June 13
This week in MORE POWER:
Cuts and Consequences
Protecting Homebuyers
Halting Fentanyl
Control Over the Capital
Cuts and Consequences
The House narrowly passed the Rescissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4), a GOP-backed bill that would claw back $9.4 billion in previously approved federal funds, including $8.3 billion in foreign aid and $1.1 billion for public broadcasting (PBS and NPR). The bill formalizes cuts first proposed under the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and will become law if the Senate acts by July 18. Supporters say it's a necessary step to rein in wasteful spending. Opponents argue it threatens global health programs like the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and strips vital news and education access from rural communities.
Protecting Homebuyers
The Senate unanimously passed the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (S. 1467), which aims to end the resale of “trigger leads”—credit inquiries that trigger a flood of unsolicited loan offers to mortgage applicants. The bill would restrict credit agencies from selling this data unless the requester is the borrower’s current lender, servicer, or has express consent. Advocates say it protects homebuyers from spam, misleading pitches during an already stressful process. Critics warn it could limit competition by making it harder for legitimate lenders to reach new customers. A House companion bill is already in committee and could move quickly.
Halting Fentanyl
The House passed the HALT Fentanyl Act (S. 331), which permanently classifies all fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. The bill passed the Senate in March. It keeps mandatory minimum sentences in place for trafficking while also streamlining the approval process for medical researchers studying fentanyl. Supporters say it’s a long-overdue tool to help law enforcement fight the opioid crisis and close loopholes exploited by drug cartels. Opponents warn the legislation could worsen over-incarceration and fails to invest in prevention or treatment. It now heads to the President’s desk for signature.
Control Over the Capital
The House passed three bills targeting D.C. home rule, including H.R. 884, which would repeal the District’s law allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections. H.R. 2056, the District of Columbia Federal Immigration Compliance Act, would overturn D.C.’s sanctuary city protections by requiring local law enforcement to comply with federal immigration detainers. H.R. 2096, Protecting Our Nation’s Capital Emergency Act, would block a D.C. law that limits when officers can be disciplined for misconduct, effectively expanding protections for police. Supporters say Congress has a constitutional duty to intervene when local laws jeopardize public safety or national integrity. Opponents argue the effort is a politically motivated assault on D.C.’s autonomy and the will of its residents.
Bills Congress Passed
H.R. 2966, American Entrepreneurs First Act of 2025
H.R. 248, Baby Changing on Board Act
H.R. 252, Secure Our Ports Act of 2025
H.R. 1182, Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety and Oversight Improvements Act of 2025
H.R. 1373, Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act of 2025
H.R. 1948, To authorize the International Boundary and Water Commission to accept funds for activities relating to wastewater treatment and flood control works, and for other purposes.
H.R. 2035, American Cargo for American Ships Act
H.R. 2351, To direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to update the policy of the Coast Guard regarding the use of medication to treat drug overdose, and for other purposes.
H.R. 2390, Maritime Supply Chain Security Act
H.R. 884, To prohibit individuals who are not citizens of the United States from voting in elections in the District of Columbia and to repeal the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022.
H.R. 2096, Protecting Our Nation’s Capital Emergency Act
H.R.4, Rescissions Act of 2025
H.R. 2056, District of Columbia Federal Immigration Compliance Act of 2025
