What did Congress do on March 18th, 2025?
fresh off the presses - by watchdog.fyi
72 new bills were introduced yesterday, and 13 were debated—because apparently, lawmakers love paperwork (and a good debate) more than we do.
New Bill Aims to Enhance Great Lakes Fishery Management Through Innovative Tagging Program
Summary:
Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) has introduced H.R. 1917, a bill designed to establish the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program, with the support of three Republican cosponsors. This initiative seeks to improve fishery management by tagging hatchery-produced fish, ensuring more accurate data collection and collaboration with federal, state, and tribal agencies. The program is allocated $5 million annually from 2026 to 2030, focusing on enhancing conservation efforts and supporting the economic activities tied to the Great Lakes fisheries.
The Takeaway
The bill underscores bipartisan support for data-driven conservation, aiming to bolster Great Lakes fisheries and local economies through effective management practices.
Legislative Status: The bill was introduced in the House and sent to the Committee on Natural Resources for review. It was then referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. Next, the subcommittee will discuss and review the bill.
Links: HTML
Gray Wolves in the Crosshairs: A New Push to Remove Protections
Summary:
In a move that has sparked intense debate, Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO-4) has introduced H.R. 845, a bill aimed at delisting the gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act. The proposal, backed by 31 Republican cosponsors, mandates the Secretary of the Interior to reissue regulations within 60 days, bypassing judicial review. This urgency has highlighted the contentious balance between conservation and state rights.
Proponents argue the measure corrects federal overreach, empowering states to manage wolf populations, which they believe have recovered sufficiently. Environmental groups counter, warning of ecological disruption and the undermining of species protection. The bill's swift timeline and judicial exemption intensify the stakes, signaling a significant policy shift.
The Takeaway H.R. 845 reflects a clash between conservation and state sovereignty, with Republicans pushing for delisting and environmentalists raising alarms. The bill's fate hangs in the balance as debates over species protection and federal authority escalate.
Legislative Status: The bill was introduced in the House and sent to the House Committee on Natural Resources for review. It was then referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. Next, the subcommittee will discuss and review the bill.
Links: HTML
Gulf of Mexico or Gulf of America? A New Name Sparks National Debate
Summary:
In a move that has ignited both curiosity and controversy, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has introduced a bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America." The proposal, H.R. 276, has garnered support from 15 Republican cosponsors, with no Democrats or Independents backing the measure. The bill mandates that all federal agencies update relevant documents, maps, and materials to reflect the new name within 180 days of its passage.
The Gulf of Mexico, a body of water bordering the southeastern United States and eastern Mexico, holds significant cultural, economic, and environmental importance. Proponents of the name change argue it aligns with national pride and American identity, while critics view it as unnecessary and potentially disruptive to historical and international recognition. The debate has also raised questions about the practical implications, including the cost of updating official materials and the potential impact on education, tourism, and international relations.
The Takeaway
Rep. Greene’s bill aims to rename the Gulf of Mexico, sparking debate over national identity and practicality. The proposal has drawn Republican support but faces skepticism from others.
Legislative Status: The bill was introduced in the House and sent to the Committee on Natural Resources for review. It was then referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. Next, the subcommittee will discuss and review the bill.
Links: HTML
Senator Collins Introduces Bill to Boost DC's Fiscal Autonomy for 2025
Summary:
In a move that could reshape the financial landscape of the nation's capital, Senator Susan M. Collins (R-ME) has introduced the District of Columbia Local Funds Act for fiscal year 2025. The bill, which has garnered support from six Democratic cosponsors, aims to approve local funds for the District of Columbia based on the Fiscal Year 2025 Local Budget Act of 2024.
The legislation establishes clear guardrails for the allocation of funds, ensuring that appropriations do not exceed estimated local budget amounts or the district's total revenues. Exceptions are allowed only for emergency needs, which must be approved by local law. The Chief Financial Officer will oversee the process, ensuring compliance with rules and restrictions, including a prohibition on reprogramming funds allocated for capital projects.
While the bill has drawn support from Democrats, it has not yet attracted Republican or Independent cosponsors, reflecting the broader debate over federal oversight of DC's finances. Advocates argue the bill strengthens local control and fiscal responsibility, while critics raise concerns about potential limitations on the district's flexibility in managing its resources.
The Takeaway
The bill aims to enhance DC's fiscal autonomy while maintaining strict financial oversight. Its partisan divide highlights ongoing tensions over federal vs. local control.
Legislative Status: The Senate bill passed without changes and is now in the House. Next, the House will vote on it.
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A Bipartisan Push to Combat the Fentanyl Crisis
Summary:
In a significant move to address the escalating opioid crisis, Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) has introduced bill S. 331, aiming to classify fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I. This classification would encompass any substance containing fentanyl or its variants unless specifically exempted, signaling a tough stance against synthetic opioids. The bill also introduces streamlined registration requirements for researchers, allowing them to work with these substances under strict controls to prevent diversion. The Attorney General is tasked with finalizing these rules within six months, ensuring public input through comments and hearings.
With bipartisan support from 6 Democrats, 1 Independent, and 24 Republicans, the bill reflects a united legislative effort to curb the fentanyl epidemic. This measure not only tightens regulatory oversight but also balances the need for ongoing medical research, highlighting the delicate balance between public health and scientific progress.
The Takeaway
The bill seeks to combat the fentanyl crisis by scheduling related substances and streamlining research controls, backed by bipartisan consensus, underscoring a unified approach to a pressing public health issue.
Legislative Status: The bill was introduced in the Senate, passed after some changes, and is now in the House. Next, it will be voted on in the House.
Links: HTML
Can Bipartisan Unity Hold on Ukraine Sovereignty?
Summary:
Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) has introduced H.J. Res. 77, a bill that establishes U.S. policy recognizing Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. With 5 Democratic and 4 Republican cosponsors, this rare display of unity underscores a shared commitment to countering Russian aggression. The bill explicitly rejects Russia's claims over occupied territories, including Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, affirming Ukraine's sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders. This bipartisan effort not only reflects a unified stance against Russian territorial aggression but also signals a clear direction for U.S. foreign policy, reassuring allies and adversaries alike of America's resolve.
The Takeaway
H.J. Res. 77 seeks to solidify U.S. policy against Russian territorial claims in Ukraine, backed by both Democrats and Republicans. This rare bipartisan unity highlights a shared commitment to upholding Ukraine's sovereignty.
Legislative Status: A joint resolution was introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The committee will now review its contents, and decide whether to reject it or send it for voting.
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Introduced Bills and Resolutions
HR 1897- Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) introduced bill HR. 1897 to amend the Endangered Species Act to optimize conservation by prioritizing resources and incentivizing wildlife conservation on private lands. (HTML)
HR 2232- Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) introduced bill HR_2232 to protect patient access to ground ambulance services under Part B of the Medicare program. (HTML)
HR 2231- Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) introduced bill HR_2231 to make the 7-year recovery period for motorsports entertainment complexes permanent by amending the Internal Revenue Code. (HTML)
HR 2198- Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) introduced bill HR 2198 to restore the taxable REIT subsidiary asset test (HTML)
HR 2205- Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV) introduced bill HR-2205 to exempt the Secretary of Energy regarding unmanned aircraft systems (HTML)
HR 2204- Rep. Nicholas A. Langworthy (R-NY) introduced bill HR_2204 to require higher education institutions to notify SEVIS of student support for foreign terrorist organizations (HTML)
HR 2203- Rep. Nicholas A. Langworthy (R-NY) introduced bill HR-2203 to regulate zootechnical animal food substances (HTML)
HR 2190- Rep. Foster (D-IL-11) introduced bill HR 2190 to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and require reporting of expenditures for political activities. (HTML)
HR 2188- Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) introduced bill HR_2188 to analyze the costs of converting federal light-duty vehicles to electric vehicles (HTML)
HR 2206- Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) introduced bill HR 2206 to establish a Housing Stabilization Fund for emergency housing assistance for extremely low-income renters and homeowners. (HTML)
HR 2229- Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) introduced bill HR 2229 to ease appointment access for veterans seeking mental health care (HTML)
HR 2194- Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA-9) introduced bill HR-2194 to reauthorize the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program and implement evidence-based practices under the Office of National Drug Control Policy (HTML)
HR 2221- Rep. Emily Randall (D-WA) introduced bill HR_2221 to establish the Office of Inspector General for the Office of Management and Budget (HTML)
HR 2228- Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) introduced bill HR 2228 to adjust the effective date of reductions and discontinuances of veterans' compensation and pension benefits (HTML)
HR 2227- Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) introduced bill HR 2227 to provide emergency relief to Arizona livestock producers affected by Mexican gray wolves (HTML)
HR 2217- Rep. Gregory F. Murphy (R-NC) introduced bill HR 2217 to designate six creeks in North Carolina in honor of the lives lost in a plane crash in Carteret County, North Carolina, on February 13, 2022. (HTML)
HR 2177- Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL) introduced bill HR_2177 to establish a tradeable energy performance standard for large electricity generators and thermal energy users (HTML)
HR 2191- Rep. H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) introduced bill HR 2191 to revise physician self-referral exemptions for physician-owned hospitals under title XVIII of the Social Security Act. (HTML)
HR 2197- Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD-At Large) introduced bill HR 2197 to restrict 340B discounts for sex reassignment surgeries and hormonal therapies (HTML)
HR 2216- Del. James Moylan (R-GU-At Large) introduced bill HR 2216 to exempt Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands from specific eligibility requirements for essential air service. (HTML)
HR 2187- Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX) introduced bill HR_2187 to disallow production and investment tax credits for offshore wind facilities in inland and coastal waters (HTML)
HR 2230- Rep. Gregory Steube (R-FL) introduced bill HR_2230 to provide tax credits for carrying independent programmers by multichannel video distributors (HTML)
HR 2226- Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ) introduced bill HR-2226 to prevent discrimination against entities opposing abortion and strengthen Federal conscience laws (HTML)
HR 2239- Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN-2) introduced bill HR-2239 to amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 for fair enforcement. (HTML)
HR 2182- Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) introduced bill HR_2182 to establish an apprenticeship program for students at flight training providers (HTML)
HR 2200- Rep. Jennifer A. Kiggans (R-VA) introduced bill HR_2200 to require the retention of certain enlisted members of the Coast Guard who have completed 18 or more, but less than 20, years of service. (HTML)
HR 2215- Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) introduced bill HR 2215 to rename the Salem Maritime National Historic Site as the "Salem Maritime National Historical Park" (HTML)
HR 2201- Rep. Young (R-CA) introduced bill HR_2201 to improve claims for veterans who experienced military sexual trauma (HTML)
HR 2169- Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI) introduced bill HR 2169 to observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day separately from Inauguration Day (HTML)
HR 2178- Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) introduced bill HR_2178 to authorize research on cerebral palsy (HTML)
HR 2173- Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) introduced bill HR_2173 to amend the Internal Revenue Code and allow deductions for certain services performed by taxpayers. (HTML)
HR 2170- Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ) introduced bill HR_2170 to name the VA clinic in Toms River after a local hero (HTML)
HR 2218- Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) introduced bill HR 2218 to amend the Clean Air Act regarding emission standards and state authorization (HTML)
HR 2233- Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) introduced bill HR-2233 to increase the information reporting threshold for slot winnings to make tax compliance easier for Nevada residents. (HTML)
HR 2195- Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT-5) introduced bill HR 2195 to expand SNAP benefits for disabled veterans (HTML)
HR 2184- Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) introduced bill HR_2184 to require the National Instant Criminal Background Check System to correct records within 60 days (HTML)
HR 2186- Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS) introduced bill HR_2186 to restore the limitation on downward attribution of stock ownership in applying constructive ownership rules (HTML)
HR 2202- Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) introduced bill HR_2202 to prohibit taxpayer-funded gender transition procedures. (HTML)
HR 2214- Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) introduced bill HR 2214 to improve services provided by pharmacy benefit managers (HTML)
HR 2199- Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) introduced bill HR 2199 to clarify and preserve protections under the Medicare Secondary Payer Act (HTML)
HR 2174- Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) introduced bill HR_2174 to restrict agency deductions of labor organization dues for Federal employees (HTML)
HR 2224- Rep. Janice Schakowsky (D-IL) introduced bill HR 2224 to clarify that products derived from tar sands are crude oil for federal excise tax purposes. (HTML)
HR 2179- Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) introduced bill HR 2179 to prohibit certain assistance to Russia and related actions with respect to Russia. (HTML)
HR 2236- Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) introduced bill HR-2236 to allow Tribal entities to purchase agricultural commodities under a supplemental food program (HTML)
HR 2219- Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At Large) introduced bill HR-2219 to prevent employers from asking about salary and benefit history for disclosure laws. (HTML)
HR 2193- Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI) introduced bill HR 2193 to regulate actions of the Director of the Office of Personnel Management regarding a health insurance program (HTML)
HR 2175- Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) introduced bill HR_2175 to name the Santa Barbara Post Office after Brigadier General Frederick R. Lopez (HTML)
HR 2222- Rep. Josh Riley (D-NY) introduced bill HR 2222 to relax regulations on shell eggs and hatch broiler chickens (HTML)
HR 2237- Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) introduced bill HR-2237 to require reporting on the H-2A program (HTML)
HR 2220- Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) introduced bill HR 2220 to ensure public access to emergency medical services. (HTML)
HR 2183- Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) introduced bill HR_2183 to update the purpose of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (HTML)
HR 2238- Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) introduced bill HR-2238 to improve range conditions for grazing permit holders by expanding improvement authorization and reducing response times for requests. (HTML)
HR 2192- Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI) introduced bill HR-2192 to award payments to Air America employees who supported the U.S. from 1950 to 1976 (HTML)
HR 2185- Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) introduced bill HR_2185 to ban mink fur farming for public health and human safety, while compensating farmers during the transition. (HTML)
HR 2234- Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL) introduced bill HR-2234 to update standards for anesthesia and pain management services in the Veterans Health Administration (HTML)
HR 2171- Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH) introduced bill HR_2171 to improve federal coordination with respect to spectrum management (HTML)
HR 2176- Rep. Ed Case (D-HI) introduced bill HR_2176 to protect marine reef species by preventing certain actions and addressing other issues. (HTML)
HR 2223- Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR-6) introduced bill HR-2223 to authorize funding for mental health and substance use disorder treatment facilities (HTML)
HR 2196- Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) introduced bill HR_2196 to extend the legislative authority of the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in Washington D.C. (HTML)
HR 2189- Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI) introduced bill HR 2189 to update federal firearms laws with advancements in technology and less-than-lethal weapons (HTML)
HR 2212- Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) introduced bill HR 2212 to establish the Intelligence Rotational Assignment Program (HTML)
HR 2235- Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) introduced bill HR_2235 to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 for wildlife habitat connectivity and migration corridors (HTML)
HR 2181- Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA-11) introduced bill HR_2181 to establish a for-cause removal standard for Inspectors General (HTML)
HR 2172- Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) introduced bill HR_2172 to clarify congressional intent and preserve patient access to home infusion therapy under the Medicare program. (HTML)
HR 2225- Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) introduced bill HR 2225 to allow investment companies to omit certain fees from calculations of acquired fund fees and expenses. (HTML)
HR 2180- Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA-11) introduced bill HR_2180 to authorize Inspectors General to continue operations during a lapse in appropriations. (HTML)
HR 2207- Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced bill HR_2207 to end the reduction in force moratorium at the Department of Energy (HTML)
HR 2210- Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced bill HR 2210 to reduce RF moratorium at NASA and other purposes. (HTML)
HR 2209- Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced bill HR_2209 to lift the reduction in force moratorium at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (HTML)
HR 2213- Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11) introduced bill HR 2213 to authorize the President to enter into trade agreements for the elimination of duties on medical goods for national security and public health. (HTML)
HR 2211- Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced bill HR 2211 to remove the reduction in force moratorium at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (HTML)
HR 2208- Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced bill HR_2208 to remove the reduction in force moratorium at the National Science Foundation (HTML)
MISC RESOLUTIONS
HRES 127- Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) introduced resolution H. Res. 127 to request documents related to the Department of Government Efficiency's access to Treasury payment systems and confidential taxpayer information. (HTML)
HRES 198- Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) introduced bill H. Res. 198 to provide funding for House committees during the 119th Congress (HTML)
HRES 229- Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) and five other Republicans introduced impeachment resolution against Chief Judge James E. Boasberg of the DC Circuit Court for preventing President Trump from removing aliens associated with a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization from the U.S. (HTML)
HRES 230- Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD-At Large) introduced bill H. Res. 230 to urge Congress and the administration to pursue effective food and agricultural trade policies (HTML)
HRES 228- Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1) introduced bill H.Res. 228 to designate the third week of March 2025 as "National CACFP Week" to recognize the importance of the Child and Adult Care Food Program in providing nutritious meals to children and adults. (HTML)
HRES 227- Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) introduced H.Res. 227 to designate March 18, 2025, as National Agriculture Day and celebrate agriculture's impact on the U.S. (HTML)
HRES 231- Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI) introduced H.Res. 231 to recognize the contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States (HTML)
have a splendid day,
watchdog team