🇺🇸 NEW CONGRESS. NEW FUNDING. NEW REFORMS.
The 119th U.S. Congress, which began on January 3, 2025, has already passed major funding bills and disaster aid measures, tackled emergency loan programs, and advanced key legislative reforms—all before the August recess.
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🧾 FUNDING SPOTLIGHT
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✅ Full-Year Government Funding (H.R. 1968)
Passed in March, this bill prevented a shutdown and funded the government through September 30, 2025.
💵 FEMA Disaster Relief Fund
• $29B allocated for natural disaster recovery
• $10B in supplemental funding approved in July
🏢 SBA EIDL Program
• $5B injected to reopen Economic Injury Disaster Loan program
• Supports small businesses affected by storms, floods, and fires
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🏛️ SENATE HIGHLIGHTS
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🟦 SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act
Modernizes asset limits for SSI recipients.
🟦 FISA Reauthorization
Extends surveillance powers with added oversight.
🟦 No CORRUPTION Act
Strips convicted members of Congress of pensions.
🟦 DLARA (S. 300)
Increases transparency and reporting for SBA disaster loans.
🟦 Fire Grants & Safety Act
Funds firefighter training and equipment nationwide.
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🏛️ HOUSE HIGHLIGHTS
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🟥 H.R. 2670 – NDAA FY2024
Funds military, cybersecurity, and defense R&D.
🟥 H.R. 1513 – FUTURE Networks Act
Invests in 6G infrastructure and tech leadership.
🟥 H.R. 9468 – Supplemental Appropriations
Covers urgent needs for disaster recovery.
🟥 H.R. 6090 – Combating Antisemitism Act
Applies international definitions to federal policy.
🟥 H.R. 2 – Securing U.S. Borders Act
Expands enforcement, surveillance, and patrol funding.
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🌊 FEMA IN THE HOT SEAT
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⚠️ July Floods in Texas
• 24 deaths and widespread damage
• FEMA grants denied in KY and MD sparked backlash
⚖️ 20 States Sue FEMA
Over cancellation of the $3B+ BRIC mitigation program
📜 FEMA Act of 2025 (in progress)
• Proposes restoring FEMA’s Cabinet-level status
• Seeks to streamline disaster response and recovery
• Adds state coordination authority
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🔮 LOOKING AHEAD
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✔️ Appropriations bills for FY2026
✔️ DLARA and FEMA Act legislative progress
✔️ Resolution of FEMA lawsuits and BRIC program fallout
Stay informed. Stay engaged.
Next edition: August 2025