Since retaking the US House, Democrats have passed dozens of bold proposals to make everyday life better for ordinary Americans: targeting issues like pay inequity, high drug costs, climate crisis, and more.
Every single bill was dead on arrival in Republicans’ do-nothing US Senate, and Americans are suffering because the GOP won’t get to work.
See the bills in Mitch McConnell’s legislative graveyard below, and imagine an America in which the US Senate did its job!
CLICK CATEGORY TITLES TO SEE STALLED BILLS ON EACH ISSUE. (UPDATED 8/22/2019)
The Federal Civilian Workforce Pay Raise Fairness Act
Passed on 1/30/2019
This bill provides needed pay increased for certain federal employees. It passed the US House in January and has sat untouched in the Senate for the past six months.
The Paycheck Fairness Act
Passed on 3/27/2019
This bill seeks to close the gender pay gap and provides more equal pay protections for working women. It has not been acted on in the Senate since April 2019.
The Raise the Wage Act
Passed on 7/17/2019
This bill raises the national minimum wage for the first time in over a decade. Worker pay will rise incrementally over a number of years, from a paltry $7.25/hour now to an eventual $15 in 2025.
The “For the People” Act
Passed on 3/08/2019
This massive voting rights package combats voter suppression, simplifies voter registration, makes Election Day a federal holiday, and enhances election security. Republicans called it a “power grab” and have refused to even consider it.
The Equality Act
Passed on 5/17/2019
The Equality Act prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in work, housing, healthcare, and other public spaces. The bill hasn’t progressed in senate committee since May 2019.
The DREAM & Promise Act
Passed on 6/05/2019
This bill creates a pathway to citizenship for young, undocumented immigrants and renews the popular DACA program. It’s unlikely to progress in a senate chamber controlled by xenophobic Republicans.
Securing America’s Federal Elections Act
Local Water Protection Act
Passed on 4/08/2019
This bill helps states manage pollution in water systems, including groundwater and drinking water quality protection. It has been left untouched in a senate committee since its passage.
Climate Action Now Act
Passed on 5/02/2019
This act requires POTUS to annually update a plan for the United States to meet its requirements of the Paris Agreement on climate change. Specifically, the president’s plan must describe ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions and confirm that other groups are working to fulfill this agreement.
The US House passed the bill in early May, and it has not been discussed or debated in the Senate ever since.
Bipartisan Background Checks Act
Passed on 2/27/2019
This bill increases gun safety by mandating universal background checks and eliminates the “gun show loophole” during gun sales. The bill was introduced to the US Senate in early March and has been put on hold.
Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
Passed on 2/28/2019
This bill expands background check requirements in sales from a licensed gun dealer to an unlicensed individual. The Act was passed in the US House in February, and it has sat untouched in the US Senate since early March.
Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act
Passed on 4/04/2019
The Violence Against Women Act of 1994 must be renewed by Congress to continue funding investigation/prevention of violent crimes against women. It is nowhere to be found in the US Senate agenda.
Prescription Drug Cost Package
Passed on 5/08/2019
In May, US House Democrats passed a legislative package to lower the cost of prescription drugs. The bills have collected dust in a senate committee ever since.
Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act
Passed on 5/09/2019
This bill creates extra protections that ensure Americans with pre-existing conditions can never be denied healthcare they need. Despite Republican claims that they care about pre-existing conditions, this bill was dead on arrival in Mitch McConnell’s chamber.
Strengthening Healthcare & Lowering Rx Costs Act
Passed on 5/16/2019
This bill provides additional funding for Obamacare enrollment, ensuring that people in need of coverage are aware of their options and receive the assistance/information they need. It is a no-go under the anti-healthcare Republican majority.
Medicare Expansion Plan
Veterans’ Access to Child Care Act
Passed on 2/08/2019
This bill extends child care assistance to veterans receiving certain medical services. It passed the US House in February, and nothing has been done in the US Senate regarding the bill.
HJ Res. 37
Passed on 2/13/2019
This bipartisan bill would pull US forces out of the disastrous war in Yemen. It passed the US House in February and has not moved from the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in over four months.
The Save the Internet Act
Passed on 4/10/2019
This bill sponsored by Congressman Doyle reinstates net neutrality rules that the FCC repealed in 2017, aiming to protect free and equitable internet for all Americans. It has not been acted on in the Senate since April 2019.
9/11 Victim Compensation Fund
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