MORE POWER for Oct. 21st
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 21, 2022
This week in MORE POWER:
Medicare, Social Security & the debt ceiling
Immigration reform
Congress investigates Jackson's water crisis
Student loan debt forgiveness application
Upcoming voter registration deadlines
Check your 1000 MORE engagement score
Crowdfund advocacy
Get answers to an FAQ
HAPPENINGS ON THE HILL
The Debt Ceiling, Medicare, & Social Security
The debt ceiling, or limit, is the maximum amount of money that the U.S. government can borrow to pay all outstanding debts from the past. The country’s current debt limit is set just under $31.4 trillion. The House Budget Committee expects the government to hit the debt ceiling in early 2023. With the ceiling looming, discussions in Congress on how to handle it are heating up.
Both parties agree that approving an increase to the debt ceiling is necessary so that the country does not default on its loans, but they disagree on what reaching the debt limit means for spending on other policies.
Republicans on the Hill argue that because we’ve reached the debt ceiling, we must reconsider spending. Key Budget Committee Republicans have reported they would cut funding for entitlement programs like Medicare and Social Security. However, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-CA is rejecting that position and reaffirming the GOP's statement from their midterm “Commitment to America” policy platform: that they will strengthen Medicare and Social Security.
Democrats on the Hill argue that the debt ceiling only limits the government’s ability to pay existing debts; because the ceiling does not set a funding agenda, it is improper to use it as a justification to cut future program spending.
Let your representatives know what you think about the debt ceiling and how you think they should move forward.
Is Immigration Reform Coming?
On October 5th, the the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program violates U.S. immigration law. This decision leaves over 600,000 DACA recipients in legal limbo and has renewed calls for Congress to pass legislation to protect the program.
The American Dream and Promise Act is one solution in Congress that addresses the uncertain immigration status of DACA recipients. This bill will cancel and prohibit the “deferred” removal proceedings hanging over DACA recipients and will provide them with a pathway to citizenship. The bill has passed the House twice since 2019 but has not made it out of the Senate.
If the Senate does not pass this bill during their lame duck session, the new Congress we elect in the upcoming midterms will need to reintroduce it. Activists and corporations for the bill are pushing to pass it this term, as they anticipate a divided government in Congress' next term means the bill won't pass.
Eyes on Mississippi
On Monday, two congressional committees began an investigation into how Mississippi is spending federal funds. The committees want to know which communities are receiving funds for their water infrastructure and the demographics of those communities.
Why? The state’s capitol, Jackson, is predominantly Black. For decades, the city has not provided its residents with consistent, safe drinking water. Severe storms in August caused the city’s main water treatment plant to fail and left thousands of residents without running water.
In Congress, Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS) initiated the investigation on behalf of the Homeland Security Committee and the Oversight and Reform Committee. Separately, the NAACP and the EPA’s Office of Inspector General have started their own investigations into the water crisis as well.
Want to see more done at the federal level to fix this ongoing crisis?
Student Loan Forgiveness Application
The federal student loan forgiveness application is live!
Last week, the US Department of Education opened applications for the new student loan forgiveness program. Families that made less than $250,000 in 2021 or 2020 and individuals that made less than $125,000 in those years are eligible to have $10,000-20,000 of their student loans forgiven.
Due to pending litigation, the application is technically still in “beta", but applications submitted now will rollover when the program is officially live.
Applications can be submitted until December 31, 2023.
Voter Registration Updates and Deadlines
Only 18 days until election day! We’re back to remind you which states have voter registration deadlines coming up.
October 23
Illinois
October 24
Alabama, Pennsylvania, South Dakota
October 28
Nebraska
Stay tuned for next week’s deadlines when you get MORE POWER on 10/28.
GET FAMILIAR WITH OUR FEATURES
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Your 1000 MORE Engagement Score
You said you wanted a gaming element and we delivered! Once you have an account, you can check your engagement score in your profile.
Set a goal to beat your personal best or have a friendly competition with your people. We encourage community and accountability around here ;)
No, no, no. We didn't say take change. It's MAKE change.
Crowdfunding for or against American Dream & Promise Act
Last year, the House passed the American Dream & Promise Act, which would codify protections for Dreamers in law. The bill has yet to be called to a vote in the Senate.
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
You're using 1000 MORE. You got this.
What Congress passed this week
Nothing. Because they're at recess.
What the President signed into law this week
H.R. 4693 - Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act
S. 169 - Artistic Recognition for Talented Students Act
S. 442 - Bulb Replacement Improving Government with
High-efficiency Technology Act
S. 516 - Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act
S. 958 - Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment for (MOBILE) Health Care Act
S. 1198 - Solid Start Act
S. 2551 - Artificial Intelligence Training for the
Acquisition Workforce Act
S. 2794 - Supporting Families of the Fallen Act
S. 3157 - Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act
S. 3470 - End Human Trafficking in Government Contracts Act
S. 4205 - Planning for Animal Wellness (PAW) Act
S. 4791 - establishes a ten-year term for the appointment of the Director of the Government Publishing Office
What Congress can vote on when they return next month
A lot! You can use the topics on the home page to find what's important to you, and then read through our short summaries on the bills you care about.
YOUR WEEKLY FAQ
Q: Do you have to be a citizen to use 1000 MORE?
A: No! We encourage all community members who live in the states or a territory to use the app to stay informed about bills that impact their lives and engage in civic action.
We all pay taxes and one thing we agree with the Founding Fathers on is no taxation without representation! Everyone who lives here is important to our communities thriving, so let's work together to make this a better place.
