Takeaways from the 2024 Democratic National Convention
After four eventful days, the Democratic National Convention (DNC) has concluded, highlighted by Kamala Harris delivering an acceptance speech that emphasized unity, strength, and freedom.
Harris Campaign Announces Their Economic Policy Platform
On Friday August 16th Vice President Harris unveiled her economic agenda in Raleigh North Carolina in her first major policy focused speech.
Vice President Harris Announces VP Pick, Governor Tim Walz
On Tuesday, August 6th, Vice President Harris announced that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will be her running mate.
Senate Energy Leaders Announce Bipartisan Permitting Reform Agreement
After over two years of negotiations, Senators Manchin (I-WV) and Barrasso (R-WY) have announced a bipartisan permitting reform agreement. The 'Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024' addresses interstate transmission line expansion and overhauls the regulatory and judicial environments that have become obstacles to traditional energy infrastructure projects.
Biden Drops Out of 2024 Presidential Race
On Sunday July 21st, President Biden announced that he has decided to step aside and not seek reelection, just 15 weeks ahead of the November election.
Takeaways from the 2024 Republican National Convention
After four eventful days, the 2024 Republican National Convention has come to a close with Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance accepting the Republican nomination.
Republican Tax Teams Deep Dive
In April, the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Jason Smith (R-MO-08) and Tax Subcommittee Chairman Mike Kelly (PA-16) announced the formation of ten Committee Tax Teams. The teams are comprised of Ways and Means Republican members, to address the key tax provisions from the 2017 Trump tax cuts that are set to expire in 2025.
Supreme Court Dismantles Chevron Doctrine, Reshaping Regulation
The US Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, has overturned the "Chevron Deference" doctrine, which had allowed federal regulators to interpret ambiguous laws. This landmark ruling significantly constrains the authority of federal agencies, including those overseeing environmental, consumer, and financial regulations.
Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 Section-by-Section Summary
Below is a comprehensive summary of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024.
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.
The Evolution of Speaker Johnson's Stance on Ukraine
On Tuesday April 23 the Senate voted to approve a new aid package for Ukraine, ending months of struggle between Speaker Mike Johnson and the White House.
Congressional Review Act During the 2024 Election
This week, the Biden administration faced pressure to finalize several rules in time to avoid the Congressional Review Act (CRA) deadline that would allow lawmakers to overturn them. Here is an overview of several proposed rules, as well as an explanation of the Congressional Review Act.
Tax Bill Heads to Senate
On Wednesday, January 31st, the House passed the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act in a bipartisan 357-70 vote. The $78 billion bipartisan bill marks a significant success for House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-MO) and also for Democrats with the inclusion of the child tax credit (CTC).
Biden Administration Pauses New LNG Export Approvals
On Friday, January 26, the Biden administration temporarily paused pending decisions on exports of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to non-free trade agreement (FTA) countries until the Department of Energy (DOE) can update its underlying analyses for authorization. This measure will likely disrupt plans for billions of dollars in natural gas projects.
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.
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.