House votes on a significant change to requirements for science supporting EPA regulations and a Senate-passed resolution to overturn the FCC’s broadband privacy rule. The Senate will vote on ratification of Montenegro as the newest member of NATO. The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence holds its first hearing into Russian Activities in the 2016 election.
THIS WEEK'S HEARINGS
On Thursday, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence holds an open hearing on "A Primer in Russian Active Measures and Influence Campaigns."
Additional hearings this week:
In the House: "HONEST" bill requiring science supporting EPA regulations to be publicly available online
This week the House votes on a bill requiring that would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from proposing, finalizing, or disseminating a rule unless all scientific and technical information relied on to support the action is: 1) the best available science; 2) specifically identified; and 3) publicly available in a manner sufficient for independent analysis and substantial reproduction of research results.
Also in the House: Overturning FCC Broadband Privacy Rule
S.J.Res.34: Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn FCC Rule "Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services"
Sponsor: Sen. Jeff Flake [R, AZ]
The bill, which already passed the Senate, overturns Obama administration rules requiring internet service providers to obtain customers’ permission before selling or sharing users' personal information. Under the Congressional Review Act, Congress has until May 17th (60 session days since the rule was issued) to present the resolution to the President for his signature.
In the Senate: Ratification of Montenegro admission to NATO
The Senate is expected to vote Monday on a treaty allowing Montenegro to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The vote was blocked earlier by Senator Rand Paul [R,KY], who expressed concerns about extending NATO further. The treaty is supported by Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, through the Trump administration has not yet taken an official position.
Also in the House
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H.R. 654: Pacific Northwest Earthquake Preparedness Act
To require FEMA to develop a plan, and identify the necessary funding for purchase and installation of an earthquake early warning system for the Cascadia Subduction Zone
Sponsor: Rep. Peter DeFazio [D, OR]
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H.R. 1117: To require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to submit a report regarding certain plans regarding assistance to applicants and grantees during the response to an emergency or disaster
Sponsor: Rep. Vicky Hartzler [R, MO]
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H.R. 1214: Disaster SAVE Act
To increase the disaster assistance threshold to $500,000 for grants to clear debris and repair and rebuild facilities
Sponsor: Rep. Lou Barletta [R, PA]
Please keep in mind that highlighting specific legislation does not imply POPVOX endorsement in any way. As always, our goal is to offer one more way to help you stay informed about the complex U.S. legislative system.
