The year 2020 was a historical year with plenty of change and upheaval, but for the United States House of Representatives, it has been a year of intense legislative activity. Despite the pandemic limitations, the House managed to pass a number of significant pieces of legislation, while simultaneously engaging in heated debates over issues ranging from immigration to health care.
Now, as the year draws to an end, the House has left many of those battles unresolved, leaving critical work to be done in 2021. A number of high-profile pieces of legislation, such as the comprehensive immigration reform package known as the DREAM Act, are awaiting Senate action and could be among the first orders of business when Congress reconvenes in January.
The House has also been a key player in the ongoing discussion around health care reform. In October, the House passed the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, a sweeping bill that would allow the government to negotiate prices directly with drug companies, reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients, and provide greater access to generic drugs. The bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate, yet its passage in the House was seen as an important victory for those seeking changes to the current health care system.
In terms of foreign affairs, House members were among the most vocal in voicing their opposition to President Trump’s decision to move forward with a controversial arms sale to Saudi Arabia. Led by Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, House members were able to pass a resolution of disapproval to block the sale, although the measure was ultimately vetoed by the president.
Finally, the House passed several key bills to address gun violence, the most notable being the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021. While the bill did not go as far as many Democrats had hoped, it was seen as a significant step in reducing gun violence in communities across the country.
The House has left Washington with a number of important battles still on the horizon for 2021. With a new Congress in place, the issues that were left unresolved in 2020 will undoubtedly be a top priority in 2021. Whether it’s finally finding a way to pass comprehensive immigration reform, achieving increased access to health care, or further limiting access to firearms, the House is sure to be at the center of the debate.
“House Wraps Up Year with Crucial Battles Looming Ahead
