1/27 Weekly Legislative Update

NATIONAL

HOW DID YOUR MOCs VOTE LAST WEEK?


Congress was out this week, returning today January 27th.

This week in election security: the FBI will now notify officials at the state level of any attempted hacks to their elections systems.

UPCOMING ISSUES

The House will consider several bills this week having to do with foreign policy. In addition to supporting Iranian citizens’ rights to free expression, keeping girls in school, and supporting Tibet the House will also consider:

Amendment to HR 550 would repeal a 2002 resolution that authorized the use of military force against Iraq.

House: Full Week’s Schedule
House Committee Schedule


While the full Senate continues the impeachment process, several committees will have hearings:
Senate Committee Schedule

While we’re talking committees, here’s a reminder of our MOCs’ committee assignments:

James Baird:

Pete Visclosky:

House Committee on Appropriations

Jackie Walorski

Todd Young

Mike Braun

STATE OF INDIANA

With the short session nearly half over in the last chance to reform redistricting before the 2020 census, legislation has yet to be given any time in committees. Here’s what you can do:

  • Contact Senate Elections Committee Chair Greg Walker at Senator.Walker@iga.in.gov or call his desk at 317-232-9984 ask him to give SB293 a hearing
  • Contact House Elections Committee Chair Tim Wesco at h21@iga.in.gov or call his desk at 317-232-9753 and ask him to give HB 1024 a hearing
  • You can read about each of these pieces of legislation on Common Cause Indiana’s website

Secretary of State Connie Lawson says Indiana’s efforts to protect its election infrastructure from cyberattacks have garnered national attention.  (Indy Politics)

Leaders of the Republican-controlled Indiana General Assembly and Gov. Eric Holcomb have made addressing high health care costs a top priority this year, but the bills proposed to do so are unlikely to have much direct impact.  (IBJ)

At times describing the defendants’ argument as bordering “on the absurd” and noting the policies are already causing injury, the Northern District of Indiana has blocked another attempt by the University of Notre Dame and federal agencies to limit women students’ access to contraceptives.  (Indiana Lawyer)

As the political stakes become clearer, more states are trying to motivate residents to participate in the 2020 census this spring.  (Stateline.Org)

Governor Holcomb’s request to spend $300 million from the state surplus has passed the Senate and is headed for his desk.  (WIBC)