Power Plays, Billionaire Breaks, and Broken Promises: What’s Moving in Congress

Viva La Resistance

This week, the Senate passed the so-called Genius Act (S1582) by a vote of 68–30. While Senators Warner and Kaine supported the measure, it notably leaves presidential conflicts of interest untouched. Analysts warn the Act could echo past financial deregulation disasters like the 1980s Savings & Loan crisis and the 2008 housing collapse. Oh boy, indeed.

Meanwhile, the House STABLE Act — a very different bill — remains stuck in committee, with no clear path forward.

On another front, the General Accountability Office (GAO), Congress’s nonpartisan watchdog, issued yet another report finding the Executive Branch violated the law by withholding funds approved by Congress. This time it involves grants meant for libraries and museums through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It marks the second such violation in recent months, with 39 other GAO investigations pending. The Executive’s response? Dismiss the GAO — even as other rulings back its findings. Read the latest report here.

And if that weren’t enough, Senate Republicans have unveiled their version of the Big Billionaire Bonus Bill (BBB) — even worse than the House’s. With internal GOP fractures, passing a filibuster-proof bill before the July 4 recess is looking less likely.

The stakes are sky-high:

• Massive tax breaks for fossil fuel companies

• Cuts to healthcare and food assistance programs

• Medicaid jeopardized by slashing states’ provider tax limits, risking rural hospital closures

• Public lands up for sale

• Clean energy tax credits slowed down, while billionaires cash in with sweetheart tax deals

The House version already gutted certain provisions to avoid Byrd Act violations, but the Senate Parliamentarian is expected to weigh in on challenged pieces when Congress returns after Juneteenth.

Now’s the time to stay loud — keep calling, showing up, and demanding your Senators reject these billionaire giveaways and protect what matters.

Say no to the Pay-to-Pollute Bill.

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