The Capitol Insider for the Week of December 10

ActionAlert
Urge Congress to Pass the EMPOWER CareAct
Pass the ABLE Age Adjustment Act inThis Congress!
Major Recent Events
Budget & Appropriations – President Signs Two-Week Continuing Resolution

On December 7, President Trump signed a continuing resolution to continue government operations for several federal departments until December 21.Earlier this year, legislation was enacted to fund the Departments of Labor,Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (L-HHS-ED) for fiscal year 2019. The bill signed last week prevents a partial government shut-down of seven federal departments, including the Departments of Justice,Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development. Congressional leaders and the President will continue to negotiate a spending bill to cover those agencies for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Rights – President Nominates William Barr for Attorney General​On December 7, President Trump nominated William P. Barr as Attorney General. Barr previously served as Attorney General from 1991 to 1993. The Attorney General is a cabinet level position in charge of the Department of Justice, which is responsible for law enforcement efforts and is responsible for enforcing federal civil rights laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Announcements
Health Care – Health Insurance Open Enrollment Continues Through December 15

Now is the time for individuals who are uninsured or are looking for affordable health insurance to investigate the private health insurance plans available through state marketplaces (to find your state information visit the health care website).During open enrollment a person can purchase private health insurance through the marketplace in each state. There may also be financial assistance to help with health care costs available to people with low and moderate incomes. It is also important for people who currently have insurance through the market place to look at the plan to determine if it will continue to meet their needs.Individuals who do not take action will be automatically re-enrolled in thecurrent plan. Re-enrollment is also an important opportunity for people toreport any changes in income. To learn more, read The Arc’s blog post. Open enrollment ends on December 15, 2018.