Clock Is Ticking On House GOP Mental Health Bill
Meanwhile, lawmakers reach an agreement on efforts to overhaul chemical safety laws, and two GOP senators advance legislation to reform the agency that provides health care to Native Americans.
The Hill:
Time Runs Short On House GOP Bill Tackling Mental Health, Mass Shootings
House Republicans are circulating a revised draft of long-stalled mental health legislation. The controversial bill from Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Pa.) has been cast as the Republican response to mass shootings, but it has long been delayed. Republicans now are trying to jump-start it as time runs out in an election year. "We're pretty close, I think, to coming up with some movement in the near future, knowing that the legislative window is closing,” said House Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.). Upton has been working with Murphy to smooth over some of the bill’s more controversial provisions, and to bring its costs down. (Sullivan, 5/19)
The Washington Post:
Congress Is Overhauling An Outdated Law That Affects Nearly Every Product You Own
Congress has reached agreement on the most sweeping overhaul of U.S. chemical safety laws in 40 years, a rare bipartisan accord that has won the backing of both industry officials and some of the Hill’s most liberal lawmakers. The compromise, which lawmakers unveiled Thursday, will provide the industry with greater certainty while empowering the Environmental Protection Agency to obtain more information about a chemical before approving its use. And because the laws involved regulate thousands of chemicals in products as diverse as detergents, paint thinners and permanent-press clothing, the result also will have a profound effect on Americans’ everyday lives. (Eilperin and Fears, 5/19)
The Associated Press:
Congress Reaches Deal To Overhaul Chemical Regulation
A bipartisan agreement reached by House and Senate negotiators would set new safety standards for asbestos and other dangerous chemicals, including tens of thousands that have gone unregulated for decades. A bill to be voted on as soon as next week would offer new protections for pregnant women, children, workers and others vulnerable to the effects of chemicals such as formaldehyde and styrene used in homes and businesses every day. (Daly, 5/19)
Reuters:
U.S. Bill Proposed To Reform Native American Health Agency
Two Republican Senators introduced a bill on Thursday aimed at improving the Indian Health Service, the embattled federal agency that provides healthcare to Native Americans on reservations. Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, who introduced the legislation with Senator John Thune of South Dakota, said in a statement that it was "an important first step" toward ensuring tribal members receive proper healthcare. (Dwyer, 5/19)
