Legislative Update: Key Bills in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives - December 2024

As Congress heads into the final month of 2024, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives tackle critical bills on defense, healthcare, economic reform, and social justice. With several measures nearing key votes, here’s an updated look at significant legislative actions.

Key Bills in the U.S. Senate

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

Increases asset limits for SSI recipients to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for couples. The updates aim to modernize outdated limits, allowing beneficiaries to save without losing essential support.

2. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Reauthorization

Extends surveillance powers for intelligence agencies with added oversight provisions to protect civil liberties. This reauthorization remains a contentious issue in the Senate.

3. Defense Appropriations for FY 2024

Allocates funding for military operations, cybersecurity initiatives, and allied support. Includes provisions for modernizing defense infrastructure and responding to global threats.

4. FAA Reauthorization

Secures funding for aviation infrastructure, focusing on modernizing air traffic control and improving safety standards across the aviation sector.

5. No CORRUPTION Act

Ends pension payments for members of Congress convicted of corruption-related offenses, reinforcing accountability and transparency in public office.

6. Preventing Child Sex Abuse Act of 2023

Strengthens federal protections against child exploitation, including increased penalties and resources for prevention programs and victim support.

7. Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act

Requires lobbyists to disclose foreign influence, improving transparency and reducing the risk of foreign interference in U.S. policymaking.

8. Moving Americans Privacy Protection Act

Protects personal data at U.S. borders by amending privacy-related provisions in the Tariff Act of 1930.

9. Fire Grants and Safety Act

Provides grants to U.S. fire departments for equipment, training, and prevention efforts, addressing increased fire risks due to climate change.

10. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Act of 2023

Establishes U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day on March 9, emphasizing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of unjustly detained Americans.

Key Bills in the U.S. House of Representatives

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

Authorizes funding for military operations, cybersecurity, and allied partnerships. Recent updates focus on enhancing responses to emerging global threats.

2. H.R. 1513 - FUTURE Networks Act

Advances the development of 6G networks, supporting U.S. leadership in telecommunications innovation.

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

Expands funding for autism research and services, emphasizing early diagnosis and intervention resources for families.

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

Allocates emergency funding for disaster recovery and agency operations, addressing pressing national needs.

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

Celebrates the 2026 FIFA World Cup with commemorative coins, recognizing the global event co-hosted by the United States.

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

Proposes stricter penalties for undocumented immigrants committing violent crimes, with expanded support for victims.

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

Limits corporate activism in governance, emphasizing economic growth over social pressures.

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

Shields retirement savings from political influences, focusing on financial returns.

9. H.R. 6090 - Combating Antisemitism Act

Incorporates the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism to address rising hate crimes and strengthen anti-hate policies.

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

Strengthens border security through increased funding for patrols and new immigration enforcement measures.

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

Empowers parents in public education, granting more control over curricula and school policies.

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

Repeals provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for government employees receiving pensions.

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

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

14. H.R. 734 - Title IX Amendment

Redefines sex-based protections under Title IX to biological sex, impacting policies on gender identity in schools and sports.

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

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

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

Opposes a Department of Labor rule emphasizing social considerations in fiduciary investment decisions, focusing instead on financial returns.

Conclusion

With December marking the end of the legislative session, Congress is working to finalize critical bills that will influence national policies on defense, healthcare, and economic reform. The progress of these measures reflects the diverse challenges facing the nation and will have long-lasting implications for the U.S. government and its citizens.