House Speaker Johnson Struggles with Federal Funding Bill
Congress must pass another round of government funding before the start of the new fiscal year, Oct. 1. On Wednesday, facing Republican and Democratic opposition, Speaker Mike Johnson withdrew his proposal for a short-term continuing resolution to extend government funding for six months after Oct. 1. Congressional Democrats and the White House oppose Johnson’s initiative, which includes the proposed provisions to require stricter vote identification requirements – a non-starter for Democrats. Current federal law already bans and criminalizes non-citizen voting for president, vice president, and Congressional candidates.
Many House Members, eager to leave Washington, D.C. to campaign before November’s Election Day, are lobbying for swift passage of a short-term funding deal that is supported by Congressional Democrats and President Biden. The ATS Washington office will continue to monitor the status of FY2025 government funding legislation.
The good news is that both Republicans and Democrats are eager to avoid a federal shutdown right before the Presidential and Congressional elections. So, most Congressional observers believe Congress will eventually enact a continuing resolution that keeps the federal government open at or near current funding levels, at least through the elections.
The ATS will continue to urge Congress to enact a responsible continuing resolution and to fund research, public health, Veterans Affairs and environmental programs at responsible levels.
TOBACCO CONTROL
Two Tobacco Control Bills Passed in California Await Governor’s Signature
The California legislation recently passed two bills to enhance the state’s tobacco control efforts. The first bill SB1230 introduced by state Senator Marco Rubio enhances California’s authority to protect youth and adults. Under current state law, flavored tobacco products are illegal in California, but many flavored products remain on the shelves in California stores. SB1230 gives the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration the authority to seize and destroy flavored tobacco products discovered during inspections of locations where tobacco products are sold or stored. Further, the bill increases civil penalties for retailers who sell illegal tobacco products and tobacco products to people under 21 years old.
A second bill AB3218 (Wood) also enhances California tobacco control policy by creating a list of unflavored tobacco products that are approved for sale in California. Any product not on the approved sale list will be considered contraband and subject to seizure and enforcement actions. The legislation further clarifies that additives that provide a “cooling” sensation but add no flavor are still considered flavored products.
The ATS and California Thoracic Society have contacted California Governor Newsom’s office to encourage him to sign these bills into law.