Senate Intelligence Committee Issues Report Detailing Foreign Threats
The Senate Committee on Intelligence released a redacted, non-partisan report last week examining foreign intelligence threats currently impacting the United States.
'Exemplary' Staffers Believe Congress Isn’t Functioning Properly, Citing Polarization
A recent report from the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) and the Partnership for Public Service found 76 percent out of 128 congressional staffers believe Congress is not functioning.
Bipartisan Senate Coalition Pushes for Federal Benefits to Address PTSD
Senators have introduced legislation to assist families of fallen first responders in qualifying for benefits if an officer committed suicide after suffering a work-related injury.
Congress Declares Juneteenth a National Holiday
Last week, FEDagent reported that Congress passed legislation making June 19 a federal holiday in observance of Juneteenth. The date celebrates the arrival of Union troops in Galveston, Texas following the end of the Civil War in 1865. While two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, the date is viewed as the effective end of slavery in the United States.
Bills Introduced to Reform Windfall Elimination Provision, Expand Social Security Benefits for Federal Employees
Several lawmakers are pushing for legislation that would expand Social Security benefits for federal retirees and replace the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). The Windfall Elimination Provision reduces the Social Security benefits of retired federal, state, and local government employees who worked in private sector jobs in addition to a government job.
Republican Lawmakers Call for Greater Investments in Government Innovations
The Securing American Leadership in Science and Technology Act, or SALSTA, was introduced March 23, 2021 by House Science, Space and Technology Committee Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-OK) and several other Republican lawmakers.
Sunshine Week Hearings and Legislation Promote Government Transparency
Several bills were introduced last week to commemorate Sunshine Week, a national initiative spearheaded by the News Leaders Association to educate the public about the importance of open government.
American Rescue Plan Expands Benefits for Federal Workforce
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package that expands benefits for the federal workforce and Americans.
3.2% Federal Pay Raise Bill Introduced in Senate
Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) formally introduced the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act, which would provide federal workers with a 2.2 percent across-the-board pay increase next year, along with an average 1 percent increase in locality pay. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) introduced companion legislation in the House in January.
House Democrats Attempt to Bring Back Congressional Earmarks
House Democrats have moved to restart the use of earmarks in an effort to prevent Congressional gridlock and pass legislation more effectively. This move would alter how Congress allocates $1.4 trillion in discretionary funding. Earmarks allow members of Congress to itemize funds in appropriations packages for specific programs and projects in their district. Earmarks have been banned since 2011.
2021 US Citizenship Act Would Expand Federal Hiring and Workforce Reforms for Homeland Security Agencies
President Joe Biden and his administration recently proposed the 2021 U.S. Citizenship Act to Congress, where Democrats have introduced it in both chambers. The act would revamp the immigration system in the United States and reverse many immigration initiatives that were introduced by the Trump administration. The plan includes several reforms aimed at improving the homeland security workforce.
Five Die in Capitol Insurrection, Top Security Officials Resign
As Americans watched on January 6, 2021, thousands of supporters for President Trump’s re-election campaign marched to the Capitol building in an effort to prevent Congress from certifying the Electoral College votes of the 2020 general election. The march erupted into violence as individuals stormed the Capitol, overwhelming security on the scene. Vice President Mike Pence and members of Congress were forced to evacuate as the Capitol was breached by rioters and put on lockdown.
House Passes Bill to Increase Transparency in Agency Use of Funds
The Congressional Budget Justification Transparency Act (H.R. 22), introduced by U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL), passed the House in a 412-2 vote. This bipartisan bill would increase transparency of government funding by allowing the public to access an easy to use database with a breakdown of spending.
An Overview of the 117th Congress
The 117th Congress was sworn in on Sunday, starting a new chapter in Congressional history. The 117th Congress is the most diverse in U.S. history, with a record number of women, racial minorities, and members of the LGBTQ community. This Congress also includes a record number of Republican women.
Congress Passes FY 2021 Government Funding, Coronavirus Relief Legislation
After several continuing resolutions to buy lawmakers additional negotiating time, Congress has passed a $2.3 trillion government funding and coronavirus relief package. As long as President Trump signs the measure by December 28, the federal government will not shut down this year. The package allows for a 1 percent pay raise for civilian federal employees and includes $900 million in coronavirus relief, but the bill has been criticized for failing to take action on controversial federal workforce policies implemented by the Trump administration.
Bill to Stop Doxing of Government Workers Introduced in Senate
The Public Servant Protection Act is a bill designed to protect government workers, officials, and appointees from being targeted at their homes. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), along with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and five Republican colleagues, introduced the legislative proposal earlier this month.
Congress Scrambles to Fund Government as Deadline Looms
With a government shutdown looming at the end of this week, lawmakers are scrambling to fund the government and approve emergency COVID-19 aid. The omnibus government funding bill is expected to also serve as the vehicle for two COVID-19 relief packages.
2021 NDAA Passes Congress with Enough Support for Veto Override
The U.S. Senate passed the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an all-encompassing piece of legislation that introduces provisions related to many agencies and federal employees, with an 84-13 majority. This margin means that even if President Trump vetoes the bill, as he has threatened, there is enough support in Congress to override the veto.