Who's Set to Shape the Next Administration?
As we move closer to the 2024 election, we are considering who might fill the top Cabinet and executive agency roles under Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump. These individuals will influence everything from foreign policy to regulatory practices that could affect your business. Both candidates have already chosen their Vice Presidents – Tim Walz and JD Vance – but below is a detailed look at likely candidates for key positions in both administrations.
Government Interventions in US Port Strikes
For the past month, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has been threatening port strikes on the East and Gulf Coasts if an agreement is not reached with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to increase worker wages.
Senate Highlights USDA School Feeding Programs
On Wednesday, September 18, Constitution Partners had the privilege of assisting Mrs. Kay Swartz Rentzel as she testified before the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee of Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research. Mrs. Rentzel wears many hats including Chair of USDA's Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee and Executive Director of the Southeastern Food Processors Association, National Peach Council, and U.S. Sweet Potato Council.
Countdown to Coast-Wide Port Strikes
With the looming threat of a coast-wide strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the resilience and dedication of port workers are more crucial than ever.
A Reflection on President Joe Biden's Time in Office
On Sunday, July 21, 2024, President Joe Biden announced he would not continue his reelection bid, saying it is in "the best interest" of the Democratic Party and the country to withdraw from the race, and he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the nominee.
Spotlight on Current Events Around the Globe
An spotlight on current events around the globe going into summer 2024.
House Ways & Means Introduces New Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB)
The Office of the United States Trade Representative today released President Biden’s 2024 Trade Policy Agenda and 2023 Annual Report to Congress, which details USTR’s work to advance President Biden’s trade agenda. The President’s 2024 Trade Policy Agenda stands up for workers’ rights and sustainable trade practices, supports U.S. farmers, ranchers, fishers, and food manufacturers, bolsters supply chain resilience, addresses unfair policies and practices, and advances inclusive, durable trade policy through expanded engagement.
SEC Adopts Climate Disclosure Rule; Oppositional Litigation Already In Progress
The SEC on Wednesday, March 6th voted 3-2 to adopt new rules that will require most publicly traded companies to disclose climate-related risks in their registration statements and annual reports. Companies will need to start reporting emissions for fiscal year 2026. Some smaller companies won’t be required to disclose emissions.
Fiscal Cliffhangers: The Battle Over FY2024 Spending and the Road to FY2025
Congress is yet again staring down the barrel of a government shutdown. With the upcoming deadlines to pass the necessary appropriations bills or a new Continuing Resolution looming, Congress must also contend with the approaching FY2025 appropriations process. Here is a look at where FY2024 appropriations stand and what it means for the next fiscal year.
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.
Medicare Opens Drug Price Negotiation Period
On February 1, drugmakers received initial offers for how much Medicare is willing to pay for their medicines, kicking off drug price negotiations for the first time. Companies have one month to counteroffer.
Congress Passes Yet Another Stopgap Spending Bill
In a 314 to 108 vote on January 18, 2024,, the House of Representatives passed another stopgap spending bill sending it to President Biden’s desk and averting a government shutdown.
Section 301 Tariff Exclusions Extended
On December 26, 2023, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) announced that it will further extend 352 reinstated exclusions and 77 COVID-related exclusions to duties imposed on goods from China pursuant to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 until May 31, 2024. A docket for public comments on existing exclusions will open on January 22, 2024 and close on February 21, 2024, giving American businesses just one month to restate their case.
Another Section 301 Extension on the Horizon
The Biden Administration intends for the Section 301 product exclusions to continue in tandem with the review period, so they anticipate another extension to be issued before the December 31st deadline.
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.
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.
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: