You can make a difference
Join us on Thursday, June 13, at 6pm at the Portage Library. We will host our second Postcard Party! This time we will also be writing Letters to the Editor and playing trivia for prizes—and eating pizza. We’re focusing on letting people know about the amazing things the Inflation Reduction Act is bringing all of us. Every month there is something new–in healthcare savings, taxpayer savings–and in clean energy–and jobs! Join us to get the word out and make a difference! You can sign up here: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/625149/
On May 15, 11-3 at the Railcats Stadium, second floor suites, we’ll be tabling as part of the Gary Health Dept. Spring Health Fair. Learn & show what you know about the Inflation Reduction Act. Spin the wheel for fun & prizes! There will be a large number of terrific vendors along with free screenings. Learn more here: https://www.gary.gov/events
Turnout in the primary elections was abysmal; turning out the vote will be critical in the November election. Congressman Mrvan’s campaign has a number of upcoming events for those who want to be trained and involved:
Porter Co.:
May 15th – Portage Volunteer Workshop
May 18th – Portage Canvass LaPorte Co.:
May 23rd – LaPorte Volunteer Workshop
May 25th – LaPorte City Canvass
Lake Co.:
May 29th – Lake Volunteer Workshop in Munster
There are virtual options as well!
May 16th – Team Mrvan Virtual Workshop
May 22nd – Team Mrvan Virtual Workshop
Race Update:
Post-Tribune: Lake, Porter officials disappointed in ‘abysmal’ turnout
May 9, 2024 – Washington Examiner – Koch group spotlights Biden’s inflation problems with ‘seven-figure’ battleground ad buy
May 8, 2024 – DCCC – The Case Against Randy Niemeyer
May 7, 2024 – NRCC – NRCC Statement on IN-01 Primary Election
The truth matters
“Any person on American soil — and it doesn’t matter how they got here — is allowed to start due process on an asylum case…Anyone. So as long as that is true, people are going to attempt to cross the border and get on American soil. Why would it ever be any other way?” (NBC)
Thank you, President Biden:
- President Biden has announced $3 billion through his Investing in America agenda to replace toxic lead pipes. This investment, administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is part of the historic $15 billion in dedicated funding for lead pipe replacement provided by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Today’s announcement delivers funding to every state and U.S. territory to help address lead in drinking water while creating good-paying jobs, many of them union jobs. (White House Fact Sheet)
- New Title IX regulations extend protections against sex discrimination to LGBTQ+ students to reflect a 2020 Supreme Court decision. The regulations also broaden existing policies for sexual misconduct proceedings.
- It is unclear how these changes will affect states with laws that restrict transgender people from using certain bathrooms, but it will likely spark litigation. Some state leaders have directed their schools to ignore the revisions. (Politifact) For more details the Dept of Education has released a fact sheet.
- Great news about the environment and climate:
- The federal Environmental Protection Agency has issued new rules on coal ash storage that will result in millions of tons of coal ash in Indiana being subject to stricter clean up and storage standards. HEC has been a collaborator, an advocate and leader on this issue for years. These new rules are a big win and cause for celebration!
- Indiana recently won $117 million through the federal Solar For All program that will help bring solar to low- and moderate-income communities.
- Through resources provided by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Indiana has created its first comprehensive plan to address climate change. In addition, the IRA has activated thousands of Hoosiers with an eye toward addressing climate change, lowering energy costs, and making sure these federal resources are put to good use. This is a major step in the right direction! (Hoosier Environmental Council)
Enacted, signed into law by the President
Congress
Passed the House and Senate, President next
S. 474: REPORT Act
Last Action: In the House, on motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
H.R. 1042: Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act
Last Action: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Vetoed by the President, no override attempted
House
Failed
H.Res. 1209: Declaring the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives to be vacant.
On motion to table the measure Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 359 – 43, 7 Present
All Indiana representatives voted yea except Rep. Spartz who voted nay and Reps. Banks and Carson who did not vote. View the vote.
Passed the House
H.Res. 1112: Denouncing the Biden administration’s immigration policies.
On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 223 – 191.
Explanation: This simple resolution was agreed to on May 1, 2024. That is the end of the legislative process for a simple resolution. All Indiana representatives voted yea except Reps Mrvan and Carson who voted nay. View the vote.
Passed the House, Senate next
H.R. 6192: Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act
Passed 212 – 195. Indiana Rep Mrvan voted nay; all other Indiana reps voted yea or were not present. View the vote.
H.R. 6090: Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023
GovTrack.us: “This bill provides statutory authority for the requirement that the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights take into consideration the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA’s) working definition of antisemitism when reviewing or investigating complaints of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.”
Passed 320 – 91. All Indiana representatives voted yea except Rep Carson who voted nay. View the vote.
H.R. 6285: Alaska’s Right to Produce Act of 2023
GovTrack.us: “This bill provides for oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).
Specifically, the bill nullifies any order or action by the President or the Department of the Interior that places a moratorium on, suspends, or otherwise pauses leasing in ANWR’s 1002 Area. It also ratifies and approves all authorizations and permits issued for the establishment and administration of the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The Environmental Protection Agency and other applicable federal departments and agencies must process, reinstate, or continue to maintain such authorizations and permits.”
Passed 214 – 199. All Indiana representatives voted yea except Reps Mrvan and Carson who voted no. View the vote.
H.R. 3397: WEST Act of 2023
GovTrack.us: “To require the Director of the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw a rule of the Bureau of Land Management relating to conservation and landscape health.”
Passed 212 – 202; All Indiana representatives voted yea excpt for Reps Mrvan and Carson who voted no. View the vote.
H.R. 615: Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023
GovTrack.us: “This bill bars the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture from prohibiting or regulating the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal land or water that is under the jurisdiction of such departments and made available for hunting or fishing.”
Passed 214 – 201; All Indiana representatives voted yea except Reps Mrvan and Carson who voted nay. View the vote.
H.R. 764: Trust the Science Act
GovTrack.us: “To require the Secretary of the Interior to reissue regulations removing the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.”
Passed 209 – 205; all Indiana representatives voted yea except Reps Mrvan and Carson who voted no. View the vote.
H.R. 3195: Superior National Forest Restoration Act
GovTrack.us: “To rescind Public Land Order 7917, to reinstate mineral leases and permits in the Superior National Forest, to ensure timely review of Mine Plans of Operations, and for other purposes.”
Passed 212 – 203. All Indiana representatives voted yea except Reps Mrvan and Carson who voted nay. View the vote.
Passed by the yeas and nays by wide margins:
H.R. 7219: Information Quality Assurance Act
H.R. 7525: Special District Grant Accessibility Act
H.R. 529: Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act
H.R. 4824: Carbon Sequestration Collaboration Act
H.R. 4877: Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act
H.R. 6093: Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2023
H.R. 3738: Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration Act
H.R. 4016: Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act
H.R. 1767: To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that educational assistance paid under Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance programs to an individual who pursued a program or course of education that was suspended or termina
H.R. 4866: Fire Weather Development Act of 2023
H.R. 4755: Privacy Enhancing Technology Research Act
The following were passed on motion to suspend the rules and passed by voice vote:
H.R. 6972: Securing Chain of Command Continuity Act
H.R. 7528: Comment Integrity and Management Act of 2024
H.R. 7527: Mail Traffic Deaths Reporting Act
S. 2073: Eliminate Useless Reports Act of 2023 (Passed with changes, back to the Senate)
H.R. 7524: GSA Technology Accountability Act
H.R. 272: ASTRO Act
H.R. 5333: Investing in All of America Act of 2023
H.R. 7103: Agency Accountability Act of 2024
H.R. 7985: Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act of 2024
H.R. 7987: Plain Language in Contracting Act
H.R. 1069: Clean Energy Demonstration Transparency Act of 2023
H.R. 7032: Congressional Budget Office Data Sharing Act
H.R. 3722: Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act
H.R. 5914: VETT Act
Passed the Senate, House next
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
Passed 88-4. Read more about the bill at The Hill.
S. 3791: A bill to reauthorize the America’s Conservation Enhancement Act, and for other purposes.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
S. 2195: A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to reauthorize the diesel emissions reduction program.
Passed by unanimous consent
S. 2116: A bill to require the Secretary of Commerce to produce a report that provides recommendations to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of Department of Commerce programs related to supply chain resilience and manufacturing and indust
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
To find and contact your Members of Congress: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
In other news
Climate crisis
“Record global heat continues its unbroken streak. Last month, the world lived through the hottest April on record, driven by human-made climate change and boosted by El Niño.” (CNN)
“The Group of Seven nations announced Tuesday its member nations would end the use of “unabated” coal by 2035, but left the door open for countries to stretch that deadline in particular contexts.” (CNN)
Israel Hamas War
“Israel has told tens of thousands more Palestinians to leave Rafah, as it intensifies military operations in southern Gaza…Last week, President Biden said the US would not supply heavy weapons to Israel which could be used in a major assault on Rafah.
In an interview with CNN, Biden said America would continue to give Israel the weapons it needed to defend itself, including interceptors for its “Iron Dome” air defence system.” (BBC)
“The U.S. State Department released a report that said it was “reasonable to assess” that Israel has violated international humanitarian law while carrying out military operations in Gaza. But the report stopped short of drawing any final or sweeping conclusions about Israeli conduct in the war against Hamas.” (NPR)
Trump
“Adult film star Stormy Daniels dished out salacious details of her alleged sexual encounter with former President Donald Trump in 2006 from the witness stand…” (CNN)
“Former President Trump’s hush money judge found he violated a gag order a 10th time, giving Trump his sternest warning yet, that future violations could carry jail time.” (The Hill)
“The Georgia Court of Appeals will consider an effort by Donald Trump and his co-defendants to disqualify District Attorney Fani Willis from the 2020 election subversion case.” (CNN)
Other
“The United States imposed sanctions on more than a dozen companies in China and Hong Kong for their support of Russia’s war in Ukraine as part of a tranche of nearly 300 new sanctions unveiled Wednesday.” (CNN)
“The Biden administration moved Tuesday to reclassify marijuana as a lower-risk substance, a person familiar with the plans told CNN, a historic move that acknowledges the medical benefits of the long-criminalized drug and carries broad implications for cannabis-related research and the industry at large.
The US Department of Justice recommended that marijuana be rescheduled as a Schedule III controlled substance, a classification shared by prescription drugs such as ketamine and Tylenol with codeine.” (CNN)
“Tens of millions of Americans could see skyrocketing internet bills this spring or may be abruptly kicked off their plans — and it will be congressional Republicans who are to blame, the Biden administration said Tuesday.
The accusation reflects a last-ditch pressure campaign to save a federal program that has helped connect more than 23 million US households to the internet, many for the first time. Without it, those households will be forced to pay hundreds of dollars more per year to stay online.” (CNN)
Indiana
A federal lawsuit filed Tuesday challenges a contentious new Indiana law that seeks to push speech and course content in college classrooms toward “intellectual diversity.”
The litigation lodged by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Indiana asserts that Senate Enrolled Act 202 violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. The measure was adopted by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb in March.
The law requires all Indiana public colleges and universities institute policies that chill the speech of or compel speech from faculty members, a news release alleged.
Election
View election results in Lake County here.
View election results in Porter County here.
View election results in LaPorte County here.
Read about significant wins and losses in Indiana races at Indiana Capital Chronicle.
“U.S. Sen. Mike Braun soundly defeated challenges from five other hopefuls to clinch the Republican nomination in the race for governor on Tuesday… [Democratic candidate, Jennifer] McCormick, in a release, called the choice between her and Braun one of “polarization and division” versus “optimism and opportunity.”
“The primary results are in, setting up a clear choice this November,” said McCormick. “As your governor, I will stand firm in my commitment to the values that define us as Hoosiers. I will fight to restore our reproductive rights and freedoms, champion for our kids, and ensure Hoosiers earn the wages they deserve. Indiana values reflect those of common sense, civility, and bipartisanship. Let’s bring this back to our great state. It’s our time; let’s go!”” (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
“Democrat Dr. Valerie McCray will face off against Republican Congressman Jim Banks in the race for Indiana’s open U.S. Senate seat after both candidates earned widespread primary voter support on Tuesday…
“Dr. McCray is a lifelong champion in mental healthcare, and understands we must invest in our communities to ensure every Hoosier has access to the best healthcare in the country,” said Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl in a written statement, following the announcement of McCray’s win. “Dr. McCray will be a vote to codify Roe v. Wade as the law of the land, and protect women’s healthcare on the federal level. It stands in stark contrast to Republican nominee and Trump sycophant Jim Banks, who is pushing a nationwide ban on medication abortion, and restricting access to birth control for millions of families.”” (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
“In the First Congressional District, Democrat U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan won his uncontested race. He’ll face Republican Randy Niemeyer in November, who beat out opponents Mark Levya and Ben Ruiz with about 62% of the vote.” (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
