Government Shutdown Averted in ‘Clean’ CR Until Nov. 17
A government shutdown was avoided with hours to spare Saturday evening after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-20) changed course and put forward a continuing resolution (CR) that funds the federal government at current levels until November 17 and extends authorization of the FAA until December 31.
Potential for Government Shutdown Increases: How We Got Here & What You Should Know
The ongoing budget and appropriations negotiations paint a picture of political uncertainty, internal party strife, and the looming threat of a government shutdown. The dynamics of these negotiations reveal the challenges of achieving consensus in a deeply divided political landscape. The implications of a shutdown are far-reaching, affecting everything from national security to environmental protection. As the October 1 deadline approaches, all eyes are on Capitol Hill to see whether lawmakers can avert yet another government shutdown and find common ground on budget priorities.
Congress Returns to Busy Schedule
The Senate returned from August recess this week and faces an overflowing legislative agenda packed with Party priorities and legislative responsibilities. The House returns from recess on September 12. Let's take a look at what is on the horizon.
EPA Amends "Waters of the United States" Rule
On Tuesday, August 29, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army announced a final rule amending the 2023 definition of “waters of the United States” to conform with the recent Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA.
FDA Names Inaugural Dep. Commissioner for Unified Human Foods Program
On August 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the selection of James 'Jim' Jones to serve as the agency's first Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods. Jones is scheduled to begin at the FDA on September 24.
Judge Rules in Favor of Montana Youth in Landmark Environment Trial
In a landmark case, a Montana state court decided Monday in favor of young activists who alleged the state violated their rights to a clean and healthful environment by promoting the use of fossil fuels. The court decided that a provision in the Montana Environmental Policy Act harmed the environment by preventing the state from considering the potentially harmful effects of some energy projects.
Commerce Department Sets Tin Mill Tariffs for Food Cans
On August 17, the Department of Commerce announced its preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of tin mill products from Canada, the People’s Republic of China (China), Germany, the Republic of Korea (Korea), The Netherlands, Taiwan, the Republic of Turkey (Turkey), and the United Kingdom.
Deep Dive: Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023
Chief negotiators worked over the weekend to put together a debt ceiling agreement to take to Congress for consideration by legislators. While a deal was announced around 9pm EST Saturday evening, the legislative text of the Fiscal Responsibility Act was only published on Sunday evening. Constitution Partners reviewed the legislative proposal and has the following analysis.
Debt Ceiling Deal Emerges; Uncertain Future Remains
Chief negotiators have worked over the weekend to put together a debt ceiling agreement to take to Congress for consideration by legislators. Leaders worked throughout the day and the deal was announced around 9pm EST.
Supreme Court Deals Major Blow to Biden Water Priorities; Clean Water Act Interpretation Significantly Narrowed
On May 25, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that has significant implications for wetland protections and throws the Biden administration's current water policy rule into limbo.
Energy Department Launches New Clean Fuels & Products Effort
On May 24, the Department of Energy announced a new ‘EarthShot’ to find low-carbon alternatives to petroleum-based transportation fuels and chemical feedstocks for plastics. In addition to identifying five critical research areas, the announcement set specific emissions reduction targets for year 2050.
Farm Bill Presents Opportunity to Address Nation's Food Security; Protect American Growers and Consumers
With the United States set to become a net food importer in 2023, there has never been a more important time to address several core reasons for this increasingly dangerous dependence on foreign markets. Constitution Partners dives into several policy proposals that will protect the growers and packers of America’s fruits and vegetables.
One Year of ARPA-H and its First Funding Opportunity
The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is seeking funding proposals for research aiming to improve health outcomes across patient populations, communities, diseases, and health conditions. ARPA-H also encourages concepts to advance the objectives of President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot, as well as more disease-agnostic approaches.
ITC Report Finds U.S. Importers - Not China - Paid Trump Administration Tariffs
International Trade Commission finds U.S. importers bore nearly the full costs of 232/301 tariffs.
President Biden Releases FY 2024 Budget Request
The President's budget includes a total if $6.9 trillion in spending, but is expected to result in $2.9 trillion in deficit reduction over ten years. Even still, the deficit in 2024 would increase from $1.6 trillion to $1.8 trillion, and the gross federal debt would swell to $51 trillion after a decade.