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!)