The Senate convened at 10:00 A.M. and is expected to confirm the nomination of Judy W. Chang to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2029. Later this afternoon, around 1:45 P.M., the Senate is expected to vote on a Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.4445, A bill to protect and expand nationwide access to fertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization. The bill put forward by Democrats would guarantee access to in vitro fertilization nationwide and is part of a broader push by Senate Democrats to draw a contrast with Republicans over reproductive health care in the run up to the November elections. Democrats are highlighting the issue this month, which marks the two-year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The procedural vote is likely to fail due to GOP opposition with Republicans have criticizing the Democrat-led legislation as unnecessary overreach and a political show vote.
The House convened at 10:00 A.M. and will meet at 12:00 P.M. for legislative business when it will take up H.R. 8070 – Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. Far-right lawmakers have proposed amendments to the $895.3 billion legislation that would restrict service members’ access to reproductive health care and certain diversity protections. They also are seeking to block future U.S. assistance to Ukraine and Palestinian civilians, expand the military’s presence along the Mexico border, and roll back environmental protections sought by the Biden administration. The House approved some of those proposals Wednesday, despite opposition from Democrats. More debate is expected Thursday, and the most partisan measures will face tremendous hurdles to final passage as the House will have to reconcile its legislation with whatever version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passes the Democratic-led Senate this summer. The full list of amendments to the House bill can be found HERE.
