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Rep. Chip Roy and Rep. Steve Cohen Introduce ARTICLE ONE Act to Require Congressional Approval for National Emergency Declarations

Rep. Chip Roy and Rep. Steve Cohen Introduce ARTICLE ONE Act to Require Congressional Approval for National Emergency Declarations

Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Steve Cohen (D-Tennessee) have introduced the ARTICLE ONE Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at requiring congressional approval for national emergency declarations. Under this proposed legislation, any national emergency declaration and the powers exercised under it would need to be approved by Congress within 30 days to remain in effect. The lawmakers emphasize that the bill seeks to restore Congress's role in overseeing emergency powers and to add accountability to such declarations. Rep. Roy stated that the measure is intended to ensure checks and balances, while Rep. Cohen highlighted that existing emergency authority can persist without sufficient political oversight, and the bill would limit these powers to genuine emergencies. This initiative comes amidst ongoing discussions about the scope of executive power during national crises.

U.S. Rep. Mark Alford Introduces Legislation to Shield Federal Workers from Shutdown Financial Hardship

U.S. Rep. Mark Alford Introduces Legislation to Shield Federal Workers from Shutdown Financial Hardship

U.S. Rep. Mark Alford, a Republican from Missouri, has introduced new legislation aimed at protecting federal employees from financial difficulties during government shutdowns. The proposed bill seeks to prevent adverse credit reporting for missed payments, offer forbearance on foreclosures or evictions, and waive fees and penalties associated with late payments. Additionally, the legislation would allow for the temporary postponement of payments on certain federally backed loans. According to Alford, the intent is to ensure that federal workers do not suffer lasting financial consequences due to funding impasses in Washington. The bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives and is currently awaiting further action from Congress. This initiative comes as a response to the recurring issue of government shutdowns impacting the financial stability of federal employees across the country.

Congressional Staffers and Members Increasingly Using AI for Legislative Work, Raising Concerns

Congressional Staffers and Members Increasingly Using AI for Legislative Work, Raising Concerns

An increasing number of congressional staffers and members of Congress are utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, for official legislative work. Both the House and Senate have cleared the use of these chatbots, with the House having purchased 6,000 Microsoft Copilot licenses last year, approximately half of which are currently in use. While broad guidelines are in place, prohibiting the input of sensitive material, generation of deepfakes, personnel decisions, and finalization of legislation, individual offices are encouraged to implement their own AI policies. This has resulted in a varied set of standards across Capitol Hill, leading to concerns about the potential impact on the legislative process and the quality of laws being crafted.

Representative Dina Titus and Maria Elvira Salazar Reintroduce VISITOR Act to Address Visa Processing Delays

Representative Dina Titus and Maria Elvira Salazar Reintroduce VISITOR Act to Address Visa Processing Delays

Representatives Dina Titus and Maria Elvira Salazar have reintroduced the VISITOR Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at improving visa processing at U.S. consular posts and supporting international tourism. The proposed legislation seeks to reduce significant delays for qualified travelers, with current wait times in some countries ranging from six months to two years. The bill would grant the State Department greater flexibility to utilize passport and visa fee revenue. This revenue would be allocated towards technology upgrades, hiring additional staff, and enhancing processing infrastructure to streamline the visa application process. The reintroduction of this bill highlights ongoing concerns about the efficiency of the U.S. visa system and its impact on various sectors.

Reps. Van Duyne and Landsman Introduce Bill to Regulate Hemp Beverages Through Alcohol System

Reps. Van Duyne and Landsman Introduce Bill to Regulate Hemp Beverages Through Alcohol System

Reps. Van Duyne and Landsman Introduce Bill to Regulate Hemp Beverages Through Alcohol System

Democrats Propose Major Reforms to Supreme Court Amid Low Public Approval

Democrats Propose Major Reforms to Supreme Court Amid Low Public Approval

Democrats in Congress are advocating for significant structural changes to the Supreme Court. These proposals include expanding the court from nine to 13 justices, implementing an 18-year term limit for justices, establishing a binding ethics code, and restricting the use of the court's 'shadow docket.' This push for reform follows a series of conservative rulings on critical issues such as voting rights, campaign finance, abortion, and presidential power. Public approval of the Supreme Court is currently at historically low levels, contributing to the urgency of these reform efforts. Republicans and conservative legal groups view these proposals as politically motivated attempts to retaliate against a court whose decisions are not favored by the left, rather than genuine efforts to address legal flaws. They argue that such changes could further politicize the judiciary. Democrats acknowledge that the passage of these bills is unlikely without their party securing firm control of Congress and eliminating t...

U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas Proposes Grant Program for First Responder Mental Health

U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas Proposes Grant Program for First Responder Mental Health

U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas, a Democrat representing Oregon's 6th Congressional District, has introduced a new grant program aimed at supporting the mental health needs of firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) staff. The proposed legislation seeks to allocate $7.5 million annually for nationwide suicide prevention programs, peer support initiatives, and counseling services for these first responders. This bipartisan proposal is structured similarly to a 2017 law that provided mental health funding for law enforcement, but Salinas's bill would have the program administered through the Office of Emergency Medical Services, a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The initiative comes as studies indicate that first responders experience higher rates of negative mental health outcomes, including suicidal ideation and attempts, compared to the general population. Additionally, the stigma associated with mental health often prevents firefighters and EMS personnel from seeking neces...

Representative Mike Quigley Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Restore Endangered Species Act Habitat Protections

Representative Mike Quigley Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Restore Endangered Species Act Habitat Protections

Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL), co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, has co-introduced the bipartisan Safeguarding Endangered Species Act (H.R. 9901) with Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). This legislation aims to reinstate the longstanding definition of 'harm' within the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which was recently altered by a rule finalized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries. The new rule, set to take effect on September 14, removes habitat destruction from the definition of harm, a principle that has been recognized since 1975 and affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1995. Friends of Animals, an advocacy group, has opposed this rollback, emphasizing that habitat destruction is a primary driver of extinction and a key reason for the ESA's original enactment. Representative Quigley stated that the bill seeks to prevent any administration from undermining this landmark law and to continue protecting wildlife and endangered species.

Democrats Propose Major Structural Changes to Supreme Court Amid Low Public Approval

Democrats Propose Major Structural Changes to Supreme Court Amid Low Public Approval

Congressional Democrats are actively pursuing significant structural reforms to the Supreme Court, driven by concerns over its conservative majority and a series of rulings on voting rights, campaign finance, abortion, and presidential power. Proposed legislation includes expanding the court from nine to 13 justices, implementing 18-year term limits for justices, establishing a binding ethics code, and curbing the court's use of the "shadow docket." This push comes amidst historically low public approval ratings for the Supreme Court. Republicans and conservative legal advocates view these efforts as an attempt to punish the court for decisions unfavorable to the left and to pressure justices, rather than addressing genuine legal flaws. They argue that such proposals could further politicize the judiciary.

U.S. Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Codify OPT Program for International Students

U.S. Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Codify OPT Program for International Students

U.S. Representatives Sam Liccardo, Jay Obernolte, and Indian American Raja Krishnamoorthi have introduced the 'Keep Innovators in America Act.' This bipartisan bill aims to codify the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program into law, providing long-term certainty for international students, universities, and employers. The OPT program allows international students to gain practical experience in their field of study, often serving as a bridge between education and employment in the U.S. The legislation seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to formally permit practical training and employment authorization for international students, both during and after their degree completion. This move is intended to prevent abrupt policy shifts and ensure the program's continuity, which has been maintained through rulemaking by various administrations for over three decades. The bill has garnered support from a broad coalition of industry groups, universities, and immigration advocates.

Congressman David Valadao Champions Bill to Combat Organized Retail Crime and Freight Train Robberies

Congressman David Valadao Champions Bill to Combat Organized Retail Crime and Freight Train Robberies

Southern California Republican Congressman David Valadao has been a key proponent of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, a legislative initiative that recently passed in the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. This bill directly addresses the growing issue of freight train robberies, which have significantly impacted his district. The proposed legislation aims to equip law enforcement with enhanced legal instruments to tackle these crimes. Specifically, it seeks to allow for the criminal forfeiture of stolen goods and expand existing money-laundering statutes, thereby strengthening the ability of authorities to prosecute and deter organized retail crime. Valadao's efforts have garnered support from other prominent political figures, including Charles Grassley, indicating a broader recognition of the problem's severity and the need for a comprehensive federal response. The Congressman remains optimistic about the bill's progression through the legislative process.

U.S. Rep. Chip Roy Celebrates Lifting of Federal Firearm and Silencer Restrictions in Texas

U.S. Rep. Chip Roy Celebrates Lifting of Federal Firearm and Silencer Restrictions in Texas

U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, has lauded the recent lifting of federal restrictions on certain short-barrel firearms and silencers in Texas, following a judge's order that took effect. This development stems from a lawsuit initiated by firearms trade groups, gun businesses, and a San Angelo gun owner, later joined by Texas and 14 other Republican-led states. The lawsuit challenged parts of the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934, specifically after the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' signed by President Trump in July 2025 eliminated the $200 tax on transferring or making certain firearms, including short-barrel shotguns, short-barrel rifles, and silencers. U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix ruled on August 5 that the NFA's regulations, originally based on Congress's taxing power, could not continue once the tax was revoked. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently assessing the impact of this ruling, which applies to the individuals and groups involved in the lawsuit, their customers or members, and sta...