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.
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.
House and Senate Complete Markups for Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA FY 24 Appropriations Bills
The full appropriations committees of both the House and Senate have now approved the Agriculture-RD-FDA appropriations bills in votes during markup hearings in June. Constitution Partners provides initial analysis of these countering proposals in this writeup.
Energy Independence in 2023
As we celebrate American independence and the great freedoms that come with it, it is also a time to recognize America’s greater energy independence in 2023. Why do we say that since we clearly still import energy? And what does it mean to be energy independent anyway? What is the importance? The Constitution Partners team answered all these questions and more in the sections to follow.
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.