Weekly Report: Key Legislative Actions in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives - Oct 25, 2024 Update

As lawmakers move into the final months of 2024, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are considering a broad range of bills addressing critical national issues. These laws span defense, economic policies, healthcare, and social reforms. Here’s a look at some of the most important legislative actions discussed this week.

Key Bills in the U.S. Senate

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

This bipartisan bill seeks to modernize asset limits for SSI recipients, increasing individual limits from $2,000 to $10,000, and $20,000 for married couples. This update is crucial to allow disabled and elderly Americans to save without jeopardizing their benefits.

2. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Reauthorization

This bill addresses the ongoing debate about balancing national security and civil liberties, extending surveillance powers under FISA. The law enables the monitoring of foreign targets to prevent potential threats to the U.S.

3. Defense Appropriations for FY 2024

A vital funding bill allocating resources for defense, homeland security, and veterans’ programs. This bill ensures continued military operations and support for U.S. foreign relations and security initiatives.

4. FAA Reauthorization

Extending funding for the Federal Aviation Administration, this bill supports continued modernization of air traffic control and national aviation safety programs.

5. No CORRUPTION Act

Aimed at increasing government accountability, this act seeks to halt pension payments to members of Congress convicted of specific criminal offenses.

6. Preventing Child Sex Abuse Act of 2023

This act strengthens protections against child sexual exploitation, enhancing penalties and creating programs to address trafficking and child abuse.

7. Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act

This bill enhances transparency by requiring foreign lobbyists to disclose any international ties, aiming to prevent undue foreign influence on U.S. policies.

8. Moving Americans Privacy Protection Act

This legislation provides enhanced privacy protections for personal data during customs processes, amending provisions from the Tariff Act of 1930.

9. Fire Grants and Safety Act

This act provides essential funding to U.S. fire departments, ensuring that local firefighters have the resources they need for training, equipment, and prevention programs.

10. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Act of 2023

Designates March 9 as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, raising awareness and supporting efforts to secure the release of Americans unjustly detained abroad.

Key Bills in the U.S. House of Representatives

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

This comprehensive defense bill allocates funds for military operations, construction, and research, setting priorities for U.S. defense activities in the coming year.

2. H.R. 1513 - FUTURE Networks Act

Focuses on advancing U.S. telecommunications infrastructure by supporting the development of 6G networks, ensuring the country remains competitive in global technology advancements.

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

This bipartisan bill increases funding for autism research and services, supporting individuals with autism and their families through expanded resources.

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

Allocates emergency funding for various federal programs and agencies, ensuring the government can respond to natural disasters and other urgent needs.

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

Proposes the minting of commemorative coins to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States.

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

A bill addressing violent crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, proposing stricter penalties and enhanced protections for victims, particularly women.

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

Limits corporate influence from social activism, ensuring businesses focus on economic growth rather than political or social pressure.

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

This bill aims to shield retirement savings from being influenced by political or social agendas, focusing solely on financial growth.

9. H.R. 6090 - Combating Antisemitism Act

Incorporates the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism into U.S. law, strengthening efforts to combat antisemitic hate crimes.

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

Strengthens U.S. border security by increasing funding for patrol operations and implementing new measures to reduce illegal immigration.

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

This bill grants parents greater control over public education, ensuring that parents have a say in what their children are taught, particularly on sensitive topics.

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

This bill repeals provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for government employees who also receive pensions, addressing long-standing concerns over benefit reductions.

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

Extends funding for FAA programs, including air traffic control modernization and aviation safety improvements.

14. H.R. 734 - Title IX Amendment

This bill proposes redefining sex-based discrimination under Title IX to reflect biological sex, affecting how schools manage gender identity policies and transgender participation in sports.

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

Establishes mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals to improve healthcare quality and reduce nurse burnout.

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

Disapproves of a Department of Labor rule concerning investment fiduciary duties, focusing on financial returns rather than social considerations.

Conclusion

As the U.S. Congress continues to deliberate on these critical pieces of legislation, the outcomes will impact national security, healthcare, education, and economic policy. The variety of bills reflects the diverse challenges the U.S. faces, and their passage will shape the nation’s future policy directions.