April 4
This week in MORE POWER:
Moms Prevail after Congress Time Out
Record-Breaking Speech
The Constitution at Your Fingertips
Deadline Relief in Crisis
Stopping Stolen Checks
Moms Prevail after Congress Time Out
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) temporarily halted House business this week because he was upset about a vote that would allow new parents serving in Congress to designate a proxy voter, allowing another member of Congress to vote on their behalf, for 12 weeks. On Tuesday, Representatives Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) and Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.) teamed up to push for the resolution. They argued that their constituents deserve representation even when their representative becomes a new parent. Some lawmakers, including Speaker Johnson, opposed the idea, arguing that proxy voting undermines the institution and could lead to widespread use, which they view as unconstitutional. After refusing to put the bill on the floor, Johnson took the unusual step of designing a special rule to prevent a vote, but nine Republicans voted alongside Democrats to block it. Luna said of the resolution’s passing, “It’s showing that the body has decided that parents deserve a voice in Washington, and also to the importance of female members having a vote.”
Record-Breaking Speech
The House wasn’t the only branch stalled this week. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) delivered a 25-hour, 5-minute speech on the Senate floor, starting Monday evening, breaking Former Senator Strom Thurmond's record for the longest congressional speech in history. Booker criticized the Trump administration’s policies on issues like education, immigration, and civil rights, particularly honoring the legacy of John Lewis. Booker reported that he faced physical challenges, such as dehydration and muscle cramps. Booker’s effort, which drew significant attention from Democrats and across social media, marked a stark contrast to Thurmond’s, whose speech argued against civil rights for Black people. Booker acknowledged the symbolic weight of breaking Thurmond's record, saying it felt right for a Black senator to surpass one who opposed civil rights. While his speech did not slow Trump’s agenda, as it did not stall any votes, Booker framed the moment as part of a larger movement for action against the administration's policies. Booker said, “This is a pivotal moment for new leaders in the country to emerge. I'm not talking about senators. I'm talking about citizens.”
The Constitution at Your Fingertips
Before the drama started, on Monday, the House passed a bill that aims to bring the U.S. Constitution and its key supplements into the digital age so that it is more accessible to the public. Instead of producing printed copies, H.R. 1234 would direct the Library of Congress to create digital versions of the Annotated Constitution, making them more cost-effective and widely accessible. This new rule would take effect after the Supreme Court term beginning in October 2025 and would apply to all future editions. It’s now with the Senate.
Deadline Relief in Crisis
The House passed a bill on Tuesday to increase flexibility when disasters disrupt people's lives. H.R. 1491, The Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act, is designed to make sure that the IRS treats any tax return deadline postponement as an official extension when the federal government declares a disaster. If this bill becomes law, it would give people more time to file their tax returns and claim refunds, even if they missed the original deadline due to a disaster. This bill also seeks to verify that the IRS adjusts notices to reflect these new deadlines. This bill is headed to the Senate next for consideration.
Stopping Stolen Checks
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) introduced H.R.1155, The Recovery of Stolen Checks Act, in February in response to the dramatic rise in stolen tax refund checks. On Monday, The House passed this bill to require the IRS to create a process for taxpayers to request a replacement check via direct deposit rather than through the mail. Supporters of the bill say that providing taxpayers with the option to use direct deposit for a replacement check ensures the replacement check is not stolen again. This bill complements a March executive order from President Trump phasing out the distribution of paper checks as a means of fighting waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government. This bill is now with the Senate.
Bills Congress Passed
Nothing.
Nothing.
What The President Signed Into Law
Nothing.
