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.
GOP Giant Announces Retirement As Leader
On Wednesday, February 28th, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announced he will step down as GOP leader in November. Sen. McConnell will continue to serve as a Senator but believes it is time for "the next generation of leadership" to take control of the conference. His announcement marks the end of an era for his leadership. In 2023, he became the longest-serving Senate party leader in history.
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.
A Very Dangerous Time For America To Be Without One Of Its Leaders
On Thursday, October 12, Rep. Steve Scalise withdrew his name for consideration as speaker of the House. Scalise had won the nomination for Speaker Republican conference approval 113-99 (212 total) on Wednesday, October 11th. On October 13, the House met again and in a 124-81 (205 total) vote, Republicans picked Jordan over Rep. Austin Scott (R., Ga.), a low-profile Republican who made a last-minute decision to run as the candidate for Jordan critics.
Congress Finally Passes Debt Ceiling Compromise - What's Next?
Late last week, the Senate passed legislation to suspend the debt ceiling and restrict government spending through the 2024 election, ending a drama that threatened a global financial crisis. The measure was signed Saturday by President Joe Biden, who forged the deal with Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and plans to sign it just days before a looming U.S. default.
Lessons Learned from the Covid-19 Pandemic: A DC Perspective
This week marks the end of the U.S. national emergency to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic as President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan congressional resolution to bring it to a close after three years — weeks before it was set to expire alongside a separate public health emergency. The President signed the measure after having initially opposed the congressional resolutions.
Biden Approves Drilling in Alaska: The Willow Project and What This Means
The Biden Administration has approved the Willow Project in Alaska, which is set to be a significant and decades-long oil drilling venture located in the National Petroleum Reserve (NPR-A), previously known as Naval Petroleum Reserve.
Farm Bill Discussion Needs to Focus on Food Security as Foreign Competition Takes US Markets
With the next Farm Bill under discussion, it is time for the U.S. Congress to take account of how its special set asides in feeding programs have hurt U.S. farmers to the benefit of foreign farmers and importers. Also, Congress should use its oversight authority to shine a light on how President Biden’s continuation of the tin plate tariffs are undermining his efforts to advance the interests of American workers.
EPA Proposes National Drinking Water Standard
This week, the Biden Administration announced it is proposing the first-ever national drinking water standard for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The government intends to require near-zero levels according to the EPA.
Introducing Constitution Partners
A letter to friends, clients, and colleagues regarding the launch of Constitution Partners
Bode Launches New D.C.-Based Government Relations Firm
Denise Bode, a government affairs expert and tax attorney with over four decades of public policy experience, announces establishment of Constitution Partners LLC.