The Evolution of Speaker Johnson's Stance on Ukraine
On Tuesday April 23 the Senate voted to approve a new aid package for Ukraine, ending months of struggle between Speaker Mike Johnson and the White House.
Biden Administration Initiates New Trade Action Against China
Since the first investigation of China by the Trump Administration under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Section 301 Investigation) conducted by US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, the United States has targeted the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) with a number of tools and tariffs aimed at protecting the intellectual property of the US technology and other data rich industries. They ranged from expanding the powers of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) as well as expanded export controls and recent regulation and legislation related to cross-border data transfer like Tiktok. And of course, the tariffs imposed on China as a remedy to the Section 301 investigation imposed are still in place and under review by the Biden Administration, although US Trade Representative Tai also said this week that review was close to completion.
Congressional Review Act During the 2024 Election
This week, the Biden administration faced pressure to finalize several rules in time to avoid the Congressional Review Act (CRA) deadline that would allow lawmakers to overturn them. Here is an overview of several proposed rules, as well as an explanation of the Congressional Review Act.
President Biden's Dynamic State of the Union Sets Tone & Tenor of 2024 Election
In his annual State of the Union address, President Joe Biden delivered a message marked by assertive confidence and commanding strength, intertwined with tones of stern warning and prudent caution, while weaving a narrative of hope and optimism in the enduring idea that is the United States of America.
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.
Trends & Dynamics of the 2024 Election
With the 2024 election season fully underway, welcome to the Constitution Partners analysis of trends and dynamics for the presidential and congressional races we are tracking.
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.
Biden Administration Pauses New LNG Export Approvals
On Friday, January 26, the Biden administration temporarily paused pending decisions on exports of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to non-free trade agreement (FTA) countries until the Department of Energy (DOE) can update its underlying analyses for authorization. This measure will likely disrupt plans for billions of dollars in natural gas projects.
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.
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:
Biden Administration Eases Oil Sanctions on Venezuela After Election Negotiations
On Wednesday, October 18th the Biden Administration announced that it is easing sanctions against companies that trade oil produced in Venezuela or invest in its oil industry. The United States has imposed sanctions against the Venezuelan government or individuals for more than 15 years, but significantly tightened them in early 2019 after declaring Maduro’s 2018 victory illegitimate. This new deal comes in response to Venezuela announcing they will allow free elections next year, 2024.
Oil Prices Hit 10-Month High
Yesterday, September 18th, the price per barrel neared $95, reaching a new 10-month high. This increase is up from $72 a barrel at its lowest in June, this difference marks the largest jump since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Rising crude oil prices directly impact higher prices at the gas pump, one of the most visible hallmarks of inflation.
United Auto Workers Go On Strike
On Friday, September 15th, about 13,000 US auto workers stopped making vehicles and began their strike after failures to negotiate between United Auto Workers (UAW) and Detroit's big three automakers. Members of UAW began picketing at a General Motors assembly plant in Wentzville, Missouri; a Ford factory in Wayne, Michigan; and Stellantis Jeep in Toledo, Ohio.
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.
Commerce Department Sets Tin Mill Tariffs for Food Cans
On August 17, the Department of Commerce announced its preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of tin mill products from Canada, the People’s Republic of China (China), Germany, the Republic of Korea (Korea), The Netherlands, Taiwan, the Republic of Turkey (Turkey), and the United Kingdom.