A Reflection on President Joe Biden's Time in Office
On Sunday, July 21, 2024, President Joe Biden announced he would not continue his reelection bid, saying it is in "the best interest" of the Democratic Party and the country to withdraw from the race, and he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the nominee.
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.
Sen. Bob Menendez Found Guilty in Corruption Trial
On July 16, 2024, Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) was found guilty on multiple charges of corruption. This verdict marks the culmination of a high-profile trial that has garnered widespread media attention and raised questions about ethical standards in politics.
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.