What’s In (and Not In) the $1.7 Trillion Spending Bill
A big boost for the military, more aid for Ukraine, a preference for the lobster industry over whales and an overhaul of the Electoral Count Act are among the provisions in the 4,155-page bill lawmakers expect to pass this week.
Notes:
Military is the big winner (you saw this earlier)
Overhauling the Electoral Count Act:
Under the measure drafted by a bipartisan coalition led by Senators Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, and Joe Manchin III, Democrat of West Virginia, the role of the vice president is defined as strictly ceremonial after Mr. Trump sought unsuccessfully to persuade Vice President Mike Pence to reject electoral votes won by Mr. Biden. The measure also raises the threshold for lodging an objection to a state’s electoral votes from a single member of the House and the Senate to 20 percent of both chambers.
Increasing funding for the police. ($770 million plus another $324 million for hiring 1,800 new officers)
The lobster industry wins over whales (specifically Right Whales)
A ban on TikTok on government devices. (You saw this earlier)
International climate finance loses out. (US promised $11.4 B this has $1B)
Millions could lose access to Medicaid.
The move could save the program money, but could mean that millions of Americans with incomes higher than the federal limit for the program will no longer be guaranteed coverage. The bill has profound implications for children, roughly half of whom are enrolled in Medicaid or the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program. It requires the programs to keep children enrolled for at least a year, regardless of any changes to the family’s income.
New Spending Bill Makes It Easier for Americans Saving for Retirement
Several provisions in the spending bill outline new ways employers can help workers save for retirement.
