Congress at Work: Obamacare, United Nations, Conflicts of Interest, Electoral College and Priority for Energy & Manufacturing Distribution Job Training

The Congress at Work series of articles is designed to give you a glimpse of various types of legislation currently under consideration. While either the Senate or the House of Representatives may initiate a bill proposal, be aware that many bills never become law; they may never make it out of committee, be blocked by a Senate filibuster, delayed, lack enough votes, never be agreed upon by the two houses, or vetoed by the president. 

Obamacare Repeal Act (H.R. 175) – This bill to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 was introduced by Rep. Steve King (R-IA). It was referred to committee on Jan. 3.

A bill to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (S. 106) – This Senate version of a bill to repeal Obamacare was introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) with no available text. It was referred to committee on Jan. 12.

American Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2017 (H.R. 193) – This bill was introduced on Jan. 3 by Rep. Mike Rogers (D-AL) to end the United States’ membership in the United Nations.

Presidential Conflicts of Interest Act of 2017 (S. ) – Introduced by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), this bill is intended to address financial conflicts of interest of the President and Vice President. It was assigned to a congressional committee on Jan. 9 for consideration before possible submission to the House or Senate.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish the Electoral College and to provide for the direct election of the President and Vice President of the United States. (H.J. Res. 19) – This bill was introduced by Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) on Jan. 5 and immediately assigned to committee. The bill would empower people’s votes to determine the President and Vice President of the United States.

To promote a 21st century energy and manufacturing and distribution workforce (H.R. 338) – Introduced on Jan. 5 by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), this bill proposes prioritizing grant programs for education and training for energy and manufacturing and distribution related jobs. The bill is designed to increase the number of skilled workers trained in certain fields, including pipeline, coal, oil and gas, renewable, nuclear, and chemical manufacturing and distribution industries. The bill outlines prioritization goals, but no new funding is required. It was assigned to a congressional committee for consideration before possible submission to the House or Senate.