LEGISLATIVE CALLS TO ACTION -- December 17, 2025
- jleewoerner
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
Indiana
Here is a link to review Indiana legislative that will be addressed in the 2026 session:
Federal
Defense Policy Bill
The House approved a $900 billion defense policy bill that would codify much of President Trump’s national security agenda but seek to curb his move to withdraw from Europe and to mandate more Pentagon consultation with Congress.
The 312-112 vote on the legislation, which would provide a 3.8 percent pay raise to U.S. troops, reflected bipartisan support for what is commonly regarded as a must-pass bill. It goes next to the Senate, which is also expected to approve it overwhelmingly, sending it to Mr. Trump for his signature.
The measure includes an array of provisions that place Mr. Trump’s stamp on the U.S. military, including one that bans diversity, equity and inclusion programs at the Defense Department. But to bring it up, House Republicans had to overcome resistance in their own ranks from hard-right members, some of whom said the measure, which seeks to block U.S. troops from withdrawing from Europe and would send new aid to Ukraine, abandoned the president’s “America First” promises. (New York Times)
Healthcare continues to be a fight. Over the weekend lawmakers worked on an amendment but that would involve continuing subsidies. But the negotiations between moderates and GOP leadership on an amendment to extend the subsidies hit a roadblock over the weekend as GOP leaders and other conservatives said any language extending the expensive subsidies would need to be paired with spending cuts.
The House Rules Committee will meet at 2 p.m. EST Tuesday to tee up the House GOP health care bill — dubbed the “Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act” — that includes funds to pay for “cost-sharing reductions,” reforms to the pharmacy benefit manager industry, and expansion of association health plans.
Lawler said he will make the case for an amendment to extend the subsidies at the Rules Committee hearing.
Johnson said he expects all Republicans will unite around the underlying health care bill, which is set to hit the House floor Wednesday, arguing it would reduce costs for all Americans rather than the small percentage of Americans who get health coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. (The Hill)