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.
Senator Manchin Announces He Will Not Run for Re-Election
On Thursday, November 9, Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced in a video message to constituents that he would not seek re-election to the United States Senate.
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:
Mike Johnson (LA) Ascends to Speaker of the House
In a vote on Wednesday October 25th, Mike Johnson was unanimously elected Speaker of the House by the Republican Caucus, receiving 220 votes. Johnson succeeds Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) after nearly three weeks without a speaker.
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.
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.
Speaker Showdown: Race Consolidates to Two Candidates
House Republicans - aided by a Democratic caucus united in opposition to the Republican majority - have sacked Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-20) as Speaker of the House. This is the first time in our nation's history that a speaker of the House has ever been voted out of office.
A Case for Granting a Tin Plate Steel Exclusion from Section 232 Tariffs in the 2023 Farm Bill
Tin plate is a crucial material used for the production of cans for food products, such as containers for fruits and vegetables. When 40% of the overall cost of a can of fruit or vegetable is the steel can itself, tariffs on tin plate steel lead to increased prices for consumers and a rise in foreign finished food product imports into the United States.
Speaker McCarthy Ousted in Far-Right Republican Coup
House Republicans - aided by a Democratic caucus united in opposition to the Republican majority - have sacked Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-20) as Speaker of the House.This is the first time in our nation's history that a speaker of the House has ever been voted out of office.
Government Shutdown Averted in ‘Clean’ CR Until Nov. 17
A government shutdown was avoided with hours to spare Saturday evening after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-20) changed course and put forward a continuing resolution (CR) that funds the federal government at current levels until November 17 and extends authorization of the FAA until December 31.
Potential for Government Shutdown Increases: How We Got Here & What You Should Know
The ongoing budget and appropriations negotiations paint a picture of political uncertainty, internal party strife, and the looming threat of a government shutdown. The dynamics of these negotiations reveal the challenges of achieving consensus in a deeply divided political landscape. The implications of a shutdown are far-reaching, affecting everything from national security to environmental protection. As the October 1 deadline approaches, all eyes are on Capitol Hill to see whether lawmakers can avert yet another government shutdown and find common ground on budget priorities.
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.
The Rise of Geothermal Energy
Geothermal has historically struggled to make a name for itself in the clean energy space. However, in recent years, various companies and projects have emerged that are dedicated to exploring the possibilities that geothermal energy presents.
Congress Returns to Busy Schedule
The Senate returned from August recess this week and faces an overflowing legislative agenda packed with Party priorities and legislative responsibilities. The House returns from recess on September 12. Let's take a look at what is on the horizon.
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.
EPA Amends "Waters of the United States" Rule
On Tuesday, August 29, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army announced a final rule amending the 2023 definition of “waters of the United States” to conform with the recent Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA.
FDA Names Inaugural Dep. Commissioner for Unified Human Foods Program
On August 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the selection of James 'Jim' Jones to serve as the agency's first Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods. Jones is scheduled to begin at the FDA on September 24.