Reflecting on the 118th Congress: A Year of Uncertainty, Leadership Shifts, and Legislative Struggles
The 118th Congress, which began in January 2023 and concluded at the end January 3 2024, was a period marked by political turbulence, high-stakes negotiations, and a divided government.
The Politics & Process Behind Upcoming Speaker Election
On January 3, the 119th Congress will convene, and the U.S. House of Representatives faces the critical task of electing its Speaker, the chamber's presiding officer.
USTR Initiates Section 301 Investigation into China’s Semiconductor Industry Policies
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has launched a Section 301 investigation into the People’s Republic of China (PRC) concerning its actions and policies aimed at dominating the global semiconductor industry.
Congress Approves Funding Bill, Averting Government Shutdown
Congress has voted to fund the government and avoid a shutdown. The compromise legislation extends funding through March 14, 2025. The package also includes $100.4 billion in disaster relief and provisions to extend farm and health programs.
Lawmakers Scramble as Funding Bill Falls Apart and Shutdown Looms
Previous funding bill has been scrapped as lawmakers renew negotiations and consider a 'clean' Continuing Resolution (CR) for Congress to vote on. The entire episode has raised further questions about Speaker Johnson's (R-LA-04) political capital and his ability to maintain leadership in the 119th Congress.
Health Divison of Funding Proposal
The expansive Continuing Resolution set to fund the government through March 14, 2025, includes significant health provisions, such as stricter regulations on pharmacy benefit managers and the extension of relaxed tele-health rules for Medicare and commercial insurance plans.
Lawmakers Release Continuing Resolution as Government Shutdown Looms
This evening, Congress released their 1,547 page Continuing Resolution to keep the government funded through March 14th, 2025.
Legislation Analysis: The Patients Before Monopolies Act
A bipartisan legislative proposal has been introduced in the House and Senate that could significantly reshape the U.S. healthcare landscape by targeting the role and structure of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). The Patients Before Monopolies Act aims to dismantle the vertically integrated structures of PBMs and their affiliated pharmacies. If enacted, the legislation would represent one of the most comprehensive overhauls of PBM practices to date.
emPower Rural America Launches New Study: Electric Transmission and Rural America
Constitution Partners has been actively working to establish a new coalition uniting farmers, growers, food processors, and rural stakeholders. Together, we are advocating for a more reliable and affordable electric grid to meet the needs of our communities.
Thanksgiving Worries Amid Trump's New Proposed Trade Policies
As Americans sat down for Thanksgiving this year, many enjoyed a financial reprieve with holiday meal costs at their lowest in years. Yet, the looming policy shifts under the incoming Trump administration cast a shadow over these celebrations.
Brace for Impact: Trump's Next Moves in Healthcare
The Trump administration's return to the White House signals a period of potentially transformative shifts in U.S. healthcare policy, focusing on substantial deregulation, aggressive cost-reduction measures, and a restructuring of key federal healthcare programs.
Constitution Partners Expands Policy Shop with Seasoned Experts
We are pleased to announce the addition of two exceptional leaders, Captain Howard Crawford, USAF (Ret.), and Beth Cubriel, to Constitution Partners.
Thune Takes Charge: What to Expect from the New GOP Leadership in the House and Senate
This week, Senate Republicans elected South Dakota Senator John Thune as the new Senate Majority Leader, replacing Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell after 18 years of service. Thune will succeed McConnell as leader beginning in January and McConnell will remain in Congress.
Trump Cabinet Picks Thus Far
Over the last several days, President-Elect Trump has wasted no time tapping several Republican loyalists to be part of his cabinet.
Election Update: Litigation and the Supreme Court's Uncertain Role
Welcome to the start of election week 2024. This week, we will address some questions looming about litigation, and the potential involvement of the Supreme Court.
Who's Set to Shape the Next Administration?
As we move closer to the 2024 election, we are considering who might fill the top Cabinet and executive agency roles under Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump. These individuals will influence everything from foreign policy to regulatory practices that could affect your business. Both candidates have already chosen their Vice Presidents – Tim Walz and JD Vance – but below is a detailed look at likely candidates for key positions in both administrations.
Breaking Down the Key Issues: Harris vs. Trump
As the election approaches and polls show Vice President Harris and President Trump in a statistical tie, take a look at where the two candidates stand on key issues.
Hurricanes, Relief Funds, and Voter Access: The High-Stakes Impact of Milton and Helene
On October 9th, Hurricane Milton made landfall and passed through Florida. This marks the second major hurricane that has made landfall in Florida this past month after Hurricane Helene hit in late September.
Election Update: VP Debate & Down Ballot Races With Only 30 Days Remaining
In a highly anticipated showdown, Tim Walz and JD Vance squared off on pivotal issues like abortion rights, foreign policy, and housing costs, marking the final major political event before the November 5 election.
Government Interventions in US Port Strikes
For the past month, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has been threatening port strikes on the East and Gulf Coasts if an agreement is not reached with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to increase worker wages.