The Independent View: Weekly Congressional Update Jun 12-16 2017

Senate

Last week, the Senate voted 92-7 to End Debate on a Bill to impose New Sanctions on Iran. It will continue working on the Bill this week.

Some Senators continue to work on a possible Amendment that would include Sanctions on Russia in the Bill. S. 722 Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017, Sponsor: Sen Bob Corker [R, TN].

S. 1094: Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 - Sponsor: Sen Marco Rubio [R, FL], the Bill would Modify Administrative and Personnel Procedures of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Reorganize the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection.

House

This week the House will vote on "part of the third phase of [the GOP's] overhaul strategy."

The American Health Care Act (AHCA) that the House Passed in May was meant to be one of Three Phases of the effort because of Limitations Republicans face in moving the Measure through the Budget Reconciliation Process. That Process has Prevented Republicans from Advancing Policies they typically all agree on, like allowing Insurers to Sell across State Lines, GOP Leaders have argued.

H.R. 338: To promote a 21st Century Energy and Manufacturing Workforce - Sponsor: Rep Bobby Rush [D,
IL-1], this Bill Directs the Department of Energy (DOE), in Awarding Grants, to Prioritize Education and Training for Energy and Manufacturing Jobs, including by encouraging State and Local Education Agencies to equip Students for those Jobs and Strengthening DOE Programs and Labs carrying out Workforce Development Initiatives.

H.R. 446: To Extend the Deadline for Commencement of Construction of a Hydroelectric Project. - Sponsor: Rep H. Morgan Griffith [R, VA-9].

H.R. 447: To Extend the Deadline for Commencement of Construction of a Hydroelectric Project -
Sponsor: Rep H. Morgan Griffith [R, VA-9].

H.R. 627: Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2017 - Sponsor: Rep Matthew Cartwright [D, PA-17].

H.R. 951: To Extend the Deadline for Commencement of Construction of a Hydroelectric Project - Sponsor: Rep Virginia Foxx [R, NC-5].

H.R. 1109: To Amend Section 203 of the Federal Power Act - Sponsor: Rep Tim Walberg [R, MI-7], this Bill Amends the Federal Power Act with respect to the Prohibition regarding Mergers or Consolidations by a Public Utility. Any Merger or Consolidation of a Public Utility whose Value exceeds $10 million must First be Authorized by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

H.R. 1215: Protecting Access to Care Act of 2017 - Sponsor: Rep Steve King [R, IA-4], would impose Limits on Medical Malpractice Litigation in State and Federal Courts by Capping Awards and Attorney Fees, Modifying the Statute of Limitations, and Eliminating Joint and several Liability.

H.R. 2122: To Reinstate and Extend the Deadline for Commencement of Construction of a Hydroelectric Project involving Jennings Randolph Dam - Sponsor: Rep David McKinley [R, WV-1].

H.R. 2274: HYPE Act Hydropower Permit Extension Act - Sponsor: Rep Scott Peters [D, CA-52].

H.R. 2292: To Extend a Project of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission involving the Cannonsville Dam-
Sponsor: Rep John Faso [R, NY-19].

H.R. 2372: VETERAN Act Veterans Equal Treatment Ensures Relief and Access Now Act - Sponsor: Rep Sam Johnson [R, TX-3], the bill would Codify Regulations that allow Veterans who are Eligible for, but do not Elect to be Covered by, Certain Veterans Affairs Health Programs to Qualify for Premium Assistance Tax Credits.

H.R. 2457_ J. Bennett Johnston Waterway Hydropower Extension Act of 2017- Sponsor: Rep Mike Johnson [R, LA-4].