WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, has introduced legislation (H.R. 8353) to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act "to allow for greater State flexibility with respect to excluding providers who are involved in abortions." The bill was introduced on Sept. 23 and has 51 co-sponsors. Co-sponsors include Reps. Jeff Duncan, R-S.C., Ted Budd, R-N.C., Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., Steve King, R-Iowa, Steve Chabot, R-Ohio, Trent Kelly, R-Miss., David Rouzer, R-N.C., Bill Flores, R-Texas,   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- Rep. Abby Finkenauer, D-Iowa, has introduced legislation (H.R. 8326) to amend the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 "to require eligible recipients of certain grants to develop a comprehensive economic development strategy that directly or indirectly increases the accessibility of affordable, quality child care." The bill was introduced on Sept. 21 and was co-sponsored by Rep. Jim Hagedorn, R-Minn. It was jointly referred to the House Transportation and I  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, has introduced legislation (S. 4657) to "direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to designate one week each year as Buddy Check Week for the purpose of outreach and education concerning peer wellness checks for veterans." The bill was introduced on Sept. 23 and was co-sponsored by Sens. Doug Jones, D-Ala., and Margaret Wood Hassan, D-N.H. It was referred to the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. For more information, Sen. Joni Ernst, 730 Hart   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has introduced legislation (S. 4729) to extend the Generalized System of Preferences. The bill was introduced on Sept. 24. It was referred to the Senate Finance Committee. For more information, Sen. Chuck Grassley, 135 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510; 202/224-3744; or in state at 201 W. 2nd St., Ste. 720, Davenport, IA 52801; 563/322-4331; 120 Federal Bldg., 320 6th St., Sioux City, IA 51101; 712/233-1860; 307 Federal Bldg.  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has introduced legislation (S. 4717) to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act "to streamline enrollment of certain Medicaid providers across State lines." The bill was introduced on Sept. 24 and was co-sponsored by Sens. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Rob Portman, R-Ohio, Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Patty Murray, D-Wash. It was referred to the Senate Finance Committee. For more information, Sen. Chuck Grassley, 135 Hart Sen  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., has introduced legislation (S. 4699) to "reauthorize and limit the pre-disaster mitigation program of the Small Business Administration." The bill was introduced on Sept. 24 and has six co-sponsors. Co-sponsors include Sens. Angus S. King Jr., I-Maine, Benjamin Cardin, D-Md., John Kennedy, R-La., Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Susan M. Collins, R-Maine. The legislation was referred to the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship C  more