News Summary
The House of Representatives advanced significant legislative measures, focusing on veterans’ healthcare, property protections for servicemembers, and criminal justice reforms. Key bills include H.R. 1107, which enhances veterans’ access to telemedicine, and H.R. 5140, lowering the age for juveniles charged with violent felonies to be tried as adults. Additionally, the House addressed various public policy reforms, including energy infrastructure and the reestablishment of the National Coal Council.
Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives passed a series of significant legislative measures during the week ending September 19, including vital legislation for veterans and reforms for the District of Columbia.
This week’s legislative agenda featured H.R. 3426, which aims to limit the construction of new courthouses under specific circumstances. In an effort to enhance healthcare access for veterans, the House approved H.R. 1107, permitting certain healthcare professionals at the Veterans Affairs Department to prescribe controlled medications via telemedicine.
Additionally, the House passed H.R. 2334, which protects servicemembers from state squatter laws affecting their property while they are on military service. Another critical measure, H.R. 3854, directs the Veterans Affairs Department to broaden its use of automation tools for processing claims, improving efficiency for veterans’ benefits.
In another notable action, H.R. 3400 designates VA physicians as temporary traveling workers to deliver care in U.S. territories, while H.R. 2721 establishes a pilot program for burial markers at national cemeteries for veterans who died between December 1941 and November 1990.
The House also tackled various reforms in criminal justice. Notably, H.R. 5140 lowers the age for juveniles charged with violent felonies to be tried as adults to 14 years, alongside the passage of H.R. 5143, which ends restrictions on police chases by D.C. officers.
Other significant bills included H.R. 3062, which establishes procedures for cross-border energy infrastructure projects with Canada and Mexico, and H.R. 3015, which reestablishes the National Coal Council as a permanent advisory committee. Additionally, H.R. 1047 requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to rule on requests for connecting dispatchable power resources to the grid.
The House also tabled a motion regarding H.J. Res. 117, aimed at ending tariffs on Brazilian goods imposed during former President Trump’s administration, with a vote split of 200 yeas to 198 nays. A resolution to censure Representative Ilhan Omar, which would have removed her from two committees, also faced the same fate after a close vote tally of 214 yeas to 213 nays.
Meanwhile, the Senate took its own actions, passing S. Res. 403, which designates October 14, 2025, as a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, and confirming Stephen Miran to the Federal Reserve board. The Senate also rejected a motion regarding S.J. Res. 60, intended to nullify an Environmental Protection Agency rule that increases nitrogen oxide emissions from Indiana power plants.
In an incident that drew attention, Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington missed the voting deadline for a government funding resolution. She stated her opposition to a government shutdown due to potential impacts on healthcare and food affordability. Republicans criticized her for her absence during crucial votes, suggesting it reflected a lack of commitment to her responsibilities.
Lastly, the House adopted a resolution honoring Charlie Kirk’s life. While this measure received mixed responses from Democrats, with some members voting “present” and others opposing it entirely, it underscores the ongoing debates and divisions within Congress regarding legislative direction.
As legislative sessions continue, the outcomes of these votes and measures will have implications for veterans, criminal justice reform, and public policy across a range of issues.
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- Washington State Standard
- Google Search: voting absentee government shutdown
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Government shutdown
- Washington Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law enforcement
- Politico
- Google Scholar: legislative measures
- Reuters
- Google News: Charlie Kirk resolution
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