This Week in Congress

This week, the House and Senate were in session following two weeks of committee focused activity. The Senate focused on presidential nominees and negotiations continued on President Biden’s $4 trillion economic plan, as President Biden met with members from both parties on Wednesday. To date, the Senate Republicans led by Sen. Capito (R-WV) have proposed a $568 billion infrastructure plan, but have not specified how to pay for it.  On Thursday, President Biden met with Republican Sens. Capito (R-WV), Barrasso (WY), Blunt (MO), Toomey (PA), Crapo (ID), and Wicker (MS) to discuss his and their infrastructure proposal.

Meanwhile, the House voted on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 1605) and on legislation aimed at overhauling the debt collection industry. The measure aims to strengthen protections for small business lending, safeguard military service members from debt collection, and help borrowers with student and medical debt.

Also, the House considered a slate of mental health measures to strengthen suicide-prevention efforts, authorize grants for school-based mental health services, and address disparities in mental health care among underserved communities.