Factbox-US stopgap spending bills covers stadiums and deepfake porn as well as budget
2024.12.18 13:17
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Top Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress have crafted temporary spending legislation to keep federal agencies funded through March 14, which would avert a partial government shutdown that would otherwise begin on Saturday.
The 1,547-page bill also contains a wide range of other provisions that have nothing to do with government spending.
Here is a summary:
DISCRETIONARY SPENDING
Continues funding for the U.S. military and domestic agencies such as the Department of Justice at current levels through March 14. Benefit programs, including Social Security, are not subject to Congress’ annual budgeting process.
Increases funding to the District of Columbia to prepare for Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
Includes $25 million to bolster security for U.S. Supreme Court justices, as judges face a surge in threats across the country.
DISASTER RELIEF
A total of $100 billion in disaster relief, including aid to residents in North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and other states hit by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Covers the full cost of rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which collapsed in March when it was struck by a cargo ship.
Includes $250 million for child care in disaster areas, as well as an additional $250 million for child care programs across the country.
HEALTH
Imposes new restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers, companies that act as middlemen between drugmakers, drugstores and insurers.
Makes changes to the Medicaid health insurance program for the poor.
Expands the Medicare health insurance program for the elderly to cover more tests, drugs and devices.
Boosts cancer treatment options for children by directing pharmaceutical companies to include pediatric studies during drug development.
FARMS AND FOOD
Provides $10 billion in economic aid for farmers.
Extends the “farm bill,” a package of farm subsidies, food benefits and other agriculture programs that otherwise would expire at the end of the year.
‘DEEPFAKE’ PORN
Criminalizes the publication of “deepfake” pornography, or artificially generated explicit images of real people. Requires social media platforms to take down such images when notified by a victim.
HIDDEN CAMERAS
Requires manufacturers to disclose whether consumer devices contain a camera or a microphone, addressing privacy concerns about “smart appliances” such as internet-connected refrigerators.
JUNK FEES
Aims to reduce hidden “junk fees” by requiring hotels and live-event ticket sellers to reveal the total price of their product before it is purchased. Also prohibits secondary-market ticket sellers like StubHub from offering tickets they don’t actually have. Requires refunds for events that are cancelled or postponed more than six months.
ETHANOL
Allows E15 fuel, which contains 15% ethanol, to be sold throughout the year. The corn-derived fuel is currently banned between June to September. Adding ethanol to gasoline is known to increase smog pollution in hot weather, but research has shown little difference between E15 and gasoline on the market that contains 10% ethanol.
WASHINGTON FOOTBALL STADIUM
Transfers control of the crumbling Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium from the federal government to the District of Columbia, which could make it easier for the city to build a new stadium for the Washington Commanders NFL football team. The team’s stadium lease in nearby Maryland is due to expire in 2027.
HAITI
Requires the State Department to examine ties between criminal gangs and political and economic leaders in Haiti. Extends a trade deal that waives tariffs on textiles and other products from Haiti.
CHINA INVESTMENT
Imposes new restrictions on U.S. investments in Chinese companies that may threaten U.S. national security.
SODIUM NITRITE
Bans consumer products that contain high concentrations of sodium nitrite, a meat-curing chemical that has been sold as a suicide aid.
SATELLITES
Bars the Federal Communications Commission from granting satellite licenses to companies that threaten U.S. national security.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS
Sets up a 6G task force to plan for development of the sixth generation of wireless technology.
