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 swiftly addressed urgent funding measures alongside key legislative priorities. In addition to preventing a government shutdown, Congress approved significant funding extensions for critical disaster recovery programs, including FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund and the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. This month’s legislative activity highlights the government’s focus on national security, economic recovery, and social policy reforms.
New Developments: Funding Extensions and Disaster Relief
1. Continuing Resolution for Government Funding
On January 9, 2025, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) to extend government funding through March 31, 2025. This measure ensures uninterrupted operations for federal agencies while negotiations continue on fiscal year 2025 appropriations bills.
2. FEMA Disaster Relief Fund Allocation
Included in the CR is an additional $10 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to address the escalating costs of recent natural disasters, including hurricanes, wildfires, and severe storms. These funds will support emergency response efforts, infrastructure rebuilding, and direct assistance to affected communities.
3. SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program Funding
Congress also approved $5 billion in supplemental funding for the SBA’s EIDL program, which had exhausted previous allocations following heightened demand due to recent disasters. The additional funding will help small businesses and nonprofits recover from economic disruptions, offering low-interest loans to sustain operations during recovery periods.
Current Key Bills in the U.S. Senate
1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Savings Penalty Elimination Act
Proposes increasing asset limits for SSI recipients to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for couples, enabling them to save without jeopardizing their benefits.
2. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Reauthorization
Extends surveillance powers for U.S. intelligence agencies with enhanced oversight provisions to balance national security and civil liberties.
3. Defense Appropriations for FY 2024
Allocates funds for military operations, cybersecurity initiatives, and infrastructure modernization, reflecting a strong focus on global security challenges.
4. FAA Reauthorization
Supports funding for aviation infrastructure improvements, air traffic control modernization, and enhanced safety protocols across the national airspace.
5. No CORRUPTION Act
Aims to terminate pension benefits for members of Congress convicted of corruption-related crimes, reinforcing accountability and integrity in government.
6. Preventing Child Sex Abuse Act of 2023
Strengthens federal protections against child exploitation, expanding legal penalties and enhancing resources for prevention and victim support.
7. Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act
Requires lobbyists to disclose foreign affiliations, increasing transparency in policymaking and reducing risks of foreign interference in domestic affairs.
8. Fire Grants and Safety Act
Provides critical funding for fire departments nationwide, supporting equipment upgrades, firefighter training, and wildfire prevention programs.
9. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Act of 2023
Designates March 9 as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, raising awareness and promoting diplomatic efforts to secure the release of unjustly detained Americans abroad.
Current Key Bills in the U.S. House of Representatives
1. H.R. 2670 - National Defense Authorization Act for FY2024
Authorizes military spending, defense modernization projects, and cybersecurity initiatives, with an emphasis on strategic global defense partnerships.
2. H.R. 1513 - FUTURE Networks Act
Advances next-generation telecommunications technologies, including the development of 6G networks to maintain U.S. competitiveness in tech innovation.
3. H.R. 7213 - Autism CARES Act of 2024
Increases funding for autism research and support services, expanding access to early intervention programs and family resources.
4. H.R. 9468 - Supplemental Appropriations for FY2024
Provides emergency appropriations for disaster response and recovery, bolstering federal agencies’ capacity to address ongoing and future crises.
5. H.R. 7909 - Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act
Proposes stricter legal consequences for undocumented individuals convicted of violent crimes, with expanded protections for victims of domestic violence.
6. H.R. 4790 - Prioritizing Economic Growth Over Woke Policies Act
Seeks to limit the influence of corporate activism on economic policies, focusing instead on growth-driven business practices.
7. H.R. 4767 - Protecting Americans’ Retirement Savings from Politics Act
Ensures retirement accounts are shielded from politically motivated investment strategies, prioritizing financial performance over social agendas.
8. H.R. 6090 - Combating Antisemitism Act
Adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism to strengthen legal protections against hate crimes.
9. H.R. 2 - Securing the U.S. Borders Act
Enhances border security through increased funding for border patrol, advanced surveillance technologies, and stricter immigration enforcement measures.
10. H.R. 5 - Parents Bill of Rights Act
Empowers parents to have greater oversight in their children’s education, with specific provisions related to curriculum transparency and parental involvement.
11. H.R. 82 - Repealing the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provisions Act
Repeals Social Security provisions that reduce benefits for retired public employees, addressing long-standing pension inequities.
12. H.R. 734 - Title IX Amendment
Revises Title IX regulations to define protections based on biological sex, impacting policies related to gender identity in education and athletics.
13. H.R. 2530 - Nurse-to-Patient Staffing Ratios Act
Mandates minimum staffing ratios in healthcare settings to improve patient outcomes and address workforce shortages in the healthcare sector.
Conclusion
The first month of the 119th Congress has been marked by swift legislative action to secure government funding, address disaster recovery, and advance critical policy reforms. The passage of funding extensions for FEMA and SBA EIDLunderscores Congress’s commitment to supporting communities affected by natural disasters and economic disruptions. As lawmakers continue to debate key bills, the decisions made in the coming months will shape the nation’s policy landscape well into the future. Stay tuned for February’s legislative update.