MORE POWER for Oct. 14th
1000 MORE's weekly nonpartisan roundup of the most important happenings in federal government, written in a way that doesn't require a law degree to understand, with tools to take action
October 14, 2022
This week in MORE POWER:
#MeToo anniversary
Mental health legislation
A foreign policy round-up
Upcoming voter registration deadlines
A how-to on giving us feedback
Crowdfund advocacy using our donation feature
Get answers to an FAQ
HAPPENINGS ON THE HILL
Legislation advancing the #MeToo movement
Founded by survivor and activist Tarana Burke in 2006, “me too” began as a grassroots organization for Black women and girls to interrupt sexual violence and abuse. Tomorrow, October 15th, marks the five year anniversary of #MeToo's social media explosion.
As a direct result of the support and advocacy of the “me too” movement, in March the President signed the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act into law. The bill passed with bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress.
Congress is now looking to continue the momentum of “me too” by expanding the legal protections of survivors. Last month, the Senate passed the Speak Out Act, a bill that will limit the power nondisclosure agreements have over victims of sexual abuse. The bill has bipartisan support in the House, but still needs to be called for a vote.
Mental Health Matters
Last week, CNN and the Kaiser Family Foundation released survey results that show 90% of Americans believe the country is experiencing a mental health crisis and 50% of Americans have experienced a mental health crisis in their family.
Congress is currently working on four bills that would provide more mental health resources:
H.R. 8163 - Improving Trauma Systems and Emergency Care Act: This bill would reauthorize the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) trauma care activities through 2027. It also focuses on providing grants for trauma care in rural communities and providing guidance for mental health services to states during a declared emergency. The bill passed the House at the end of September and is waiting for a Senate vote.
H.R. 7790 - Mental Health Matters Act: This bill would create grants to increase school-based mental health programs and to support students with disabilities in higher education. It passed the House in May and is waiting for a Senate vote.
S. 1198 - Solid Start Act: This bill would permanently authorize the Solid Start program, an outreach program for veterans in their first year out of the military. It would require the Department of Defense to be more proactive in encouraging vets to use the department's mental health resources. It passed the House and the Senate last month and just needs the President’s signature.
H.R. 7589 - REMOVE Copays Act: This bill would improve veteran healthcare benefits provided by the Department of Veterans affairs by removing all copays for the first three mental health care visits a year. The bill passed the House in April and is waiting for a Senate vote.
If you want to see these bills progress or more mental health legislation, you can use 1000 MORE to let your representatives know.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call the national suicide and crisis lifeline 24/7 at 988.
Senate Foreign Policy Update
Even though Congress is in recess, the world is still turning. Here are some foreign policy happenings from this past week that we want to update you on:
TikTok to Compete with Amazon Shipping Despite Privacy Concerns. Last month, TikTok and several other large social media platforms were questioned in a Senate hearing on social media's effects on national security. Of primary concern was what TikTok user data, faceprints, and voiceprints the Chinese government can access. Now that the company is looking to expand its US services, we are watching for the Senate's next moves.
Senate Considering a Weapons Trade Ban with Saudi Arabia. As the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair, Sen. Bob Menendez, D-NJ has the power to veto foreign weapons sales. Saudi Arabia recently decided to cut oil production, right as global energy prices are rising due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Political pressure is heating up and Menendez has threatened to use his power to block weapons sales to Saudi Arabia.
The Senate will also be considering the national defense budget over the next two weeks. Stay tuned for more important international policy updates.
While most of our readers know that it is common practice for corporations to hire lobbyists, you may be surprised to learn that there are 180 foreign countries actively lobbying on the Hill too. Last month the Senate passed a new bill called the Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act that would promote transparency of international lobbying. The bill would require lobbyists to disclose that a foreign country supervises their lobbying activities when they register. It is now waiting for a vote in the House.
Voter Registration Updates and Deadlines
The last few months have shown a surge in voter registration, particularly among women voters. People across gender and party lines say the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade has made them more motivated to vote in the 2022 midterm election.
In the first month after Roe was overturned, 70% of new voters registered in Kansas were women. Pennsylvania also saw a notable 60%. Even 1/3 of Republican voters say they are motivated by the Roe decision. Abortion and women’s health are key issues in this election and women from both sides of the aisle are getting ready to vote and make sure their voices are heard – are you?
There are 25 days until Election Day.
Today is your last day to get registered if you plan to vote in New York, North Carolina, or Oklahoma!
And five more states have deadlines next week before your next dose of MORE POWER:
October 18th
Kansas, Louisiana, New Jersey, Oregon, West Virginia
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Crowdfunding for or against Respect for Marriage
Earlier this year we shared that the House passed the Respect for Marriage Act. This bill would ensure same-sex marriages are recognized nationwide. While the bill has support from both parties in the Senate, it has yet to be called to a vote there.
Crowdfunding is a great way to pool small-dollar donations to have a big impact. Use 1000 MORE to donate to an organization advocating for or against the bill.
BILLS ON THE HILL
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What Congress passed this week
Nothing. Because they're at recess.
What the President signed into law this week
S. 1098 - Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act
H.R. 468 - Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act
H.R. 1766 - FTC Collaboration Act
H.R. 5641 - SPEED Recovery Act
H.R. 4877 - One Stop Shop for Small Business Compliance Act
H.R. 7500 - Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act
H.R. 7846 - Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act
H.R. 8982 - Bulk Infant Formula to Retail Shelves Act
What Congress can vote on when they return next month
A lot. Like, a lot a lot. Log in to read through the short summaries of each bill.
YOUR WEEKLY FAQ
Q: Why don’t you have state and local legislation?
A: At 1000 MORE, we know that participation in politics at the state and local level is important and we are working to launch state and local features as soon as possible.
We started with federal legislation so we could reach the largest amount of members.
With federal legislation we cover 535 members of congress and thousands of pieces of legislation each year. When we launch to states, those numbers will multiply by 50.
That is going require a larger team, so the best way to help us launch state and local features sooner, is to use the platform and spread the word!
