MAJORITY WHIPLINE: MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2019

Floor Schedule and Procedures

Suspensions (5 bills):

1. H.R. 920 – Venezuela Arms Restriction Act, as amended (Rep. Shalala – Foreign Affairs)

This bill codifies existing restrictions on arms sales to the Venezuelan security forces and also restricts the export of U.S. defense articles/services used for crime control (tear gas and riot gear). In addition, it mandates a report to Congress on foreign individuals and companies providing defense articles/services to the Venezuelan security forces.

2. H.R. 854 – Humanitarian Assistance to the Venezuelan People Act of 2019, as amended (Rep. Mucarsel-Powell – Foreign Affairs)

This bill authorizes such sums as necessary for humanitarian assistance to the Venezuelan people for each of FY 2020 and FY 2021 with no less than $150 million for each year. It also requires a detailed strategy from the State Department and USAID on the best means of coordinating and distributing humanitarian assistance to Venezuelans both in Venezuela and throughout the region. In addition, it mandates a GAO report assessing U.S. humanitarian assistance efforts.

3. H.R. 1616 – European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019, as amended (Rep. Kinzinger – Foreign Affairs)

This bill’s purpose is to address Russia’s use of energy as a tool to coerce and influence European countries that remain dependent on Russian sources of energy. It directs the State Department and other agencies to prioritize efforts to enhance energy security and diversification in key European countries. Specifically, it directs the State Department to: 1) Provide diplomatic and political support to European countries to diversify their energy supply and infrastructure; and 2) Provide assistance to projects – through both early-stage and late-stage project support – that diversify energy sources and supply routes, enhance energy market integration across the region, and increase competition within European energy markets, including for the construction or improvement of energy infrastructure.

4. H.R. 1839 – Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act of 2019 (Rep. Ruiz – Energy and Commerce)

This bill would extend programs that help seniors and people with disabilities live in the community, rather than institutions.  It would extend the authorization of the Excellence in Mental Health demonstration so that none of the participating states run out of funds before June.  It would authorize additional program integrity measures in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program and in other areas of the Medicaid program.  Finally, it would provide states with the option to provide coordinated care for children with medically complex conditions.

5. H.R. 1477 – Russia-Venezuelan Threat Mitigation Act, as amended (Rep. Wasserman Schultz – Foreign Affairs)

This bill requires the State Department to provide a threat assessment of Russian influence in Venezuela. It also requires the President to monitor the risk of Russian acquisition of CITGO as well as issuing visa bans for any individuals working on behalf of the Russian government in direct support of the Venezuelan security forces.

“The way to overcome people’s biases is typically by delivering results. No one can really refute the results you deliver.”

       – Lisa Borders