3/29 Weekly Legislative Update

NATIONAL

HOW DID YOUR MOCs VOTE LAST WEEK?

S. 3503: A bill to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to treat certain programs of education converted to distance learning by reason of emergencies and health-related situations in the same manner as programs of education pursued at educational
Signed into law by President Trump on 3/21

H.R. 748: Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019
Some progress made; amendments being considered.

H.R. 748: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
Signed into law by President Trump on 3/27

H.R. 4334: Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020
Signed into law by President Trump on 3/25

S. 1822: Broadband DATA Act
Signed into law by President Trump on 3/23

S. 893: Secure 5G and Beyond Act of 2020
Signed into law by President Trump on 3/23

Several other bills regarding VA and foreign affairs saw action this week as well:

UPCOMING ISSUES

House & Senate calendars have yet to be announced. Congress is figuring out how to work from home! When they have a schedule, you’ll be able to
See all bills scheduled for floor time here

This week’s committee meetings schedule

IN OTHER NEWS…

The Redistricting Reform Act, which was introduced to Congress this summer, awaits a potential vote in the House Judiciary Committee. You can reach them with your opinion about this and other legislation at 202-225-3951

The Equal Campus Access Act would prohibit federal funding from going to any college or university found to have discriminated against a student group based on its religious affiliation. Seeing parallels between this and laws similar to Mike Pence’s “Religious Freedom Act” in Indiana, opponents worry that if enacted, this law would essentially be a license for religious-affiliated student groups to discriminate against other students. The act faces potential votes in the
Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee ( 202-224-5375 ) and the House Education and Labor Committee ( 202-225-3725 )

The Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act would eliminate all taxes on Social Security benefits, returning the program to its 1935–84 status. Essentially, it argues that you shouldn’t have to pay taxes on the income going into and then coming out of your social security benefits. It could see a vote this week in the House Ways & Means Committee ( 202-225-3625 ).