This Week in the Capitol: 1.7.24

Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:

HR 788: Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2023 – OPPOSE

• This law would limit the government's ability to direct settlement payments by corporate wrongdoers to organizations that work to assist in relief efforts for broader groups of victims.
• In the past, this ability has been used to direct settlements from big banks who were held responsible for their roles in the mortgage foreclosure crisis in the early 2000s. A portion of that settlement money was directed to community organizations that assisted broader communities affected by the foreclosure crisis.
• Call Your Representative: ask them to vote NO on HR 788
• Read more here

HR 803: PROTECT Taiwan Act – SUPPORT

• Pressure Regulatory Organizations To End Chinese Threats to Taiwan Act
• This law would require excluding Chinese representatives from certain international organizations if there are reported actions by China that threaten Taiwan's security, society, or economy.
• Call Your Representative: ask them to vote YES on HR 803
• Bipartisan sponsors
• Read more here
• Other Taiwan-focused bill: HR 540

HR 4768: No Russian Agriculture Act – SUPPORT

• This law would direct the Treasury to invest in projects with the goal of reducing US reliance on Russian agricultural goods.
• Call Your Representative: ask them to vote YES on HR 4768
• Bipartisan sponsors
• Read more here

Senate Hearings Scheduled:

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

• Hearings to examine harnessing AI to improve government services and customer service.
• Tune in at 10am ET, Wednesday, January 10, 2024 (or watch after!)

Budget

• Hearings to examine investing in the future, focusing on safeguarding municipal bonds from climate risk.
• Tune in at 10am ET, Wednesday, January 10, 2024 (or watch after!)

Judiciary - Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law

• An oversight hearing on A.I. and the future of journalism.
• Tune in at 2pm ET, Wednesday, January 10, 2024 (or watch after!)

Energy and Natural Resources

• Hearings to examine federal electric vehicle incentives including the federal government's role in fostering reliable and resilient electric vehicle supply chains.
• Tune in at 10am ET, Thursday, January 11, 2024 (or watch after!)

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

• Hearings to examine stopping the flow of fentanyl, focusing on public awareness and legislative solutions.
• Tune in at 10am ET, Thursday, January 11, 2024 (or watch after!)