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In this episode of The Weekly Congressional Report, we break down H.R. 77, the Midnight Rules Relief Act. This bill seeks to amend the Congressional Review Act by allowing Congress to overturn multiple federal regulations issued in the final year of a president’s term through a single resolution of disapproval. Proponents argue that this measure enhances congressional oversight by preventing last-minute executive rulemaking from bypassing legislative scrutiny. Critics, however, warn that it could lead to sweeping rollbacks of vital regulations without individual review.

Join Brian Barnes along with our AI hosts Avery and Iris as they analyze the potential consequences of this bill, discussing how it impacts the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress. Does H.R. 77 ensure accountability, or does it risk legislative overreach? Tune in for a deep dive into the mechanics of midnight rulemaking and how this proposed law could reshape regulatory oversight.

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In this episode of The Weekly Congressional Report, we analyze three important bills impacting Native American and Alaska Native communities, each dealing with land ownership, self-governance, and economic security.

• H.R. 226, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act, transfers federal lands in Tennessee to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, recognizing their historical significance and ensuring tribal stewardship of sacred sites.

• H.R. 43, the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act, addresses long-standing disputes over municipal land ownership by allowing Alaska Native Village Corporations to reclaim lands previously transferred to the state in trust, ensuring these lands remain under Native control.

• H.R. 42, the Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act, prevents certain trust payments to aged, blind, or disabled Alaska Natives from affecting their eligibility for federal benefits, providing a critical safeguard for some of the most vulnerable members of these communities.

Join Brian Barnes along with AI hosts, Avery and Iris, as they break down these bills, exploring their legal, cultural, and economic implications. How do these legislative efforts reflect the ongoing balance between federal oversight and tribal sovereignty? And what do they signal about the evolving landscape of Native American self-determination?

Tune in to understand the policy shifts at play and their impact on Indigenous communities across the U.S.

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In this episode of The Weekly Congressional Report, we analyze H.R. 27, the HALT Fentanyl Act, the only bill currently scheduled for legislative action next week. This bill aims to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, strengthening law enforcement’s ability to combat the ongoing opioid crisis. It also includes provisions to streamline research into fentanyl analogs for medical and scientific purposes.

But there’s more to the story. With no legislative action scheduled this week and a recent flurry of executive orders, what does it mean that this is the only bill on the congressional agenda? Join Brian Barnes and our AI hosts, Avery and Iris, as they break down the implications for the balance of power between Congress and the executive branch. Is this a sign of a stalled legislative process, or a strategic move to prioritize urgent public safety concerns?

Tune in as we unpack the policy, politics, and power dynamics behind the HALT Fentanyl Act and what it tells us about the current state of lawmaking in Washington.

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