Highlights from the Week
1. On January 10, 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill “Establishing the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.” This bill, passed by a vote of 365–65, creates a committee that will focus on competition with China, investigate the issue, and make policy recommendations. Click here to read more about the bill, including the vote breakdown and bill text. Additionally, click here to read a statement from Representative Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, and here for a statement from Representative Gerry Connolly of Virginia.
2. On January 11, 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Passed by a vote of 220–210, this bill establishes requirements for the degree of care a healthcare practitioner must provide in the case of premature birth following an abortion or an attempted abortion. This bill has been brought up in previous congresses as well, passing by similar vote-margins. It will now advance to the U.S. Senate. Click here to read the bill text and vote breakdown, here for a statement from House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana, and here for a statement from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.
3. On January 12, 2023, the House passed the Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act. This bill, which passed by a margin of 331–97, prohibits the sale and export of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, or SPR, to China. It will now move to the Senate for consideration. Click here to read more about the bill and the vote breakdown, here to read a statement from Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington State, and here for a statement from Kathy Castor of Florida.
Elections
By the Elections Research team: Nick, Zachary, Courtney, Seth, and Caleb
Biographies:
Want to learn more about officials who have been sworn in at the federal level? You can see the full list of officials here:
Want to learn more about officials who have been sworn in at the state level? You can see the full list of officials here:
Gubernatorial:
Statewide:
State Legislative:
State Judicial:
Officials
By the Officials Research team: Noah, Johanan, Neal, Thomas, Bibi, Craig, and Israel
Public Statements: 359 statements were added this week. See highlights from the week for notable statements.
Key Votes:
States: 23 new votes were added.
Illinois’ House passed SB 2226 which seeks to prohibit the sale, manufacture, delivery, and purchase of assault weapons in the state of Illinois. Click here to view the full bill text.
Mississippi’s House passed HB 1418 which seeks to establish the Second Amendment Preservation Act. This bill seeks to exempt any law related to firearms, components, ammunition, and firearm supplies from any local ordinance or regulation from a political subdivision or municipality if it infringes on federal firearm rights to law abiding citizens.
Ohio passed SB 16 which was then signed into law by the governor. The bill seeks to amend various criminal justice policies. The amendments include: increased penalties for assault or menacing when the victim is a first responder, gave local governments explicit authorities when dealing with a riot or mob, and prohibited any limitations on firearm rights due to state of emergency.
Federal Legislation: 4 new votes
HR 22 - Protecting America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act
Special Interest Groups:
This year to date, the SIGS team has entered 3 ratings and 182 endorsements for candidates.