A Sneak Peek at the Week Ahead in Congress

Congress has a busy final week of September on tap next week, with possible votes on a Republican healthcare reform proposal looming in addition to its typical weekly workload. Here’s a look at four of the bills your reps may vote on:

Graham-Cassidy Healthcare Reform

While Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has said he intends to bring this legislation to the floor as an amendment to the House-passed American Health Care Act, it’s not clear he’ll have the votes to do so. Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and John McCain (R-AZ) have said they would oppose the amendment, while other Republicans such as Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have stopped short of endorsing it. The GOP can only afford two "no" votes from its senators, otherwise Republicans will be faced with the bill’s failure barring any surprise support from Democrats.

The proposal would repeal significant portions of Obamacare, such as the individual and employer mandates, and replace its premium support and cost-sharing reduction payments with a system of block grants to states, which would use the funds to help people obtain health insurance. Congress has until September 30 to pass healthcare reform legislation using the reconciliation process, any votes later than that will require a challenging 60-vote threshold.

Control Unlawful Fugitive Felons Act

This bill from Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) is slated to get a vote Wednesday or Thursday in the House. It would prohibit the payment of Social Security disability or retirement benefits to individuals with outstanding warrants for felonies or related parole violations.

Increasing Opportunity and Success for Children and Parents Through Evidence-Based Home Visiting Act

The House is expected to begin consideration of Rep. Adrian Smith’s (R-NE) bill to extend funding for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program on Tuesday. The program is set to expire at the end of the month, and aims to give pregnant women and families — especially those considered at-risk — resources and skills to raise children who are physically, socially, and emotionally healthy and ready to learn.

Women, Peace, and Security Act

This bill from Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) would require the president to provide Congress with a measurable strategy to improve the participation of women in peace and security processes, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding activities. The Senate already passed this bill on a voice vote and the House passed its companion sponsored by Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) in June on a voice vote of its own, so this bill will likely head to President Donald Trump’s desk on Monday.

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— Eric Revell

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