February 01, 2020

Weekly Wrap Up

Week 5 (January 31)

This week, the Impeachment Trial of President Trump continues in the Senate. House Managers have laid out a strong case against the President. The Senate must do the right thing and hold a fair trial with witnesses and documents.

On the House Floor this week, Congress passed a comprehensive credit package that would protect consumers from the many flaws with credit reporting. The reforms protect consumers by requiring more transparency, due process, and fairness from credit scoring companies.

Additionally, the House passed two measures to reassert Congress’ constitutional authority on matters of war and prevent the President from using federal funding for any military operation against Iran without Congressional approval.

Lastly, Members of Congress announced plans for a five-year, $760 billion investment in infrastructure that includes roads, bridges, rail, public transit, drinking, and wastewater systems, broadband network expansion, clean energy grids, aviation, brownfields and more. 

This Week’s Votes

This week, House Democrats passed: 

  • H.R. 3621 - Comprehensive CREDIT Act – Overhauls the credit reporting system by empowering consumers with more control of their data and requiring consumer reporting agencies to ensure information on credit reports is accurate and complete.

    • Prohibits current and prospective employers from using credit reports for employment decisions (except where required by law).

    • Gives consumers the right to appeal the results of disputes and mandates that consumers are provided free copies of any documents related to disputed items.

    • Removes adverse credit information relating to defaulted or delinquent private education loans for borrowers who demonstrate timely loan repayments.

    • Shortens the amount of time negative information stays on a credit report from 7 years to 4 years, and 10 years to 7 years for bankruptcies.

    • Restores the impaired credit of victims of predatory activities and unfair practices.

    • Expands free access to consumer reports and credit scores, while providing more meaningful information about them.

    • Prohibits reporting debt related to medically necessary procedures.

    • Creates greater transparency on credit scoring and promotes innovation by examining the use of non-traditional data in credit underwriting.

  • Rep. Khanna Amendment to Senate Amendment to H.R. 550 – Prevents the President from using Federal funds to engage in military force in or against Iran without Congressional approval.

    • Prohibits Federal expenditures for any use of military force in or against Iran unless Congress declares war or provides statutory authorization.

    • Allows the President to use necessary and appropriate force consistent with the War Powers Resolution.

Catch Us In The News

What We’re Reading

Looking Ahead

The House is back in session next week. Congressman Correa will be joining his colleagues on the House Homeland Security Committee for a hearing on facial recognition technology. Monday is also the State of the Union, where Congressman Correa will be joined by local Orange County DREAMer, Alondra Montoya.