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2017
Dec. 13, 2017, 3:12 p.m.
Many may remember the classic song “I’m Just a Bill” from Schoolhouse Rock!; it’s one of my favorites. It does a great job of explaining the legislative process. But if I were the writer of that catchy tune I would amend the chorus slightly:
“I’m just a bill. Yes I’m only a bill,
And I was rushed into Capitol Hill.
Well, now I’m back in committee
Because Congress violated some rules trying to claim a victory.”
It’s hardly a surprise that the leading party would try to rush a bill into law—both parties do it. This process cost Congress some time in their efforts to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. After the bill was debated in committee it passed for a second time in the House, but violated some budget rules and was edited and sent back for another final vote on December 20th. With this process, it’s easy to get confused about where the bill stands and what provisions remain. So I’m sure you have questions.
Sept. 11, 2017, 7:02 p.m.
While Congress was on recess, discussion over hurricanes, white supremacists, and North Korea kept them from enjoying it. Read our full Research Wrap-Up to catch up on what you may have missed.
July 27, 2017, 3:05 p.m.
On July 25, your social media feed was likely filled with victory cries from those seeking to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with the still-evolving Senate version of the American Health Care Act (AHCA). Opponents also took to social media with messages of defeat. However, the debate is anything but finished.
So what’s actually going on with the Senate healthcare bill? Is the Affordable Care Act repealed? And, what is the Senate voting on?
Well, it’s tricky, so bear with me—I’m not even sure if someone currently voting in the capitol can easily explain where the debate stands. I’ll simplify the issue and provide a brief timeline of how we got to where we are today.
2016
July 28, 2016, 2:07 p.m.
In the past year and a half, several states have passed laws changing the age at which one can legally smoke cigarettes and other tobacco products.
July 25, 2016, 2:44 p.m.
On June 27, the Supreme Court issued a 5-3 ruling on Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt. Justice Breyer wrote the majority opinion, reversing and remanding two provisions of HB 2, which was passed by the Texas legislature during a special session in 2013.
