Legislative Activity

The Make America Govern Again (MAGA) Act aims to address federal employee pay during government shutdowns. It guarantees pay for most civil and uniformed service employees while withholding salaries for Members of Congress, the President, and the Vice President until funding resumes. Additionally, the bill prohibits paying salaries for certain high-level Executive Office of the President staff during any lapse in appropriations.

The Health Opportunities to Promote Equity (HOPE) Act aims to ensure equitable distribution of federal grants by requiring the Secretary to award funds to at least two eligible organizations in every state, provided sufficient applications are received. The bill also mandates regular reporting to Congress detailing application and approval statistics for these grants. These changes are scheduled to take effect starting October 1, 2025.

This resolution is a formal request from the House of Representatives demanding the President provide specific documents regarding the Department of Government Efficiency's access to and use of sensitive Social Security Administration (SSA) data, particularly the NUMIDENT database. Congress seeks detailed information on the creation of a cloud copy of NUMIDENT, including its intended uses, security assessments, and who has been granted access. The inquiry specifically targets records concerning data usage for federal audits, benefit denials, AI training, and potential private sales.

This resolution celebrates the 100th anniversary of Pratt & Whitney, recognizing its century of innovation in designing and manufacturing aircraft engines. It honors the company's profound impact on aviation, national defense, and safe air travel since its founding in 1925. Furthermore, the bill acknowledges the vital contributions of the Connecticut workforce to Pratt & Whitney's enduring success and leadership in the aerospace industry.

This resolution requests the President to provide the House of Representatives with information regarding the Social Security Administration's operations after January 20, 2025. The request includes details on the Department of Government Efficiency's access to the Social Security Administration, compliance with specific Executive Orders, call and visitor statistics, office closures, and staff reductions. The President is required to furnish the requested documents and information within 14 days of the resolution's adoption.

The "Keeping Our Field Offices Open Act" prevents the Social Security Administration (SSA) from closing or consolidating field offices, hearing offices, and resident stations, ensuring continued access to services. It requires the SSA Commissioner to justify any planned closures to Congress with detailed analysis and cost-benefit assessments, considering the impact on vulnerable populations. The bill mandates public notice, hearings, and a final report to Congress before any changes, allowing appeals and maintaining the number of offices at or above the January 20, 2025 level, excluding temporary emergency closures.

The Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act restricts political appointees and special government employees from accessing sensitive Social Security beneficiary data systems. It establishes a right for individuals to sue the government or responsible parties for unauthorized access or disclosure of their private Social Security information, including specified minimum damages. Furthermore, the bill mandates the Inspector General to investigate such violations and report findings to Congress within 30 days. Finally, it requires the GAO to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact of these new privacy and enforcement measures.

The "Ending DOGE Conflicts Act" mandates that special government employees with financial ties to companies contracting with the federal government must adhere to strict financial disclosure requirements. It requires the Director of the Office of Government Ethics to certify these employees' financial reports and prohibits them from performing official duties until compliance is confirmed.