Trump Administration Announces JD Vance as his Vice Presidential Candidate
On July 15th, 2024, the Trump Administration released JD Vance as the pick for his Vice-Presidential candidate. Vance is the U.S. Senator of Ohio, and a former marine. He is relatively new to the Senate with limited legislative experience.
OSHA Released Long-Awaited Heat Standard Proposed Rule
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has unveiled a new proposed rule aimed at protecting workers from heat illnesses and injuries. If finalized, this rule would become the first federal standard on heat hazards in the workplace.
Comprehensive Overview of the 2024 Supreme Court Docket
Please see Constitution Partners comprehensive overview of the 2024 Supreme Court docket.
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.
Senate Republicans Publish Farm Bill Proposal
Senate Republicans Publish Farm Bill Proposal
Spotlight on Current Events Around the Globe
An spotlight on current events around the globe going into summer 2024.
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.
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.
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.
Biden Administration Initiates New Trade Action Against China
Since the first investigation of China by the Trump Administration under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Section 301 Investigation) conducted by US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, the United States has targeted the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) with a number of tools and tariffs aimed at protecting the intellectual property of the US technology and other data rich industries. They ranged from expanding the powers of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) as well as expanded export controls and recent regulation and legislation related to cross-border data transfer like Tiktok. And of course, the tariffs imposed on China as a remedy to the Section 301 investigation imposed are still in place and under review by the Biden Administration, although US Trade Representative Tai also said this week that review was close to completion.
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.
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.
GOP Giant Announces Retirement As Leader
On Wednesday, February 28th, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announced he will step down as GOP leader in November. Sen. McConnell will continue to serve as a Senator but believes it is time for "the next generation of leadership" to take control of the conference. His announcement marks the end of an era for his leadership. In 2023, he became the longest-serving Senate party leader in history.
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.
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.