Overview
Title
Making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2025, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
H.R. 9494 is a plan to keep paying for important government activities until they figure out a new plan for the next year. It includes extra money for things like building submarines and helping with disasters and makes sure only people who are allowed can sign up to vote in big elections.
Summary AI
H.R. 9494 is a legislative proposal that seeks to make continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2025, ensuring that government programs and activities keep receiving funding at the levels established in the previous year until March 28, 2025, unless a new appropriations law is enacted before then. The bill also includes additional funding and provisions for specific areas, such as the Department of Defense's Virginia Class Submarine program, disaster relief funding, and preparations for the Presidential inauguration. Additionally, under the "SAVE Act" section, it aims to ensure only U.S. citizens are registered to vote in federal elections by standardizing documentary proof of citizenship requirements.
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AnalysisAI
The bill, known as the "Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2025," addresses funding allocations for various governmental departments and programs for fiscal year 2025. It includes provisions for continuing existing projects and activities, adjusting certain funds, and introducing amendments related to voter registration under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. The bill comprises two main divisions: continuing appropriations and the SAVE Act focused on voter eligibility.
General Summary of the Bill
The bill aims to ensure that government operations continue smoothly by allocating necessary appropriations for fiscal year 2025. It includes specific funds for ongoing and new projects across departments such as Defense, Energy, and Homeland Security. Notably, the bill includes the SAVE Act, designed to tighten voter registration requirements to ensure that only U.S. citizens participate in federal elections, introducing new rules and guidance for verification and enforcement.
Summary of Significant Issues
Several significant issues are raised by this bill. One pressing concern is the requirement under Section 202 that voter registration applicants provide documentary proof of citizenship. This measure might disenfranchise eligible voters who lack documentation and introduce challenges related to privacy and existing legal frameworks. Additionally, Section 204 exempts voter registration material development from the Paperwork Reduction Act, which may lead to inefficiencies and increased administrative burdens.
Budget allocations also raise issues. The removal of $55 million earmarked for Election Security Grants poses questions about the future adequacy of election security measures. While the bill allocates $10 billion to disaster relief, critics may view this amount as excessive without detailed utilization plans. Similarly, a $1,950,000,000 allocation for Navy shipbuilding invites scrutiny over oversight and necessity.
Broader Public Impact
For the general public, the bill might affect how government services and projects are maintained. The continuation of fiscal appropriations ensures that essential services undergo minimal disruption, potentially benefitting communities reliant on such services. However, concerns about voter registration requirements could impact voter participation, raising fears of disenfranchisement, especially among marginalized groups unable to produce necessary documentation.
Election security may face challenges with reduced funding, potentially affecting public trust in electoral processes. Conversely, increased funding for disaster relief could bolster emergency responsiveness, though the public will likely expect transparency in how these funds are deployed.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Various stakeholders will experience different impacts. State governments may bear an increased administrative burden with new voter registration verification requirements. Without additional federal support, this could strain resources and introduce logistical challenges.
Defense contractors and military stakeholders may positively view steady appropriations for defense projects, such as those outlined for the Navy’s submarine program, offering stability and continuity in military initiatives.
Organizations focused on voting rights might raise concerns about the new registration requirements potentially undermining voter participation, leading to increased advocacy and legal challenges against possible disenfranchisement.
Overall, while the bill seeks to ensure continuity in government operations, its implications for voter registration, funding transparency, and departmental oversight suggest a complex landscape of prospective benefits and challenges for various segments of the public and stakeholders.
Financial Assessment
The legislative proposal titled H.R. 9494 encompasses various financial aspects that warrant careful consideration. The bill primarily aims to maintain government program funding at the levels of the previous fiscal year while also introducing new financial provisions in selected areas. The following commentary breaks down these financial aspects in relation to the bill's sections and identified issues.
Continuing Appropriations and Specific Funding Enhancements
H.R. 9494 ensures that federal programs receive funding at levels established in fiscal year 2024 until March 28, 2025, unless a new appropriations law is enacted before then. This extension helps avoid funding gaps that could disrupt government operations but may also impede the introduction of necessary new initiatives to address current challenges, as highlighted by the restriction in Section 104.
One notable allocation is $1,950,000,000 appropriated to the Department of Defense for the Virginia Class Submarine program under Section 116. While this investment supports national defense capabilities, questions may arise about the necessity and oversight of such a specific and substantial funding focus, aligning with issues pertaining to justification for defense investments.
Disaster Relief and Emergency Funding
The bill allocates a significant $10,000,000,000 to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Relief Fund, as detailed in Section 130. While this large amount underscores the importance of readiness and responsiveness to disasters, there are concerns about whether this allocation might be excessive without explicit spending details. Effective oversight is essential to ensure funds are utilized to address disaster needs efficiently.
Voter Registration and Election-Related Funding
In Section 119, the bill proposes to reduce the Election Assistance Commission's Election Security Grants from $55,000,000 to $0. This reduction could impact the ability to implement critical election security measures, raising concerns about how the absence of these funds might affect election integrity.
Section 202 introduces stringent requirements for voter registration, mandating documentary proof of citizenship. Although this section does not directly reference financial allocations, it could have indirect financial implications by increasing costs for states utilizing external databases, such as the SAVE program, for verification purposes. This could further strain state budgets without providing clear federal financial support, making the implementation of these requirements potentially burdensome.
Additional Allocations
Additional financial provisions in other sections include:
- $47,000,000 for the District of Columbia's emergency planning and security costs related to the Presidential Inauguration (Section 121).
- $8,000,000 for the Executive Office of the President for Presidential Transition Administrative Support (Section 123).
- $12,000,000 increase for the Office of Personnel Management compared to the previous allocation, which raises questions about the necessity and efficiency of this spending (Section 125).
The allocation of these funds focuses on ensuring smooth governmental operations during transitional and ceremonial periods. However, the need for justification and assurance against wasteful spending remains relevant, particularly in the context of increased allocations without clear explanations or outcomes outlined.
Overall, H.R. 9494's financial attributes reflect a balance between continuity of governmental operations and new targeted expenditures. Vigilant oversight and transparent justification of these allocations are crucial to address the identified issues and to ensure that appropriations fulfill their intended purposes efficiently and effectively.
Issues
Section 202 requires documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration in federal elections, which may disenfranchise eligible citizens lacking such documentation and could lead to legal challenges related to privacy and conflicts with existing laws.
Section 119 removes $55,000,000 allocated for Election Security Grants, which could raise concerns about the impact on election security funding and whether critical measures will be underfunded.
Section 130 provides $10,000,000,000 for the Disaster Relief Fund, raising concerns over whether this large allocation is excessive without specific spending details.
Section 102 prohibits new production or increased rates of production for Department of Defense items not funded in prior years, potentially limiting flexibility for pressing defense needs.
Section 116 allocates $1,950,000,000 for the 'Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy' fund for the Virginia Class Submarine program, with questions about oversight and justification for this specific funding.
Section 202 relies on external databases like the SAVE program for citizenship verification, potentially increasing costs for states without clear federal support and introducing errors, resulting in eligible voters being excluded from registration.
Section 104 restricts funds from being used to initiate or resume projects not funded in fiscal year 2024, which could hinder new initiatives needed to address current challenges.
Section 204 exempts voter registration material development from the Paperwork Reduction Act, potentially increasing paperwork burden without proper oversight.
Section 202 gives broad authority for determining citizenship through affidavits and state processes, leading to potential discrepancies and inconsistent application across states.
Section 125 increases funding for the Office of Personnel Management by $12,000,000, requiring justification to ensure spending is necessary and not wasteful.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of this bill gives it the official short title: the "Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2025".
2. Table of contents Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The text provides the table of contents for a legislative Act. It lists the sections and divisions, including ones focusing on continuing appropriations for 2025 and election-related measures under the SAVE ACT, such as voter registration, election guidance, and legal notifications related to elections.
3. References Read Opens in new tab
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Any reference to "this Act" within a specific section of the Act refers only to that particular section, unless stated otherwise.
Read Opens in new tab
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The section explains that certain sums of money from the Treasury, as well as from other revenue sources, are designated for use by various government departments, agencies, and organizations for the fiscal year 2025 and other specified purposes.
101. Read Opens in new tab
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The section authorizes the necessary funding to continue projects or activities that were already conducted in the 2024 fiscal year under certain appropriations Acts, unless specified exceptions are listed. These projects span across various government sectors, such as agriculture, defense, energy, and more, and follow the same rate of operations and conditions set in those Acts.
102. Read Opens in new tab
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The section states that money or authority given to the Department of Defense cannot be used for new projects or items that were not already funded in 2024 or earlier. It also prohibits starting multi-year buying plans unless received specific funding approval later on.
103. Read Opens in new tab
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Appropriations outlined in section 101 will be available as specified by the relevant appropriations law.
104. Read Opens in new tab
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No money or authority from section 101 can be used to start or continue any project or activity if there was no money or authority for it during fiscal year 2024, unless section 102 says otherwise.
105. Read Opens in new tab
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Funds and authority provided by this Act can be used for any project or activity during the time period that funding or authority is available, including covering any obligations or expenditures incurred for such projects or activities.
106. Read Opens in new tab
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Appropriations and funds provided by this Act, as well as the authority granted, will remain available until one of three things happens: the funding for a project or activity gets approved by law, a fiscal year 2025 appropriations act is enacted without funding for the project or activity, or the date March 28, 2025, is reached.
107. Read Opens in new tab
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Expenditures made under this law must be paid from the appropriate budget or funding source once the relevant bill becomes law.
108. Read Opens in new tab
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Appropriations and funds authorized by this Act can be used without following the usual time limits for submitting and approving funding allocations, as stated in section 1513 of title 31, United States Code. However, the Act does not cancel or modify any other laws that govern how funds should be allocated.
109. Read Opens in new tab
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In Section 109, it states that some programs that usually start quickly or use up their funds at the beginning of the fiscal year 2025 must not do so. Instead, these programs should not award grants if it affects the overall funding decisions, except as noted in section 106.
110. Read Opens in new tab
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The act is to be implemented in a way that restricts spending to the minimum necessary amount allowed by the act to keep projects and activities running.
111. Read Opens in new tab
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The section states that funding for certain mandatory payments, including those under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, will continue at the current law levels through a specified date in 2024. It also allows payments due at the beginning of any month after October 2024, within 30 days of the specified date, to proceed with available funds.
112. Read Opens in new tab
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The section allows departments and agencies to allocate funds for civilian salaries to avoid layoffs, as long as it follows the 2024 financial rules and only after reducing other administrative costs that don't involve personnel.
113. Read Opens in new tab
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Funds from this Act can be used even if they conflict with certain existing U.S. laws, including parts of the Public Law 91–672, the State Department Basic Authorities Act, and both the Foreign Relations Authorization Act and the National Security Act.
114. Read Opens in new tab
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This section explains that certain amounts of money in the Act, previously marked by Congress for emergencies or disaster relief, maintain their special status as emergency or disaster funding. It also states that specific public laws apply to these amounts, and that these rules will take effect immediately and last until a specified date in the Act.
115. Read Opens in new tab
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The section explains the rules for continuing or modifying previous decisions to cancel or rescind certain budget funds, specifying that such decisions should align with certain conditions. It also mandates the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report the details of these decisions to Congress, with updates as necessary.
116. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section appropriates $1,950,000,000 to the Department of Defense for the Navy's shipbuilding and conversion activities, specifically for the Virginia Class Submarine program, with these funds available until September 30, 2029.
Money References
- In addition to amounts otherwise provided by section 101, there is appropriated to the Department of Defense for “Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy”, $1,950,000,000, for an additional amount for fiscal year 2025, to remain available until September 30, 2029, for the Virginia Class Submarine program. ---
117. Read Opens in new tab
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The section allows the Corps of Engineers to use up to $37,600,000, adjusted for inflation starting August 1, 2024, for managing flood storage at the Hugh Keenleyside Dam to help reduce flood risks in the Columbia River Basin in the United States, despite restrictions in other related sections.
Money References
- Notwithstanding sections 101 and 104, amounts provided by section 101 for “Corps of Engineers—Civil—Operation and Maintenance” may be used up to an amount not to exceed $37,600,000, adjusted for inflation beginning August 1, 2024, as compensation for reserving and operating 3.6 million acre-feet of pre-planned flood storage at Hugh Keenleyside Dam to minimize the flood risk in the Columbia River Basin in the United States.
118. Read Opens in new tab
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Funds allocated for certain defense activities within the Department of Energy can be used to maintain specialized security operations. Furthermore, the Secretary of Energy must inform the House and Senate Appropriations Committees within three days each time this spending authority is exercised.
119. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section changes part of a previous law, Public Law 118–47, so that, instead of providing $55 million for Election Security Grants, the amount is now set to $0.
Money References
- Notwithstanding section 101, the matter under the heading “Election Assistance Commission— Election Security Grants” in division B of Public Law 118–47 shall be applied by substituting “$0” for “$55,000,000”.
120. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
In Section 120, the bill allocates over $10 million for expenses related to the Presidential Transition, with specific amounts earmarked for different activities under the Presidential Transition Act. It also states that these funds are additional to any other amounts for the same purpose, while clarifying that no funds are provided for pre-election transition activities.
Money References
- SEC. 120. (a) Notwithstanding section 101, for “General Services Administration—Expenses, Presidential Transition”, there is appropriated $10,202,314, for necessary expenses to carry out the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 (Public Law 88–277), as amended, of which $6,971,863 is available for activities authorized by sections 3(a)(1) through 3(a)(7) and 3(a)(10) of such Act; $2,730,451 is available for activities authorized by section 5 of such Act; and not to exceed $500,000 is available for activities authorized by sections 3(a)(8) and 3(a)(9) of such Act:
121. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
In Section 121, an additional $47 million is earmarked for emergency planning and security in Washington, D.C., for operations related to the Presidential Inauguration in January 2025, besides what was already allocated in section 101. This funding is intended to ensure that emergency and security activities are adequately maintained during the event.
Money References
- In addition to amounts otherwise provided by section 101, amounts are provided for “District of Columbia—Federal Payment for Emergency Planning and Security Costs in the District of Columbia” at a rate for operations of $47,000,000, for an additional amount for costs associated with the Presidential Inauguration to be held in January 2025:
122. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section allows the District of Columbia to use local funds for specific programs and activities mentioned in the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2024, at the same rate outlined in the Fiscal Year 2025 Local Budget Act of 2024. However, this is subject to modifications made up to the date of the enactment of this Act, except for section 106.
123. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section provides $8 million for the Presidential Transition Administrative Support, allowing these funds to be used for expenses related to the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 and similar purposes. The money can be transferred to other offices within the Executive Office of the President and Vice President, and it can be used at an appropriate rate for necessary operations.
Money References
- Notwithstanding section 101, for “Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President—Office of Administration—Presidential Transition Administrative Support”, there is appropriated $8,000,000, for expenses necessary to carry out the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 and other similar expenses: Provided, That such funds may be transferred to other accounts that provide funding for offices within the Executive Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President in this Act or any other Act, to carry out such purposes:
124. Read Opens in new tab
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For the fiscal year 2025, this section allows funds from a specific part of the Social Security Act to be used by the Department of the Treasury's Office of Inspector General for expenses related to certain sections of the Social Security Act, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, in addition to the funds they already receive for these purposes.
125. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section changes the amount of money allocated for the "Office of Personnel Management—Salaries and Expenses" from $192,975,000 to $204,975,000, overriding an earlier part of the law.
Money References
- Notwithstanding section 101, the second proviso under the heading “Office of Personnel Management—Salaries and Expenses” in title V of division B of Public Law 118–47 shall be applied by substituting “$204,975,000” for “$192,975,000”.
126. Read Opens in new tab
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In Section 126, certain dates mentioned in a previous law will be updated by extending them by one year. However, these changes will only go into effect starting on the first day of the first pay period after January 1, 2025.
127. Read Opens in new tab
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Amounts provided to the Department of Homeland Security for the Coast Guard's "Procurement, Construction, and Improvements" can be used for costs related to finalizing the C–27J missionization program, even if this conflicts with section 104.
128. Read Opens in new tab
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During the time this law is active, section 11223(b)(2) of division K of Public Law 117–263 will be interpreted to mean that something previously required will no longer be required.
129. Read Opens in new tab
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The section allows the Department of Homeland Security to use money from a specific fund to support disaster response and recovery efforts, as outlined by existing federal law.
130. Read Opens in new tab
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The text allocates an extra $10 billion in the 2025 budget to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Relief Fund. Out of this, $9.5 billion is specifically for major disasters, as designated under the Stafford Act, and the funds are marked as an emergency requirement by Congress.
Money References
- In addition to amounts otherwise provided by section 101, for “Federal Emergency Management Agency—Disaster Relief Fund”, there is appropriated $10,000,000,000, for an additional amount for fiscal year 2025, to remain available until expended, of which $9,500,000,000 shall be for major disasters declared pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.): Provided, That such amount is designated by the Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
131. Read Opens in new tab
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The Department of Homeland Security is allowed to allocate funds under section 101 to ensure the Secret Service can carry out its protective duties, such as handling major security events and preparing for the 2024 Presidential Campaign.
132. Read Opens in new tab
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In addition to the funds already provided, this section allocates $5,000,000 to the National Park Service for security and visitor safety during the Presidential Inaugural Ceremonies.
Money References
- In addition to amounts otherwise provided by section 101, amounts are provided for “Department of the Interior—National Park Service—Operation of the National Park System” at a rate for operations of $5,000,000, for an additional amount for security and visitor safety activities related to the Presidential Inaugural Ceremonies.
133. Read Opens in new tab
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During the time covered by this Act, a specific section of a previous law (Public Law 113–76), which was updated by another law (Public Law 116–6), will now replace any mentions of the year "2024" with "2025".
134. Read Opens in new tab
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During the time this law is in effect, part of a 2014 agriculture law is changed so that instead of using the date "October 1, 2024", it should use the day after the date mentioned in another section of this law.
135. Read Opens in new tab
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The section allocates additional funds for the Indian Health Service within the Department of Health and Human Services, providing $24,262,000 for Indian Health Services and $2,060,000 for Indian Health Facilities to help cover the costs of staffing and operating facilities expanded or opened in 2024 and 2025. These amounts can be adjusted to ensure the necessary operations and staffing of these facilities.
Money References
- SEC. 135. (a) In addition to amounts otherwise provided by section 101, amounts are provided for “Department of Health and Human Services—Indian Health Service—Indian Health Services” at a rate for operations of $24,262,000, for an additional amount for costs of staffing and operating facilities that were opened, renovated, or expanded in fiscal years 2024 and 2025, and such amounts may be apportioned up to the rate for operations necessary to staff and operate such facilities.
- (b) In addition to amounts otherwise provided by section 101, amounts are provided for “Department of Health and Human Services—Indian Health Service—Indian Health Facilities” at a rate for operations of $2,060,000, for an additional amount for costs of staffing and operating facilities that were opened, renovated, or expanded in fiscal years 2024 and 2025, and such amounts may be apportioned up to the rate for operations necessary to staff and operate such facilities.
136. Read Opens in new tab
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The section 136 allows the funds allocated for "Wildland Fire Management" within the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service to be distributed as needed to manage and suppress wildfires.
137. Read Opens in new tab
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The section allows funds allocated for the "Domestic Food Programs—Food and Nutrition Service—Commodity Assistance Program" to be distributed in a way that ensures the Commodity Supplemental Food Program can continue supporting the current number of people it helps.
138. Read Opens in new tab
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The section allows funds for the "Rural Community Facilities Program Account" to be used at a necessary level to continue activities permitted by specific sections of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.
139. Read Opens in new tab
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The section allows funds designated for the Farm Service Agency's Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account to be used at a necessary rate to support approved applications for direct and guaranteed farm ownership loans, according to a specific U.S. law.
140. Read Opens in new tab
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Section 140 of the bill changes the expiration date mentioned in two specific laws related to agricultural marketing and livestock reporting by replacing the date "September 30, 2024," with the date mentioned in another section of this Act.
141. Read Opens in new tab
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The section states that funds provided for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) can be distributed as needed to ensure the program can continue serving participants.
142. Read Opens in new tab
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The section of the bill allocates $174,000 each to the families of three deceased Representatives: Beatrice Y. Payne, widow of Donald M. Payne, Jr. from New Jersey; the heirs of Sheila Jackson Lee from Texas; and Elsie M. Pascrell, widow of William Pascrell, Jr. from New Jersey.
Money References
- Notwithstanding any other provision of this joint resolution, there is appropriated: (1) For payment to Beatrice Y. Payne, widow of Donald M. Payne, Jr., late a Representative from the State of New Jersey, $174,000. (2) For payment to the heirs at law of Sheila Jackson Lee, late a Representative from the State of Texas, $174,000. (3) For payment to Elsie M. Pascrell, widow of William Pascrell, Jr., late a Representative from the State of New Jersey, $174,000. ---
143. Read Opens in new tab
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The section modifies a previous law (Public Law 118–42) by adding fiscal year 2020 to the list of years that are covered, which originally included only 2017, 2018, and 2019.
144. Read Opens in new tab
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The section allows funds allocated by a previous act for "Veterans Health Administration" programs to be adjusted to ensure the continued operation of medical services, support, and compliance required for veterans' care and activities sanctioned by law. This includes maintaining healthcare services like inpatient and outpatient treatment and the administration of facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes.
145. Read Opens in new tab
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The section 145 allows funds designated for the "Payments to Air Carriers" by the Department of Transportation to be used as needed to maintain the operations of the Essential Air Service program.
146. Read Opens in new tab
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In fiscal year 2025, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development can use leftover funds from past years to help prevent rental assistance termination for families who may face funding issues in 2024. However, these funds can only be used if Congress and the President both classify them as necessary for emergencies.
147. Read Opens in new tab
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In Section 147, parts of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 are updated so that a new date specified in this Act replaces “September 30, 2024.” This section will take effect immediately when the Act is enacted, but if the Act is enacted after September 30, 2024, then this section is treated as though it became effective on that date.
201. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section introduces the "Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act", which is also known as the "SAVE Act".
202. Ensuring only citizens are registered to vote in elections for Federal office Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The proposed changes to the National Voter Registration Act aim to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote in federal elections by requiring applicants to provide documentary proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, and allowing states to verify citizenship using federal and state resources. The amendments also outline procedures for handling discrepancies in documentation, requirements for voter registration agencies, and penalties for violations, while requiring states to take active measures to maintain accurate voter rolls.
203. Election assistance commission guidance Read Opens in new tab
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The Election Assistance Commission is required to provide guidance to each state's top election official on how to implement changes to the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 within 10 days of this legislation being enacted.
204. Inapplicability of paperwork reduction act Read Opens in new tab
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The section clarifies that the rules of the Paperwork Reduction Act do not apply to the creation or updating of voter registration materials under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. This means that certain administrative requirements aimed at reducing paperwork are waived for this specific task.
205. Duty of secretary of homeland security to notify election officials of naturalization Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary of Homeland Security must quickly inform the main election official in a person's state when that person becomes a new U.S. citizen.
206. Rule of construction regarding provisional ballots Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
This section clarifies that nothing in the new laws or changes prevents people from voting by provisional ballot in federal elections, as long as they are verified U.S. citizens as specified by the National Voter Registration Act.
207. Rule of construction regarding effect on state exemptions from other Federal laws Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
This section clarifies that nothing in this part of the law, or changes made by it, should be interpreted to alter a state's exemption from federal laws, except for the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.
208. Effective date Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that this division and its amendments will become effective on the date they are enacted. It applies to voter registration applications submitted on or after that date.