US House approves mammoth $1.7 trillion spending bill

US House approves mammoth .7 trillion spending bill

The U.S. House of Representatives approved the more than 4,000-page bill by a vote of 225 to 201, a $1.7 trillion bill to fund the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year, just in time to beat the midnight deadline to avoid a partial shutdown of federal agencies.

Types of Legislation

Bills

Bills are prefixed with H.R. when introduced in the House and S. when introduced in the Senate, and they are followed by a number based on the order in which they are introduced. The vast majority of legislative proposals are in the form of bills. Bills deal with domestic and foreign issues and programs, and they also appropriate money to various government agencies and programs.

Public bills pertain to matters that affect the general public or classes of citizens, while private bills affect just certain individuals and organizations.

A private bill provides benefits to specified individuals (including corporate bodies). Individuals sometimes request relief through private legislation when administrative or legal remedies are exhausted. Many private bills deal with immigration–granting citizenship or permanent residency. Private bills may also be introduced for individuals who have claims against the government, veterans’ benefits claims, claims for military decorations, or taxation problems. The title of a private bill usually begins with the phrase, “For the relief of. . . .” if a private bill is passed in identical form by both houses of Congress and is signed by the president, it becomes a private law.

When bills are passed in identical form by both Chambers of Congress and signed by the president (or repassed by Congress over a presidential veto), they become laws.

Joint Resolutions

Joint resolutions are designated H.J. Res. or S.J. Res. and are followed by a number. Like a bill, a joint resolution requires the approval of both Chambers in identical form and the president’s signature to become law. There is no real difference between a joint resolution and a bill. The joint resolution is generally used for continuing or emergency appropriations. Joint resolutions are also used for proposing amendments to the Constitution; such resolutions must be approved by two-thirds of both Chambers and three-fourths of the states, but do not require the president’s signature to become part of the Constitution.

Concurrent Resolutions

Concurrent resolutions, which are designated H.Con.Res. or S.Con.Res., and followed by a number, must be passed in the same form by both houses, but they do not require the signature of the president and do not have the force of law. Concurrent resolutions are generally used to make or amend rules that apply to both houses. They are also used to express the sentiments of both of the houses. For example, a concurrent resolution is used to set the time of Congress’ adjournment. It may also be used by Congress to convey congratulations to another country on the anniversary of its independence. Another important use of the concurrent resolution is for the annual congressional budget resolution, which sets Congress’ revenue and spending goals for the upcoming fiscal year.

Simple Resolutions

Simple resolutions are designated H.Res. and S.Res., followed by a number. A simple resolution addresses matters entirely within the prerogative of one house, such as revising the standing rules of one Chamber. Simple resolutions are also used to express the sentiments of a single house, such as offering condolences to the family of a deceased member of Congress, or it may give “advice” on foreign policy or other executive business. Simple resolutions do not require the approval of the other house nor the signature of the president, and they do not have the force of law.

What is an omnibus spending bill?

An omnibus spending bill is a form of bill that can be passed with just one vote in each chamber and combines several smaller routine appropriations bills into one major package. To fund the federal government and prevent a shutdown, twelve different ordinary appropriation bills must be passed annually. These bills are combined into one bill known as an omnibus spending bill.

What should we learn from the most recent spending bill?

Environment:

To tighten environmental rules and ensure appropriate management of hazardous wastes, more money has been allocated to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The National Park Services have received additional cash to help with the fight against wildfires.

Housing:

A 13 percent increase has been made to the funding for homeless assistance. As a result, an additional $3.6 billion will be made available to more than 1 million people. The community development initiative has been given more than 6.4 million USD to aid in the economic development of low- and middle-income neighbourhoods. The HOME Investment Partnerships Program has received an additional 5 billion USD to aid in the construction of up to 10,000 new homes.

Childcare:

The funding for the Child Care and Development Block has increased by 30%. There has been an 8.6% rise in the Head Start funding (12 billion USD). These programmes will make it easier for lower-income families to get childcare and school preparation.

Retirement rules changes:

The law calls for auto-enrollment and raises the age requirement for required withdrawals from 72 to 75 years old, among other modifications.

Utility bill:

To aid low-income households with the rising cost of heating and cooling, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance programme will allocate a total of 6 billion USD.

Defense spending:

A 4.6 percent pay raise is anticipated for the military. The budget for VA medical care has increased by 22.4%. Armed forces members, veterans, and their families will be better able to access housing and healthcare services and will be better able to weather inflation-related challenges. Additionally, spending on fighter jets and navy vessels has soared.

Ukraine War:

A staggering 27.9 billion USD has been set aside as defence aid for Ukraine, which is at war with Russia.

(Source of Legislation- https://www.senate.gov/legislative/common/briefing/leg_laws_acts.htm)

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