July 27

The House adjourned for its summer district work period on Thursday, July 23. The Senate will continue working for another two weeks.

This week in MORE POWER:

Wolf of Capitol Hill
Spending Games
Armed and Amended
Breaking Barriers
Pill Prices & Patents

Wolf of Capitol Hill

The House passed H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act, a bill that would prohibit members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from buying or selling individual stocks while in office. Lawmakers could instead invest in diversified mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), Treasury securities, or similar broad-based investments. Supporters argue the measure would reduce conflicts of interest and restore public trust by ensuring lawmakers can't financially benefit from the information they learn through their positions. Opponents contend the House version goes beyond a simple stock-trading ban by adding unrelated election provisions, making the legislation more politically contentious. The bill now heads to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain.

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Spending Games

The House passed H.R. 9770, a continuing appropriations bill that would temporarily fund the federal government through early December while Congress continues negotiating next year's budget. Continuing resolutions generally keep government agencies operating at current funding levels rather than creating new spending priorities. Supporters say the measure prevents a costly government shutdown and gives lawmakers more time to negotiate a full-year funding package. Critics argue relying on short-term funding delays difficult budget decisions and creates uncertainty for federal agencies, contractors, and grant recipients. Now it's in the hands of the Senate.

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Armed and Amended

The House approved H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Congress's annual bill establishing defense policies and authorizing military programs for Fiscal Year 2027. While the NDAA sets priorities for the Department of Defense, it does not actually provide funding—that comes through separate appropriations bills. This year's House bill authorizes roughly $1.15 trillion in defense activities, including military personnel, weapons procurement, research and development, and military operations. It also includes a pay raise for service members, expands cooperation with Israel, and contains several controversial policy provisions added during House debate, including election-related language that had previously been considered separately. Supporters say the legislation strengthens military readiness, updates national security policy, and ensures the armed forces have the authorities they need to respond to emerging threats. Opponents have raised concerns about the overall cost of the measure and object to several policy provisions they argue are unrelated to national defense. The Senate is expected to consider its own version before the two chambers negotiate a final bill.

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Breaking Barriers

The House passed H.R. 8884, the Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act, which would make it easier for certain Social Security disability beneficiaries to work without immediately losing their benefits. The bill is designed to update work incentive rules so people with disabilities can pursue employment while maintaining greater financial stability. Supporters argue the current system discourages many beneficiaries from accepting jobs because earning too much can jeopardize the benefits they rely on. Opponents question whether the changes could increase program costs or require additional safeguards to prevent unintended consequences. The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.

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Pill Prices & Patents

The Senate passed S. 1041, the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act, legislation intended to curb practices that supporters say allow some brand-name drug manufacturers to delay lower-cost generic medications from reaching the market. The bill would target certain patent strategies that can extend market exclusivity and postpone competition, with the goal of lowering prescription drug costs over time. Supporters argue increased generic competition would reduce prices for consumers and save taxpayers billions of dollars. Opponents caution that limiting patent protections could reduce incentives for pharmaceutical companies to invest in developing new medicines. The bill now awaits action in the House.

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