Legislative Bits and Bobs
April 2, 2025
In what I intend to become a regular feature, this will be a place where I can discuss various legislation on both the federal and state levels, maybe even some local stuff occasionally. The intention is for mostly quick hits, although these may tie back into longer posts. These may be legislation on the docket for discussion, under vote, in committee review, or simply proposed in the pipeline. Also potential discussion of various executive memos and orders.
First, some hopeful rays of light out of the fog…
April 2, 2025 at 7pm in the Senate - S.J. Res. 37 passed 51-48
This bill was sponsored by Tim Kaine (D - VA), with bi-partisan co-sponsors, including Rand Paul (R - KY) and Angus King (I - ME)
The bill is to end the “national emergency” regarding fentanyl from Canada, to send a message that imposing 25% tariffs on our closest neighbor and ally is not something that the Senate supports
In addition to all Democrats and Independents voting “Yea”, four Republicans also voted “Yea”: Paul, Lisa Murkowski (AK), Susan Collins (ME), and McConnell (KY)
This Joint Resolution will proceed to the House, where it may or may not pass, depending on how Republicans decide to listen to their constituents but it is unlikely to be signed by Trump even if it passes; however, this at least makes a statement that
Text of the bill: “That, pursuant to section 202 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622), the national emergency declared on February 1, 2025, by the President in Executive Order 14193 (90 Fed. Reg. 9113) is terminated.”
