Government at Work

Social media and the news seems to focus on the sensational, with lots about divisiveness in our government. Gabe Fleisher, Editor-in-Chief of "Wake Up to Politics" reported on notable national legislation reminding me that the system can work. 

Here's a sampling from Mr. Fleisher's Washington report.

"Legislative Branch... ➞ Veterans: The Senate unanimously passed a bill to permanently authorize and expand the federal Solid Start program, which aims to reach out to and assist veterans in their first year of transitioning from military to civilian life.  The Senate also unanimously passed a bill creating an online system to allow veterans to file complaints about their VA health care and to track the status of the complaint, in order to increase transparency at the VA. The bill already passed the House in a 411-1 vote, so it now goes to President Biden’s desk.  Finally, the Senate unanimously approved a bill renaming a VA clinic in Mishawaka, Indiana for the late Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN), who was killed in a car crash last month. It had already passed the House unanimously, so it now goes to Biden’s desk. ➞ Health care: The Senate unanimously passed a bill that expands the use of New Access Point grants, which fund the creation of new sites to offer health care to medically underserved populations. The bill will allow the grant funding to go towards the development of mobile medical clinics across the country. ➞ Environment: The Senate unanimously passed a bill allowing the Federal Aviation Administration to cover 100% of the costs for airports to purchase fire equipment that won’t discharge perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are a class of chemicals that don’t naturally break down and can be toxic for the environment and for public health. ➞ Judges: The Senate confirmed two new Biden appeals court judges. Andre Mathis was confirmed to the Sixth Circuit in a 48-47 vote, while John Lee was confirmed to the Seventh Circuit in a 50-44 vote. The Senate has now confirmed 79 Biden judges since the beginning of his administration."

I find the unanimity on these key issues a  surprise and cautiously refreshing. I'll reserve comment on the judicial appointment vote breakdown. That's a discussion needing more research and thought.

Happy Friday! 

 

References

Wake Up To Politics

Gabe Fleisher, Editor in Chief

gabe@wakeuptopolitics.com

https://www.wakeuptopolitics.com/