Legislative Recap: What you might have missed last week

We had a busy week on Capitol Hill last week. Here are some legislative victories you might have missed.

Hearing on the Constitutional Role of Congress

Last week, I participated in a hearing convened by the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress regarding the Constitutional Role of Congress.

Over the past century, we have seen various challenges to the balance of power between our equal branches of government. Congress has time and time again ceded power to the Executive branch, abdicating our constitutional responsibilities and diminishing our ability to serve our constituents.

Meanwhile, we’ve seen an Executive branch that has continued to expand its size and power, either by congressional mandate or self-imposed actions.

In order to rebalance the power disparity between the legislative and executive branches, we need to implement changes to the House of Representatives and strengthen Congress’s ability to govern. I had the opportunity to question panelists addressing the issues of staffing and retention, and how critical it is for the legislative branch to have the resources they need to keep and grow staff.

Learn more about the Select Committee to Modernize Congress here: https://modernizecongress.house.gov

Received A Rating from End Citizens United

I came to Congress to protect the sanctity of our elections, restore faith in our democracy, and fight corruption. The American people deserve a democracy that’s open, accountable, and responsive to the needs of our district, and our country.

Last week, I was honored to have my commitment recognized with an A rating on End Citizens United Action Fund’s Democracy Reform Scorecard. This score is based on my votes and/or co-sponsorships on:

• For the People Act (H.R. 1)
• SAFE Act (H.R. 2722)
• SHIELD Act (H.R. 4617)
• Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 4) and the motion to recommit on the final vote
• Democracy for All Amendment (H.J. Res. 2)
• DISCLOSE Act of 2019 (H.R. 2977)

I do not take this score lightly, as it comes ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United decision. I look forward to continuing this fight for the people as we work to protect our elections from foreign interference, expand voting rights, and safeguard the values that bind us as Americans.

Shared the Success of a Young Constituent on the House Floor

Julia Tyler is a 24 year old with Down syndrome. Several years ago, with the support of her parents, her school district, and a job coach, Julia was able to land a job at a local boutique in preparation for her transition to the working world after graduation from public school.

But with the help of her job coach, Julia began designing colorful totes, pillows, and other merchandise to sell at the boutique and craft fairs. The boutique owner took notice of her creativity and determination and together they co-founded the brand — Dance Happy — to market Julia’s creations.

In 2019, a subsidiary of American Eagle began selling Julia’s totes online and sold out within days, which they followed up with another order for 2020.

I am pleased to celebrate the success of Julia, Dance Happy, her job coach, and her business partner at Compendium boutique. Together they provide an important reminder of what can happen when we look beyond a person’s disability and work together to provide opportunities for all.

Watch the video here: https://www.facebook.com/RepMGS/videos/557880424940918/

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