CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

DemocratAmendment · S.Amdt. 1488· Senate(119-SAMDT-1488)

S.Amdt. 1488

Rep. Welch
Age: 79 years
Vermont
Introduced
4/3/2025
Sponsored by
Peter Welch
Cosponsors
None
Changes bill
119-HCONRES-14 — Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.
  1. Introduced
  2. Pending Consideration

What this amendment would do

As folks who elected our officials, we need to know what they are trying to do with our budget. This amendment, submitted by Mr. Welch, aims to add a new rule to the Senate.

What It Aims to Change or Add

The amendment creates a point of order in the Senate. This basically means it sets up a roadblock against certain legislation. Specifically, it stops the Senate from considering any bill, joint resolution, motion, amendment, or conference report that reduces or eliminates essential programs funded by Medicaid that support individuals with disabilities.

The text specifically mentions protecting:

  • Home and community-based services
  • Respite care

If someone tries to push a bill that cuts these programs, a point of order can be raised against it. To get around this roadblock and pass the legislation anyway, it would take a three-fifths vote of the Senators chosen and sworn. That same three-fifths vote is also required to overturn a ruling by the Chair regarding this rule.