MIG Journal: Saturday Recap

Dems push for longer waiting period on firearm purchases

By Sam Sundell

Majority Leader Jillian Womack leads debate on the House floor friday

On Saturday, March 4th, 2023, an amendment to the waiting period for firearm purchases was debated in the House in the form of HBOL0003. The amendment proposed extending the waiting period from three days to 14 days between the purchase and receiving of the firearm. The main change originating from this amendment was the addition of an extra 11 days to the initial waiting period.

Majority Democrats argued that the amendment was useful for mitigating acts of violence from people with mental illnesses. They explained that mental illness cannot be legislated away with laws, and that the waiting period would not harm responsible gun owners. Instead, it would give people with poor mental health time to reconsider committing any violent actions towards themselves or others.

However, Minority representatives argued that the amendment was an unnecessary piece of legislation and an unfair restriction on responsible gun owners. They claimed that it could cause harm to people if they could not quickly access a firearm for self-defense.

After closing statements, representatives voted and passed HBOL0003.

HBOL0003 was written by Representative Libby C. Moog, (D), of Lake Forest College.

House votes to limit cost of insulin in historic bipartisanship

By Sam Sundell

HBOL0002, a bill that focuses on diabetes and insulin affordability was introduced to the House of Representatives on Saturday. The bill aims to ensure that providers limit the total cost of insulin for the uninsured and underinsured to a maximum of $35 for a thirty-day dose, which is significantly lower than the current price of insulin for uninsured and underinsured people in the United States.

Democrats were in favor of the bill, citing its potential to save numerous lives by reducing the number of diabetics in dire situations, having to ration doses or even go without insulin. Supporters of the bill argued that insulin is a relatively inexpensive drug to manufacture, and it is unreasonable for opponents to not limit what Dems perceive as an example of BigPharma greed.

In contrast, Republicans mostly argued that insulin is not as cheap as some believe, as a significant amount of funding goes towards research and testing to improve the drug and reduce its price. They also emphasized the importance of funding research to help lower prices through natural market forces.

After both parties made their closing statements, a vote was called. The bill was passed, which is significant as it included a majority of Republicans who went against their party's official stance.

HBOL0002 was written by Logan Cockeril, (D), Lincoln Land Community College.