SEC Adopts Climate Disclosure Rule; Oppositional Litigation Already In Progress
The SEC on Wednesday, March 6th voted 3-2 to adopt new rules that will require most publicly traded companies to disclose climate-related risks in their registration statements and annual reports. Companies will need to start reporting emissions for fiscal year 2026. Some smaller companies won’t be required to disclose emissions.
Fiscal Cliffhangers: The Battle Over FY2024 Spending and the Road to FY2025
Congress is yet again staring down the barrel of a government shutdown. With the upcoming deadlines to pass the necessary appropriations bills or a new Continuing Resolution looming, Congress must also contend with the approaching FY2025 appropriations process. Here is a look at where FY2024 appropriations stand and what it means for the next fiscal year.
ITC Removes Duties on Tin Mill Steel
In a unanimous vote on February 6, the International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled there will no longer be duties on tin mill steel from Canada, China, and Germany.
Medicare Opens Drug Price Negotiation Period
On February 1, drugmakers received initial offers for how much Medicare is willing to pay for their medicines, kicking off drug price negotiations for the first time. Companies have one month to counteroffer.
Congress Passes Yet Another Stopgap Spending Bill
In a 314 to 108 vote on January 18, 2024,, the House of Representatives passed another stopgap spending bill sending it to President Biden’s desk and averting a government shutdown.
Section 301 Tariff Exclusions Extended
On December 26, 2023, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) announced that it will further extend 352 reinstated exclusions and 77 COVID-related exclusions to duties imposed on goods from China pursuant to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 until May 31, 2024. A docket for public comments on existing exclusions will open on January 22, 2024 and close on February 21, 2024, giving American businesses just one month to restate their case.
Another Section 301 Extension on the Horizon
The Biden Administration intends for the Section 301 product exclusions to continue in tandem with the review period, so they anticipate another extension to be issued before the December 31st deadline.
Retirements & Resignations Create Obstacles for 118th (and 119th) Congress
Ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy has announced his resignation from office after a 17-year tenure, marking the end of an era for a generation of House Republicans. McCarthy's departure signifies a shift within the Republican leadership, especially considering his association with former Reps. Paul Ryan and Eric Cantor, collectively known as the "Young Guns," who advocated for a new style of GOP governance.
Thanksgiving Reflections on the American Food and Agriculture Industry
The Thanksgiving season is the perfect time to reflect on food production and security in the United States and to give thanks to the agriculture laborers who work so hard every day to make sure all forms of safe, nutritious food are available to all Americans. In that spirit, let’s reflect on the critical issues that have faced the agriculture industry this year.
Congress Avoids 2023 Funding Lapse; Sets Up Early 2024 Funding Showdown, But Funds Farm Bill For One Year
Congress has passed a stopgap bill to keep the government open, putting Congress on a path to avert a shutdown this Friday and setting the stage for a broader funding fight in the new year.
Congress Avoids Yet Another Spending Deadline
After months of internal fighting, Congress has passed a stopgap bill to keep the government open, putting Congress on a path to avert a shutdown this Friday and setting the stage for a broader funding fight in the new year. It now heads to President Joe Biden’s desk, where he is expected to sign the legislation tomorrow evening.
Shutdown Showdown: Ukraine, Israel, and Everything in Between
Congress is staring down yet another deadline for avoiding a U.S. government shutdown. This will likely require Congress to approve a short-term spending bill by November 17, giving lawmakers more time to negotiate on the 12 appropriations bills to fund federal programs through September 30, 2024.
How to Access Federal Funding Opportunities
The federal government gives billions in discretionary funding to state and local governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations every year. Finding federal funding for your industry can be a complex process, as each funding avenue has its own eligibility criteria and application processes. Here are some key sources where you can explore federal funding options:
Breaking News: USTR Extends China Section 301 Tariff Exclusions
Today, September 6, USTR announced it is extending 429 tariff exclusions in the China Section 301 Investigation until December 31, 2023. The exclusions were previously scheduled to expire on September 30, 2023.
HHS Announces Medicare Price Negotiation List
On August 29, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced for the first time ever ten drugs selected for Medicare price negotiation. Read the list and HHS’s future plans here.
Medicare to Release Drug Price Negotiation List, Drug Giants Respond
The Biden administration is preparing to announce the first 10 medicines it will target under a program that allows the government to negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical giants.
Congress Tackles Permitting Reform
The last week of July saw new activity in the U.S. Senate on the issue of additional permitting reform for pipelines and electric transmission. Chairman Joe Manchin (D-WV) held a hearing and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) chided the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for not utilizing their existing authority to expedite new electric transmission. Here is an overview of where permitting reform stands as August recess comes to an end.
Insight into the Appropriations Process
With Congress out for August Recess, we wanted to provide an overview of the appropriations process that has been underway this past Summer and will pick up again in September. Until the chambers reconvene, here is some background information on the daunting appropriations process that takes place each fiscal year.
SCOTUS Summer Recap
With Congress back in their respective states and districts during the August recess, we would like to step back and reflect on this Summer's U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) cases that took a backseat in the news cycle while major pieces of legislation were being considered and voted on.
Legislative Sprint to August Recess
Lawmakers return to Washington this past week, kicking off a three-week legislative sprint before they return to their states and districts for the August recess.