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House Democrats Introduce Bill to Prohibit Wage Garnishment for Medical Debt

House Democrats Introduce Bill to Prohibit Wage Garnishment for Medical Debt

Three House Democrats, including Representative Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-Va.), ranking member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, have introduced legislation aimed at prohibiting wage garnishment for medical debt nationwide. The "Protecting Workers’ Wages from Medical Debt Act" was co-sponsored by Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Representative Greg Casar (D-Texas). The proposed bill seeks to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, explicitly stating that an employee's wages cannot be garnished for the payment of any medical debt. It would also prevent federal or state courts, officers, or agencies from enforcing orders that violate this prohibition. The legislation defines garnishment as any legal or equitable procedure requiring wage withholding for medical debt and medical debt as debt from healthcare services or facilities. The measure is intended to take effect six months after its enactment. Currently, federal law limits weekly garnishment to 25% of disposable earnings or ...
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President Trump Signs Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act into Law

President Trump Signs Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act into Law

President Trump has signed the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act (H.R. 5366) into law. This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Representatives Greg Steube (FL-17), Mike Thompson (CA-04), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), aims to provide fairer tax treatment for Americans rebuilding after various disasters, including wildfires, hurricanes, and floods. The bill is named in honor of the late Representative Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), who was a strong advocate for disaster tax relief. Previously, taxpayers affected by federally declared disasters could only deduct personal casualty losses if they itemized and if those losses exceeded 10 percent of their adjusted gross income. The new law allows disaster victims to deduct qualified losses exceeding $500 per disaster without itemizing and removes the 10 percent adjusted gross income threshold. It also extends an exclusion from gross income for wildfire relief payments, ensuring survivors are not taxed on compensation intended for rebuilding. The legis...
AP NewsAP News
There's one issue where Republicans and Democrats are unified before the midterms, a new poll finds

There's one issue where Republicans and Democrats are unified before the midterms, a new poll finds

A new AP-NORC poll shows Americans are growing more concerned about the environmental impacts of AI
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House Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Enhance Electric Grid Planning Amid Rising AI Demand

House Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Enhance Electric Grid Planning Amid Rising AI Demand

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the bipartisan Load Forecasting Enhancement Act, co-sponsored by Republican Rep. Troy Balderson of Ohio and Democratic Rep. Rob Menendez of New Jersey. This legislation, which passed under suspension of the rules by voice vote, aims to improve electric grid planning, particularly in response to the increasing demand for electricity from AI data centers and other power-intensive industries. The bill mandates the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish regional joint boards with state public utility commissions. These boards will be tasked with studying electric load forecasting, identifying best practices for improving reliability and affordability, and developing recommendations. The legislation also requires FERC to submit a report detailing these recommendations to Congress and encourages states to consider adopting them into their own forecasting practices. This measure was part of a broader package of 14 bills addressing various issues inclu...
ReutersReuters
US House expected to pass Russia sanctions bill backed by late Senator Graham

US House expected to pass Russia sanctions bill backed by late Senator Graham

By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, Sept 16 (Reuters) - The U.S.
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Representative Deborah Ross Co-Sponsors Bill for Federal Land Transfer to Rebuild Fayetteville Veterans Home

Representative Deborah Ross Co-Sponsors Bill for Federal Land Transfer to Rebuild Fayetteville Veterans Home

A bill co-sponsored by Representative Deborah Ross (D-N.C.) has passed the U.S. House of Representatives, proposing the transfer of federal land in Harnett County, North Carolina, to the state. This land is intended for the construction of a replacement facility for the Fayetteville State Veterans Home, which closed in December 2023 due to structural issues and mold. The closure displaced 85 veterans, who were subsequently moved to other facilities across North Carolina. The bill, primarily sponsored by Republican Rep. Richard Hudson, has garnered bipartisan support from North Carolina's congressional delegation. The state has already committed $10 million for the rebuild in fiscal year 2026-27 and an additional $30 million in 2027-28. The proposed new location on Fort Bragg training land is seen as beneficial due to its community feel and potential for federal funding from the national Veterans Administration.
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Representative Mike Turner's Bill to Rename Xenia Post Office Passes House

Representative Mike Turner's Bill to Rename Xenia Post Office Passes House

Congressman Mike Turner, a Republican representative from Ohio, announced that the House of Representatives has passed his bill to rename the Xenia post office as the 'Gil Whitney Post Office Building.' The renaming honors Gil Whitney, a long-time WHIO broadcaster, for his heroic actions during a tornado in Xenia on April 3, 1974. During the 'Super Outbreak,' Whitney interrupted programming to warn residents, specifically identifying Xenia as being in the tornado's path, an action credited with saving lives. Whitney's career at WHIO Television and Radio included roles as a reporter, anchor, sportscaster, and weather specialist. Beyond his broadcasting career, he was also a volunteer firefighter and a co-founder of the Dayton Air Show. Representative Turner emphasized that the renaming ensures the community will remember Whitney's heroism.
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Baker McKenzie Advises HASI on Strategic Equity Partnership with Invenergy for 2.7 GW Renewable Energy Portfolio Across U.S.

Baker McKenzie Advises HASI on Strategic Equity Partnership with Invenergy for 2.7 GW Renewable Energy Portfolio Across U.S.

Baker McKenzie Advises HASI on Strategic Equity Partnership with Invenergy for 2.7 GW Renewable Energy Portfolio Across U.S.
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House Passes Bipartisan GUARD Act to Combat Elder Financial Fraud and Scams

House Passes Bipartisan GUARD Act to Combat Elder Financial Fraud and Scams

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the bipartisan GUARD Act (Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception Act, H.R. 2978), co-led by U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Representatives Zachary Nunn (IA-3), and Scott Fitzgerald (WI-5). This legislation aims to protect seniors and their families from financial fraud and scams, which cost Americans billions annually. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. The GUARD Act empowers state, local, and Tribal law enforcement by allowing them to use existing federal grant funds to investigate elder financial fraud, including 'pig butchering' cryptocurrency investment scams and general financial fraud. This includes funding for hiring analysts and experts, and providing specialized training for complex, often transnational financial crimes. Additionally, the act clarifies that federal law enforcement agencies can assist local partners in using blockchain-tracing tools to identify criminals and recover stolen funds. It also mandates th...
VarietyVariety
MPA and Unions Tout Jobs Gains From Federal Film Incentive: ‘The Story Is Undeniable’

MPA and Unions Tout Jobs Gains From Federal Film Incentive: ‘The Story Is Undeniable’

A coalition of unions joined with the Motion Picture Association on Tuesday to unveil a report showing that a federal film incentive would reverse the decline of domestic production and create 143,500 jobs per year. The MPA held a Zoom press conference with actor Jon Voight and Reps. Laura Friedman and Brian Jack, the bill’s […]
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House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Shield Consumers from Data Center Energy Costs

House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Shield Consumers from Data Center Energy Costs

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Ratepayer Protection Act (RPA) with broad bipartisan support, voting 417-3. This bill aims to protect communities from increased electricity and grid infrastructure costs linked to the expansion of data centers. The legislation amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) to establish a federal standard requiring large data centers, those consuming 100 megawatts or more, to bear the full additional costs of generation, transmission, and distribution upgrades built to serve them. Additionally, companies would need to provide financial assurances to prevent communities from being burdened with costs if a project is canceled or relocated. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colo., emphasized that it ensures American families, farmers, and small businesses are not forced to cover the energy demands of these developments. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla., a Democratic co-sponsor, highlighted that ratepayers should not subsidize the growing energy demands...
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House Passes GUARD Act to Combat Financial Scams Targeting Seniors, Supported by Rep. Troy Nehls

House Passes GUARD Act to Combat Financial Scams Targeting Seniors, Supported by Rep. Troy Nehls

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 2978, the Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception (GUARD) Act. This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Republican Study Committee (RSC) National Security Task Force Chairman Zach Nunn (IA-03), aims to provide state, local, and Tribal law enforcement with enhanced tools to investigate and combat financial scams targeting elderly Americans. These scams, often employing sophisticated technology like 'pig butchering' schemes involving cryptocurrency, defraud seniors of their life savings. The GUARD Act will allow law enforcement agencies to utilize eligible federal grant funding for specialized personnel, training, investigative technology, data collection, and coordination with financial institutions. It also seeks to strengthen inter-agency coordination and support the use of blockchain tracing tools to track illicit financial transactions. Congressman Troy Nehls (TX-22) expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing his experience as a form...