Monthly Legislative Update: New Congress Sworn In and Key Bills in Focus - January 2025

As the 119th Congress officially began its term on January 3, 2025, lawmakers have tackled a packed legislative agenda, including critical funding measures to prevent a government shutdown.

New Developments: Funding Extensions and Disaster Relief

1. Continuing Resolution for Government Funding

On January 9, 2025, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) extending federal funding through March 31, 2025. This ensures uninterrupted operations for federal agencies while lawmakers finalize fiscal year 2025 appropriations.

2. FEMA Disaster Relief Funding

The CR includes an additional $10 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, which will address immediate needs arising from recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. These funds will support disaster recovery efforts, rebuild critical infrastructure, and provide aid to affected communities.

3. SBA EIDL Program Funding

Congress also approved $5 billion in supplemental funding for the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. These loans offer low-interest financing to small businesses and nonprofits recovering from disasters, ensuring that businesses can sustain operations while rebuilding.

Current Key Bills in the U.S. Senate

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

The bill proposes increasing SSI asset limits to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for couples, allowing recipients to save without losing benefits.

2. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Reauthorization

Extends surveillance powers for intelligence agencies, with additional provisions for protecting civil liberties under renewed scrutiny by the new Congress.

3. Defense Appropriations for FY 2024

Allocates military operations, cybersecurity, and infrastructure modernization funding, reflecting a heightened focus on global security.

4. FAA Reauthorization

Supports aviation infrastructure upgrades, emphasizing air traffic control modernization and improved safety measures.

5. No CORRUPTION Act

Seeks to end pension payments for members of Congress convicted of corruption-related offenses, reinforcing accountability in public office.

6. Preventing Child Sex Abuse Act of 2023

Strengthens federal protections against child exploitation with expanded penalties and resources for prevention programs.

7. Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act

Requires foreign-affiliated lobbyists to disclose ties to ensure transparency in U.S. policymaking.

8. Fire Grants and Safety Act

Provides grants to fire departments for training, equipment, and wildfire prevention in high-risk areas.

9. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Act of 2023

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

Current Key Bills in the U.S. House of Representatives

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

Establishes priorities for military funding, cybersecurity, and defense partnerships, reflecting ongoing global challenges.

2. H.R. 1513 - FUTURE Networks Act

It focuses on advancing next-generation telecommunications networks like 6G and maintaining U.S. leadership in global tech.

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

Increases funding for autism research and services, expanding resources for early diagnosis and family support.

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

Provides emergency funding for disaster recovery and federal agency operations, addressing national and regional crises.

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

Proposes stricter penalties for undocumented immigrants committing violent crimes, with expanded victim protections.

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

Limits corporate activism in governance, emphasizing economic growth and shareholder interests.

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

Shields retirement accounts from political influences, ensuring investment decisions focus on financial returns.

8. H.R. 6090 - Combating Antisemitism Act

Incorporates the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, addressing hate crimes nationwide.

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

Enhances border security through increased patrol funding and stricter immigration enforcement measures.

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

Empowers parents in public education, granting more influence over curricula and policies on sensitive topics.

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

Repeals provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for government employees who receive pensions, addressing long-standing concerns.

12. H.R. 734 - Title IX Amendment

Revises sex-based discrimination protections under Title IX, focusing on biological sex in education and sports policies.

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

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

Conclusion

With the 119th Congress in session, early legislative actions have focused on funding critical programs and ensuring disaster recovery efforts through FEMA and SBA EIDL. As lawmakers work on appropriations and key bills, January has set a productive tone for the year ahead. These measures will be pivotal in shaping the nation’s policy priorities and economic resilience. Stay tuned for updates on further developments.