Monday, June 10th, 2024
Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies: The House passed H.R.8580, which would provide the Veterans Affairs Department, military construction projects, and related agencies $147.5 billion in discretionary funding for fiscal 2025. Total funding for fiscal 2025, including mandatory amounts for veteran’s benefits, would be $378.6 billion. The measure includes policy provisions that would bar funds to provide abortions, services for individuals living in the US illegally, and gender-affirming care. It also would block diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and prohibit LGBTQ+ Pride flags from being flown at VA facilities. The bill would continue language barring the VA from sending a veteran’s name to the firearm background check system without a court order.
Right to Access Contraception: The Senate voted to not move forward on S.4381 (51-39), which fell short of the 60 votes needed. The bill aims to codify the right to access contraception. The bill would guarantee the legal right for individuals to get and use contraception and for health care providers to provide contraception, information, referrals, and services related to contraception. It would apply to hormonal birth control pills, the “morning after” pill, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and other methods. It would also prohibit the federal government and any state from administering or enforcing any law, rule or regulation to prohibit or restrict the sale, or use of contraception.
Sanction International Criminal Court: The House passed H.R.8282 (247-155), which requires the president to impose sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) officials and others involved with bringing ICC indictments against certain "protected" persons, including Israeli and U.S. officials. Under the measure, sanctions could include the denial or revocation of visas to enter the United States, asset freezes on property in the United States, and restrictions on transactions in financial, securities and currency markets. Protected persons include U.S. persons (explicitly including current and former members of the U.S. military and elected and appointed U.S. officials), as well as citizens of U.S. allies who are not party to the ICC (such as Israeli officials).
The bill is a response to the ICC in late May filing arrest warrants for leaders of Hamas and Israel, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for war crimes. The United States, Israel and some other nations have condemned the ICC's action as being unfair and biased against Israel. The Biden administration has criticized the ICC's actions, but has expressed opposition to imposing sanctions against ICC officials.
Contributions of the Jewish American Community: The House passed H.Res.1215, which calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society leaders to condemn and counter antisemitism. The resolution also (1) urges that all possible steps be taken to ensure the safety and security of Jewish American communities, and (2) calls on the Executive Branch and civic leaders to identify and educate the public on the contributions of the Jewish American community.
