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).
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 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.
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.
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.
ITC Removes Duties on Tin Mill Steel
In a unanimous vote on February 6, the International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled there will no longer be duties on tin mill steel from Canada, China, and Germany.
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.