January 10, 2020

Weekly Wrap Up

Week 2 (January 10)

Congress is back at work this week for the start of the second session of the 116th Congress. In 2019 the House passed more than 275 bipartisan bills that directly address the needs and priorities of working families. 

This week on the House floor, my colleagues and I passed legislation to protect our national security by reiterating that only Congress can declare war under the Constitution. The President’s unilateral action against Iran was put our country at greater risk. 

This Week’s Votes

This week, House Democrats passed: 

  • H. Con. Res. 83 – Directs the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran pursuant to the War Powers Act. 

    • Reiterates that only Congress can declare war.

    • Makes clear that Congress has not authorized the use of military force against Iran.

    • Directs the President to terminate the use of the United States military in hostilities against Iran unless Congress authorizes military action or if it is necessary to defend against an imminent armed attack on the United States or our armed forces.

    • Reaffirms the limits imposed on the President under the War Powers Resolution of 1973.

  • H.R. 535 – the PFAS Action Act of 2019 – comprehensive legislation to regulate PFAS chemicals, clean up contamination, and protect public health. 

    • Provides protections for impacted communities in need quickly and for the long term.

    • Stems the flow of PFAS contamination into the environment by requiring cleanup sites contaminate with PFOA and PFOS.

    • Sets air emission limits and holds polluters accountable.

    • Prohibits unsafe incineration of PFAS and limits the introduction of new PFAS chemicals into commerce.

    • Identifies health risk by requiring comprehensive health testing for all PFAS.

    • Seeks to limit human exposure to PFAS by requiring a drinking water standard for PFAS that protects public health—including vulnerable subpopulations such as pregnant women, infants, and children and provides guidance for first responders to limit their exposures. 

    • Provides grants to impacted water systems and creates a voluntary label for PFAS free cookware.

Catch Us In The News

What We’re Reading

Looking Ahead

Congress is in session next week. Congressman Correa will be participating in a House Homeland Security hearing to investigate how tensions between Iran and the United States affect domestic security.