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President Trump signed more than 100 bills into law in his first year
Here's a look at when those bills were signed into law and what they do
In his first year in office, President Donald Trump signed 117 bills into law, but few represented major legislative achievements.
The passage of a massive Republican tax overhaul law stands as the crowning victory of the Trump agenda’s first year. However, the majority of laws were symbolic, expanded upon existing legislation, or aimed at dismantling former President Barack Obama’s legislative legacy. Many passed through the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to roll back regulations imposed by the executive branch.
Here’s a look at when those bills were signed into law and what they actually do, according to Congress.gov and CNN reporting.
New policy legislation
October 18, 2017: S.178 - Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act
This bipartisan law “establishes requirements for the Department of Justice (DOJ) with respect to investigating and prosecuting elder abuse crimes and enforcing elder abuse laws.” These requirements include the creation of a working group and comprehensive training for FBI agents. It also enhances victim assistance and aims to improve data collection.
August 2, 2017: H.R. 3364 - Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act
This legislation levies new sanctions against Russia and restricts Trump’s own ability to ease sanctions in place against Moscow. The bill passed overwhelmingly in Congress. In a statement, Trump called the legislation “seriously flawed.”
June 23, 2017: S. 1094 - “Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017”
This law gives the agency’s leaders the ability to fire inept employees and protect those who uncover and report wrongdoing at the VA. Its signing represents the completion of one of Trump’s campaign promises. It passed both bodies of Congress with broad bipartisan support.
Legislation that amends or expands upon existing laws
January 12, 2018: H.R.2611 - Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Boundary Modification Act
This law modifies the boundaries of the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.
January 12, 2018: H.R.518 - EPS Improvement Act of 2017
This law exempts certain power supplies from energy conservation standards.
January 10,2018: H.R.863 - To facilitate the addition of park administration at the Coltsville National Historical Park, and for other purposes.
This law amends current provisions related to the Coltsville National Historic Park.
January 10, 2018: H.R.699 - Mount Hood Cooper Spur Land Exchange Clarification Act
This law modifies existing provisions “relating to certain land exchanges in the Mt. Hood Wilderness in the State of Oregon.”
January 8, 2018: H.R.1306 - Western Oregon Tribal Fairness Act
“This bill requires that 17,519 acres of land be held in trust for, and be part of the reservation of, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians.”
January 8, 2018: H.R.560 - To amend the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Improvement Act to provide access to certain vehicles serving residents of municipalities adjacent to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and for other purposes.
January 8, 2018: S.1766 - SAFER Act of 2017
This law aims to continues to reduce the rape kit backlog and makes technical changes to the DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2004.
January 8, 2018: S.1532 - No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act
This law permanently disqualifies those who have committed a felony involving human trafficking from operating a commercial motor vehicle.
January 8, 2018: S.1393 - Jobs for Our Heroes Act
This law makes it easier for veterans to apply for commercial drivers licenses.
January 3, 2018: H.R.4661 - United States Fire Administration, AFG, and SAFER Program Reauthorization Act of 2017
This reauthorizes and expands certain grant programs for firefighters.
January 3, 2018: S.2273 - A bill to extend the period during which vessels that are shorter than 79 feet in length and fishing vessels are not required to have a permit for discharges incidental to the normal operation of the vessel
This law “extends from December 18, 2017, to January 19, 2018, the moratorium on the requirement for Clean Water Act permitting of incidental discharges from certain vessels,” according to a White House statement.
January 3, 2018: S.1536 - Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act
This law designates a “human trafficking prevention coordinator” and expands “the scope of activities authorized under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s outreach and education program to include human trafficking prevention activities.”
December 22, 2017: H.R.1370 - An Act to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue Department of Homeland Security-wide guidance and develop training programs as part of the Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign, and for other purposes.
This law establishes a unified, anti-human trafficking campaign known as the Blue Campaign within the Department of Homeland Security.
December 22, 2017: H.R. 1- An Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018
Better known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, this law brings the most sweeping overhaul of the US tax system in more than 30 years. The plan – which critics say is heavily weighted to ease the tax burden on businesses rather than the middle class – drops the corporate tax rate down from 35% to 21%, repeals the corporate alternative minimum tax, nearly doubles the standard deduction for individuals and restructures the way pass-through businesses are taxed. The bill keeps seven personal income tax brackets and lowers that tax rates for most brackets, including dropping the top rate to 37% from 39.6%.
December 18, 2017: H.R.228 - Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Act of 2017
“This bill amends the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992 to rename the Act to the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Act of 1992 and to revise the program that provides for the integration of employment, training, and related services programs for Indian tribes.”
December 12, 2017: H.R.4374 - To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize additional emergency uses for medical products to reduce deaths and severity of injuries caused by agents of war, and for other purposes.
This law “amends statutory authority for use of unapproved medical products during a military emergency, to expedite development and review of medical products for military emergency use, and to improve cross-government coordination on development and review of such medical products,” according to a White House release.
November 21, 2017: H.R.3949 - VALOR Act
This law expands access to apprenticeship programs for veterans.
November 21, 2017: H.R.3243 - FITARA Enhancement Act of 2017
This law expands expiring provisions of the Federal Information Technology Acquisition and Reform Act, which made changes to the way federal agencies made information technology decisions.
November 21, 2017: H.R.1545 - VA Prescription Data Accountability Act 2017
This law authorizes the VA to disclose certain patient information to substance monitoring programs.
November 21, 2017: H.R.194 - Federal Agency Mail Management Act of 2017
“This bill amends the Presidential and Federal Records Act Amendments of 2014 to require the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide guidance and assistance to federal agencies for effective mail processing.”
November 17, 2017: H.R.3031 - TSP Modernization Act of 2017
“This bill modifies the rules relating to withdrawals from the Thrift Saving Plan (TSP) accounts of former federal employees and Members of Congress.”
November 17, 2017: H.R.304 - Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2017
This law authorizes the Department of Justice to register EMS agencies so they will be allowed to administer controlled substances to those in emergency situations.
November 2, 2017: H.R.1616 - Strengthening State and Local Cyber Crime Fighting Act of 2017
This law amends existing legislation in order to create a National Computer Forensics Institute within US Secret Service. The institute will be tasked with “educating … officers, prosecutors, and judges on current cyber and electronic crimes and related threats” among other duties. It also amends a separate piece of existing legislation, “authorizing the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance to enter into a cooperative agreement or make a grant for training and technical assistance to help law enforcement officers, investigators, auditors, and prosecutors identify, investigate, and prosecute white collar crime.”
November 2, 2017: H.R.1329 - Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2017
This law increases “the rates of veterans’ wartime disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.”
November 2, 2017: S.782 - PROTECT Our Children Act of 2017
This reauthorizes the National Internet Crimes Against Children Data System and the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction through FY 2022.
November 2, 2017: S.504 - Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2017
This law outlines authorizes Customs and Border Patrol to issue Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card (ABT Card) to eligible individuals. The card “allows business travelers pre-cleared, facilitated short-term entry to participating member economies,” according to APEC.
November 2, 2017: S.190 - Power And Security Systems (PASS) Act
This law requires the Department of Energy “to issue a rule by July 1, 2021, that determines whether energy conservation standards for external power supplies should be amended.”
November 1, 2017: H.J.Res.111 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to “Arbitration Agreements”.
October 18, 2017: S.652 - Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2017
This act “amends the Public Health Service Act to revise programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing newborns and infants, including to expand the programs to include young children.”
October 6, 2017: S.327 - Fair Access to Investment Research Act of 2017
This law “directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to establish and implement a ‘safe harbor’ for certain investment fund research reports published by brokers and dealers.”
September 29, 2017: H.R.3823 - Disaster Tax Relief and Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2017
This law reauthorizes the airport improvement program, extends certain expiring programs and benefits, and modifies the IRS code to allow for “various tax credits, deductions, and modifications to existing rules for individuals and businesses affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.”
September 29, 2017: H.R.3819 - Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2017
This law extends “certain expiring provisions of law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs,” including some related to health care, transportation, benefits, and homelessness.
September 27, 2017: H.R. 3110 - Financial Stability Oversight Council Insurance Member Continuity Act
This law modifies an existing law to allow the independent member of the Federal Stability Oversight Council – which monitors the US’ financial stability – to stay on 18 months past the end of their term or until a new member has been confirmed (whichever comes earlier).
August 23, 2017: H.R. 2288 - Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017
This law makes it easier for veterans to appeal decisions on disability claims through the VA.
August 22, 2017: H.R. 339 - Northern Mariana Islands Economic Expansion Act
This new law blocks new construction-related permits for non-immigrant workers in the Northern Mariana Islands. The bill was introduced in response to Chinese construction companies using up thousands of the temporary permits.
August 18, 2017: H.R. 510 - Rapid DNA Act of 2017
This law requires the FBI to make guidelines about using an automated DNA sample analysis process dubbed “Rapid DNA.” It also allows DNA samples collected under these standards to be included in the FBI’s database for DNA information.
August 18, 2017: H.R. 374 - To remove the sunset provision of section 203 of Public Law 105-384, and for other purposes
This law strips an expiration date from a law allowing Washington, Oregon and California to make state laws on fishing in any Dungeness crab fishery not included under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
August 16, 2017: H.R. 3218 - Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017
Also known as the “Forever GI Bill,” this law expands opportunity for veterans to use their educational benefits, most prominently getting rid of a 15-year time limit on using educational benefits for veterans who left active duty in 2013 or later. It also makes it easier for veterans to find schools that give them priority enrollment. It passed unanimously in the House and Senate.
August 4, 2017: H.R. 3298 - Wounded Officers Recovery Act of 2017
In the wake of the shooting at a congressional baseball practice in Virginia, Trump signed a bill to let Capitol Police officers injured in the line of duty receive money to help pay for medical expenses.
June 30, 2017: H.R. 1238 - Securing our Agriculture and Food Act
This law amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 in relation to DHS efforts to defend “the food, agriculture, and veterinary systems of the United States against terrorism and other high-consequence events that pose a high risk to homeland security.”
June 14, 2017: H.R. 657 - “Follow the Rules Act”
This law protects federal employees from retaliation for refusing to violate a federal rule or regulation. It expands upon the protections of the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1987, which shields employees from backlash for refusing an order to violate federal law.
June 6, 2017: H.R. 366 - “DHS Stop Asset and Vehicle Excess Act” aka the “DHS SAVE Act”
This law amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and seeks to improve management of the Department of Homeland Security’s vehicle fleet. It authorizes the DHS undersecretary for management to oversee the fleet and requires regular analysis and evaluation of it.
June 2, 2017: S. 583 - American Law Enforcement Heroes Act of 2017
This law amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to prioritize the hiring of veterans in the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program.
June 2, 2017: S. 419 - Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2017
This law also amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to “require adequate reporting on the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program.” This program provides death and education benefits to law enforcement officials, firefighters, and other first responders who are killed in the line of duty.
April 19, 2017: S. 544 - “An Act to amend the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to modify the termination date for the Veterans Choice Program, and for other purposes”
This law extends the “Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014,” eliminating its August 7, 2017 sunset date and allowing it function until the money in the Veterans Choice Fund is gone. It also makes the VA the primary payer for “for medical care relating to non-service connected disabilities” and allows the VA to share medical information with non-VA agencies providing medical services to veterans.
Legislation described as rolling back Obama-era policies
May 17, 2017: H.J.Res. 66 - “Joint Resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to savings arrangements established by States for non-governmental employees”
This resolution rolls back an Obama-era rule that exempted state-created retirement plans from the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), which sets the standards for workplace savings plans. The Department of Labor had issued the rule in August 2016.
May 12, 2017: S. 496 - “An Act to repeal the rule issued by the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration entitled ‘Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform’”
This law repeals the “Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform.” The Obama-era rule, issued jointly by the Federal Transit Administration, the US Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration, was meant to revise transportation planning regulations.
April 13, 2017: H.J.Res. 67 - “Joint Resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to savings arrangements established by qualified State political subdivisions for non-governmental employees”
This resolution also rolls back the Obama-era rule that exempted state-created retirement plans from the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), which sets the standards for workplace savings plans. The Department of Labor had issued the rule in August 2016.
April 13, 2017: H.J.Res. 43 - “Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule submitted by Secretary of Health and Human Services relating to compliance with title X requirements by project recipients in selecting subrecipients”
This law reverses an Obama-era rule that prevented states from withholding federal funding to facilities that perform abortions, including Planned Parenthood. Vice President Mike Pence cast the tie-breaking vote on the measure after two Republican Senators opposed it.
April 3, 2017: S.J. Res. 34 “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission relating to ‘Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services’ “
This law repeals Obama-era protections that required Internet service providers to get permission before collecting and sharing data customer data. Those protections had not gone into effect before they were rescinded.
April 3, 2017: H.J. Res. 83 - “Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to ‘Clarification of Employer’s Continuing Obligation to Make and Maintain an Accurate Record of Each Recordable Injury and Illness’”
This resolution rolls back a rule issued by the Department of Labor under President Obama, which said that employers must make and maintain accurate records of work-related injuries and illnesses, and those who did not could be cited within five years of the violation. This repeal now re-enacts a six month statute of limitations on violations.
April 3, 2017: H.J.Res. 69 - “Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule of the Department of the Interior relating to ‘Non-Subsistence Take of Wildlife, and Public Participation and Closure Procedures, on National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska’”
This resolution repeals an Obama-era rule issued by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which prohibited certain kinds of wildlife hunting methods, such as aerial hunting of bears and wolves and bear-baiting, in Alaska.
March 31, 2017: H.J.Res.42 - “Joint Resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to drug testing of unemployment compensation applicants”
This resolution repeals an Obama-era Labor Department rule that limited states’ ability to drug-test those seeking unemployment benefits.
March 27, 2017: H.J.Res.57 - “Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to accountability and State plans under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965”
This resolution nullifies an Obama-era Education Department regulation on “accountability” metrics for schools. The rule had required states to develop “accountability systems” which took into account “multiple measures of school success, including academic outcomes, student progress, and school quality.”
March 27, 2017: H.J. Res. 58 - “Joint Resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to teacher preparation issues”
This resolution strikes down another Obama-era Education Department regulation that established definitions and requirements for states and higher education institution to develop ways to assess teacher preparation.
March 27, 2017: H.J. Res. 44 - “Joint Resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of the Interior relating to Bureau of Land Management regulations that establish the procedures used to prepare, revise, or amend land use plans pursuant to the Federal Land”
This resolution halts an Obama administration plan for the millions of acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management, especially those concentrated in the Western United States.
March 27, 2017: H.J. Res. 37 - “Joint Resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Defense, the General Services Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration relating to the Federal Acquisition Regulation”
This legislation voids an executive order Obama signed in August 2016 that looked to protect government contractors by requiring employers to disclose labor law violations, including wage theft, unsafe working conditions and hiring discrimination.
February 28, 2017: H.J.Res. 40 - “Joint Resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Social Security Administration relating to Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007”
This measure rolls back an Obama-era regulation aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of some severely mentally ill people. The regulation, finalized in December 2016, required the Social Security Administration to disclose information quarterly to the national gun background check system about certain people with mental illness.
February 16, 2017: H.J.Res.38 - “Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of the Interior known as the Stream Protection Rule”
This legislation nixes an Obama-era regulation meant to protect federal waterways from coal-mining waste.
February 14, 2017: H.J.Res.41 - “Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of a rule submitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to ‘Disclosure of Payments by Resource Extraction Issuers’”
This measure rolls back an Obama-era rule that required “resource extraction issuers to disclose payments made to governments for the commercial development of oil, natural gas or minerals.”
Ceremonial, symbolic and initiative-creating legislation
January 12, 2018: H.R.954 - To remove the use restrictions on certain land transferred to Rockingham County, Virginia, and for other purposes.
January 10, 2018: H.R.2228 - Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017
This law “directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to report on Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs mental health practices and services that could be adopted by law enforcement agencies.”
January 10, 2018: H.R.381 - To designate a mountain in the John Muir Wilderness of the Sierra National Forest as “Sky Point”
January 8, 2018: H.R.1927 - African American Civil Rights Network Act of 2017
This law establishes a Civil Rights Network in the National Park Service.
January 8, 2018: H.R.1242 - 400 Years of African-American History Commission Act
“This bill establishes the 400 Years of African-American History Commission to develop and carry out activities throughout the United States to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans in the English colonies at Point Comfort, Virginia, in 1619.”
January 8, 2018: H.R.267 - Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Act of 2017
“This bill redesignates the Martin Luther King, Junior, National Historic Site in the state of Georgia as the “Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.” The bill replaces the current boundary map with a map of a proposed boundary revision dated June 2015.”
November 2, 2017: H.R.2989 - Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission Act
This law creates the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission to “plan, develop, and carry out programs and activities to honor Frederick Douglass for the bicentennial anniversary of his birth” and “recommend the federal government entities appropriate to carry out such programs and activities.”
November 2, 2017: S.1617 - Javier Vega, Jr. Memorial Act of 2017
This renames a border patrol checkpoint in Sarita, Texas.
October 6, 2017: H.R.2519 - The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act
This law “requires the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue gold, silver, and half-dollar clad commemorative coins in recognition and celebration of the 100th anniversary of the American Legion.”
October 6, 2017: S.1141 - Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017
This act is aimed at promoting women’s roles “in conflict prevention, management, and resolution and post-conflict relief and recovery efforts” by mandating that Trump administration develop and implement a “Women, Peace, and Security Strategy.”
October 6, 2017: S.810 - A bill to facilitate construction of a bridge on certain property in Christian County, Missouri, and for other purposes.
This law authorizes the construction of a bridge in Ozark, Missouri and “exempts the project from deed restrictions imposed on the proposed construction site by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),” according to the CBO analysis.
September 15, 2017: S. 1616 - Bob Dole Congressional Gold Medal Act
This law arranges for former Sen. Bob Dole to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress. He was awarded the honor during a ceremony in January 2018.
September 14, 2017: S.J. Res 49 - Joint resolution condemning the violence and domestic terrorist attack that took place during events between August 11 and August 12, 2017, in Charlottesville, Virginia, recognizing the first responders who lost their lives while monitoring the events, offering deepest condolences to the families and friends of those individuals who were killed and deepest sympathies and support to those individuals who were injured by the violence, expressing support for the Charlottesville community, rejecting White nationalists, White supremacists, the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis, and other hate groups, and urging the President and the President’s Cabinet to use all available resources to address the threats posed by those groups.
This law came in response to white supremacist violence in Charlottesville, Virginia that took the life of counter-protester Heather Heyer. Two Virginia State Patrol troopers were killed in a helicopter crash while “assisting public safety resources with the ongoing situation in Charlottesville,” the agency said. Trump was slammed for blaming the violence on “both sides.”
“As one people, let us move forward to rediscover the bonds of love and loyalty that bring us together as Americans,” he said in a statement upon signing the resolution.
August 18, 2017: H.R. 873 - Global War on Terrorism War Memorial Act
This law calls for a memorial to US military who fought in the war on terrorism to be built on the National Mall. The construction of the memorial, which will accompany remembrances like the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, will be overseen by the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation.
August 16, 2017: H.R. 2210 - To designate the community living center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Butler Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, as the “Sergeant Joseph George Kusick VA Community Living Center”
This bill renames a Veterans Affairs community living center after Sergeant Joseph George Kusick, an army radio operator who died when his helicopter was shot down in the Vietnam War in 1967.
June 6, 2017: H.R. 375 - “An Act to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 719 Church Street in Nashville, Tennessee, as the ‘Fred D. Thompson Federal Building and United States Courthouse’”
This law renames a federal building in Nashville in honor of former Tennessee senator and actor Fred Thompson. Thompson died in November 2015 at the age of 73.
May 8, 2017: H.R. 534 - “U.S. Wants to Compete for a World Expo Act”
This law authorizes the State Department to rejoin the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) “to promote public diplomacy, global branding, and tourism to the United States.”
March 31, 2017: S.J.Res.1 - “Joint Resolution approving the location of a memorial to commemorate and honor the members of the Armed Forces who served on active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm or Operation Desert Shield”
This resolution approves a location on the National Mall in Washington, DC to create a memorial to Gulf War veterans.
March 31, 2017: H.R.1362 - “An Act to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Pago Pago, American Samoa, the Faleomavaega Eni Fa’aua’a Hunkin VA Clinic”
This law designates a name for a VA clinic in American Samoa.
March 28, 2017: S. 305 - “Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017”
This bill adds National Vietnam War Vetarans Day (March 29) as a holiday upon which the American flag should be prominently displayed.
March 13, 2017: H.R.609 - “To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs health care center in Center Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, as the ‘Abie Abraham VA Clinic’”
This legislation renamed a VA health center in Pennsylvania after Abie Abraham, a World War II veteran.
February 28, 2017: H.R. 321 - “Inspiring the Next Space Pioneers, Innovators, Researchers, and Explorers (INSPIRE) Women Act”
This act aims to promote the advancement of women in NASA and the STEM fields through a number of educational and mentorship initiatives.
February 28, 2017: H.R. 255 - “Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act”
As Trump said when he signed this legislation, it “enables the National Science Foundation to support women inventors – which there are many – researchers, and scientists in bringing their discoveries to the business world.”
Legislation related to funding or government operations
January 19, 2018: S.139 - FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act of 2017
This reauthorizes a controversial portion of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act until December 31, 2023. Section 702 allows the US government to collect communications, such as emails and phone records, of foreigners on foreign soil without a warrant.
January 10, 2018: H.R.2331 - Connected Government Act
This law requires federal agencies to make their websites mobile friendly.
January 10, 2018: H.R.2142 - INTERDICT Act
This law is aimed at improving Customs and Border Protections’ ability “to interdict fentanyl, other synthetic opioids, and other narcotics and psychoactive substances that are illegally imported into the United States.”
December 20, 2017: S.1266 - Enhancing Veteran Care Act
This law allows for independent oversight of VA medical centers.
December 18, 2017: S.371 - Department of State Authorities Act, Fiscal Year 2017, Improvements Act
This legislation makes several technical changes to the Department of State Authorities Act and “provides the House and Senate Appropriations Committees with oversight authority regarding congressional reports on: high-risk diplomatic and consular posts, embassy construction costs, combating sexual exploitation in United Nations (U.N.) peacekeeping operations, Department of State overseas staffing levels, and reducing illicit drug supply and abuse in the Western Hemisphere.”
December 12, 2017: H.R.2810 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018
This law appropriates nearly $700 billion to the Department of Defense for FY2018. The annual legislation authorizes a major hike in military spending and exceeds the $54 billion defense budget increase requested by President Donald Trump for 2018 that aimed for more aircraft and ships. It fully authorizes a pay increase for service members, increased missile defense, and adds additional ships and aircraft.
December 8, 2017: H.J.Res.123 - Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.
This was a stopgap funding bill to keep the federal government running for an additional two weeks.
November 21, 2017: H.R.1679 - FEMA Accountability, Modernization and Transparency Act of 2017
This law aims to modernize FEMA grant programs.
November 2, 2017: S.920 - National Clinical Care Commission Act
This establishes a commission in the Department of Health and Human Services to evaluate “federal programs related to clinical care for individuals with a complex metabolic or autoimmune disease such as diabetes.”
October 26, 2017: H.R.2266 - Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017
This law “provides supplemental appropriations for disaster relief, reauthorizes temporary bankruptcy judgeships, and revises requirements regarding the U.S. Trustee System Fund and bankruptcy.”
October 26, 2017: S.585 - Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017
This law expands whistleblower protections for federal employees.
October 18, 2017: H.R.1117 - To require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to submit a report regarding certain plans regarding assistance to applicants and grantees during the response to an emergency or disaster.
September 29, 2017: S. 1866 - Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria Education Relief Act of 2017
This law authorizes the Department of Education to waive certain matching funds requirement for schools in areas affected by the hurricanes or schools enrolling students from those areas. It also requires that a grant program be distributed to private schools on an equitable basis.
September 15, 2017: H.R. 624 - Social Security Number Fraud Prevention Act of 2017
Among other things, this law restricts the inclusion of Social Security Numbers (SSNs) on documents sent by mail by the federal Government, according to the Social Security Administration.
September 12, 2017: H.R. 3732 - Emergency Aid to American Survivors of Hurricanes Irma and Jose Overseas Act
In the wake of the devastating hurricanes, this law increases the amount of “temporary assistance” (money, temporary lodging, transportation, and other goods and services) that can be provided to US citizens abroad).
September 8, 2017: H.R. 601- Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 and Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017
This law paired emergency funding for hurricane relief with measures that raised the debt ceiling and kept the government open for three months. It passed after President Trump struck a surprise deal with Democratic leaders.
August 22, 2017: H.J.Res. 76 - Granting the consent and approval of Congress for the Commonwealth of Virginia, the State of Maryland, and the District of Columbia to enter into a compact relating to the establishment of the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission
This law lets Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia form a new panel called the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission to oversee safety of the DC-area public transportation Metro train system.
August 18, 2017: H.R. 2430 - FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017
This bill re-authorizes previous laws outlining user-fee programs for prescription drugs, medical devices and generic drugs through 2022. It also tweaks FDA reporting requirements and inspection rules for medical equipment.
August 12, 2017: S. 114 - To authorize appropriations and to appropriate amounts for the Veterans Choice Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to improve hiring authorities of the Department, to authorize major medical facility leases, and for other purposes
Aiming to increase transparency under this new law, the Department of Veterans Affairs must report back to Congressional panels each year about bonuses given to its regional leadership.
June 27, 2017: S.1083 - A bill to amend section 1214 of title 5, United States Code, to provide for stays during a period that the Merit Systems Protection Board lacks a quorum.
This law amends part of the US code to “provide for stays during a period that the Merit Systems Protection Board lacks a quorum.” The MSPB is a quasi-judicial agency that “provides federal employees with an opportunity to appeal adverse and unfair personnel decisions.”
May 16, 2017: H.R. 274 - Modernizing Government Travel Act
This law requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to implement regulations that allow for reimbursement for travel using “innovative mobility technology” such as Uber, Lyft or bike-share programs.
May 5, 2017: H.R. 244 - “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017”
This omnibus bill provides $1.1 trillion to fund federal agencies for the remainder of the fiscal year (through September 2017). The President signed the bill into law just hours before the deadline, narrowly averting a government shutdown.
April 28, 2017: H.J.Res. 99 - “Joint Resolution making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2017, and for other purposes”
This resolution extended funding for the federal government until May 5 in order to prevent a shutdown.
April 19, 2017: S.J.Res. 36 - “Joint Resolution providing for the appointment of Roger W. Ferguson as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution;” S.J.Res. 35 - “Joint Resolution providing for the appointment of Michael Govan as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution;” S.J.Res. 30 - “Joint Resolution providing for the reappointment of Steve Case as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution”
These resolutions allowed for Roger Ferguson, the president and CEO of TIAA and Michael Govan, the CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, to be appointed and Steve Case, the chairman of the Case Foundation, to be reappointed as citizen regents for the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. Their six-year terms began on May 6.
April 18, 2017: H.R. 353 - “Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017”
This resolution aims to improve National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research methods and prioritizes “weather data, modeling, computing, forecasts, and warnings for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy.”
April 3, 2017: H.R. 1228 - “An Act to provide for the appointment of members of the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance to replace members whose terms expire during 2017, and for other purposes”
This law allows new members to be appointed to the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance in order to replace members whose terms expire this year.
March 21, 2017: S.442 - “National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017”
This bill authorized funding for NASA for “exploration, space operations, science, aeronautics, space technology, education, safety, security, and mission services, construction and environmental compliance and restoration, and the NASA Inspector General.”
January 31, 2017: H.R.72 - “GAO Access and Oversight Act of 2017”
This law allows Government Accountability Office (GAO) to obtain federal agency records for the audit, evaluation, and investigative purposes.
January 20, 2017: S.84 - “A bill to provide for an exception to a limitation against appointment of persons as Secretary of Defense within seven years of relief from active duty as a regular commissioned officer of the Armed Forces”
This legislation allowed Trump to appoint James Mattis as Defense Secretary by granting him a special exemption from a law that stipulates any military official must wait seven years from leaving the service before serving as defense secretary.
CNN’s Ryan Struyk, Dan Merica, Ted Barrett, Deirdre Walsh, Lauren Fox, Ashley Killough, Zachary Cohen, Jeremy Diamond, Rob McLean and Seth Fiegerman contributed to this report.