What did Congress do on March 13th, 2025?
fresh off the presses - by watchdog.fyi
Here's what Congress did today:
Future in the Crosshairs: A Bipartisan Push for Stricter Regulations
Summary:
In a move that underscores the urgency of the opioid crisis, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) has introduced Bill S_331, aiming to amend the Controlled Substances Act by adding fentanyl-related substances to Schedule I. This legislation, garnering significant bipartisan support, reflects a united front against the scourge of synthetic opioids, which have claimed thousands of lives across the nation.
The bill proposes to classify fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I, the most restrictive category, thereby enhancing regulatory oversight and monitoring. This change could lead to stricter penalties for possession and distribution, potentially curbing the illicit market. Additionally, the bill introduces streamlined registration processes for researchers, including electronic submissions and expanded research site options, which may facilitate crucial studies while maintaining regulatory compliance. It also mandates an inspection review process to ensure adherence to safety protocols and allows for continuous research on newly scheduled substances, balancing public safety with scientific advancement.
The bipartisan support for this bill is notable, with 6 Democrats, 1 Independent, and 24 Republicans cosponsoring the legislation. This broad support highlights the shared concern over the opioid crisis and the need for decisive action. However, some advocates and researchers have expressed concerns that the increased regulatory burden could hinder critical research into fentanyl-related substances, potentially delaying the development of life-saving treatments or overdose reversal medications.
The Takeaway
Bill S_331 seeks to enhance restrictions on fentanyl-related substances by classifying them under Schedule I, introducing new registration processes for researchers, and mandating inspection reviews to ensure compliance. The bill reflects a bipartisan effort to address the opioid crisis, balancing stricter regulations with provisions for ongoing research. While it aims to curb illicit distribution, concerns remain about potential impacts on research and public health. Both Democrats and Republicans have rallied behind the bill, emphasizing the urgency of the opioid crisis. However, some stakeholders caution against over-regulation that could impede research into life-saving treatments. This legislation serves as a critical moment in the ongoing battle against synthetic opioids, with implications for public health, law enforcement, and scientific research.
Legislative Status: The Senate bill was introduced, reviewed in committee, and then voted on by the full Senate. It passed after a voice vote and is now in the hands of individual senators, who can approve, reject, or modify it. Next, senators will discuss and vote on the bill's provisions.
Links: HTML
Jason Smith’s Bill Aims to Extend Deadline on Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Prosecutions
Summary:
In a move to tackle fraud tied to pandemic unemployment programs, Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO-8) has introduced H.R. 1156, the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act. The bill seeks to extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting fraud related to pandemic unemployment benefits from the current timeframe to 10 years. This change would apply to programs established under the CARES Act, including Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation. Additionally, the legislation proposes to rescind $5 million from unobligated funds and would take effect immediately upon enactment.
The bill has garnered support from 25 Republican cosponsors, with no Democrats or Independents currently backing the measure. This partisan divide reflects broader disagreements over how to address fraud in pandemic relief programs. Supporters argue that extending the statute of limitations is necessary to hold bad actors accountable and recover stolen funds, given the complexity and scale of pandemic-related fraud. Critics, however, may raise concerns about the practical challenges of investigating and prosecuting cases years after the fact, as well as the potential burden on state and federal agencies.
The Takeaway
Rep. Smith’s bill highlights the ongoing debate over accountability for pandemic-era fraud, with Republicans pushing for stricter measures to address what they see as widespread abuse of unemployment programs. Democrats have yet to weigh in, but their silence may signal skepticism about the proposal’s practicality or effectiveness. As the federal government continues to grapple with the aftermath of pandemic spending, this bill underscores the tension between ensuring accountability and managing the bureaucratic challenges of retroactive enforcement.
Legislative Status: The bill was passed by the House and is now in the Senate, where it will be voted on by senators. Next, the Senate will vote on the bill.
Links: HTML
Introduced Bills and Resolutions
S 1068- Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced bill S_1068 to prioritize veteran and military families with protections and benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. (HTML)
S 1069- Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL) introduced bill S_1069 to recoup federal financial assistance payments under updated Civil Rights Act (HTML)
S 1067- Sen. Christopher A. Coons (D-DE) introduced bill S_1067 to reduce emissions from cement, concrete, asphalt, and asphalt mixture production by enhancing research, development, and commercialization of related technologies. (HTML)
S 1066- Sen. Cynthia M. Lummis (R-WY) introduces bill S_1066 to authorize funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and other highway projects (HTML)
S 1062- Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced bill S_1062 to expand surveillance of self-harm and prevent suicide through grant programs and partnership with public health departments. (HTML)
S 1065- Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced bill S_1065 to require the USDA to post notices for changes in agricultural programs and finances. (HTML)
S 1064- Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) introduced bill S_1064 to ensure open competition and federal neutrality in labor relations with contractors on federal projects (HTML)
S 1061- Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced bill S_1061 to appoint a Chief of the Forest Service with presidential approval (HTML)
S 1063- Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced bill S_1063 to waive vehicle weight limitations for logging vehicles (HTML)
S 1060- Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced bill S_1060 to regulate conflicts of interest and promote competition in digital advertising. (HTML)
S 1059- Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced bill S_1059 to transfer antitrust enforcement from the Federal Trade Commission to the Department of Justice. (HTML)
S 1058- Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced bill S_1058 to clarify congressional intent and preserve patient access to home infusion therapy under the Medicare program. (HTML)
S 1057- Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced bill S_1057 to adjust requirements for transfer of U.S. defense articles and services among Baltic states (HTML)
S 1056- Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced bill S_1056 to establish a home-based telemental health care grant program for rural and occupational groups facing limited mental health and substance use services. (HTML)
S 1055- Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced bill S_1055 to modify notification requirements for emergency contract health services under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (HTML)
S 1054- Sen. James E. Risch (R-ID) introduced bill S_1054 to abolish the United States African Development Foundation. (HTML)
S 1053- Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced bill S_1053 to protect national security by targeting China-related sanctions and investment notifications (HTML)
S 1052- Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced bill S_1052 to reauthorize the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System under the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. (HTML)
S 1051- Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) introduced bill S_1051 to establish the Historic Greenwood District-Black Wall Street National Monument in Oklahoma. (HTML)
S 1049- Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) introduced bill S_1049 to continue implementing anti-trafficking recommendations and report progress to Congress (HTML)
S 1050- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced bill S_1050 to establish a Forest Conservation Easement Program under the Food Security Act. (HTML)
S 1048- Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced bill S_1048 to enhance small business development by requiring specific training for graduates of certain education programs. (HTML)
S 1047- Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) introduced bill S_1047 to restrict Small Business Administration assistance for individuals convicted of defrauding the Government. (HTML)
S 1046- Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced bill S_1046 to exclude overtime compensation from gross income for income tax purposes. (HTML)
S 1043- Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced bill S_1043 to extend the energy credit for qualified fuel cell property (HTML)
S 1045- Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced bill S_1045 to ensure funding for FAA activities during a government shutdown from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. (HTML)
S 1044- Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced bill S_1044 to improve residency slot distribution for Medicare after a hospital closes (HTML)
S 919- Sen. Hagerty (R-TN) introduced bill S_919 to regulate payment stablecoins (HTML)
S 875- Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced bill S_875 to remove reputational risk from federal banking agency supervision, preventing political weaponization (HTML)
S 1042- Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) introduced bill S_1042 to require research on wildfire smoke exposure for wine grapes (HTML)
S 1041- Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced bill S_1041 to address biological product infringement issues for patients (HTML)
S 1040- Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced bill S_1040 to prohibit product hopping by the FTC and potentially regulate its activities. (HTML)
S 1039- Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) introduced bill S_1039 to clarify the definitions of firearm silencer and muffler (HTML)
S 1038- Sen. Thomas Tillis (R-NC) introduced bill S_1038 to require federal land indication for missing persons in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (HTML)
S 1037- Sen. Cynthia M. Lummis (R-WY) introduces bill S_1037 to allow cash payments for National Park entrance fees (HTML)
S 1032- Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced bill S_1032 to allow disability retirees with combat-related disabilities to receive both compensation and retired pay (HTML)
S 1031- Sen. Thomas Tillis (R-NC) introduced bill S_1031 to create a Radiation Oncology Case Rate Value Based Payment Program for cancer patients and amend regulations for free or discounted transportation for radiation therapy services. (HTML)
S 1030- Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) introduced bill S_1030 to regulate oil and natural gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico by requiring renegotiation of existing leases for royalty payments based on oil and natural gas prices. (HTML)
S 1036- Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced bill S_1036 to expand the Minority Fellowship Program to train professionals in addiction medicine. (HTML)
S 1020- Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced bill S_1020 to extend construction deadlines for hydropower projects (HTML)
S 1018- Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced bill S_1018 to establish a cybersecurity circuit rider program for rural water and wastewater systems (HTML)
S 1019- Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced bill S_1019 to create a technical assistance program for rural water and wastewater systems to prepare for disasters (HTML)
S 1035- Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduces bill S_1035 to restrict the export of U.S. produced natural gas. (HTML)
S 1034- Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced bill S_1034 to create the Southwestern Power Administration Fund for infrastructure development and operations in the region. (HTML)
S 1033- Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced bill S_1033 to establish minimum Federal standards for sports betting. (HTML)
S 1029- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced bill S_1029 to expand a snow survey and water supply forecasting program for the Northeastern United States (HTML)
S 1028- Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced bill S_1028 to protect honey integrity in the U.S. (HTML)
S 1027- Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced bill S_1027 to expand the work opportunity credit for employers of spouses of military personnel (HTML)
S 1026- Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) introduced bill S_1026 to clarify that tar sands products are crude oil for federal excise tax on petroleum. (HTML)
S 1025- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) introduces bill S_1025 to authorize FCC enforcement of forfeiture penalties for restricted telephone equipment violations (HTML)
S 1024- Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced bill S_1024 to create a grant program for students with epilepsy or seizure disorders under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. (HTML)
S 1021- Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduces bill S_1021 to create a dairy nutrition incentive program under the Food and Nutrition Act (HTML)
S 1022- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) introduced bill S_1022 to reauthorize a program strengthening community recovery for individuals with substance use disorders (HTML)
S 1023- Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced bill S_1023 to limit the recovery of overpayments under Social Security titles II and XVI to 10 years. (HTML)
S 1016- Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced bill S_1016 to modify the boundary of the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi (HTML)
S 1017- Sen. Tim Sheehy (D-MD) introduced bill S_1017 to update criminal penalties for damaging or destroying pipeline facilities (HTML)
S 1015- Sen. Bill Cassidy (D-LA) introduced bill S_1015 to extend the National Flood Insurance Program through December 31, 2026. (HTML)
S 1013- Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL) introduced bill S_1013 to relocate NASA's headquarters to Brevard County, Florida (HTML)
S 1014- Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL) introduced bill S_1014 to make EPA permit approvals law-like, ensuring compliance and federal recognition. (HTML)
S 1008- Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced bill S_1008 to provide equitable treatment for the people of the Village Corporation established for the Native Village of Saxman, Alaska (HTML)
MISC RESOLUTIONS
SRES 72- Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced bill S.Res. 72 to affirm that Hamas cannot maintain political or military control in the Gaza Strip (HTML)
have a splendid day,
watchdog team