May 2

Written By DSEANTE PARKS

This week in MORE POWER:

Protecting Privacy Online

Truth in Travel Pricing

Ticket Fee Transparency

Budget Decision to Revision

Flipping the Table on Climate

Protecting Privacy Online

On Monday, The House and Senate passed a bill that would make it illegal to share or threaten to share private, sexually explicit images or videos of someone without their consent, including “deepfakes” created with artificial intelligence. The Take It Down Act, S. 146, targets both real and AI-generated images, prioritizes the protection of minors, and enforces criminal penalties such as fines and prison time. It would also require major online platforms that host user content to create a clear removal process and delete reported material within 48 hours. The legislation now heads to President Donald Trump for his signature.

Truth in Travel Pricing

The House also passed H.R. 1479, The Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025, on Monday. The bill requires hotels, short-term rentals and third-party booking sites to clearly show the full price of a stay upfront, including all mandatory fees. It aims to stop deceptive pricing by making sure consumers see the total cost, not just the base rate, from the moment they view a listing to checkout. It also requires providers to disclose any government-imposed taxes or fees before the final purchase. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state officials would enforce the law to protect travelers from hidden charges. The bill now heads to the Senate.

Ticket Fee Transparency

Planning to attend a concert this year? The House passed a bill Tuesday that would end hidden event ticket fees. H.R. 1402, The TICKET Act, requires ticket sellers to show the full price of event tickets, including all fees, upfront. The bill targets both primary and secondary sellers, forcing them to break down charges such as service and processing fees before checkout. It also bans resellers from listing tickets they do not actually have unless they clearly state they are only offering a service to try to get a ticket. Sellers must display honest prices in ads and on websites, and they must offer full refunds if events are canceled or postponed. The bill heads to the Senate next for consideration.

Budget Decision to Revision

Congress is expected to consider a rescissions bill, legislation that cancels federal funding already approved and signed into law. Earlier this week, President Trump formally requested $9.3 billion in rescissions, freezing those funds for up to 45 days while Congress decides whether to approve the cuts. If Congress agrees, the funding would be permanently revoked; if not, the money must be spent immediately after the 45-day window expires. This process falls under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which bars presidents from withholding appropriated funds unless Congress consents. The bill requires only a simple majority in both chambers, so it could pass without Democratic support and can’t be blocked by a Senate filibuster. The Trump administration has already cut agency staff, withheld grants and reorganized programs without congressional approval, moves that have triggered lawsuits and raised constitutional concerns. If Congress approves the rescission package, it could set a precedent for future administrations to reverse budget deals, potentially weakening Congress’s control over federal spending.

Flipping the Table on Climate

This week The House agreed to H.Res. 354, which allows representatives to debate and vote on five separate joint resolutions (H.J. Res. 60, 78, 87, 88 and 89) that aim to overturn specific Biden-era regulations. These efforts are part of a broader Republican push to undo environmental and public land policies enacted under President Biden.

  • H.J. Res. 60, would reopen off-road vehicle access in the Glen Canyon National Recreation area where such use was restricted.

  • H.J. Res. 78, would remove endangered species protections from the longfin smelt, a small fish native to California's Bay-Delta.

  • H.J. Res. 87, seeks to block California’s requirement for trucking companies to switch from diesel to electric vehicles.

  • H.J. Res. 88, seeks to prevent California from being able to ban the sale of gas cars in favor of electric vehicles.

  • H.J. Res. 89, aims to stop California from enforcing stricter engine pollution standards than those set by the federal government.

Bills Congress Passed

S.146, TAKE IT DOWN Act

What The President Signed Into Law

Nothing.

You made it through another weekly update! Thanks for letting us in 😉

DSEANTE PARKS
Next

April 25