WEEKLY UPDATE: The Week Ahead in Congress (Jun 12-16, 2017)

The big action this week will be on the appropriations process, which kicks off Monday, and again on Russia hearings in the Senate (AG Sessions set to testify on Tuesday).

The House will vote on several bills to accelerate permitting for energy projects, a bill to standardize medical malpractice statutes of limitation for services or procedures financed by federal funds.

The Senate will continue work on the Iran sanctions bill.

In the Senate: Iran Sanctions

Last week, the Senate voted 92-7 to end debate on a bill to impose new sanctions on Iran. It will continue working on the bill this week.

Some Senators continue to work on a possible amendment that would include sanctions on Russia in the bill.

S. 722 Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017

Sponsor:
Sen Bob Corker [R, TN]

In the House: Health Care changes

This week the House will vote on "part of the third phase of [the GOP's] overhaul strategy."
 

The American Health Care Act (AHCA) that the House passed in May was meant to be one of three phases of the effort because of limitations Republicans face in moving the measure through the budget reconciliation process. That process has prevented Republicans from advancing policies they typically all agree on, like allowing insurers to sell across state lines, GOP leaders have argued. – Roll Call

H.R. 1215 Protecting Access to Care Act of 2017
H.R. 1215 would impose limits on medical malpractice litigation in state and federal courts by capping awards and attorney fees, modifying the statute of limitations, and eliminating joint and several liability.

Sponsor: Rep Steve King [R, IA-4]

In the House: Veteran's Health

H.R. 2372 VETERAN Act Veterans Equal Treatment Ensures Relief and Access Now Act
The bill would codify regulations that allow veterans who are eligible for, but do not elect to be covered by, certain Veterans Affairs health programs to qualify for premium assistance tax credits.

Sponsor: Rep Sam Johnson [R, TX-3]

S. 1094 Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017
The bill would modify administrative and personnel procedures of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and reorganize the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection. 

Sponsor: Sen Marco Rubio [R, FL]

In the House: Energy Infrastructure

H.R. 338 To promote a 21st century energy and manufacturing workforce
This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE), in awarding grants, to prioritize education and training for energy and manufacturing jobs, including by encouraging state and local education agencies to equip students for those jobs and strengthening DOE programs and labs carrying out workforce development initiatives.

Sponsor: Rep Bobby Rush [D, IL-1]

H.R. 1109 To amend section 203 of the Federal Power Act.
This bill amends the Federal Power Act with respect to the prohibition regarding mergers or consolidations by a public utility. Any merger or consolidation of a public utility whose value exceeds $10 million must first be authorized by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Sponsor: Rep Tim Walberg [R, MI-7]

H.R. 951 To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project.

Sponsor: Rep Virginia Foxx [R, NC-5]

H.R. 2122 To reinstate and extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project involving Jennings Randolph Dam.

Sponsor: Rep David McKinley [R, WV-1]

H.R. 2457 J. Bennett Johnston Waterway Hydropower Extension Act of 2017

Sponsor: Rep Mike Johnson [R, LA-4]

H.R. 447 To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project.

Sponsor: Rep H. Morgan Griffith [R, VA-9]

H.R. 446 To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project.

Sponsor: Rep H. Morgan Griffith [R, VA-9]

H.R. 2292 To extend a project of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission involving the Cannonsville Dam.

Sponsor: Rep John Faso [R, NY-19]

H.R. 627 Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2017

Sponsor: Rep Matthew Cartwright [D, PA-17]

H.R. 2274 HYPE Act HYdropower Permit Extension Act

Sponsor: Rep Scott Peters [D, CA-52]