U.S. Trade Policy Update: Tariffs, Retaliation, and Uncertainty for Business
Global trade is undergoing significant changes as President Trump implements, delays, and expands tariffs on steel, aluminum, China, and other key markets, triggering widespread domestic and international responses.
Kennedy Confirmed as HHS Secretary
Senate confirms RFK Jr. in a 52-48 vote on February 13, 2025. Every Republican voted in favor of RFK Jr. with the exception of Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
Budget Reconciliation 101
Budget Reconciliation was born out of The Congressional Budget Act of 1974, which established the congressional budget process for determining national priorities. Reconciliation is a fast-track budgetary mechanism that enables policy changes related to spending, revenues, and federal debt limits to be enacted into law.
Trump 2.0 Trade Policies: Deep Dive
Trade actions have been essential instruments in President Trump’s policy approach. A key aspect of his strategy has been leveraging tariffs as a negotiating tool. This analysis examines the anticipated trade statutes and policies that could shape a second Trump administration.
Brooke Rollins Inches Closer to Confirmation as Agriculture Secretary
Lawmakers on the Senate Agriculture Committee have voted unanimously to advance Brooke Rollins, nominee for Secretary of Agriculture, to the full Senate for final confirmation. In her confirmation hearing, Rollins underscored her commitment to America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Rollins, who hails from a small agricultural town in Texas, spoke passionately about her deep-rooted connection to farming and ranching.
Additional Details on Major Trade Actions
On February 1, 2025, President Donald Trump issued executive orders imposing tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico in response to alleged illicit drug flows, organized crime, and illegal immigration. These tariffs take effect on February 4, 2025. The measures apply broadly across multiple industries, with potential further escalation if retaliatory actions occur.
Trump Imposes Sweeping Tariffs: 25% on Canada and Mexico, 10% on Canadian Energy
February 1st, 2025, President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, with an additional 10% tariff on imports from China. He specified that shipments of Canadian oil to the United States would be 10%
Budget Reconciliation 101
A comprehensive overview of the budget reconciliation process as Republicans aim to use this legislative tool to advance their policy objectives.
Day One Decisions: Trump’s Executive Orders Set Administrations Tone
On his first day back in the Oval Office, the president signed 42 executive orders, memoranda, and proclamations; enacted 115 personnel actions; and took over 200 executive actions. He also issued 1,600 pardons as part of his rapid efforts to reshape the federal government and test the boundaries of his authority.
Trump Administration Executive Order Tracker
Constitution Partners is pleased to present a comprehensive database of executive orders issued during the Trump Administration. The real-time tracker is categorized by industry, and searchable by keyword, for ease of navigation.
Trump Cabinet Confirmation Hearings: How it is Going So Far
The confirmation hearings for President Trump’s cabinet nominees have been a mix of political maneuvering, intense scrutiny, and strategic positioning. Read about the hearings from this week below.
Reflecting on Jimmy Carter and his Food and Agriculture Policy Legacy
As the last farmer to occupy the White House, Jimmy Carter’s agricultural background influenced much of his presidency and life after office. His connection to farming began long before he entered politics—growing up on a 360-acre farm in Plains, Georgia, where peanuts, cotton, and other crops were cultivated.
ILA and USMX Reach Tentative Agreement on New Six Year Contract
On January 9th, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) announced that they reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year contract.
Reflecting on the 118th Congress: A Year of Uncertainty, Leadership Shifts, and Legislative Struggles
The 118th Congress, which began in January 2023 and concluded at the end January 3 2024, was a period marked by political turbulence, high-stakes negotiations, and a divided government.
The Politics & Process Behind Upcoming Speaker Election
On January 3, the 119th Congress will convene, and the U.S. House of Representatives faces the critical task of electing its Speaker, the chamber's presiding officer.
USTR Initiates Section 301 Investigation into China’s Semiconductor Industry Policies
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has launched a Section 301 investigation into the People’s Republic of China (PRC) concerning its actions and policies aimed at dominating the global semiconductor industry.
Congress Approves Funding Bill, Averting Government Shutdown
Congress has voted to fund the government and avoid a shutdown. The compromise legislation extends funding through March 14, 2025. The package also includes $100.4 billion in disaster relief and provisions to extend farm and health programs.
Lawmakers Scramble as Funding Bill Falls Apart and Shutdown Looms
Previous funding bill has been scrapped as lawmakers renew negotiations and consider a 'clean' Continuing Resolution (CR) for Congress to vote on. The entire episode has raised further questions about Speaker Johnson's (R-LA-04) political capital and his ability to maintain leadership in the 119th Congress.
Health Divison of Funding Proposal
The expansive Continuing Resolution set to fund the government through March 14, 2025, includes significant health provisions, such as stricter regulations on pharmacy benefit managers and the extension of relaxed tele-health rules for Medicare and commercial insurance plans.
Lawmakers Release Continuing Resolution as Government Shutdown Looms
This evening, Congress released their 1,547 page Continuing Resolution to keep the government funded through March 14th, 2025.