteran […]
December 1, 2025

Partial Government Funding, Promoting Transparency and Protecting Against Foreign Terrorism

🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readEpstein Files Transparency Act (HR 4405) – The purpose of this bill is to require the Department of Justice to release all documents and records in its possession of investigations and court cases related to Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein was previously convicted of soliciting prostitution from an underage girl, and also faced new sex trafficking charges prior to his 2019 death in custody. The files are expected to reveal the names of other people involved in the sex trafficking scheme. The act was initially introduced by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) on July 15. It was updated and passed in the House on Nov. 18, in the Senate the next day, with only one opposing vote between the […]
November 1, 2025

Controversial Defense Funding Bill, Shoring Up ESOP Plans, and Leave Benefits for Public Health Personnel

🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readNational Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (S 2296) – Introduced by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) on July 15, the Senate passed this legislation on Oct. 9. The bill is a carve-out of the 2026 budget bill intended to fund military appropriations for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The bill was largely supported by Republicans but less so by Democrats, who are in favor of keeping the government closed until all of their budget concerns are addressed. In addition to establishing funding and policies for military and defense-related activities, the bill includes a roadmap for bomber modernization, a real-time database for contractor compliance oversight, and authorizing programs for nuclear weapons facilities. The legislation would authorize $32.1 […]
October 1, 2025

Enhancing Homebuyer Protections, Wildfire Risks, 911 Response and Domestic Manufacturing

🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readHomebuyers Privacy Protection Act (HR 2808) – Introduced by Rep. John Rose (R-TN) on April 10, the House passed this bill on June 23, and the Senate passed it on Aug. 2. Signed into law on Sept. 5, this bipartisan bill prohibits a consumer reporting agency from selling a mortgage applicant’s personal information to other lenders without their explicit consent. The legislation is designed to safeguard homebuyers’ personal financial information and eliminate the frequent bombardment of other lender marketing offers during the financing process underway with the applicant’s existing lender. SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 (HR 2483) – This bill renews billions of dollars in federal funding for programs responsible for preventing […]
September 1, 2025

Canceling Government Funding and Expanding Protections for Veterans

🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readRescissions Act of 2025 (HR 4) – A rescission bill cancels funding previously approved by Congress upon request by the president. Congress has 45 continuous legislative days to enact or reject the proposal, during which time the funds may be temporarily withheld. Introduced by Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) on June 6, the House passed this bill on June 12 and the Senate passed it on July 17. Signed into law on July 24, this bill cancels nearly $9 billion in funding for a variety of programs, including foreign aid and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act (HR 517) – On July 24, the president signed into law this bill that allows […]
August 1, 2025

The Big Beautiful Bill, Rolling Back Public Television and Radio, and Regulating the Cryptocurrency Industry

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readOne Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR 1) – Introduced by Rep. Jody Arrington (R-TX) on May 20, this bill passed in the House on May 22, the Senate with changes on July 1, and once again in the House on July 3. Signed into law on July 4, this bill includes the following provisions: Makes permanent the income and estate tax provisions passed in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Increases the annual limit to $7,500 for Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), starting in 2026. Makes permanent the ability for employers to offer tax-free student loan repayment assistance up to $5,250 a year, with the cap indexed for inflation. Starting in 2026, new […]
July 1, 2025

Preventing AI Deepfakes, Deterring Fentanyl and Foreign Aggression, and Strengthening Small Businesses

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readHALT Fentanyl Act (S 331) – On Jan. 30, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced this bipartisan act in order to close a loophole that allowed clandestine drug manufacturers to evade illegal drug laws by altering the chemical composition of fentanyl. The legislation permanently classifies all versions of fentanyl as a Schedule I substance, much like heroin and LSD. The bill passed in the Senate on March 14 and in the House on June 12. It currently awaits the president’s signature for enactment. TAKE IT DOWN Act (S 146) – This legislation was signed into law on May 19. Introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) on Jan. 16, the bipartisan bill authorizes the internet removal of visual […]
June 1, 2025

New Tax Cut & Spending Bill, Protecting Law Enforcement, VA Benefits and Semiconductor Supply Chains

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readOne Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR 1) – Introduced by Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) on May 20, this tax bill supports the president’s tax and immigration agenda. The legislation includes: Making permanent the income and estate tax cuts passed in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 Waiving income taxes on cash tips, overtime pay and interest on some auto loans (ends 2028). The tip waiver would be a tax deduction of up to $25,000/year on cash-only tips for workers making less than $160,000/year; FICA taxes would still apply to tips. Temporarily increasing the standard deduction (ends 2028) Reducing the amount of income subject to income taxes Temporarily increasing the child tax credit to $2,500 […]
May 1, 2025

Rolling Back Regulations, Proving Citizenship Birth for Voting Rights, and Blocking Nationwide Injunctions

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readProviding for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-Fired Instantaneous Water Heaters (HJ Res. 20) – The House and Senate both passed a resolution negating a previous rule mandating that tankless gas-fired water heaters meet certain criteria (less than 2 gallons capacity and greater than 50,000 Btu/hour) for efficiency standards, which would have phased out non-condensing technologies. Introduced by Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL) on Jan. 15, the resolution is awaiting signature by the president. A joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to “Overdraft Lending: […]
April 1, 2025

Preventing a Government Shut Down, Rolling Back Regulations and Clarifying Cryptocurrency Protocols

🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readFull-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (HR 1968) – In the nick of time before the midnight deadline that would have otherwise shut down the Federal government, Congress passed a budget bill to fund the rest of the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30. This bill increases funding for the military by $6 billion while reducing non-defense spending by $13 million. The federal funding bill also reduced the amount of funding for the District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) by $1.1 billion, which is paid for by local taxes. This final continuing resolution bill was passed in the House on March 11, in the Senate on March 14, and signed by the president on March 15. […]
March 1, 2025

Protecting Critical Supply Chains, Recycling Programs and Victims of Digital Forgeries

🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readPromoting Resilient Supply Chains Act of 2025 (S 257) – Introduced by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) on Jan. 2, this bill is designed to promote resilient critical supply chains by identifying, preparing for, and responding to supply chain shocks to critical industries. The ultimate goal of the legislation is to encourage the growth and competitiveness of production and manufacturing in the United States using emerging technologies. The bipartisan legislation is currently under consideration in the Senate. To prohibit individuals convicted of defrauding the Government from receiving any assistance from the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes (HR 825) – This bipartisan legislation would prohibit a small business with a high-level associate convicted of any crime […]
February 1, 2025

Beefing Up Laws for Illegal Immigrants and Preparing for Future Disasters

🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readLaken Riley Act (S 5) – A holdover from the last congressional session, this bill was re-introduced by Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) on Jan. 6. It is similar to a 1996 law, the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, that deports illegal immigrants who are found guilty of serious crimes. This new bill enables the government to detain and deport illegals who are arrested for serious crimes or misdemeanors (such as shoplifting), but they do not have to be charged or found guilty. The legislation passed in the Senate on Jan. 20 and the House on Jan. 22, and it is expected to be the first bill signed by the Trump administration. Federal Disaster Assistance […]
January 1, 2025

National Security

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readImproving Federal Building Security Act of 2024 (S 3613) – The Federal Protective Service (FPS) contracts security guards to control access to government facilities and screen visitors to detect prohibited items, such as pepper spray and batons. Earlier this year, FPS investigators conducted a covert test at certain federal buildings in which the guards failed to detect prohibited items about 50 percent of the time. In response, Congress passed this bill requiring Facility Security Committees to respond to security recommendations issued by the FPS. It also mandates that the Homeland Security Department submit an unredacted report to Congress regarding FPS surveillance technology recommendations as well as summarize the FPS recommendations that buildings accepted or rejected. However, no […]
December 1, 2024

Making Pensions Equitable, Protecting Foster Kids, Mail-in Votes and Tracking Government Spending

🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readAll bills not enacted by the end of the 118th congressional session on Jan. 3, 2025, will expire. Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (HR 82) – This bill, with 330 bipartisan sponsors and a similar bill in the Senate, was introduced by Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) on Jan. 9, 2023. It passed in the House on Nov. 12 of this year and is likely to pass in the Senate before the year’s end. The purpose of the bill is to eliminate the government pension offset that reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who receive other benefits, such as a pension from a state or local government. In the private sector, this would have a similar effect to withholding Social […]
November 1, 2024

Protections for Election Candidates and the Electoral Process; Improving Programs for Veterans and American Indians

🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readEnhanced Presidential Security Act of 2024 (HR 9106) – During an election year, the Department of Homeland Security identifies major presidential and vice-presidential candidates in consultation with a committee of congressional leaders. This bipartisan bill instructs the U.S. Secret Service to use the same criteria for establishing the level of protection for major candidates as provided for presidents and vice presidents. The bill was introduced by Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NY) on July 23. It passed in the House on Sept. 20, in the Senate on Sept. 24, and was signed into law by the president on Oct. 1. COCOA Act of 2024 (HR 6513) – This bipartisan Act, titled the Confirmation of Congressional Observer Access Act, […]
October 1, 2024

Keeping the Government Open, Stopping the Flow of Synthetic Drugs, and Improving Wireless Communications on Land and in Space

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readContinuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (HR 9747) – This continuing resolution was introduced on Sept. 22 as a “clean” extenuation of the federal budget to fund the government until Dec. 20. Up until this point, a handful of Republicans had attached unrelated bills pertaining to November election restrictions, which they did not have the votes to pass in the House and would never have passed in the Senate. After several weeks of threatening to shut down the government by not passing a continuing appropriations bill, the House Speaker proposed this “last-minute” tied over with the minimum appropriations necessary to keep the government up and running. While it still does not solidify the federal budget for the […]
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