Congress Tackles Permitting Reform
This last week featured new activity in the U.S. Senate on the issue of additional permitting reform for pipelines and electric transmission.
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.
UPS Workers Vote to Strike - What that Means to Americans
UPS and the Teamsters Union walked away from the negotiating table this week inching closer to a possible strike. The last time UPS Teamsters went on strike was in 1997 and that 15-day strike was devastating for the company and created significant disruptions across the country. A strike now at UPS is even more of a threat to American supply chains and our economy.
House and Senate Complete Markups for Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA FY 24 Appropriations Bills
The full appropriations committees of both the House and Senate have now approved the Agriculture-RD-FDA appropriations bills in votes during markup hearings in June. Constitution Partners provides initial analysis of these countering proposals in this writeup.
Energy Independence in 2023
As we celebrate American independence and the great freedoms that come with it, it is also a time to recognize America’s greater energy independence in 2023. Why do we say that since we clearly still import energy? And what does it mean to be energy independent anyway? What is the importance? The Constitution Partners team answered all these questions and more in the sections to follow.
Advances in Artificial Intelligence Has Washington Worried
Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) laid out a long-awaited framework on Wednesday to regulate artificial intelligence, hoping to create a path for lawmakers to adopt guardrails many industry insiders say are needed on a technology many members of Congress admit they do not understand.
Biden’s Regulatory Efforts Heat Up
On Tuesday, June 13, President Joe Biden released his Spring regulatory agenda, outlining plans to address climate change, health policies, and more.
Smoke Signals & Taxing Events
It was a busy week in the nation’s capital. The Constitution Partners team reviewed the major events driving American public policy and business interests, and have provided a summarized overview for your review.
Interagency Collaboration on Hydrogen Tax Matters as Biden Administration Publishes First Strategic Roadmap
Technical experts from the Department of Energy are weighing in on how the Treasury Department should devise a production tax credit for hydrogen.
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.
Deep Dive: Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023
Chief negotiators worked over the weekend to put together a debt ceiling agreement to take to Congress for consideration by legislators. While a deal was announced around 9pm EST Saturday evening, the legislative text of the Fiscal Responsibility Act was only published on Sunday evening. Constitution Partners reviewed the legislative proposal and has the following analysis.
Debt Ceiling Deal Emerges; Uncertain Future Remains
Chief negotiators have worked over the weekend to put together a debt ceiling agreement to take to Congress for consideration by legislators. Leaders worked throughout the day and the deal was announced around 9pm EST.
Supreme Court Deals Major Blow to Biden Water Priorities; Clean Water Act Interpretation Significantly Narrowed
On May 25, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that has significant implications for wetland protections and throws the Biden administration's current water policy rule into limbo.
Energy Department Launches New Clean Fuels & Products Effort
On May 24, the Department of Energy announced a new ‘EarthShot’ to find low-carbon alternatives to petroleum-based transportation fuels and chemical feedstocks for plastics. In addition to identifying five critical research areas, the announcement set specific emissions reduction targets for year 2050.
White House Takes On Artificial Intelligence; Releases New A.I. RFI
The Biden Administration has rolled out an updated “National AI R&D Strategic Plan,” which nine focus areas for federal AI efforts. The White House's announcement this week also includes a new RFI on the matter, as well as an update on AI from the Department of Education.
USTR Extends COVID-Related Section 301 Product Exclusions
On May 17, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) once again extended the Section 301 tariff exclusions of certain medical-care products needed to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Click to learn more.
Farm Bill Presents Opportunity to Address Nation's Food Security; Protect American Growers and Consumers
With the United States set to become a net food importer in 2023, there has never been a more important time to address several core reasons for this increasingly dangerous dependence on foreign markets. Constitution Partners dives into several policy proposals that will protect the growers and packers of America’s fruits and vegetables.
House Passes Debt Ceiling, Spending Cuts Legislation with Uncertain Future
On Wednesday, April 26, the House passed the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023, legislation intending to increase the federal debt limit and decrease spending. It would also repeal several energy tax credits, modify the permitting process, expand work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and nullify regulations for federal student loan debt cancellation.
Senate HELP Committee Reaches a Deal on Drug Pricing Legislation
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chair Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-LA) have reached a bipartisan deal on a slate of drug-pricing bills. The legislative package includes initiatives to spur generic drug approvals, cut fees from pharmaceutical middlemen, and cap the cost of insulin.
Ways and Means Hearing Re-Cap: Green Energy Tax Credits
On Wednesday, April 19, the House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing titled “On the U.S. Tax Code Subsidizing Green Corporate Handouts and the Chinese Communist Party.” During the hearing, Republicans slammed the recipients of the Inflation Reduction Act’s energy tax credits, saying large corporations are raking in most of the benefits. The rhetoric marked a shift for Republicans, who traditionally favor cutting taxes for businesses but are increasingly focused on anti-China policies. Meanwhile, Democrats at the hearing emphasized the negative effects that repeal would have, given the jobs already created. Below are some highlights from the hearing broken down by subject matter.