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.
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.