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.
Legislation Analysis: The Patients Before Monopolies Act
A bipartisan legislative proposal has been introduced in the House and Senate that could significantly reshape the U.S. healthcare landscape by targeting the role and structure of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). The Patients Before Monopolies Act aims to dismantle the vertically integrated structures of PBMs and their affiliated pharmacies. If enacted, the legislation would represent one of the most comprehensive overhauls of PBM practices to date.
Constitution Partners Expands Policy Shop with Seasoned Experts
We are pleased to announce the addition of two exceptional leaders, Captain Howard Crawford, USAF (Ret.), and Beth Cubriel, to Constitution Partners.
A Sprint Through September, November, and the Final Days of the 118th Congress
As Congress returns from its August recess, the legislative agenda for September and the final stretch of 2024 looks especially packed and contentious.
Senate Republicans Publish Farm Bill Proposal
Senate Republicans Publish Farm Bill Proposal
Comprehensive Tax Reform Outlook
Our very own Denise Bode has been named as one of Washington DC's 500 most influential people shaping policy in 2024. This is an incredible accomplishment and recognizes Denise's countless contributions to both her clients, colleagues, and her dedication to making meaningful policy change in Washington.
Agriculture Committee Leaders Provide Broad Frameworks for Farm Bill
This week, both the House and Senate majorities published general summaries making up the core pillars of each respective Farm Bill legislative proposal. House Republicans led off with a title by title summary of the Republican version of the bill earlier this week. Chairman GT Thompson (R-PA-15) noted his intent to hold a markup hearing for their bill on May 23rd. Full legislative text would be released several days beforehand.
Bridge Collapse at Port of Baltimore Creates Supply Chain Woes
Early in the morning on Tuesday, March 26, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, MD was struck by a cargo ship and completely collapsed. This was after the vessel had a “complete blackout” that knocked out power to the engine and navigation equipment. Six construction workers who were on the bridge at the time of collapse are tragically presumed dead.
FY 2024 Appropriations Concludes; Government Funded Through September
At the end of the week, Congress passed a sweeping $1.2 trillion spending package, steering the United States government clear of a looming partial shutdown. The passage of this budget agreement not only underscores the complexities of contemporary American politics but also signals significant repercussions within the political landscape, particularly within the House of Representatives.
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.
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.
Bipartisan Tax Package Announced; Approved by House Ways & Means Committee
After months of anticipation, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) and House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO-08) have announced The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, a bipartisan tax agreement totaling roughly $80 billion. The bill was approved by the House Ways & Means Committee on Friday, January 19.
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.
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.
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.